How to Use a Miter Saw
When you do woodworking, you’ll often come across a project where straight wood cuts aren’t suitable, and you need to make angled cuts so you can join molding at corners effectively. For these tasks, you’ll need to use a miter saw. This handy tool gives the same power as a circular saw, but with the functionality of a miter box. If you’re clueless as to how to use this equipment, here’s a guide to help you.
Buying A Miter Saw
You can either rent a miter saw, or you can purchase one of your own. Miter saw models come in different kinds, such as the traditional miter saw, compound miter saw and the sliding compound miter saw. These can cost from $150 or higher, depending on their additional functions. There are a few considerations to remember when you purchase a miter saw, such as:
The blade size - The larger, the better.
The cross cut - Up to what length will the miter saw cope with
Electronic brake - This is a valuable safety feature that slows the blade down quickly.
Steps
Slip on a pair of safety goggles. You should also avoid wearing loose clothing that might get caught in the saw. If you have plenty of wood to cut, use ear plugs to protect your eardrums from the loud whirring of the equipment.
miter saw
Carefully measure the angle you need, especially when you’re going to be molding at corners.
If you plan on cross-cutting big planks, use additional supports so the wood won’t bow. One way is by making a small stand made from scrap wood, to help you support longer planks.
Using the lower handle, carefully rotate the saw table towards the right angle, then lock it down. Make a mark of the angle on the scrap wood piece, then firmly hold it against the guide, also called the fence.
Leave the power setting at off. Afterwards, pull the miter saw down, putting it against the piece of wood. Make sure the saw is touching the mark you created on the wood. If the miter saw isn’t aligned with the mark, make any additional adjustments.
Make sure that the safety guards on the blade are in place. Turn the miter saw on, allow it to power up, then bring it carefully down so it will cut through the stock.
Once you’ve made sure that you have the right angle, cut the wood.
Holding down the wood with pressure from your hands is all right, but for additional support, you can clamp down the wood, so it won’t creep sideways as you cut it.
If you see small splinters forming as you cut the wood, put a masking tape strip over the area, then saw through the masking tape. Remove the tape when you’re done. You’ll see less splintering.
These steps might make using a miter saw easy, but remember, this tool can be dangerous. Always exercise proper caution and presence of mind when you work use a miter saw. If you enjoy reading this article, you’ll surely be interested in learning how to miter corners.