Mitre Saws

Miter saws, also known as miter boxes, give you the capability of moving your radial arm saw to the job site or to any part of the house where you might need the features of a radial arm saw, but not its bulk. Miter saws are most often used for cutting precise angles such as would be used when trimming windows and doors or installing crown molding. They are also handy for cutting exterior trim such as fascia or brick molding.

Miter saws are heavy, but they can usually be carried by one person and are normally a little lighter than portable table saws. If you’re trimming a room, the saw can be set on the floor or on a few sturdy boards supported by saw horses and you’re ready to start cutting. Most miter saws are electric powered, but a few manufacturers offer battery powered models that are good for small projects.

Types of Miter Saws

There are three primary types of miter saws and a good rule of thumb might be to purchase the model with the most features you can afford. The top of the line saws are very versatile, but while the basic models can be helpful – they’re limited in their capabilities. The selections you have to choose from:

• Basic miter saws – these saws consist of a work table and an arm that has a motor and saw blade attached. Most miter saws use a 10 inch blade, but it’s possible to purchase units with 12 inch blade capability. The basic miter saw allows you to shift the angle of the arm in relation to the work table, but the blade always comes down perpendicular to the material you’re cutting and the blade can’t be moved forward – it’s similar to a chopping action.
• Compound miter saws – these models have all of the features of the basic miter saw, but you can also adjust the angle of the blade so that it provides a compound cutting action. This means that you can cut a piece of casing at a 45 degree angle, but the actual cut can also be at 30 degrees if you desire. This can save a lot of work on jobs you might have to double cut on a basic miter saw such as crown molding.
• Sliding miter saws – these feature an arm and blade that can be pulled toward you that permits wider cuts – basic and compound miter saws are normally limited to cutting materials that are a maximum of 6 inches wide, but sliding models may be able to cut up to 10 or 12 inches.

Miter saws can be used to cut a variety of materials, but always make sure your blade is designed for the product you’re cutting. Most miter saws feature a safety interlock on their triggers to prevent accidental start-ups and it can also be a good idea to choose a model with a blade brake so rotations stop as soon as the trigger is released.

Miter Saw Safety

Miter saws are like all power saws in that they can be very time-saving and helpful, but can also cause serious injuries. Always make sure the material you’re cutting is held securely in

place before lowering the blade and even more important – know where your fingers are in relation to the blade – especially when cutting angles. Eye and ear protection are mandatory when using a miter saw.