cutting cp sides

[rhoelsch]

Ok, this has been holding me up for far too long:  I have the top of my cp drilled and cut, and need to assemble the rest. 2 questions:

1.  Concerning cutting the sides, I'm not sure what to use for cutting small pieces of wood.  I tried my jig--it weighs about 2 lbs., and jumped all over the place even with a straightedge, leaving a crooked cut.  I did get a circular saw, but I'm thinking it's just too large to cut out a relatively small piece of wood, and since I'm just getting used to it, I'm concerned about safety as well.  What's the best tool/method?

2.  I want to angle the top of the cp downward for ergonomic purposes.  How do you do the mitred cuts?  Should I mount the cp on a slant, or try to mitre the top to the back and front somehow?

[skirge66]

I cut all my pieces with my tablesaw, I cut big pieces, small pieces 45 degree bevels etc. they have a fence to guide it straight, they also have a mitre guide for cutting the angles.

one thing I did when cutting small pieces was used a piece of scrap as a pusher so I wouldn't get my hands down near the blade, also stood to the side of the blade in case it kicked back. Really didn't have any problems with it. I also tried to err on the side of bigger than I needed, and just touched it up with a belt sander.

I'm not a very experienced woodworker (read as NO practical experience at all) I found this not too difficult, and if I can be successful anyone can.

[slug54]

I don't know what tools you have available.
A power miter box saw or table saw would make quick work of it.
You can get a hand saw and miter box combo for $10
but this has a max width of 3 1/2". If you have only a few cuts to make consider just cutting them with a hand saw. You can get a very straight cut it just takes a little longer.

                              Slug54