How to Use a Miter Saw

[Destiny Jannette]

A miter saw is the tool for jobs that call for accurate lumber as well as moulding cuts-- particularly angles. However the tool named for reducing miters does so much more.

Kinds Of Miter Saws

With a board flat on the base of a miter saw, any kind of angled cut across the broad face counts as a "miter" on any kind of miter saw. Turn the board on its edge, place it versus the fencing, and also you'll reduce a "bevel." The majority of saws reduced from 90 to 45 degrees in both instructions, and some saws can cut up to 55-degree angles.

Saws start to differ when you check out their blade size-- typically 10 inches or 12 inches. The larger the blade, the much deeper and also wider its optimum cut. Typically, a 10-inch miter saw will certainly reduce a 2 x 6 at 90 levels and a 2 x 4 at 45 degrees; a 12-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 8 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 6 at 45 degrees.

Saws additionally vary by whether the blade arm just revolves (a basic miter saw) or both swings as well as slides (a gliding miter saw). The sliding action can cut also larger boards. A 12-inch variation, as an example, will reduce a 2 x 16 at 90 levels and also a 2 x 12 at 45 degrees.

Either can come to be a substance saw-- the blade arm both swings at an angle as well as tilts at an angle to the bed of the table to cut both a bevel and also miter at once. This is primarily utilized to reduce crown moulding.

Cutting with a Miter Saw

The cut angle and wood thickness determine where the blade will certainly call the material. When marking a board, extend the line throughout the supply, go down the blade to the timber to inspect your alignment, as well as readjust the board as required before beginning the saw.

When you're reducing a board, rest more than half its length on the saw. If the board is too long, stack a few scraps beside the saw to sustain the overhanging board. For a timesaving solution, mount your saw on a saw stand with assistances for long supply.

Place the stock against the fence at the back of the saw base, and also hold it with your hands (or a clamp) at least 6 inches from the blade. Never cross your arms when operating the saw.

Start the saw at the top of the operating placement, enable the motor to find up to speed, as well as bring the saw down into the timber. When the board is reduced all the way via, launch the trigger as well as enable the blade to totally stop prior to you increase the blade.

Discover the kinds of cuts you can make with a miter saw. Enjoy our Do It Yourself Basics video clip:

Two Time-Savers

You can quicken repetitive cuts in 2 methods: Rather than separately determining parts for similar routes, mark the part size on a piece of masking tape affixed to the fencing. Then remove the tape when you're done.

For also greater accuracy, attach a stop block. Affix pieces of double-face carpeting tape to the back face of a 3/4-inch-thick timber scrap. With the saw unplugged and also the blade down, step from the blade teeth to a point undecided equivalent to the part size. There, press the taped block against the fence.

With completion of a board pressed gently against the block, make your cut. Each component you cut after that will be the same length-- simply surprise any kind of sawdust that can pile up versus the stop block.

Quick Tips for Miter Saw Success

• Constantly cut the factory end from a board before measuring as well as reducing a part for better fit and also less sanding.

• Allow the saw do the job; do not force the blade with the wood.

• More teeth equals smoother cuts. Make use of a blade with more than 50 teeth for building cuts. For great cuts, such as moulding, utilize a blade with more than 90 teeth.

• Treated lumber normally has a greater wetness content than construction lumber, so make use of a reduced tooth matter also for great cuts. The open spaces between the teeth clear the particles and also put much less strain on the electric motor.

• Preferably, cut one angle end of a part prior to you note as well as reduce the contrary end.