Have a Miter Saw? Here are 10 things you should know

Prediction: If you’ve used a miter saw, you’ve been frustrated using a miter saw.

True? There’s a reason for that and it’s not the saw’s fault. The saw is made to do one thing: Cut. Not hold, not support, and not remember what you’re supposed to be doing. All it does is cut. With these tips, you can make the most of your miter saw projects. Cut more accurately, safely, easily. And feel good instead of frustrated.

Support the ‘Work’

If there is one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: Support your work, be happy.

The ‘work’, in carpentry lingo is whatever you’re working on. In this case, it’s the boards you’re cutting—be it a 4×4 for a deck, treehouse or mailbox. Could be some primo crown molding. Whatever you’re cutting is the ‘work.’

Even on a big miter saw like my mac-daddy DeWalt 12-inch slide compound, the deck is only 24 inches or so wide. It’s good, but it does you no good if the board you’re cutting is 12 feet long. Because, gravity.

Click here to read more by Mark on HossMagazine.com.

Theresa cutting boards with miter saw in the backyard

No Im not mind melding with my miter saw Im sighting down the blade to make sure I hit the mark just right so I cut a denitl right on the corner

Building the Backyard Bench with DeWalts 12 inch Slide compound Miter Saw

Mark

Mark is a licensed contractor, tool expert, wood and outdoor enthusiast, and elite Spartan Race competitor. He writes about home improvement and tools for national magazines and websites, and teaches hands-on clinics for other remodeling professionals. Check out his book, The Carpenter's Notebook.

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