How to Use a Sliding Compound Mitre Saw
Sliding compound miter saws have revolutionized woodworking and carpentry. Allowing larger cuts than their non-sliding brethren, while being more portable than radial arm saws, sliding compound miter saws are the choice for a growing cadre of professionals and hobbyists. The saw's head is composed of the motor, blade and blade guard; the head moves fore and aft on a sliding rail. The table supports the work and pivots left and right in the horizontal plane. The fence is positioned over the table and serves as a backstop for your work.
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Instructions
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Set the saw on a stable surface and at a comfortable working height. Make sure you have enough clearance to the sides for your work piece, and enough clearance to the rear for the slide mechanism. Plug in the saw.
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Release the saw's head from its stored position; pull out the release pin at the back of the head and loosen the locking knob on the saw's sliding mechanism by turning it counterclockwise.
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Set your desired bevel angle by loosening the lever or knob at the back of the saw, and moving the head in the vertical plane. A scale graduated in degrees indicates the angle. Tighten the head at the desired setting.
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Move the knob or lever at the front of the saw's table and set the miter angle. As with the bevel setting, a scale indicates the angle of your cut in degrees. Lock the lever in place to hold your setting.
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Place your work piece on the saw table, and hold it tightly against the fence. Don't put your fingers within 6 inches of the blade. If your work piece is short, clamp it in place. The unfinished side of your work should face down and toward the fence.
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Make your cut. Pull the saw head toward you, switch the saw motor on and with a plunging motion, move the head down and back toward the fence. Release the trigger and release the head.
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Wait for the blade to stop spinning before retrieving your work piece.
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Tips & Warnings
Some woods splinter easily, even when using a sharp blade. Try covering the area of your cut with masking tape.
Never use a dull blade; it increases the chance of dangerous kick-back, and is hard on the saw's motor.
You can easily cut aluminum, brass and plastics with your saw; use a carbide tipped blade with a shallow hook angle.
Never disable or remove the blade guard.
Keep hands and fingers at least 6 inches from the blade at all times.
Tie back long hair to keep it from getting caught in the spinning blade.
Always wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before removing your work or making any adjustments to the saw.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit detail of industrial saw for furniture industry image by Tomo Jesenicnik from Fotolia.com
