Making miter cuts by hand can be difficult and time-consuming. If you have to cut the skirtings for the floor or do more demanding work, a miter saw will facilitate your work by improving the quality of the result.
Steps
Step 1. Choose the type and size of the miter saw
The saws of this type on the market have many different functions, and there are different sizes, so you can easily find the one that best suits your needs. Here are some of the differences between the different machines:
- Size: the size is determined by the diameter of the blade, and normally varies from 20 to 30 cm. The diameter of the blade varies according to the width and thickness of the material to be cut.
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Type of cut: the miter saws can perform three different types of cuts.
- Standard cutting: the simplest miter saws cut perpendicularly at an angle that varies between 45 ° on the right and 45 ° on the left. A protractor and clamp will help you hold the piece to be cut in the correct position.
- Combined miter saw: adds the ability to tilt the blade at a specific angle to perform combined cuts.
- Sliding miter saw: the blade runs along a horizontal arm, like a radial saw, allowing you to make much larger cuts.
Use a Power Miter Saw Step 2 Step 2. Determine the power needed
Power tools are classified according to their power, expressed in amperes or horsepower. A typical miter saw will draw 6-7 Amps at 220 Volts. If you have to cut very large pieces you may need an industrial model, much heavier and with a different power supply.
Use a Power Miter Saw Step 3 Step 3. Buy, rent or borrow the miter saw
Once you have decided on the model and features you need, you will need to get it. These machines have prices ranging between 80 and more than 1000 Euros. If you need it for a single project and don't have a lot of money, purchasing may not be the best choice.
Use a Power Miter Saw Step 4 Step 4. Prepare a work table or area where you can work comfortably
Working on a table will be much more comfortable, but if the pieces to be cut are very long it may be better to place the machine on the floor.
Use a Power Miter Saw Step 5 Step 5. Read the instruction manual of the machine
The first section will cover safety measures such as wearing protective eyewear, using the right type of extension cords, and checking that the current available is sufficient to power the machine. Make sure you understand these requirements before starting work, as an undersized electrical system can damage the machine or start a fire.
Use a Power Miter Saw Step 6 Step 6. Learn the function of each of the parts of the machine
The basic components include the protractor on the front of the saw plate, the blade guard, a power switch, and a mechanism to lock the blade when the machine is not in use. Other options, such as laser pointing, the possibility of tilting the blade, clamps to hold the piece to be cut in place vary from one model to another.
Use a Power Miter Saw Step 7 Step 7. Raise and lower the saw arm so you can insert the piece to be cut
Raise and lower the arm several times before turning on the machine to become familiar with the movement and avoid accidents during use.
Use a Power Miter Saw Step 8 Step 8. Connect the plug to the socket and place the piece to be cut on the plate
Make a test cut on a scrap piece. Make sure it is long enough to hold comfortably and securely. Shorter pieces are difficult to cut without clamps, and when you cut near the end of a piece, the cut part is likely to be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Use a Power Miter Saw Step 9 Step 9. Make trial cuts at different angles and see how they fit together
By joining two cut pieces you will find that simple shapes are easier to join. To join two pieces at a given angle, the cut angle of each of the two pieces must be half of the total width. For example, to create a right angle (90 °), both ends will be cut at 45 °.
Use a Power Miter Saw Step 10 Step 10. Keep experimenting until you are confident enough
By practicing on scraps you will make fewer mistakes in the future. Keep in mind that the blade begins to cut on the front edge of the piece (unless it is a very large piece), so it is good to make marks on this side of the piece, or you can use a square to mark the piece on all sides before cutting it.
Use a Power Miter Saw Step 11 Step 11. Experiment with the various functions of your miter saw and learn how to use them correctly
Once you are familiar with the machine, you can dedicate yourself to the project you bought it for.
Advice
- If possible, get help from an expert.
- Let the blade pick up at full speed before starting the cut. Wait an extra second or you risk making an inaccurate cut.
- Be careful when joining the pieces. The cut can also be perfect, but if you don't assemble the pieces with the utmost care the result will be inaccurate.
- Work on scrap pieces until you are comfortable with the machine. The materials that are usually used with these machines, for example wood for frames, are expensive.
- If possible, place the machine in a spacious, well-lit area. When you work with long pieces you need to be able to see the pencil marks you made earlier.
Warnings
- Wear protective goggles during use.
- Use headphones to protect your hearing. The miter saws can produce up to 105 db of noise, enough to cause permanent hearing damage in less than 4 minutes.
- Keep your workspace clean. The saw blade turns at high speed and risks picking up and throwing debris.
- Keep your hands away from moving parts.
- Sawdust is highly flammable, and certain materials can contain toxic substances, so don't accumulate too much and don't breathe the dust.
- Make sure the guards are positioned correctly.
- Make sure the power cord is in good condition.
