Maximizing Your Miter Saw: General Use Guide and 5 Ways To Get The Most Out Of It

Miter saws are great, but they can also be dangerous. You also will need to use and take care of them properly if you want to get the most of what they have to offer.

Here are five simple tips that will help you get the best results from your miter saw.       

1. Learn The Safest Way to Use your Miter Saw

Dropping your miter saw blade into a workpiece too quickly is not only dangerous, it can also lead to rough cuts. This is particularly true if you’re cutting thin or old pieces of wood. To avoid this problem, give your motor a few extra seconds to reach its full speed before lowering the blade to begin the cut. Not only will this keep the saw stable, it will also give you better control over the saw as a whole.

2. Learn How to Carry Your Miter Saw

Learning how to carry your miter saw correctly may not seem particularly important, but some people don’t seem to know how to do it. As you may know, miter saws are heavy, and though some of them have handles, most are simply difficult to carry around.

The best way to carry a miter saw is to lift it by the base. Not only is this easier on your back, it will also help you support it with your legs. Carrying your miter saw by the base will also allow you to distribute its weight evenly.

3. Make Comparisons

If you’re buying a miter saw of the first time, or if you’re trying to replace it with a new one then you should make a few comparisons. For example, if you want something a little more recent, try comparing Dewalt DWS779 or DWS780 with the JR. Kawasaki 1650W miter saw.    You can also try comparing specific features, like power output, durability, and handling, or if you are on a short budget, compare prices. Using a miter saw the right way is important, but you will also need to be able to choose the right one.

4. Make Guidelines on Your Saw’s Base

Having trouble cutting parts that have the same length? Position the first part then mark the location of the end on your saw’s base with a pencil or pen. You now have an easy-to-follow guideline for the rest of your parts. After you have made the necessary parts, simply erase the pencil mark off.

5. Cut With the Best Side Down

Splinters can happen where the blade breaks through the piece of wood. This is usually the bottom side, which is why it’s best to cut narrow boards and keep the “show” side face up.

However, when you’re cutting wider materials with your sliding saw, you will need to pull blade towards your body. This lowers the blade, which allows you to push it forward more easily as you cut. In this process, the splinters will happen on the upper part of the board, so you will need to cut with the board facing down.