Home Improvement Ideas Home Remodeling Carpentry How to Use a Miter Saw Make straight or angled cuts in wood, plastic, and soft metals with a miter saw. By Timothy Dale Published on December 8, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Jake Sternquist Project Overview Working Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $0 to $150 A miter saw is a power tool that woodworkers typically use to make straight, beveled, or mitered cuts. Instead of a handheld saw, like a circular saw or jigsaw, a miter saw sits on a workbench, work table, or a similar broad, flat surface. The miter saw is usually bolted or clamped to the workbench to prevent the saw from shifting while in use. A miter saw equipped with the right blade can cut through wood, plastic, or soft metals. Use the miter adjustment at the front of the saw to change the angle of the blade for cuts across the face or width of a board. These saws also have a bevel adjustment at the base of the saw arm, which tilts the blade so that it no longer cuts straight down. This guide demonstrates how to use a miter saw while offering tips for safe operation. The 8 Best Miter Saws of 2024 Safety Considerations Before using a new tool for the first time, a DIYer must learn how to operate the tool safely. Keep the saw unplugged when it isn’t in use, and make sure that the miter saw is bolted or clamped to the work surface to prevent it from shifting. Check the bevel and miter adjustments to ensure that the saw is aligned correctly. When using the miter saw, clamp one side of the material that is being cut, but don’t clamp both sides, as this can cause the blade to bind in the cut. Keep your hands away from the blade while the saw is in use, and avoid wearing loose clothing that could snag on the blade. Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, safety gloves, safety glasses, and a mask while using the miter saw. After using the saw, unplug it and set the lock. The way the saw locks depends on the specific product, so check the manufacturer’s directions for help. However, most miter saws have a trigger that is locked by inserting a pin through a small hole. Similarly, the up-and-down motion of the handle is secured with a pin at the top of the saw arm. Models with a sliding arm typically have a wingnut that tightens to restrict the movement of the arm. Scott Morgan When to Use a Miter Saw A miter saw isn’t always the best option for a project, so before starting a woodworking job or tackling a project around the home, consider when to use a miter saw. This type of saw is designed for accurate, repeatable cuts, making it an excellent option for projects like building a deck or putting up a fence. The saw can be rotated left or right with the miter adjustment, but it can also be angled with the bevel adjustment to change the direction the blade moves during the cut. Instead of simply pulling the saw down, the user can adjust the bevel setting so that the blade is tilted at a 45-degree angle for a custom cut. Miter saws are best for cutting long boards, making quick, accurate miter cuts, and making cross cuts for molding. Some miter saws even have a sliding arm that allows the blade to extend out from the saw, increasing the cutting width of the tool. However, miter saws are a poor choice for wood cutouts, rounded cuts, or finishing work. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Miter saw Woodworking clamp Shop vac Brass bristle brush Materials Scrap piece of wood Blade-cleaning solution Instructions How to Use a Miter Saw Set Up the Miter Saw Find a suitable location to set up the saw, such as a workbench or table, and then clamp the saw to the selected surface to prevent it from moving. Connect the power cord to a nearby outlet and turn on the switch to provide power to the saw. Locate the bevel adjustment that allows the user to change the tilt of the blade at the base of the saw arm, and find the miter adjustment that allows the user to change the angle of the blade at the front of the saw. Check to ensure that the saw is aligned correctly and the surface is clear of all debris. Position the Material Select the material that will be cut and the type of cut you want to make. Measure and mark the material so that the line can serve as a guide for the saw blade. For a miter cut, place the board flush against the saw fence at the back of the base and then use the miter adjustment knob to set the desired angle. Lower the handle of the saw to check the position of the blade. Then, clamp the material in place to prevent it from shifting.For a bevel cut, place the board on its edge against the saw fence. Set the bevel adjustment to the desired tilt and bring the saw blade to the material to check the positioning. If the material and saw blade are in the correct position, clamp the material to prevent it from moving. If the board extends beyond the miter saw base, set up a saw horse or similar support to keep the entire length of material level. Cut the Target Material Support the board to be cut with one hand while using the other to grip the handle of the miter saw. Press the trigger to engage the saw, and give it a few seconds for the saw blade to reach full operating speed. Gradually lower the handle to bring the blade down to the wood. Continue moving the handle smoothly so the blade makes a clean cut through the material. Don’t apply much downward pressure or force the blade. When the blade has completed the cut, release the trigger. Let the blade come to a stop before returning the handle to a raised position. Repeat for Subsequent Cuts If more than one board should be cut to the same length or cut with the same mitered or beveled angle, don’t adjust the current saw settings. Simply position the next piece of material on the saw base and repeat the cut. For different cuts, the user must reset the miter adjustment and bevel adjustment knobs to the desired angle. Then, position the material on the base of the saw before completing subsequent cuts. Clean the Miter Saw A good habit to get into is cleaning the work area and the miter saw after every use. This type of saw produces a lot of sawdust, so a shop vac, not a household vacuum, is handy for cleaning up the space. After removing the sawdust, wipe down the blade with a scrap cloth. If you have been cutting wood with a lot of sap, you may need to remove and clean the saw blade. Soak the blade in cleaning solution for about 20 minutes or as indicated by the manufacturer. Then, scrub it with a brass bristle brush to remove any remaining sap or wood particles. When the blade is clean, reinstall it on the miter saw.