by Nick Somoski

Created on: July 01, 2009   Last Updated: August 14, 2011

For easy, quick, and accurate use, a compound miter saw won't disappoint you. There are several types of miter saws, including the compound miter saw, that are used primarily for making what the name implies: miter joints. Miter joints are ones in which both pieces of wood are beveled in order to be joined with a third party. The compound miter saw will come in handy when beveling is needed.

The design is like no other. The regular motorized miter saw is small and portable, generally used to make simple, accurate crosscuts. It uses a circular saw blade, spinning in a motorized unit, usually cutting at a 90 angle while placed against a fence. The compound feature takes this compressed saw a step further. This allows the miter saw to flexibly move between -50 and 90 degrees, making it able to sit horizontal or at an angle to the plane. This also allows the saw to be used for bevel cutting, or cutting at 45 degrees.

So, if you're interested in using the compound milter saw, think of it as an adventure. While seemingly complicated, with simple instructions, the compound miter saw can be a cinch to use.

1. Operating the Saw

Before turning on the saw you need to establish the proper angle. To begin with the 90 degree angle, set the compound miter saw directly against the saw's fence. Doing so will get the saw perfectly level, allowing you to make a perfect 90 degree (perpendicular) cut. To cut, first turn the saw on. Once you've gotten a good hold of it, release the safety, place your hand on the blade arm, and pull it down to make the cut. Once you pull down the lever, the saw will make the cut at one speed at precisely the angle you set it at.

For best results, you should wait a full minute after turning the saw on to make the first cut. Let the blade come up to full speed, then lower it down carefully to the object being cut and let the blade do its job.

2. Adjusting the Saw

The compound miter saw allows you to adjust to certain angles, making desired cuts other than perpendicular to the wood. You must change the angle before turning on the saw. To do so, you can turn the base (the table) to the angle at which the blade cuts into the material. The material will be held against the fence, and should be moved to the angle you're looking to cut at.

First, swivel the blade arm, located on the base. Release the locking device that locks in the angle (which can be a switch or a simple screw, depending on the saw you have). Move the blade to the desired angle, which

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>