Miter saws are big, but they shouldn’t scare you. We’ll guide you through using this tool for simple cuts.
They’re great for cutting framing lumber or making perfect crown molding joints. Miter saws are used for many tasks, from framing to trim and complex woodworking. They cut through tough materials fast, accurately, and safely, making DIY projects easier.
But, if you’re new to miter saws, they might seem overwhelming. With some practice, you’ll get the hang of it.
Parts of a Miter Saw
- Blade: Cuts the wood, MDF, plywood, or other materials
- Blade guard: Protects the user from accidentally touching the blade but retracts automatically when cutting
- Trigger handle: Starts and stops the saw
- Miter adjustment: Allows the user to change the angle of the blade
- Bevel adjustment: Allows the user to change the tilt of the blade
- Fence: Provides a 90-degree surface for a user to hold material against
- Dust collection port: Collects sawdust as the user cuts
- Slide rails/arm: Allows the saw to slide back and forth for longer cuts
3 Types of Miter Saws
What is a miter saw? It’s a power tool with a pivoting arm and a spinning blade. It cuts materials like wood, plywood, MDF, and plastic quickly and accurately. Sometimes, it can even cut metals.
A power miter saw comes in three main types. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Knowing about each type helps you pick the right one for your project or budget.
1. Miter Saw
A standard miter saw has an adjustable base for cutting angles in both directions. It’s great for making miters and square butt joints. But, the blade doesn’t tilt, so all cuts end at 90 degrees. These saws are best for simple framing and woodworking tasks.
The DeWalt 12-inch single compound miter saw is perfect for home projects. It has enough power and precision without costing too much. It can cut boards up to 8 inches wide and bevels in one direction.
It also comes with a slide-out fence for extra support. For safety, it has a mechanism that locks the spring arm down unless you unlock it. This makes it safe to use.
This model is very basic but reliable. DeWalt focused on quality and affordability over fancy features. It’s a simple yet effective tool for many tasks.
2. Compound Miter Saw
Compound miter saws have adjustable bases and arms. This lets users change the angle and tilt of the blades. Beveling adds more flexibility, making these saws great for trim work and framing.
The Metabo HPT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw is affordable and comes with a laser guide. It cuts bevels in both directions and has a strong 15-amp motor. The Xact Cut LED Shadow Line System makes it easy to see the cutline before cutting, helping to avoid mistakes.
3. Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Sliding compound miter saws are like compound miter saws but have a cool feature. They move on a rail or arm. This lets users pull the saw head towards them and then push it through the workpiece.
This design allows for wider cuts. But, these saws are heavy and cost more. Learning to use a sliding miter saw is not hard. So, the extra cost might be worth it for the wider cuts.
The Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Sliding Glide Miter Saw is a 12-inch miter saw. It has a sliding arm for cutting boards up to 14 inches wide. It also comes with supports on both sides for boards up to 40 inches long.
It can cut compound bevels in both directions. The saw guard is clear, so you can see the cut all the time. The trigger handle is easy to hold, working well for both right-handed and left-handed users.
The handle has a padded, nonslip grip. The fences are adjustable, and the miter scale numbers are etched into stainless steel.
Miter Saw Safety Tips
- Whenever using a miter saw, keep the thumb on the support hand tucked in to prevent accidental cuts.
- Wear eye and hearing protection while using a miter saw.
- Once the miter saw blade cuts through the material, release the trigger and allow the blade to stop before raising the saw.
- Unplug the miter saw before checking the arbor or changing the blade.
- Do not remove the blade guard from the saw.
- Keep the saw blade sharp and clean to prevent having to force the blade through the saw.
- Support the workpiece on either side of the saw blade to ensure it doesn’t fall and strike the saw after cutting.
- Ensure that any removable fences are out of the way before cutting bevels.
Initial Setup and Calibration
First, learn how to set up a miter saw by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Install any clamps, hold downs, lasers, adjustment handles, and dust collection bags before plugging it in. Get to know the bevel adjustments, angle releases, trigger, safety, and blade guard first.
Next, calibrate the saw, as even new miter saws might need it. Start by checking the blade with a combination square. It should be perfectly perpendicular to the fence and base.
Test it by cutting a piece of scrap lumber down the middle at 90 degrees. Flip one of the halves over and line it up with the other. These two pieces should be perfectly straight and flat. If not, adjust the saw.
Once the blade is aligned, check if the laser (if equipped) aligns with the blade. Perform a cut and see where the laser lands. If it’s out of alignment, adjust it according to the manual.
How to Use a Miter Saw for Miter Cuts
Miter cuts can be tough to do by hand, but miter saws make them easy. Learning to cut angles with a miter saw is simple.
Step 1: Set the miter angle.
To find the right angle, use an angle gauge and split the reading in half. For example, if you need 90 degrees, set the saw to 45 degrees. After cutting two boards at 45 degrees and putting them together, they will form a 90-degree angle.
First, loosen the adjustment knob. Then, swing the saw blade to the correct angle. Once it’s set, twist the knob to lock the blade in place.
Step 2: Place the workpiece on the saw.
If the saw is in the “down” position, lift it by unlocking the pin in the back. Place the workpiece on the saw. Without activating the saw, lower the blade and adjust the workpiece so the inside of the blade is aligned with the cut mark.
If it seems that the cut side may fall, install the hold-down clamp and tighten it onto the workpiece.
Step 3: Start the saw and cut the workpiece.
First, make sure your support hand is away from the blade. Then, squeeze the safety trigger and the main trigger to start the saw. Let the saw blade spin for a few moments to get up to speed.
Next, slowly lower the saw into your workpiece. Keep going until it cuts all the way through. Once it’s done, release the trigger and let the blade stop before you lift the saw.
Step 4: Repeat for the other half of the miter.
Unlock the adjustment knob and swing the saw to the opposite angle. Place the saw workpiece on the saw, align it with the blade. Clamp the workpiece down and cut it as before.
Fit the two cut pieces together to check if the angle is right.
How to Use a Miter Saw for Bevel Cuts
There are many reasons you might want to make a bevel cut with a miter saw. Whether it’s for a compound miter consisting of two different angles, or for back cutting a piece of trim for a tighter fit, here’s how to make a bevel cut with a miter saw.
Step 1: Adjust the saw blade’s angle.
Find the bevel adjustment knob at the back of the saw. Loosen it. Many compound miter saws have a pin to prevent tilting in both directions. If your saw won’t tilt as you want, pull out this pin.
Adjust the blade to the angle you need. Watch the indicator and gauge near the knob. When it’s right, tighten the knob so it stays in place.
Step 2: Ensure the fence is clear.
When using a saw for bevel cutting, you might need to remove a part of the fence. This part usually tightens with wing nuts and is easy to take off without tools. Some fences even pivot out of the way.
Before starting, make sure the blade is lowered and clear of the fence. This step is important to avoid any accidents or damage.
Step 3: Align the workpiece with the blade.
Put the workpiece on the saw and lower the blade. Make sure the inside of the lowest tooth lines up with the cutline edge. Adjust if needed, but don’t scrape the blade on the workpiece.
After setting, tighten the hold-down clamp. This keeps the workpiece steady when the saw starts.
Step 4: Cut the workpiece.
First, make sure your support hand is away from the blade. Then, squeeze both the safety trigger and the main trigger to start the saw. Let the saw blade spin for a bit to get up to speed.
Next, slowly lower the saw into your workpiece. Keep going until it cuts all the way through. Once it’s done, release the trigger and let the blade stop before you lift the saw.
Pro tip: Remember, the saw moves at the angle you set. Don’t try to pull it straight down. This will make the blade deflect and ruin your cut.
Miter Saw Maintenance Tips
Keeping a miter saw in good shape requires regular care. Here are a few key steps to follow.
- Empty the dust collection bag after every use to ensure it’ll work properly.
- Use tar remover to clean the pitch from the blade.
- Use a shop vac to clean the motor’s fins and anywhere underneath the arm that collects dust.
- Note that miter saw arbors are reverse thread, so if a saw comes with the blade already in place, don’t accidentally overtighten the arbor while trying to replace the blade for the first time.
Final Thoughts On How To Use A Miter Saw
Miter saws might seem daunting at first, but they’re not scary for DIYers. Adding a high-quality miter saw to your tools opens up new project possibilities. With practice, using a miter saw safely and accurately will become easy.
