How to Use a Miter Saw

The Miter Saw is a quick, easy and precise saw to use when cutting boards to length for either straight cuts or angled cuts for home improvement projects.

To operate the saw, place your board firmly on the base and against the fence. Lower the blade and align the teeth with the board. Press the trigger switch and lower your arm to where you want to make the cut. Release the trigger, but before you raise the blade, make sure it has stopped spinning to prevent any injury.

Making faster, easier cuts is simple by placing a guide against the fencing of the saw with some double sided tape. Once in place cut through it. This will make it easier to cut future boards so you do not have to check your blade every time. For longer boards, use the adjustable stand to make quick even cuts. For angled cuts, adjust the angle gauge on your saw and make your cut.

[electriciandallastx]

Thanks for the strategies you have contributed here.

[Bassmunchkin]

Ive been scratching my head all day of how to attach a higher fence to the original one, I never thought of double sided sticky tape. Sometimes we never see the easier picture do we :-|)) thanks for your time. What's your thoughts on cutting plaster coving with a mitre saw using a 40 tooth wood cutting blade which is what I bought mine for today.

[CynthiaLuciene]

It may just be me, being almost 60 years old and being a chick to boot, but I felt I missed a lot the first time I watched this because it went by so quickly.  (Did I mention I'm blonde too?)  well, with all my handicaps I did learn a few useful things to help me along for my next project.  I can show off the knowledge (thanks to you) when my b.f. visits from L.A.  He's going to be blown away that I even know what a miter saw is.  LOL  Chicks rock.  Even if they're almost 60.  Yea us!

[pdda]

Could someone tell me why it's important to let the blade spin out before lifting the saw up? In some other vids (such as WWMM), people lift their saws almost immediately after sawing. Is this bad for the saw or unsafer than waiting? Thanks in advance.

[judithrob]

This test is only if you want to saw with a precision miter saw. (not for rough work).

Tips and Test:
Very important if you would like to saw with precision. (avoid torsion as much as possible)!
Always choose a Miter saw with a handle positioned in a vertical line above the saw blade.
Everything must be aligned, slide rails, handle, and saw blade, it is much better this way the blade will not tilt.
Because there is some torsion in the aluminum housing .
And choose an engine with softstart on it to prevent wear of the gear and worm shaft.
It is very important that everything is aligned.
Here are some examples to show how the handle must be positioned above the blade.
Bosch gcm 800 sj / Bosch gcm 8 sjl / Evolution rage 3 / FESTOOL KS 60 / Bosch GCM 8 SDE / FESTOOL KS 60 E KAPEX / Metabo KGSV 72 Xact / Bosch PCM 8 SD / Hitachi C10FSH.

(This also is the case with the Miter saw without the slide rails).

(If you want). You can test it yourself at home if there is torsion in the aluminum housing.

Step-1. First you make a saw cut from +-5 mm deep in to a flat piece of wood about +- 20 mm thick to this with the normal handle positioned on the right side of the Miter saw (the wood it will remain in place until the test is completed).

Step-2. Then repeat this by pushing the saw blade down with your hand (finger) on the aluminum protective cover were the saw blade is cased in. Just now only do this without the running engine.

Step-3. Now you can see if the saw blade will be positioned in or next to the saw cut. If the saw blade is (+- 0, 2 / 0, 5 mm) next to the saw cut then there is torsion in the aluminum housing (test is completed).

Step-4. therefor it is much better to choose a Miter saw with the handle positioned vertical in line above the saw blade.

Conclusion: how further away the handle is from the saw blade how more chance of torsion in the aluminum housing.(don't go for that).

Also with a cheap slide miter saw it is still better the handgriff in line a above the saw blade than on the right side. Maybe they will make it someday then we have a winner...

[rogerhit]

at least she did mention the dangers many vids do not.

[ellenshores]

OMG. What is with the fast music? I could not watch. Ugh

[robertarcher]

Anyone else here because of online classes?