{"id":4943,"date":"2021-09-29T08:00:07","date_gmt":"2021-09-29T08:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bestofmachinery.com\/?p=4943"},"modified":"2022-05-11T17:26:18","modified_gmt":"2022-05-11T17:26:18","slug":"how-to-use-a-sliding-miter-saw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestofmachinery.com\/how-to-use-a-sliding-miter-saw\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use a Sliding Miter Saw"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\"blueMiter saws come in all varieties of shapes, sizes, and colors. Generally, the blade sizes of a regular, non-sliding saw (or chop saw<\/a>) range from 7.25 inches up to 12 inches. Larger blades can cut wider boards. Stationary compound miter saws (also knows as \u201cbench miter saws,\u201d or simply \u201ccompound miter saws\u201d) do more than just cut simple miter angles. They have an arm that pivots, allowing the blade to tip to the side, resulting in a \u201cbevel\u201d cut.<\/p>\n

Typically, these saws are referred to as \u201ccompound\u201d because the tilted angle and miter angle planes make it possible to cut two angles simultaneously.<\/p>\n

Which is Better: a Standard or Sliding Miter Saw?<\/h2>\n

Sliding compound miter saws (click here for our review)<\/a> have all the versatility of compound miter saws but the added benefit of flexibility. Their sliding arm or arms allow you to move the blade both forward and backward, providing a longer cutting length. These tools cut a few inches wider than the diameter of the blade. However, they’re significantly more expensive than a non-sliding saw. If you can afford it and often cut wider materials, we highly recommend a sliding miter saw.<\/p>\n

Sliding miter saws<\/a> make life much easier and save a load of time. The standard sliding miter saw has a trigger built into the handle. Some also feature a safety button that you depress before squeezing the trigger. To begin a straight downward cut, press the safety button, squeeze the trigger, and then wait for the saw blade to reach its maximum torque. Next, slowly lower the saw onto the board or material you’re cutting. As it cuts, guide the saw downward.<\/p>\n

Once the cut is complete, but the blade is still in the material, release the trigger. Let it come to a complete stop before you lift the blade away from the material. A compound sliding miter saw will do miter cuts and bevels at the same time. Miter saws feature a fence that you can rest the back of the board against while cutting. This keeps the board steady and helps your miter saw cut to the precise degree you have chosen.<\/p>\n

Many miter saws come with a clamp, which acts like another hand to steady the board while cutting. If your saw doesn’t have a clamp, keep your hand positioned far away from the blade when holding the board against the fence. Never reach beneath the saw while it’s rotating, whether there is a guard or not.<\/p>\n

How to Operate a Sliding Miter Saw<\/h2>\n

When operating a miter saw, there is a correct way to make a sliding cut:<\/p>\n