Just how to Utilize a Miter Saw

[Kathy Schneiderman]

A miter saw is the tool for projects that need precise lumber as well as moulding cuts-- specifically angles. But the device named for cutting miters does so a lot more.

Types of Miter Saws

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

Saws start to differ when you take a look at their blade size-- typically 10 inches or 12 inches. The larger the blade, the deeper as well as wider its maximum cut. Typically, a 10-inch miter saw will certainly cut a 2 x 6 at 90 levels as well as a 2 x 4 at 45 levels; a 12-inch miter saw will reduce a 2 x 8 at 90 levels as well as a 2 x 6 at 45 degrees.

Saws also differ by whether the blade arm merely rotates (a standard miter saw) or both swings as well as slides (a moving miter saw). The gliding action can cut even broader boards. A 12-inch variation, for instance, will certainly reduce a 2 x 16 at 90 levels and a 2 x 12 at 45 levels.

Either can end up being a substance saw-- the blade arm both swings at an angle and turns at an angle to the bed of the table to reduce both a bevel and miter simultaneously. This is primarily used to reduce crown moulding.

Reducing with a Miter Saw

The cut angle and also timber density establish where the blade will speak to the material. When noting a board, prolong the line across the supply, go down the blade to the timber to check your alignment, and adjust the board as needed prior to beginning the saw.

When you're cutting a board, remainder more than half its length on the saw. If the board is as well long, stack a couple of scraps beside the saw to support the overhanging board. For a timesaving service, mount your saw on a saw stand with assistances for long supply.

Location the supply against the fence at the back of the saw base, as well as hold it with your hands (or a clamp) at least 6 inches from the blade. Just after that need to you start the saw.

Always keep your other hand on the saw manage. Both arms must be straight out in front of you, as well as your feet firmly grown.

Never ever cross your arms when running the saw.

Begin the saw on top of the operating setting, enable the electric motor ahead up to speed up, as well as bring the saw down into the wood. When the board is cut completely through, launch the trigger and enable the blade to entirely stop before you raise the blade.

Find out the sorts of cuts you can make with a miter saw. See our Do It Yourself Essential video clip:

2 Time-Savers

You can speed up repetitive cuts in two means: Instead of separately determining components for similar routes, note the part size on a piece of masking tape affixed to the fence. After that remove the tape when you're done.

For even higher precision, affix a stop block. Affix items 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, action from the blade teeth to a factor on the fence equivalent to the part size. There, press the taped block against the fence.

With completion of a board pushed lightly versus the block, make your cut. Each component you cut after that will certainly coincide size-- just blow away any sawdust that can accumulate against the stop block.

Quick Tips for Miter Saw Success

• Constantly cut the manufacturing facility end from a board before measuring and cutting a component for much better fit and also less sanding.

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

• Even more teeth equals smoother cuts. Make use of a blade with more than 50 teeth for building and construction cuts. For fine cuts, such as moulding, use a blade with more than 90 teeth.

• Treated lumber generally has a greater moisture content than building lumber, so use a lower tooth count even for great cuts. The open areas between the teeth get rid of the particles and also put less strain on the electric motor.

• Preferably, reduced one angle end of a part prior to you mark and also reduce the opposite end.