Miter Saws can cut at almost any angle. This is why they stand out from the regular saws. The most common angles are at 90,60 and 45 degrees. It is very common for any project to make cuts at 45 degrees angle with bevel cuts or miter cuts. Here we will be talking about how to use miter saw at 45 degrees. The Guide includes step by step process as well as things you would need to complete the task.
How To Use Miter Saw At 45 Degrees – Step By Step Guide
Total Time: 1 Hour
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before you start working, you need to be sure that your workshop is well lit and has sufficient space. So that angled cuts are precise. Gather everything you need to start working.
Step 2: Gather Scraps
You will have to practice a lot before you get a perfect cut at 45-degrees. Make sure you have enough scape wood to practice on before finally cutting the wood you have purchased. It is for sure that you will never get a perfect cut on your first try, so keep it in mind.
Step 3: Prepare The Saw
This step is not essential to follow if you keep your saw clean. But, you should follow it if it hasn’t been cleaned for a while. a. Clean the saw The left-over sawdust and debris can cause problems. It is recommended to clean the saw regularly. Compressed air can be used to blow away the excess sawdust. You can even use a cotton cloth to clean it properly at the end.
b. Check the Blade Make sure that you’re edges of the blade are sharp enough. Also, make sure that the blade is properly unwrapped.
c. Check the Table The working table needs to be even. An uneven working table will reduce the cutting precision.
d. Check the Fence The miter saw’s fence keeps the material you are working on in a fixed position but ensure first if the fence is square. In case it is not, remove the screws holding it and move the fence until squared. Then lock the fence back in its position.
e. Change the Angle Make sure that your blade is at 9 degrees and then place a square on the table, with one side leaning against the fence. Set saw at the lowest possible position. Then you have to slide the square to the edge of the blade gently.
f. Adjust the Saw Adjusting a miter saw depends on the saw model you are using. Usually, the adjustments in the saw are made by a knob and a lever. This will rotate the saw into the location necessary for the angle of the miter you want to make. So, a 45 degrees angle at the saw blade for a 45 degrees cut.
Step 4: Position The Wood
Place your wood against the fence. With a pencil, mark the area that you want to cut with the saw. Check it more than two, to be sure about it. Bring the saw in proper alignment to your mark, adjust it if needed.
Step 5: Get Safety Conscious
This is a powerful tool, and it can be dangerous if not used carefully. Follow the safety protocols. a) Wear ear and eye protection before using the saw. b) Wear gloves and a dust mask while working with treated lumber. c) Do not wear loose clothes that can get stuck in the saw. Tie your hair. Avoid wearing dangling jewelry. d) Never cross arms using saws. e) Keep hands far from the blade.
Step 6: Turn It On
Bring your saw to its full speed before touching it to the wood.
Step 7: Make The Cut
With one hand, hold the wood and use the other hand to push the saw down gently. Cautiously cut the wood. You do not have to push the saw at all. Once you are done cutting the board, wait for the blade to stop rotating completely. Then, pull the blade away from the wood. Repeat the above step on a piece of scrap wood. If the edges of the two pieces match perfectly, you have done a great job. If not, repeat the steps. This is to make sure that you have got a cut at 45 degrees. By adjusting the blade positions in your saw, you can try making cuts at other angles as well. Practice will make you perfect.
Things You Would Need
If it is your first time, don’t hesitate to seek help from an outsider. You might get great insight.
Always let the blade to come at its full speed before cutting.
Keep practicing on scrap pieces of wood. Practice will make you perfect.
You need a well-lit workspace with ample space to work with a saw.
Always use a sharp blade. You can’t get a perfect cut from a dull blade.
Before assembling the wooden pieces, apply a thin layer of wood glue. The wood glue should be applied at the end of each grain. Remove the excess glue using a dry cloth. Use 120-grit sandpaper to sand across the join where the glue has been applied. The sawdust, which will come out while sanding, will mix with the glue, and hence it will fill up all the gaps.
Marking the trim is more accurate than measuring it. It eliminates all the mistakes that could be possible.
Never nail too close to the edges or the ends because it splits molding.
Never start pressing the trim if there is a gap between the molding and the wall. If you do this, the miter joint can open up, leaving all your efforts in vain. Rather, insert a thin shim between them and then nail the outside edge of the trim. Fill them with caulk if still visible. Then you can paint them.
You can try using Brad Gun because using guns; you can hold moldings.
FAQs
1. What are the most common angles to cut from a miter saw?
45, 30, and 22.5 degrees are the most common angles while working on a miter saw.
2. What exactly is a miter angle?
It is a joint which is made by cutting two parts of woods that are joint across the main surface. They are usually joint at 45 degrees angle to form a corner at a 90-degree angle usually.
4. What are the reasons behind the smoking of the miter saw?
When used continuously, the blades heat up from cutting the wood. This heating of the blade causes the pitch or the sap in the wood to melt. They then get stuck inside the blade. This creates more friction and thus leaves burnt marks and also creates smoke.
Miter saws are very versatile tools. They are used to cut through a variety of materials. They are stationary saws. For them to work, you have to pull the blade down to cut the material you want to work on. Miter saws are also known as chop box saws, miter box saws, and chop saws.
They are famous for their ability to make cuts at any possible angle. The 45-degree cut is the one the most common. You can not get this angle right for the very first time. You need to keep practicing on the spare wood to attain perfection. This can be hard, but trust me, the efforts will be worth it. Once you learn how to use miter saw at 45 degrees, you will be able to cut on other angles. Practice will surely make you perfect.
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