Any new woodworker, or even a professional for that matter, could do with a miter saw. It is practically indispensable. With its ability to make acucrate cuts, miter saws come packing plenty of other features to help perform complex cuts and intricate woodwork.
By now, you have probably guessed that whatever ‘secrets’ we are going to share are not really secrets but information that when used can save you plenty of long-term trouble. From safe operation of miter saws to these so-called secrets, we are going to take you through a step-wise understanding of the same.
What are the different miter saws out there?
- There are three kinds of miter saws…
- The basic miter saw (aka powered miter box).
- The compound miter saw (with the added ability of cutting two angles simultaneously).
- The sliding miter saw (with even more features than the last two, like its ability to make compound angled cuts on much wider materials).
- These power tools are used to make angled and compound angled cuts to plastic and wood moldings and for trimming work with finish carpentry.
What kind of miter saw can you use?
This part depends entirely on what kind of use you want the saw for. The project, task, application, or whatever, will determine the kind of miter saw required for the job. As you can imagine, this is entirely subjective; we cannot assume this or that is your absolute need and offer a hard and fast suggestion.
Once you have chosen the saw type you require, the next main category is Price. While some people are happy going for the cheapest option, others prefer getting the best money can buy, while some others occupy the middle ground. This is the wrong way to go about buying miter saws.
Secret: Price does not always determine quality. Some cheap saws outperform costlier ones or vice versa. New brands have shown to be better at times or even in select features than renowned well-established brands. It again boils down to application. What is the saw being used for?
- Miter cuts to perform quarter rounds, chair rails, and small baseboard moldings, all of which are going to be laid flat on the floor or against the wall can sure do with the efficiency of Powered Miter Boxes.
- They are just as excellent for squaring off 2×4 ends and making 45-degree angled cuts upto a certain size; they are too compact for large-scale applications, though.
- With all the same features and abilities as a miter box, a Compound Miter Saw goes one step further and lets you make cuts on two angles simultaneously.
- This is a great feature for when crown-molding work comes calling where wall-ceiling angles are 90 degrees with the corner forming yet another 90-degree angle going off in a different direction.
- Compound miters come in three different size blade models. Relying on the same saw blades as circular saws, you will find 7¼”, 10”, and 12” blade diameters on compound miter models.
- The most versatile of all these saws is the Sliding Compount Miter Saw. Not only do they have all the same abilities found on the other two saw types mentioned above, they offer more by way of accessibility, accuracy, and features.
- Mounted on a rail system, the blade is powered by a motor and makes it possible for you to slide the assembly away from the saw fence. This means better and precise cuts on wider materials.
- Able to perform any crosscutting task under the sky, framing and finish trim work included, sliding compound miter saws can also handle diverse projects from boards for closet shelves to small quarter round moldings and 2×12 framing material.
Miter Saws – Setup, Safety & Usage
Let us begin with a note on safety. It is ridiculously simple…
- Googles, hearing protection (plugs or headsets), and industry-grade gloves are compulsory, even a facemask so you do no breathe in all that sawdust.
- Do not go anywhere near the blade while it is working and when the blade guard is off. Do not reach under the blade to get to something on the other side. Fingers should be 6 or so inches away from the blade at all times.
How do you start setting up your miter saw?
- Stand the tool on a table or stand and let it be at waist level. Anything higher or lower can cause back or joint aches from prolonged use.
- The material ends have to have good support. You will be cutting said material on both sides of the saw, hence the need for support.
- Since a standard saw table would take up only a couple of feet of space, longer material will demand their own support.
- A heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use (15 amps, 120 volts) is a good addition to have with your powered miter saw. It saves you delay and rises to important project needs.
