Compound Miter Saw - 10" (2003151) Due 5/1/2024

About:

A miter saw is a type of power tool typically used for woodworking. It consists of a vertical, circular cutting blade that is mounted on a pivoting arm. When the trigger button is held down, the saw blade rotates at a rapid speed, allowing the user to pivot the arm and direct the blade down through the target material. It is capable of cutting cleanly through wood, plastic, composites, and some metals.

This Unit:

Operation:

The cut angle and wood thickness determine where the blade will contact the material. When marking a board, extend the line across the stock, drop the blade to the wood to check your alignment, and adjust the board as needed before starting the saw.

When you’re cutting a board, rest more than half its length on the saw. If the board is too long, stack a few scraps next to the saw to support the overhanging board. For a timesaving solution, mount your saw on a saw stand with supports for long stock.

Place the stock against the fence at the back of the saw base, and hold it with your hands (or a clamp) at least 6 inches from the blade. Only then should you start the saw. Always keep your other hand on the saw handle. Both arms should be straight out in front of you, and your feet firmly planted. Never cross your arms when operating the saw.

Start the saw at the top of the operating position, allow the motor to come up to speed, and bring the saw down into the wood. When the board is cut all the way through, release the trigger and allow the blade to completely stop before you raise the blade.

Caution

If you lift the blade as it’s still spinning, it can toss small pieces into the air and mar the end of the board you’re cutting.

Two Time-Savers

You can speed up repetitive cuts in two ways: Instead of individually measuring parts for identical short cuts, mark the part length on a piece of masking tape attached to the fence. Then remove the tape when you’re done.

For even greater accuracy, attach a stop block. Attach pieces of double-face carpet tape to the back face of a 3/4-inch-thick wood scrap. With the saw unplugged and the blade down, measure from the blade teeth to a point on the fence equal to the part length. There, press the taped block against the fence. With the end of a board pressed lightly against the block, make your cut. Each part you cut after that will be the same length—just blow away any sawdust that can pile up against the stop block.

Quick Tips for Miter Saw Success

• Always cut the factory end from a board before measuring and cutting a part for better fit and less sanding.

• Let the saw do the work; don’t force the blade through the wood.

• More teeth equals smoother cuts. Use a blade with more than 50 teeth for construction cuts. For fine cuts, such as moulding, use a blade with more than 90 teeth.

• Treated lumber usually has a higher moisture content than construction lumber, so use a lower tooth count even for fine cuts. The open spaces between the teeth clear the debris and put less strain on the motor.

• If possible, cut one angle end of a part before you mark and cut the opposite end.

Safety:

• Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).

• If work is dusty, use a dust extraction system, and/or respirator or dust mask.

• Wear appropriate hearing protection.

• Attach the saw firmly on a workbench or other rigid frame and operate the saw at waist height. The saw can also be taken to remote locations by mounting it on a piece of plywood 13 mm (1/2 in.) or thicker. This plywood (and saw) must be clamped to a waist high work surface on the job site with large "C" clamps.

• Make sure any adjustments are secure before making a cut. Only make adjustments when the power is off and the machine is not moving.

• Keep one hand on the trigger switch and handle and use the other hand to hold the stock against the fence.

• Keep hands out of the path of the blade.

• Keep guards in place and in working order.

• Remove adjusting keys and wrenches.

• Use a crosscut or combination blade.

• Ensure that the blade rotates in the correct direction.

• Ensure that the blade and arbor collars are secure and clean. Recessed sides of collars should be against the blade.

• Keep the blade tight, clean, sharp and properly set so that it cuts freely and easily.

• Only cut one work piece at a time and allow motor to reach full speed before cutting

• Wait for the saw to stop moving before removing the work.

• Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.

Loan Notes: