A miter saw is the tool for tasks that require accurate lumber and also moulding cuts-- particularly angles. But the device called for cutting miters does so far more.

Sorts Of Miter Saws

With a board level on the base of a miter saw, any type of tilted cut across the broad face counts as a "miter" on any miter saw. Transform the board on its edge, location it against the fencing, and 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 consider their blade diameter-- typically 10 inches or 12 inches. The larger the blade, the much deeper as well as wider its optimum cut. Usually, a 10-inch miter saw will certainly cut a 2 x 6 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 4 at 45 levels; a 12-inch miter saw will certainly reduce a 2 x 8 at 90 levels as well as a 2 x 6 at 45 degrees.

Saws likewise vary by whether the blade arm merely rotates (a basic miter saw) or both swings and also slides (a sliding miter saw). The moving activity can cut even larger boards. A 12-inch version, for example, will certainly reduce a 2 x 16 at 90 degrees as well as a 2 x 12 at 45 levels.

Either can come to be a compound saw-- the blade arm both swings at an angle as well as turns at an angle to the bed of the table to reduce both a bevel as well as miter at the same time. This is mostly made use of to reduce crown moulding.

Cutting with a Miter Saw

The cut angle as well as timber density determine where the blade will certainly call the product. When marking a board, extend the line across the stock, drop the blade to the timber to inspect your alignment, as well as readjust the board as needed before beginning the saw.

When you're cutting a board, rest more than half its size on the saw. If the board is as well long, pile a few scraps next to the saw to sustain the overhanging board. For a timesaving solution, install your saw on a saw stand with assistances for long supply.

Area the supply versus the fence at the back of the saw base, and also hold it with your hands (or a clamp) at the very least 6 inches from the blade. Never ever cross your arms when running the saw.

Begin the saw at the top of the operating setting, enable the electric motor ahead up to speed up, as well as bring the saw down right into the timber. When the board is reduced right with, release the trigger and also permit the blade to totally quit prior to you elevate the blade.

Learn the sorts of cuts you can make with a miter saw. Watch our DIY Basics video clip:

2 Time-Savers

You can speed up repeated cuts in two methods: Rather than separately determining components for similar routes, mark the part size on an item of covering up tape affixed to the fence. Then get rid of the tape when you're done.

With the saw unplugged as well as the blade down, measure from the blade teeth to a factor on the fencing equivalent to the component length.

With the end of a board pressed lightly against the block, make your cut. Each component you cut after that will certainly be the very same length-- just blow away any sawdust that can load up versus the quit block.

Quick Tips for Miter Saw Success

• Always cut the manufacturing facility end from a board before gauging as well as reducing a component for much better fit and much less sanding.

• Let the saw do the job; don't require the blade via the timber.

• Even more teeth equates to smoother cuts. Utilize a blade with more than 50 teeth for construction cuts. For fine cuts, such as moulding, utilize a blade with more than 90 teeth.

• Dealt with lumber typically has a higher wetness material than construction lumber, so make use of a lower tooth matter also for fine cuts. The open rooms between the teeth get rid of the debris and also put much less strain on the electric motor.

• If possible, reduced one angle end of a component before you note as well as reduce the contrary end.