Wally’s Workshop

Here’s a few simple suggestions to make using your (powered) miter saw more enjoyable:

1) Measure twice, cut twice.

I’m sure you heard it as “measure twice, cut once”. Well, although I follow that advice when using my table saw, I find it better when using the miter saw to do a test cut first - a bit longer than the intended cut - just to make sure I’m getting it right. Then I’ll adjust the board slightly to get the exact cut. Keep in mind, it’s much easier to cut a board shorter than “cut it longer”.

2) Learn where to “make your mark”.

The tendency, when marking a board, it to place the mark along an outside edge. Great for table saw cutting, but a mistake for miter saw cutting. Learn where the blade first touches a board during the down-stroke, and start making your marks closer to that point. For different width boards it will likely change a bit (especially if your miter saw slides), but after time you’ll get the hang of it.

3) Bump up to shave off.

When you have to shave a small amount off the end of a board, use this simple trick. Put the saw all the way down to it’s lowest position (as if you had just completed a cut). Gently push the end of the board into the exposed blade until the blade slightly bends (gently please), or the blade is pushed off center a bit. Pull up on the blade handle until the blade clears the board, and execute the cut. You’ll find the blade slightly shaves the board - almost like sanding off the end.

I hope these tips help make your miter saw antics a bit easier, and help you get the results you desire.

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