Miter Saw Detent Calibration - How to Get Your 45 Degree Detents Perfect

How to Get Your 45 Degree Detents Perfect using a very simple picture frame 8 cut test.

[zazzenfuk]

Thank you for this video. I've been trying to find the reason why my miters were off and as a learning wood worker who is a failure at math; this made a huge difference. The explanation of the gap at the outside vs inside corner and their correlation of what the saw is cutting made my week. Your the best!

[skiplauderbaugh]

Looks like your method works, but it is more complicated than it needs to be. I use a squared board that is the widest width you can cut at a 45 degree. Make a 45 cut, flip the board over make another 45 cut ( so you have a triangle) flip the board over and make another 45 cut . Take the 2 triangles over to a flat surface ( table saw or jointer table) slide the 2 triangles together with the edges of the 45 cuts meeting in the middle and check to see if there is any gaps where they meet. If there is a gap adjust the saw and make 2 more triangles and test again - until you get it dead-nuts. Less cuts, the length of the pieces does not matter, and you don’t need to clamp the pieces. You can see the 45 cut result faster, and make adjustments faster - so you are more likely to spend the extra time to dial it in...

[rodgerq]

I wonder, given the size of the movement required to adjust the plate, if a finger DTI could be employed to give you an actual measurable adjustment as you move the plate.

[jfishmento]

The play in the saw is usually what creates the issue. Have yet to find a miter saw that cuts flawlessly

[scotta]

This video is amazingly helpful. Subscribed. Unfortunately, I bought a Ryobi 10" Slider Miter Saw a couple of years ago and didn't use it for precision work until last weekend. I started trimming some new Windows and the 45's are jacked. I'm just a Homeowner but didn't want to fill-in the gaps with caulk. Hated to junk the clear Hemlock. Ended up starting over and used a Miter Angle gauge to set the saw to get the correct cut. I don't know if the detents can even be adjusted on this saw? BTW, wouldn't the slight gap on the inside of the test frame mean the degree angle is less than 45? - just curious, not trying to be a Karen. I know making video is really tough. Great job!

[enriquebonilla]

Greet video. What the plans tha 45 have

[davehygaard]

Let's say you don't have time to calibrate, ,,can you example do all your left .miters left and right miters right, , , will they land perfectly 90%?? Thank you

[craigmellott]

Awesome, love your tips, tricks & advice.
Can I ask your age, you seem to be way advanced for your age.

[spencer]

Why do you run 3 saws? I could possibly see two, one with rails for increased capacity, one without for accuracy. I'm about to build some miter wings for a new Dewalt 12in slider, and I am trying to decide if I can get a rolling base, or if the quick change with multiple saws is an important feature. The saw is stupid heavy and I hate hauling it around.

Also, have you tried the Forest crosscut blade? I have their woodworker II for my table saw, and absolutely love it. I was wondering if the crosscut is as good, or if the FS blade is better.

[kylieb]

Ive recently watched another of your videos where you were referring to making cuts at 45.5deg and not 45 to get the perfect join - if you have time, could you explain the differences between the two vids - or was this just for calibration only of the mitre saw?

[brewster]

Just got a DeWalt 779 and I have the 90 true to the fence (on both sides), and the right side 45 to the fence. But the left side 45 is slightly off, maybe .3 to .5 greater than 45. The table and the fence both are flat all the way across. Could the adjustable detent miter scale be faulty? Any suggestions?

[moonunit]

What's up man? Hey..I just got the dewalt 779 slider. And I have it all set 90' to fence and table. But when I slide it out the blade is off by over a 16th. If I move detent plate to make adjustments the front of blade is off. Do I have a bad saw? I can put a long square on it and have it dead nuts put when I slide it it's way off

[revenant]

Being a professional carpenter as you are, I have to stress the importance of eye protection when using equipment. I have had more than one pair of safety glasses get damaged while protecting the one body part injury that seems to end a lot of trademens futures in the business. If my hands are on tools, even pounding nails, safety glasses go on. Many are looking to as an example. Not criticism just advice from a vet as yourself.

[brandonsawyer]

where did you get your high miter fence at?

[rockeysingh]

Sorry Brother, but too detailed and too wordy, for a beginner. But you don't show the close ups of saw / detent setting. Camera showed a nice pair of legs, but not doing as the title of the video. Thanks anyways

[oakleyjack]

“Kentucky Windage”, Getting to know your saw is like hunting with your favorite open sight hunting rifle.! You can be a 1/4 degree out by the way you put pressure on the down stroke, or as you cut down to take a thin slice off, ,,the blade will flex out on the cut, there are a lot of variables but you learn to compensate by putting pressure left or right before pulling the handle down. These saws live a hard life getting carried to and from the truck and the countless cutting cycles they perform. I was a trim carpenter for years before owning a cabinet shop and initially would try to recalibrate them but later learned that as I used a particular saw I could just use pressure, left or right to get it close to dead on. Also, you can keep dedicated shooting boards used with a fine tuned hand plane close by to true up your joints.

[danielgeng]

Might be worth mentioning that the way it gets knocked out is by slamming the arm into the detent.

[stevenmarshall]

Your content is great and very informative! Best of luck with your channel! Been following on insta for a while! You’re one of the best on there!

[jessecarrales]

I’m not a carpenter but after watching this I have no excuse now to go by my what seems to be my life motto “I do my best and caulk the rest”.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[smvga]

I love to watch this new generation play with their toys. My 27-year-old Black and Decker still works better and accurately.