Top 5 Miter Saw Tips

Choose the miter saw that’s best for you, then get clean, on-the-money results using these tips and techniques.

Miter saws help you do a lot more than simply cut boards to length. With one you can make clean and accurate angle cuts past 45°, making them the perfect tool for cutting miters in everything from interior trim to picture frames to structural framing.

Secret #1: Use a good blade. Most miter saws come with a blade for rough-cutting 2x4s. Switch it out for a blade capable of also making splinter-free cuts in solid woods and sheet goods. Blades with high tooth counts cut cleaner but more slowly. On sliding miter saws use only blades with a negative tooth pitch angle.

Secret #2: Wait until the blade stops. A lot of damage can be done when you lift a spinning blade from the workpiece after making the cut. The blade can catch the workpiece and cause splintering. Doing so can also launch a small cutoff piece across the shop or at you. Be patient and wait until the blade stops before lifting it out of the cut.

Secret #3: Extend your support. For safety and accuracy, longer workpieces should be supported beyond the ends of the saw’s table. Some miter saws have extendable supports. You can also use roller stands. Many portable miter-saw stands have built-in, extendable supports.

Secret #4: Raise the workpiece to increase capacity. If your workpiece is just a bit wider than your saw’s capacity, you can effectively increase the cutting capacity of the saw by raising the workpiece. For example, on a 10″ machine you can increase cutting-width capacity by about ½” by placing the workpiece on ¾” plywood. Be sure to use hold-downs to keep the boards in place.

Secret #5: Use stop blocks for repeatable cuts. To saw multiple pieces to the same length, simply clamp a scrap piece to your fence. Place one end of your workpiece against the block, make the cut, and repeat.

[MrMeasureTwice]

#4 was one I did not know - good tips for all of us to see though!!!

[bgt]

Great tips! Ironically, this particular (decade old - unchanged) Bosch model actually includes nice smooth work support extensions left/right and they were both provisioned (machined bolt holes) for flip-tabs for repeatable cuts. According to Bosch customer service, they used to include these but stopped because customers were stating they were not using that feature. So Bosch allows Rockler to sell these little red tabs and two machine bolts for $9. Of all the things Bosch could have listened to customers requests done in the 10 years for this model, they took something away? An LED shadow light would have been too easy to add, let alone a quick clamp like many models have vs the perpetual full length screw style. I have a Bosch jigsaw and like it, but I am still perplexed by Bosch's lack of customer feedback improvements that went ignored for a full decade.

[missmymountain]

Cool. I've never heard of the hook angle of the tooth. I'll be checking mine.

[briangow]

Love this saw light compared to my 12" great saw.

[ictshawntechguy]

I'm just getting started I didn't catch the last tip. What I'm taking this very consciously

[blurped]

Please consider re-titling this to "Miter Saw Tips for Beginners." I appreciate that Acme Tools has taken the time to make this helpful video, however the title does not reflect the appropriate skill level.

[bucket]

ACME Tools!?
Um, Sir, I bought this hammer to build a dog box and it launched me into a boulder. I'd like a refund please.
Thank you Mr. Redshirt! The second to last shimming tip, that was why I came. You nailed it. Fourth miter saw video I have watched, first to answer my question.
I liked it and stuff. THE SECOND TO LAST TIP is why I came. I had a feeling.

[johndavidk]

If you put the blade on backwards it will cut through aluminum pipe with ease and not hurt the blade.

[hannsolo]

Where did you get the rollers for the extension arms?

[hhprogressiveconstruction]

Good tips for any level trade men's .

[mattsanders]

Tips 4 and 5 need rethinking. You should clamp (hand is acceptable) any piece before cutting it. Hands should be well outside the cutting zone. Tip 4 has no way to clamp the material... very bad idea. Tip 5 shows a length stop on one side and hand/clamp on the other side. This will cause the work piece to get wedged against the blade and thrown violently. You use a length stop and clamp on the same side of the blade.

[RODWALLBANGER]

“We all know a miter saw is a great general purpose tool for cutting rough im sorry a miter saw is not a my first thought for
“”””rough cutting lumber””””” in fact it is one of the last thoughts for rough cutting lumber.

[mikebadaa]

Are you serious?
I thought you have something new!!!

[facts_people-n]

The way you dress is 90% of the reason.

[allistonrental]

I will never get that time back... Kind of useless