How to Clean and Maintain a Miter Saw

A miter saw is a valuable tool for the workshop and requires regularly scheduled cleaning and maintenance to work properly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintaining your particular miter saw (to protect your warranty), which usually include the following basic guidelines.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Check the alignment of your miter saw. The pointer on the base should point to 0 degrees on the miter scale. Follow the instructions in your manual for the proper procedure on your particular model.

2. Wipe chips and dust off your miter saw with a clean cloth. Keep the blade guard clean and free of sawdust. Never use your miter saw without the blade guard in place.

3. Blow the sawdust out of our miter saw with an air hose. This is a good way to clean out the cracks and crevices.

4. Remove and examine the carbon brushes frequently. Keep them clean and when necessary, replace them both, using only the recommended carbon brushes for your model.

5. Care for your blade and change it if it becomes dull or damaged. Sawdust and sap will accumulate on the teeth and require cleaning at the end of the workday. Use a cloth soaked in mineral spirits to remove the sap, if necessary.

6. Lubricate your miter saw's sliding mechanism according to your manual. A graphite lubricant is less likely to attract sawdust and grime the way some oil-based lubricants do.

7. Review your warranty if repairs are necessary. Most manufacturers require that you take your saw to a qualified dealer and won't honor the warranty if you haven't followed their recommendations for care and routine maintenance.

Tips & Warnings

• Always turn your miter saw off and unplug it before you conduct any type of cleaning or maintenance.