Miter Saw

Introduction

The Miter Saw also know as the "chop saw" is a very versatile piece of equipment. The main cut that will be made in here is the cross cut. A ripping cut which is with the grain of the wood is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND WILL NEVER BE MADE!! Leave ripping cuts to the table saw. Other cuts that may be made are Miter and Compound Miter Cuts. The size of the miter saw is determined by the diameter of the blade. The saws that we use in this class are 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saws. 

1.         ALWAYS wear eye protection (safety glasses or a face shield).

2.         IF YOU ARE NOT thoroughly familiar with the operation of miter saw, obtain advice from your instructor.

3.         MAKE SURE tool is securely mounted to supporting surface before operating.

4.         ALWAYS hold the work firmly against the FENCE and table. DO NOT perform any operation freehand.

5.         BE SURE blade is sharp, runs freely and is free from vibration.

6.         ALLOW the motor and blade to come up to FULL SPEED before starting cut.

7.         KEEP motor air slots clean and free of chips.

8.         ALWAYS MAKE SURE all clamp handles are tight before cutting.

9.         BE SURE blade and blade flanges are clean and that arbor nut is tightened securely.

10.       USE the blade guard at all times.           

11.       NEVER use blades larger or smaller than recommended.

12.       NEVER apply lubricants to the blade when it is running.

13.       REMOVE tie, rings, watch or other jewelry and roll up sleeves.

14.       ALWAYS check the blade for cracks or other damage before operation.  Replace cracked or damaged blade immediately.

15.       USE only blade flanges specified for your saw.

16.       ALWAYS KEEP hands out of path of saw blade and at least 4 INCHES away from saw blade.

17.       NEVER reach around saw blade.

18.       MAKE SURE blade is not contacting work piece before switch is turned on.

19.       MAKE SURE blade comes to a complete stop before removing or securing work piece, changing work piece angle or changing angle of blade.

20.       NEVER cut ferrous metals or masonry.

21.       NEVER cut small pieces.

22.       MAKE SURE that the table insert is always in place and properly secured.

23.       NEVER OPERATE the saw in an area with flammable liquids or gases.

24.       DO NOT operate while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.

25.       KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas invite accidents.

26.       STAY ALERT AND EXERCISE CONTROL.  Watch what you are doing and use common sense.  Do not operate a tool when you are tired.  DO NOT RUSH.

27.       SHUT OFF and disconnect power and clean the miter saw and work area before leaving.

28.      Improper table extension or rushed miter cuts often lead to kick back which is extremely dangerous and frightening. 

Operation of Miter Saw

The miter saw is a rather safe piece of equipment if used correctly. In here the motion that we are going to use when cutting a piece of lumber is BODY to FENCE or FRONT TO BACK. This is done to assure that there are no fingers in the path of the blade before you start cutting. When making compound cuts the blade should be going away from the body. It is very important to make sure the board that is being cut is held securely against the fence. If the board is to short to be held against the fence you must use clamps.