This guide will explain how to use a mitre saw safely and accurately. We'll show you how to make straight cuts, bevel cuts and mitre cuts; the key techniques for most woodworking projects.
What is a mitre saw?
A mitre saw is a power tool used to make precise cuts in wood. It's different from a circular saw because it pulls the blade down onto the wood instead of pushing it through. This helps make very accurate cuts, which is important for things like building picture frames or cutting long boards. You can use it to make straight cuts, angled cuts across the wood, angled cuts through the wood and even combinations of these angles.
When choosing a mitre saw, it's important to select one that suits your needs. Do your research to find a saw that can handle the types of projects you plan to work on.
How to perform straight cuts
Straight cuts are typically used when joining mouldings, such as skirting boards against your architrave. Before you begin, always prioritise safety. Your mitre saw will have marked “no-go zones”; areas where you should never place your hands to avoid accidents.
To make a straight cut, ensure the mitre gauge is set to 0 degrees. The saw's safety guard is engaged by a lever, moving it out of the way when cutting. To start the cut, press the start button and smoothly pull the saw down. For the most accurate cuts, lightly pull the saw down with only the safety guard engaged, allowing the blade to touch your pencil mark as a guide.
For taller materials, you can make multiple passes by pulling the saw back and forth. The maximum cutting height will vary depending on your saw model.
How to perform a bevel cut
Bevel cuts are commonly used when joining two mouldings together, such as skirting boards on an external corner. To make a bevel cut, you'll need to adjust the angle of the saw blade using the bevel adjustment mechanism located at the back of the saw.
Common bevel angles include 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees, but you can set the angle to any desired measurement.
After setting the bevel to the desired measurement, follow the same procedure as for straight cuts:
- Engage the safety guard.
- Check the blade position against your pencil mark for accuracy.
- Press the start button and smoothly pull the saw down to make the cut.
This ensures a safe and accurate bevel cut.
How to perform a mitre cut
Mitre cuts are typically used to cut and join molding together, such as architrave and wall. To make a mitre cut, adjust the angle using the mitre gauge located at the front of the saw. Your mitre saw will allow for angles up to 60 degrees to the left and 50 degrees to the right. For this example, you can set the mitre gauge to 45 degrees for cutting architrave. To make the cut, follow the same procedure as for straight and bevel cuts, as outlined above.
By following these guidelines and prioritising safety, you'll be well-equipped to make accurate and efficient cuts with your mitre saw.