A miter saw is the tool for projects that need accurate lumber and moulding cuts– especially angles. The tool called for reducing miters does so much extra.
Types of Miter Saws
With a board flat on the base of a miter saw, any type of tilted cut across the wide face counts as a “miter” on any miter saw. Turn the board on its edge, location it against the fence, as well as you’ll reduce a “bevel.” Many saws cut from 90 to 45 degrees in both directions, and also some saws can cut up to 55-degree angles.
Saws begin to vary when you look at their blade size– frequently 10 inches or 12 inches. The larger the blade, the much deeper and larger its optimum cut. Typically, a 10-inch miter saw will certainly cut a 2 x 6 at 90 degrees and also a 2 x 4 at 45 degrees; a 12-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 8 at 90 levels and a 2 x 6 at 45 degrees.
Saws also differ by whether the blade arm just rotates (a basic miter saw) or both swings and slides (a sliding miter saw). The sliding activity can cut even bigger boards. A 12-inch variation, as an example, will certainly cut a 2 x 16 at 90 levels and a 2 x 12 at 45 levels.
Either can end up being a compound saw– the blade arm both swings at an angle and also tilts at an angle to the bed of the table to cut both a bevel as well as miter at once. This is mainly made use of to reduce crown moulding.
Reducing with a Miter Saw
The cut angle and wood density figure out where the blade will certainly call the material. When noting a board, extend the line across the stock, drop the blade to the wood to inspect your placement, and change the board as needed before starting the saw.
When you’re cutting a board, remainder more than half its size on the saw. If the board is as well long, stack a couple of scraps next to the saw to sustain the overhanging board. For a timesaving remedy, mount your saw on a saw stand with supports for long stock.
Place the stock against the fence at the back of the saw base, and also hold it with your hands (or a clamp) at least 6 inches from the blade. Only then should you start the saw.
Constantly maintain your various other hand on the saw handle. Both arms must be right out in front of you, as well as your feet securely planted.
Never cross your arms when operating the saw.
Beginning the saw at the top of the operating setting, enable the motor to find up to speed, as well as bring the saw down right into the wood. When the board is reduced right with, release the trigger as well as allow the blade to totally stop before you raise the blade.
Find out the kinds of cuts you can make with a miter saw. See our Do It Yourself Essential video clip:
2 Time-Savers
You can accelerate repeated cuts in two methods: As opposed to independently gauging parts for similar short cuts, mark the part length on an item of masking tape affixed to the fence. Get rid of the tape when you’re done.
With the saw unplugged and the blade down, action from the blade teeth to a factor on the fencing equal to the part length.
With the end of a board pushed lightly versus the block, make your cut. Each part you reduced after that will certainly be the exact same length– simply blow away any type of sawdust that can load up against the stop block.
Quick Tips for Miter Saw Success
• Always reduced the manufacturing facility end from a board before determining and reducing a part for much better fit and also much less sanding.
• Let the saw do the job; do not force the blade via the timber.
• Even more teeth equals smoother cuts. Use a blade with more than 50 teeth for building cuts. For fine cuts, such as moulding, make use of a blade with more than 90 teeth.
• Treated lumber generally has a greater moisture content than construction lumber, so make use of a reduced tooth count even for fine cuts. The open rooms in between the teeth remove the debris as well as put much less pressure on the electric motor.
• When possible, cut one angle end of a component prior to you note as well as cut the contrary end.
