Whether you are wondering on how to use a compound miter saw, how to use a sliding miter saw or even how to use a miter saw 45 degrees, you do not have to worry. Since a miter saw is an essential tool for any carpentry work, you need to know how it works. Whether you are building a product or running baseboard that needs correct cuts, a miter saw will improve the performance and quality of your work. The blog seeks to offer simple tips on how to use a miter saw.
Enjoy the read!
Step 1: Choose the size and type of the miter saw you want to use
Miter saws come in many types, functions, and sizes; therefore, you need to choose the one that will meet your needs. Here are some differences with the machine:
- Size– the blade diameter is the one that determines the size, and it usually varies between eight and twelve inches. The blades diameter is the one that determines how thick or wide the material you are working on will turn out.
- Action– when it comes to a miter saw actions, they include:
- Standard miter saw– which is a basic miter saw that makes perpendicular cuts at angles ranging from 45 degrees clockwise to 45 degrees anti-clockwise. A locking device and an angle scale keep the blade aligned correctly.
- Compound miter saw– the machine can tilt the blade at a given angle from vertical one to make a compound cut.
Step 2: Decide on the number of miters saw that you will need
The miter saw’s horsepower is meant to use 12 to 15 amps or horsepower and run on 120 volts. When it comes to cutting large or tough pieces of stock, you may need to choose a better-rated machine that is heavier and needs special wiring.
Step 3: Set up a stand in a spacious area
If you intend to cut long material, you may need to work on a floor. However, a workbench or a working table makes it more comfortable when operating a saw.
Step 4: Learn about the different parts of the machine and how they work
Some of the most essential parts of a miter saw that you need to learn about is an angle scale as well as an angle indicator in the front of the saw-bed. Another part of learning about is a power switch/trigger, a blade guard, and the mechanism for the saw in place once the saw is not in use. Other features include saw tilt scales, laser guides, and locking clamps to secure the work-piece. All these depend on the saw.
Step 5: Release the saw to place the stock on the saw bench
At this point, lower the saw several times before turning it to become familiar with the blade’s path when sawing the stock. This helps you avoid accidents by making it easier when cutting with the miter saw.
Step 6: Plug the miter saw in a receptacle and place the material on the bench
Begin with a small scrap material to test and see if the saw is working properly. Make sure the material piece is long enough to fit well against the saw’s backrest and help you hold it in place when cutting. Short pieces are hard to cut safely without clamps, and once you get close to the end of the piece, it can drop, and the machine can throw it once the cut is complete.
Step 7: Cut several angles on scrap material and try to see how they fit
As you join stocks, cut different angles, and you will find that basic shapes are easy to fit. When joining two pieces of stock at a certain angle, the angle of the cut at the edge of the material s half the angle of the joint. For instance, if looking forward to making a 90 degrees corner, cut the edges of two pieces of material at 45 degrees, opposite from one another.
Step 8: Make enough cuts until you are comfortable using the miter saw
When you practice with scrap material, you are less likely to make a mistake when working on a serious project. You need to note that the blade starts to cut on or close to the front edge, unless you are working on a very wide material with that in mind, you need to make measurement or cut marks on the same side of the stock alternatively, and you can use a square to mark the workpiece across before cutting.
Step 9: Test with various functions on your saw
It is good to experiment with every function found on your miter saw so that you can learn the right ways to use when working with the miter saw on a serious project. Once you are familiar enough with the machine’s features and performance, you can now begin to work on your project since you are good to go.
There you have it! If you have wondered how to use a miter saw, it is as simple as that. You are now ready to make those smooth and precise cuts.
