Just how to Make Use Of a Miter Saw

[Livers Edgar]

A miter saw is the device for tasks that call for precise lumber as well as moulding cuts-- specifically angles. Yet the tool called for cutting miters does so much more.

Types of Miter Saws

With a board flat on the base of a miter saw, any type of tilted cross the wide face counts as a "miter" on any kind of miter saw. Transform the board on its edge, place it against the fencing, and also you'll cut a "bevel." The majority of saws cut from 90 to 45 levels in both directions, and some saws can cut up to 55-degree angles.

Saws begin to vary when you consider their blade diameter-- commonly 10 inches or 12 inches. The bigger the blade, the much deeper as well as bigger its optimum cut. Normally, a 10-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 6 at 90 degrees as well as a 2 x 4 at 45 levels; a 12-inch miter saw will reduce a 2 x 8 at 90 degrees as well as a 2 x 6 at 45 levels.

Saws additionally differ by whether the blade arm merely revolves (a fundamental miter saw) or both swings and also slides (a gliding miter saw). The moving activity can reduce also broader boards. A 12-inch version, as an example, will cut a 2 x 16 at 90 degrees and also a 2 x 12 at 45 degrees.

Either can come to be a compound saw-- the blade arm both swings at an angle and tilts at an angle to the bed of the table to cut both a bevel and miter at the same time. This is mainly used to reduce crown moulding.

Reducing with a Miter Saw

The cut angle and wood density identify where the blade will certainly call the material. When marking a board, prolong the line across the supply, drop the blade to the wood to check your placement, as well as readjust the board as required before starting the saw.

When you're reducing a board, rest over half its size on the saw. If the board is too long, pile a few scraps beside the saw to sustain the overhanging board. For a timesaving service, place your saw on a saw stand with supports for lengthy supply.

Area the stock against the fencing at the back of the saw base, and also hold it with your hands (or a clamp) at the very least 6 inches from the blade. Never ever cross your arms when running the saw.

Begin the saw at the top of the operating setting, permit the electric motor ahead up to speed up, as well as bring the saw down right into the timber. When the board is cut all the way via, launch the trigger as well as permit the blade to totally stop before you increase the blade.

Learn the sorts of cuts you can make with a miter saw. View our Do It Yourself Basics video:

2 Time-Savers

You can quicken repetitive cuts in 2 methods: Rather than independently determining components for similar routes, note the component size on a piece of masking tape affixed to the fencing. After that eliminate the tape when you're done.

With the saw unplugged and the blade down, step from the blade teeth to a factor on the fence equal to the component size.

With the end of a board pushed gently against the block, make your cut. Each component you reduced after that will certainly be the exact same size-- just blow away any type of sawdust that can stack up versus the quit block.

Quick Tips for Miter Saw Success

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

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

• Even more teeth amounts to smoother cuts. Make use of a blade with more than 50 teeth for building cuts. For great cuts, such as moulding, make use of a blade with greater than 90 teeth.

• Dealt with lumber normally has a higher wetness content than building lumber, so make use of a lower tooth matter also for fine cuts. The open areas in between the teeth get rid of the particles and also put less pressure on the electric motor.

• If possible, cut one angle end of a part before you note as well as reduce the opposite end.