22 1/2 degree octagon

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Help! I can't figure out what the solution to this problem is. I have a new Craftsman Compound Mitre Saw and am trying to make some octagon frames. It's been about 15 years since I made my last one and figure that I might be missing a step. I have cut 8 equal length/width boards with the 22 1/2 degree detent on the saw, but for some reason when I put the boards together, the gap is too narrow to place the 8th piece (by about 3/4"). I have gone through and made sure everything is square to everything else (table/fence, table/blade, blade/fence, tilt/table) and everything is good. I have checked all the cut boards with my protractor and they all match at 22 1/2 degrees. I've cut at 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 degrees for comparisons and none are even close. The gap for the 8th piece is either too big or too small. I'm stumped. This was supposed to be a painless project to get me back in to my woodworking hobby, but wow, if I can't even make an octagon frame, what next? If anyone has any ideas that could help me out I would really appreciate it.