Miter Saw Tutorial
Miter Saw Tutorial | What You Use It For
One of my favorite tools to use is the miter saw. Miter saws are great for angled cuts like trim, molding, etc. but can also be used for general cutting projects. My miter saw is the RYOBI 15 Amp 12 in. Corded Sliding Compound Miter Saw. This saw is great if you are just starting out because it lets you cut a larger surface space and adjusts to three different directions while cutting.
Miter Saw Tutorial | Getting Started
I’m going to teach you the basics of how to use a miter saw. First and foremost, make sure your saw is on a flat, level surface. This can be on the ground or on a table. Now plug in the saw or attach a battery. Next step is to unlock the blade so you can raise and lower it. Then, if you have a sliding saw, you want to unlock the sliding mechanism so it can move back and forth.
Miter Saw Tutorial | Back To Basics
Let's go over basic cutting on a miter saw. Once you’ve measured what you want to cut, line the wood up with the saw and bring the blade down so you can see where the blade will be cutting. You want to be cutting on the OUTSIDE of where you've marked your cut. So, in this case, I am cutting just to the right of my line.
Miter Saw Tutorial | Angled Cuts
Let's talk about mitered or angled cuts. With a normal cut, your miter saw is set to zero degrees. You can move the base of your saw to the left or right to change the degree of your cut. This kind of cut is going to impact the FRONT of your boards. This cutting technique is great if you're trying to create a frame that is not square or rectangle, like the house bed I built. At the back of the base of your saw, you may see another area where you can change the angle of your cut.
Miter Saw Tutorial | Making The Mitered Cut
At the back of the base of your saw, you may see another area where you can change the angle of your cut. If you do not already have a saw, I would highly suggest getting one that has this option. Now, adjust your saw to the desired angle and make your cut. This is called a mitered cut. This kind of cut is going to impact the INSIDE of your boards. It’s a great kind of cut if you're trying to hide a seam in molding or trim.
Any tool has a learning curve, but making that initial cut is always the hardest. Just practice and don’t be afraid to mess up (I have more than a few times!) and you’ll do great. Follow along for more basic tool tutorials.
Miter Saw Tutorial | Shop
