Compound miter saw is the most commonly found tool in a carpenter’s tools. Compound miter saws are different from their counterparts available in the market.
A compound miter saw is called compound because it allows the user to cut at compound angles. Compound miter saws come in various shapes and sizes.
The sizes mostly lie between 8 to 12 inches. The size of the blade decides the width of the cut that is made on the wood.
The smaller the blade, the smaller the cut, and vice versa. You usually see the miter saw tool when you call a carpenter for making something at your place.
However, you will not need to hire any person if you know how to use a compound miter saw.
Safety First
The compound miter saw is a powerful mechanical tool which, if not used properly and safely can cause a lot of serious injuries.
Here are some protective measures to protect you from such injuries and help you to do your work safely:
- At all times, you must be wearing the protective gear so that the quotient of risk can be minimized.
- The safety gear involves protective glasses, a pair of work shoes, working gloves, work uniform, and in this specific case, a mask to protect from the dust entering your lings via the nose.
- Like every tool, be sure you read the user manual and the safety manual thoroughly and understand it completely.
- Use the right type of saw for the job.
- While making any sort of observation or adjustment, please make sure that you turn off the miter saw so that you can safely analyze the work piece and get better results.
How To Use A Compound Miter Saw | 2021 Best Guide Review
Having a miter saw does not mean that you can finish the work properly. In fact, you will need to learn how to use the miter saw properly.
Only professionals can handle the machine properly. So you need to follow a set of steps to get the job well done.
Step 1
Don’t forget to follow the precautions and personal protective equipment in order to keep you safe. If your miter machine offers upper miter box, you will need to mount it.
If it comes with sliding feature, then, you will need to slide the miter saw. Always remember to mount and attach everything before usage.
Step 2
You need to check whether your compound miter saw is working properly or not? To serve this purpose you should get a small piece of wood and try to cut it.
If it works properly, you’re good to go to the next step. But if in case it does not works properly than you will have to evaluate your tools and make required adjustments.
Step 3
Now that everything is set and ready to go, you can move to the main board on which you have to work.
Before starting the saw and making cuts, make sure you use a pencil and draw an outline of the cuts. This will help you to get a better cut.
Step 4
Once you are done with making outlines and setting the compound miter saw, bring the main board to the miter saw and adjust the miter saw to a vertical position.
Vertical position is an optimum position to make cuts efficiently and safely.
Step 5
Adjust the main board in such a way that the outline which you made is under the blade of the saw.
Step 6
Start the machine and very cautiously bring the blade own until the main board starts cutting. You should always take your time because this will help you to make cuts cautiously.
Taking your time while cutting will also help you analyze the situation and will help you foresee any problems if they might occur.
Step 7
In case there are any remaining rough edges even after cutting, you can smooth them by using a sand paper.
What Types Of Cuts Can You Make Buy Using A Compound Miter Saw?
The following cuts can be made by using the compound miter saw:
- Straight Cut
- Miter Cut
- Bevel Cut
- Angle Cut
Straight Cut
In order to make a straight cut, you will have to bring the blade to a vertical position and place the board directly under it.
Start the machine and lower the blade until it starts cutting. Always remember to be cautious and to take proper safety measures.
Miter Cut
In order to have a miter cut, you will need to place the wood piece in a right angle you required. Now, you trigger the cutting blade and cut it downward slowly and smoothly.
Bevel Cut
In this case, you will need to adjust the depth of the cut and base plate. Then, you will need to line up on the marks in the board and hold the speed square tight.
Now, you can continue the cut against the base plate to have smooth and rough-free pieces. Having a bevel cut is very easy for any person who can handle a compound miter saw properly.
Angle Cut
In order to angle cut your board, you will need to slide the saw’s base square up. Use the slide against the guide and start the trigger of the blade.
You will need move forward the blade slowly and keep your concentration while cutting in a particular angle.
Always keep the base plate in contact with the guide to get the best result. And make sure that you are following all the safety protocols.
How To Buy The Right Compound Miter Saw?
A compound miter saw is considered an amazing tool for crown molding.
Now let’s understand how to make the right choice for the perfect compound miter saw.
In order to buy the right miter saw, you must consider the following things:
- Motor power
- Blade size
- Positive stop
- L.E.D light
- Saw fencing
- Dust extraction
- Blade guard
- Shaft lock
- Digital readings
Motor Power
The miter saw mostly operates with 10 amperes, 12 amperes, or 15-ampere motor speed.
The power of the motor used by the compound miter saw is measured in Amperes. 10 Amperes of motor power will be suitable for small scale projects.
However, projects of hardwood cutting and broad crosscuts will need 12-15 Amperes of motor power. The greater the Amperes the greater will be the power of the motor to work.
Blade Size
If you want long cuts, then a large diameter blade will be perfect to buy. The blades for miter saws are mostly available with 8, 10 & 12 inches of length.
The long bevel, miter, and crosscuts with the large blade of the saw. For better-finished cuts, a blade with high TPI (teeth per inch) will be perfect.
Positive Stop
The detent helps in the saw movement without immersing at every positive stop. The positive stop will help in locking the machine movement when released.
The miter saws are available with detents of 90° degrees, 45° degrees, and 22.5° degree angles.
L.E.D Light
L.E.D light is considered essential to be installed in such appliances. L.E.D light not only gives a clear and perfect view of the cut lines but also assists your work in the dark area.
So, miter saw with L.E.D light installed will be a great option for you.
Saw Fencing
Whenever you make cuts the fence plays the role to keep your material in place and ensure accurate cuts. Place the material firmly against the fence to avoid any kind of jerks.
The miter saws are available with different fence heights. So you can choose this feature as per the desired material.
Dust Extraction
The dust extractor becomes important in a compound miter saw when you cut inwards. This will manage all mess and also keeps your breathing safe. The sawdust is greasy in nature and may cause injury.
Blade Guard:
The blade guard ensures your safety while you are working. When the saw is lifted the blade guard lowers down and covers the blade thoroughly.
Shaft Lock
The shaft lock makes the blade changing quick and easy.
Digital Readings
The display is designed with digital readings that make the miter and bevel settings to be read very easily.