The compound miter saw has a variety of uses around the shop. The compact easy to carry miter saw can be mounted to a stable surface or put on the tailgate of a truck. The high power motor turns the saw blade at a high rate of speed, giving it the power to cut thicker woods such as 2x4 with ease. Building joist for house roofs to cutting trim for the windows the compound miter saw can do the job.

The compound miter saw can be used for other applications as well. By change the saw blade to a high carbon metal cutting blade, you can cut pipe and small pieces of angle and key-stock. Copper tubing and plastic PVC pipe can be cut with the ease of butter using the compound miter saw. It's uses are many and it is a favorite of any wood shop worker or construction worker.

USE OF THE COMPOUND MITER SAW:

The use of the compound miter saw can be used by anyone that has some experience in it's use. A simple concept of how to cut angles and back cuts are essential to knowing what the saw is used for. The compound miter saw was invented to give the wood worker fast power for cutting angles of wood and other materials. It replaced the miter box which in some shops are still used today. Though the miter box was a limited system to use the compound miter saw lives up to the challenge of wood working so much better.

SET UP OF THE COMPOUND MITER SAW:

The set up of a Compound miter saw is relatively simple in its application. The arm of the saw is a fixed system that allows the blade to be moved up or down. It's table has a radius chart adhered to the table surface so the wood worker can cross reference his angle before the actual cut takes place. The saw has a locking mechanism at the back of the arm to keep the blade in a safe position for carrying.

The had adjust screw is right below the table on the compound miter saw and it allows the saw arm to pivot to the angle you want to cut. It has a quick locking mechanism so you are not slowed down while doing the job. The saw also has good safety features. The trigger can only be activated if you push in the side trigger release on the handle. This keeps the saw and the wood worker safe while he checks his line of cut.

A blade guard shows very little of the blade and diverts dust through the back into a dust collection bag that is mounter over an extraction hole made into the saw housing.

To change the blade of the compound Miter saw, you have to lift up the safety blade cover. Using the two wrenches that come with the saw, you use one wrench to hold the shaft, while using the other to remove the blade nut that holds it in place. The blade is easy to change and it will only take a few minutes before you are back up and running again.

CUTTING WITH THE COMPOUND MITER SAW:

1) Before you attempt to cut with the compound miter saw make sure you have eye and ear protection in place.

2) Make sure the wood is firmly in place against the back stop of the saw before activating the start switch.

3) Before your cut and switching on make sure the blade has been aligned with the mark on the wood.

4) Power on and make your cut. Allow the blade to stop before raising the arm up and you are done.

The compound miter saw is one of the best power tools to have in your shop arsenal. The power and ease of the saw along with the speed of set up it requires, makes it one of the favorites of all wood workers.

Learn more about this author, Rex Coker.
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