As everyone who’s worked in or been to a woodshop can attest to, there’re a lot of tools and machines available to help make ideas and plans come to life. What’s more is that these tools and machines are advanced and incredibly useful.
The downside to this wide selection is that there’s a substantial amount to learn, both in terms of safety and skill; experience and time are required to become a well-versed builder.
To help aspiring woodworkers craft the highest-quality creations and make building experiences as positive as possible, let’s take a look at some basic information relating to the miter saw!
Miter saw usage
The miter saw is a circular-blade saw that’s mainly used to perform crosscuts and make divots (or small spaces—usually for joints) in wood. Divots are typically used to craft an angled creation or join two or more boards together.
A board is placed on the saw’s base and pushed against the head—or the flat-edge surface at the top of the tool—to maximize accuracy and minimize kickback. The blade comes down directly on top of the board.
To use the miter saw, one must simply line his or her cut up using a miter saw’s measurements and lines (these are featured on the base), slowly bringing the saw arm down, squeeze the trigger (a second or two before the blade touches the wood), and make the appropriate incision. Miter saws are notoriously easy—and effective—to use.
The miter’s specialty cuts
The miter saw is useful for making precise crosscuts and divots. Other saws are less accurate, comparatively difficult to the line-up, and/or more involved to use. Because of the miter’s aforementioned lines and measurements, as well its ability to cut at angles, it’s a favorite of woodworkers who’re trying to be efficient and precise.
Plus, many complex wooden objects, including shelves and ramped cat towers, for instance, were likely created with the miter saw.
And for those who’re wondering, the specified divot, partial, and/or angled cuts are made by adjusting the blade depth or degree before bringing the saw arm down. On most miter saws, rotating knobs can adjust the blade in seconds, and the process is almost as quick and straightforward as making non-specialized cuts.
Multiple sizes, multiple prices
Like many products that were invented around the middle of the twentieth century, the miter saw has been innovated and improved upon since it debuted. Today, there’s a miter saw model and price that’s right for every woodworker.
At-home woodshops can be equipped with low-cost, high-efficiency miter saws, while professional woodshops (as well as those that produce a substantial number of products) can be equipped with machines that have been specifically designed for commercial use.
For easier transport and moving about work area, a heavy duty miter saw stand with wheels is usually a must.
The miter saw is ideal for both leisurely and profit-based woodworking setups; the same cannot be said of many other machines.
Safely using the miter saw
The miter saw is widely considered to be one of the safer woodworking tools available today. Like any power machinery, however, users should take some basic steps to ensure that they aren’t harmed while making cuts.
Always assure that the board is flat on the deck and pushed back against the head. Bring the saw down at a medium speed, so as to not damage the wood or dislodge chips. Don’t be surprised if some splintering does occur, though—that’s pretty common with the miter. Wear goggles to avoid eye damage.
This information is sure to help aspiring woodworkers become acquainted with the miter saw. The tool is compact, affordable, and useful, and it’s responsible for producing some of today’s most remarkable woodworking creations.
This article is written by Andrew. He is a DIYer blogger and founder of SimplyHomeTips.com
Thanks for reading!
