How to use a mitre saw

If you need to make precise cuts at different angles, a mitre saw is the tool for you.

It’s a simple yet effective tool which uses a single, powerful blade to cut through various materials, usually wood, for a professional carpentry experience.

What sets Evolution mitre saws apart from others is their ability to make quick, accurate cuts at numerous angles in not just wood, but metals and plastics, too.

They’re also adjustable, meaning they can tackle almost any job where two joints need to fit together - including picture frames, wood moulding, etc.

Different types of mitre saws

As one of the most popular carpentry tools on the market, mitre saws come in several variations suited to multiple jobs.

• Single bevel - Single bevel mitre saws allow the user to make mitre and bevel cuts in one direction only. The simplest form of the saw.
• Double bevel - Need to make multiple angled cuts? The double bevel mitre saw is what you’re looking for. It can make cuts in different directions without changing the direction of the wood you’re cutting. Saving time and energy.
• Compound - Want to make bevelled cuts and a mitre cut at the same time? A compound mitre saw will do the trick. The best of both worlds.
• Sliding - Instead of just moving up and down, the blade on sliding mitre saws can also move forward. This allows it to cut materials with a greater depth than its counterparts.

Safety requirements

• Eye protection - Safety glasses are a must when using a mitre saw to make sure no harmful dust or wood chippings catch your eyes.
• Hearing protection - Mitre saws can reach loudness levels of 113 decibels. Protective headphones will allow you to continue with your work without risking damage to your hearing.
• Distance - Position your hands at least six inches away from the saw blade when cutting. Most mitre saw accidents happen when the user’s hands get too close.

Setup

Always refer to the user manual before working with your saw. Each type of mitre saw comes with its own settings and challenges.

Make sure you’ve properly set up any clamps, handles, dust bags, lasers, or other parts before plugging in the machine. Always check your blade guard is firmly in place.

If using a saw stand, be sure this is steady before you begin.

It’s best to try to familiarize yourself with all the parts first. When safety is concerned, you should be as prepared as possible.

Using the mitre saw

Finally, we’re ready to begin sawing.

Mark where you intend to cut, then position your wood on the saw. 

Before turning anything on, lower the blade and line up the tip of your saw with your mark.

If it looks like a piece of wood may fall during cutting, it’s advised to use a hold-down clamp to keep everything in place.

Support the wood, and with your hands clearly far enough from the saw, pull the safety trigger and then the trigger to activate the saw.

Small pieces are fine to saw alone, but if you're cutting larger pieces or heavier wood, make sure you have someone helping you.

Wait until the blade reaches full speed before lowering it. The sound the saw makes is a good indicator of when your blade is running as fast as possible.

Slowly and carefully lower the saw until the blade has completely passed through the wood.

Then, all you have to do is let go of the trigger. Be sure to wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before lifting it again.

Once the blade has fully stopped, you can release the adjustment knob and adjust the blade to the next angle required so you can repeat the process.

If you have more angles you need to cut, give yourself space and move any unnecessary pieces away from the saw so they don’t interfere with your next cut or become a safety hazard.

Calibration

To make sure your blade is properly calibrated before use, you can test it with a piece of spare wood.

Cut down the middle of the wood at 90 degrees. Take the pieces apart, flip one, and put them back together at the cut. If the cuts don’t fit perfectly, you need to recalibrate your blade.

You can use an angle gauge to check the blade and the fence on your machine. Tilt the blade to 45 degrees and check it lines up with the tool.

If it doesn’t, alter the adjustment bolt until everything is aligned. The bolt is usually found on the back of the saw.

Maintenance tips

Like all other tools, taking care of your mitre saw will ensure that it works much more effectively.

You should always empty the dust bag after every use, and vacuum up any loose shavings that could damage the parts in your machine.

There are special sprays and solutions you can use when cleaning your blade. Remember to always refer to the user manual when removing your blade from your machine for your safety.

Evolution mitre saws

Mitre saws can seem daunting at first, but they’re the choice of working professionals and DIY enthusiasts everywhere.

With time, patience, and plenty of wood for cutting, you’ll soon get the hang of it.

If you’re looking for your first mitre saw, or feel like you need an upgrade, take a look at our range of saws, stands, accessories, and more.

Stay tuned to shop.evolutionpowertools.com and Evolution TV for all the latest power tool products, news, and features.