Just how to Use a Miter Saw

[Cassi Edgar]

A miter saw is the tool for tasks that need accurate lumber and moulding cuts-- especially angles. However the tool called for cutting miters does so a lot more.

Sorts Of Miter Saws

With a board flat on the base of a miter saw, any kind of tilted cross the vast face counts as a "miter" on any type of miter saw. Turn the board on its edge, area it versus the fencing, as well as you'll cut a "bevel." Most saws cut from 90 to 45 degrees in both directions, and some saws can cut up to 55-degree angles.

Saws begin to vary when you look at their blade diameter-- frequently 10 inches or 12 inches. The bigger the blade, the deeper and larger its optimum cut. Typically, a 10-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 6 at 90 levels and also a 2 x 4 at 45 degrees; a 12-inch miter saw will certainly reduce a 2 x 8 at 90 degrees and also a 2 x 6 at 45 levels.

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

Either can end up being a substance saw-- the blade arm both swings at an angle and also tilts at an angle to the bed of the table to reduce both a bevel and miter at the same time. This is mostly utilized to reduce crown moulding.

Cutting with a Miter Saw

The cut angle and also wood thickness identify where the blade will certainly speak to the product. When marking a board, prolong the line throughout the stock, go down the blade to the wood to inspect your alignment, and also change the board as required prior to beginning the saw.

When you're cutting a board, remainder majority its length on the saw. If the board is as well long, stack a couple of scraps beside the saw to sustain the looming board. For a timesaving remedy, place your saw on a saw stand with assistances for lengthy supply.

Area the stock versus the fence at the back of the saw base, as well as hold it with your hands (or a clamp) a minimum of 6 inches from the blade. Just after that must you start the saw.

Always maintain your various other hand on the saw deal with. Both arms should be right out in front of you, and also your feet securely planted.

Never cross your arms when operating the saw.

Start the saw on top of the operating setting, enable the motor ahead up to speed up, and bring the saw down right into the timber. When the board is reduced right via, release the trigger and also enable the blade to entirely stop prior to you raise the blade.

Find out the types of cuts you can make with a miter saw. View our Do It Yourself Fundamentals video:

Two Time-Savers

You can quicken repetitive cuts in two means: Instead of independently measuring parts for the same short cuts, mark the component length on an item of concealing tape connected to the fence. Eliminate the tape when you're done.

For also better accuracy, connect a quit block. Connect pieces of double-face carpeting tape to the back face of a 3/4-inch-thick wood scrap. With the saw unplugged and the blade down, measure from the blade teeth to a point on the fence equal to the part size. There, press the taped block against the fencing.

With the end of a board pressed lightly versus the block, make your cut. Each part you reduced after that will be the same size-- simply surprise any sawdust that can pile up versus the quit block.

Quick Tips for Miter Saw Success

• Constantly cut the manufacturing facility end from a board before determining and reducing a part for much better fit and also less sanding.

• Allow the saw do the job; don't compel the blade via the timber.

• Even more teeth equates to smoother cuts. Use a blade with more than 50 teeth for building cuts. For great cuts, such as moulding, utilize a blade with greater than 90 teeth.

• Dealt with lumber typically has a higher dampness material than building and construction lumber, so make use of a lower tooth count also for great cuts. The open spaces between the teeth remove the debris and put much less stress on the electric motor.

• Ideally, cut one angle end of a component before you note and also reduce the contrary end.