How to Cut Window and Door Casings With a Miter Saw

When making windows and door casings, the miter saw is useful because you need to make angle cuts to join the molding at corners. You could join windows and door casings with straight cuts of wood, but a mitered cut looks more professional. Making cuts with a miter saw unites the power of a circular saw with the convenience of a miter box. Read on to learn how to cut window and door casings with a miter saw.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Measure carefully the angle you'll need for the project. Although it would be nice if all corners joined at 45-degree angles, older houses seldom have all right angles.

2. Rotate the saw table by using the lower handle to set the proper angle and lock it.

3. Mark your angle on some scrap wood and hold it firmly against the guide, which is called the fence.

4. Pull the miter saw down against the wood before you turn on the power. Be sure that the saw touches the mark on the wood. Adjust the saw if it doesn't align with the mark.

5. Be sure that safety guards are in place on the blade. Turn on the power, let the saw get up to speed, and bring it down to cut through the scrap piece.

6. Make the cut on your door or window casing once you're sure the angle is correct.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice on some scrap wood before using a miter saw on your door or window casings. It's better to make mistakes on the scrap rather than ruin the good wood.
• The angle on a miter saw can change from 0 to 45 degrees, going to the right or left.
• Wear your safety glasses and don't wear any loose clothing that could get caught in the saw. Protect your ears with ear plugs if the job is going to take a while.