A mitre saw can be an enormously useful tool. It will allow you to perform precise cuts on long lengths of wood. As such, it’ll come in handy for a range of DIY tasks in the home and the garden and might be a mainstay in the workshop of any woodworker, be they amateur or professional.
So how do you get the best from this particular tool, and how do you use it safely?
Choosing your tool
Different mitre saws offer different features at different price points. Some come equipped with more than one bevel – which means that the angle of the blade can be altered in two different ways. Single bevel mitre saws are the simplest, while compound saws, which can make simultaneous mitre and bevel cuts, are available at reasonable price points.
If your mitre saw can slide back and forth, then you’ll be able to cut wider lengths. Be aware, however, that this will often mean more room is required at the rear of the device when it’s pushed all the way back. In smaller workshops, you might therefore look for alternatives.
Safety precautions
A mitre saw spins extremely quickly. It can slice through fingers before the nervous system registers any pain. Therefore, it’s worth treating them with respect and using any safety devices that come with the saw. Don’t remove the blade guard. Keep your hands at least six inches from the blade, and never attempt to make cuts on a small piece, or one that isn’t either pressed firmly against the fence or clamped into position.
Your eyes and ears should be protected while you’re operating the saw. If you’re working indoors, a system for dust extraction is also essential, because these saws can produce huge quantities of dust in next to no time.
A battery-powered mitre saw tends to be safer than a corded one, since the cable can create an additional trip hazard in mobile working arrangements.
Using the saw
There are several different ways to use a mitre saw. If you have a fixed workstation, then you might use a mobile stop to determine the length of the desired piece. Simply clamp a piece of scrap plywood into position, and press the workpiece against both it and the fence. This will allow you to make repeat cuts of exactly the same length.
If you just need one piece, however, you might instead mark the position of the desired cut. To activate the saw, you’ll need to press the safety trigger, and then the trigger itself. Do not lower the blade until it has reached full speed, and don’t let go until the blade has fully stopped. Never, ever move the workpiece while the blade is in motion.
Maintaining the saw
Getting the best from your saw means keeping it in good condition. Make sure that loose sawdust is periodically vacuumed. Blades should also be cleaned and sharpened. This is something that you can do yourself – but it’s often best to seek out a professional. If you find that you’re only cutting one kind of material, you might look for a blade that’s built for cutting that material.