How to Safely Use Chop Saws

If you are like me and you first inclination is to tackle most projects yourself, you learn fast that any job will go better with the proper tools. Chop saws or power miter saws are one item that every homeowner that does any kind of wood working should definitely consider investing in. After the circular saw and jig saw, the chop saw should be the next power saw purchase a do it yourself type homeowner should make. These saws are a must have if you are making numerous cross cuts, installing any kind of trim or doing a large wood flooring installation. Due to its accuracy and ease of use, my chop saw is the saw that I get the most use out of because I will utilize it even if I am just making a few cuts.

However, the chop saw is probably one of the most dangerous tools in your toolbox. I say this because after making several similar cuts, it is easy to become somewhat comfortable and over confident with the saw which is then followed by complacency. As an example, once I was working installing a bead board ceiling in my kitchen and the job was nearing completion. My wife came in and said I needed to finish up and get ready as we were going to dinner with another couple. I was standing at the chop saw and told her I just had a couple of more boards to install and I would be ready to go. I then hurriedly began the last cut I was to make for the day when I realized my left hand was just in the path of the blade. Luckily, I stopped the saw just as it touched my hand and escaped with a one inch laceration that was just before requiring stitches. Since that day, I follow a few simple safety rules and make sure I keep them in mind before I make the first or last cut of the day. Below are some steps you should follow to ensure your projects end with a safe result whenever you are using your chop saw.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chop Saw
• Wood

1. Study the owners manual and with the saw unplugged become familiar with various settings and movements

2. With the chop saw still unplugged, set up a scrap piece of wood for cutting to test operation and study where the blade will contact the wood. This is where your fingers should never be.

3. Be sure the saw is securely set on the floor or table. Plug the saw in and place the wood against the fence and hold it with one hand.

4. Using the other hand, engage the chop saws trigger and let the blade spin up to full speed. Check and be sure both hands are not in the path of the cutting blade.

5. Bring the saw all the way forward on its slide. Slowly lower the blade into the wood and push the blade through the wood and then let the blade rise up and return to its beginning position.

6. Release the trigger and allow the chop saws blade to come to a complete stop. Now you may remove the cut pieces of wood.

Tips & Warnings

• ALWAYS pay complete attention when operating chop saws or any power tools.