How to Use a Miter Saw. Mitre cut circular saw

How to Use a Miter Saw

Crosscuts and miters are common woodworking cuts. Here’s how to perfect them with a miter saw.

Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content.

Miter saws, also known as chop saws, are known for their efficiency and precision when making a number of important woodworking cuts. This specialized tool is rarely necessary for a project, but it definitely makes it go faster. Use a miter saw when you have to make many identical cuts, saw at an angle, or form perfect miter joints.

When learning how to use a miter saw, you might be a little intimidated at first. After all, the saw is bulky with a big, powerful blade. But armed with confidence and our step-by-step guide, you’ll be sawing like a pro in no time. We’ll show you how to safely use the saw, make miter cuts, and make angled cuts.

Step 1: Mark Material

Taking blade width into account, measure your cut. Use a pencil to gently mark the lines. Then place your marked wood piece against the fence at the back of the saw base.

Editor’s Tip: The old adage “measure twice, cut once” applies to cutting with a miter saw, too. Since the blade is roughly ⅛-inch-thick, it’s important that you take its width into account when measuring super-precise cuts.

Step 2: Position Clamp

Protect yourself with a miter saw clamp. This handy tool keeps your hands away from the blade. Place the clamp at least 6 inches from the blade, and tighten until secure. Most have a small knob that can be tightened and loosened as needed.

Step 3: Prep Saw

Make miter and bevel adjustments as needed according to manufacturer’s directions. The bevel refers to the saw’s vertical angle, while a miter is the saw’s horizontal angle. If you plan to saw without mitered or beveled edges, set both the bevel and the miter to 0 degrees. Depending on the project, you may adjust one or both settings to get the necessary angle for your cut. Once the saw is set, squeeze the trigger to turn it on, and bring the blade up to full speed before pulling it down towards the wood.

Step 4: Start Sawing

Make your cut, moving from front to back. This movement matches the spin of the blade and prevents kickback. Once the board is cut through, release the trigger and let the blade come to a complete stop before raising it.

Step 5: Make a Miter Cut

If you need to make miter cuts, adjust the turntable by squeezing the miter lock handle until it’s at the desired angle. Keep in mind that a perpendicular cut would be set to 0 degrees, then adjust accordingly. Once the saw is set, lower the blade and cut through the wood, moving from front to back.

Step 6: Make an Angled Cut

If you need to make angled cuts, tilt the blade arm at an angle to the bed of the table. This cuts both a bevel and angle at once. Most saws can tilt in both directions, but some only bevel towards one side. Also, keep in mind that a square cut would be set with a bevel of 0 degrees, and most saws have a maximum bevel of 45 degrees. Once adjusted as desired, lower the blade and cut through the wood, moving from front to back.

How to Use a Miter Saw

Stay safe and make quick work of your next woodworking project with a miter saw.

Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. He is skilled in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional plumbing, electrical, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management.

Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board.

Elizabeth MacLennan is a fact checker and editor with a background in earth sciences and sustainability. Elizabeth holds an M.S. from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

When you attempt to cut wood with a handheld saw, like a circular saw or jigsaw, it can be challenging to make several identical cuts on multiple pieces of wood, especially if the cut needs to be done at an angle. However, a miter saw is designed for this exact purpose. These tools are ideal for cutting deck boards, making angled cuts on trim and baseboard material, as well as working with plastic and composites.

While freehand cuts are still necessary for many woodworking projects, the clean, measured precision of a miter saw is typically more beneficial for common DIY tasks, including installing a fence, building a home office, or replacing carpet with hardwood flooring. Keep reading to learn how to use a miter saw, plus care and storage tips.

What Is a Miter Saw?

A miter saw is a type of power tool typically used for woodworking. It consists of a vertical, circular cutting blade that is mounted on a pivoting arm. When the trigger button is held down, the saw blade rotates at a Rapid speed, allowing the user to pivot the arm and direct the blade down through the target material. It is capable of cutting cleanly through wood, plastic, composites, and some metals.

Miter Saw vs. Chop Saw

Miter saws and chop saws are often confused because they have the same basic design for making clean, accurate 90-degree cuts. However, there are several differences between these two tools, starting with the fact that chop saws cannot make mitered or angled cuts. Chop saws are made for heavy-duty, 90-degree cuts from a vertical position, while the angle of a miter saw blade can be adjusted for bevel, miter, or compound cuts.

Chop saws use a tough, abrasive spinning disc to slice through metal, concrete, and other masonry materials. A miter saw can cut through some softer metals with the right blade, but typically these medium-duty saws are a more lightweight option that is best for wood, plastic, and composite materials. In addition, miter saw blades are smaller than chop saw blades and they have angled cutting teeth that move easily through wood and other soft material.

• 90-degree cuts and mitered cuts
• Cannot cut through masonry or concrete
• Works well with wood, plastic, and composites
• Versatile saw for bevel, miter, and compound cuts
• Only 90-degree cuts
• Suitable for cutting masonry material
• Better for slicing through metal and concrete
• Heavy-duty saw for straight cuts

Safety Considerations

Before handling any power tool, it’s important to take safety into consideration. Make sure to wear safety glasses, gloves, and a mask when you are using the miter saw to keep your eyes, hands, and lungs safe. It’s also recommended to wear a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, earplugs, and closed-toe shoes for personal protection.

During use, keep your fingers at least six inches away from the path of the blade and allow the blade to come to a complete stop before lifting it. Never reach under the blade when the saw is plugged in and always make sure that the material is secure before making a cut. This can be achieved by holding the material with one hand and bringing the saw down in the other, or you can secure the material to the base of the saw or workbench with one or more clamps. When you are changing the blade or you are finished using the miter saw, it’s a good idea to unplug the saw to prevent accidental activation.

How to Use a Miter Saw

Miter Saw Set-Up

You can’t start to cut any material until the miter saw is set up properly. The saw requires a broad, firm base, like a workbench or table, and it should ideally be positioned so that you have enough room to work on an 8-foot piece of lumber without hitting anything. A long workbench, a second work table, or a couple of sawhorses can be used to support long material that extends out from the miter saw. It’s a good idea to prepare one or more clamps, as well as spare pieces of lumber that can be used to hold the material in place while you work. This is especially important when you are making beveled, mitered, and compound cuts into the material because any shift or slip could ruin the cut. Lastly, consider attaching the miter saw directly to the work surface with clamps or even screws if you don’t mind screwing into the base. This will help to prevent the saw from moving or shifting during use.

Test the Blade Alignment

The first time that you set up your miter blade, it’s a good idea to test the blade alignment to ensure that the blade is perpendicular to the base and to the miter saw fence. You may also want to check the alignment on an older saw if it seems like it isn’t cutting straight. Always unplug the miter saw when checking and adjusting the blade alignment.

What Is a Miter Saw Fence?

A miter saw fence is a solid piece of metal that is secured to the base of the saw and sits perpendicular to the blade in order to keep work pieces square to the blade for accurate cuts. Users typically push the material against the miter saw fence to quickly align the material for a straight cut.

Use a right-angle level or square to check if the blade is perpendicular to the base by standing the level on the base and lowering the blade so that the vertical section of the level sits up against the blade. If the blade is perpendicular to the table there shouldn’t be a gap between the level and the blade, but if you find that the blade is slightly off, use the bevel tilt on the saw to adjust the blade until it is straight. Reset the bevel gauge to 0 at the new angle. To check if the fence is perpendicular to the blade, lay the right-angle level or square down flat with one edge against the fence and the other against the flat part of the blade, making sure to avoid the teeth. If there is a gap, you will need to loosen the bolts on the fence to adjust the angle to 90 degrees to ensure that the saw cuts straight.

Measure and Mark the Material

Take time to properly measure the material to the desired length with a tape measure, then draw a light pencil line to indicate where to cut. Line up the material on the base of the miter saw so that the blade is directly over the pencil line. Clamp the material to the miter saw or to the workbench to keep it from shifting. Make sure the material is up against the miter saw fence to ensure that the cut will be accurate. If you are making a beveled cut, you will need to place the material on its edge against the saw fence, instead of lying flat on the base. Then adjust the gauge on the saw to the correct angle and lower the blade to the material without pulling the trigger to verify that it will cut into the material at the right angle. Clamp or brace the material in position to prevent it from moving while you work.

Tip

Any material that extends out from the miter saw base needs to be properly supported. A workbench, miter saw extension supports, or even a couple of sawhorses can be used for this purpose.

Adjust and Secure the Blade

Miter saws can cut at a straight 90-degree angle that is perpendicular to the miter saw fence, but they can also be adjusted to make angled or mitered cuts, as the name implies. Loosen the knob on the front of the saw to swivel the base up to 45 degrees in either direction for a mitered cut. Tighten the knob to lock the base in position, then lower the blade to cut through the material at the desired angle. You can also adjust the angle of the saw with the bevel adjustment knob, which is typically located at the back or side of the saw. This will allow the blade to tilt to the left or right, depending on the saw. Some miter saws have a double-bevel adjustment, so they can tilt to the left and right, instead of one or the other. After adjusting the base or the blade, secure the adjustment knob and lower the blade to the material to verify that it is lined up at the correct angle and in the right position.

Lower the Blade to Cut the Material

Make sure that the material is secured with a clamp, held down by a second person, or firmly held in place with one hand. Pull the trigger on the miter saw to start the blade, but wait until the blade is up to full speed before lowering it to cut through the material. If the blade isn’t up to full speed, then it may nick or chip the material on the edges of the cut as the slower rotation struggles to accelerate through the material. Cut smoothly through the material, then release the trigger and hold the blade in the lowered position until it stops completely. Lifting the blade while it is still spinning can damage the material and it may also send pieces of wood, plastic, or composite flying. Repeat these steps with any additional pieces of material.

When to Replace Your Miter Saw Blades

The blades on a miter saw can wear out, just like the blade on a circular saw or jigsaw. If the blades are not changed they can fail during use, sending pieces of metal flying in random directions out from the saw, so it’s important to replace the blade before it fails. Additionally, severely worn blades do not cut as well, leading to rough or burned edges on your projects.

Typical signs that indicate the blade needs to be replaced include missing teeth, burning smells, warping, discoloration, and rough cuts. If the blade doesn’t appear damaged or burnt, consider having it sharpened by a professional instead of replacing the blade.

Miter Saw Guide

Miter saws are versatile woodworking tools created for cutting a variety of building materials such as lumber, siding, flooring, or even PVC pipes. Used primarily for crosscuts, which are cuts that go across the grain of the wood, miter saws have mounted circular saw blades that you pull down to cut the workpiece. Many miter saws are stationary saws, as you bring the mounted blade downward, rather than running it horizontally along the workpiece. One that slides horizontally across the piece as you cut would be a “sliding” miter saw. Miter saws go by many other names, such as a chop box saws, chop saws, and miter box saws.

A miter saw’s standard cutting angle is 90 degrees. However, both single and dual bevel miter saws allow you to make bevel cuts, which are cuts that are along the material’s thickness at an angle other than 90 degrees. The bevel of a miter saw is useful for intricate work and often a major differentiator for buyers. The saw blade rotates — either to the left or right — allowing you to adjust the saw positioning to different angles, such as a 45-degree angle. Typical miter saw applications include making trim, molding, baseboards and other fine carpentry work. Miter saws allow you to achieve complex angles that are often required with woodworking and carpentry projects.

This guide to miter saws will explain the different ways you can achieve bevels cuts with two different types of circular saws: single and dual bevel miter saws.

Single Bevel Compound Miter Saws

A single bevel miter saw only adjusts its positioning in one direction: to the left or right. Therefore, a single bevel miter saw allows you to make one-directional bevel cuts. Single bevel miter saws can make both bevel cuts and miter cuts independently or together.

Depending on your project, you may need to make bevel cuts on both sides of the workpiece. Because a single bevel miter saw can only make bevel cuts in one direction, you’ll need to turn your workpiece around to achieve an additional bevel cut on its other side.

Even though a single bevel miter saw can only make bevel cuts in one direction, the saw can still accomplish the same thing a dual bevel does, just with a little more brainpower. If you need to make multiple cuts on both sides of your workpiece, it will take longer and require more effort using a single bevel miter saw.

Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saws

The blade angles of a dual bevel miter saw can adjust to both the left and right, as opposed to just one side, like the single bevel saw. Some people call this type of tool a double bevel miter saw because it can be adjusted to make cuts in any direction.

Because the saw head can rotate on a fulcrum towards both the right and the left, you can make identical bevel cuts in your workpiece without having to turn your material around. Double bevel miter saws allow you to make precise and uniform cuts on both sides of your workpiece. It also makes the job easier and quicker, as you can make faster repetitive cuts even on longer workpieces.

This is a simple way to convert your circular saw in miter saw machine

For contractors or highly committed hobbyists, a dual bevel miter saw will improve your workflow and efficiency.

Single vs. Dual Bevel Miter Saws

Both single and dual miter saws can make miter and bevel cuts, and both use circular saw blades for cutting. They are also both referred to as “Compound” miter saws because they can make miter cuts and cuts in 1 or 2 directions. Despite these basic similarities, there are some differences between each.

Pros and Cons of Single Bevel Miter Saws

Single bevel miter saws are more straightforward machines, ideally suited for the beginner craftsman or home improvement hobbyist. If you’re new to woodworking or looking for a lower maintenance saw, consider these pros of single bevel miter saws:

• They’re Cheap: Single bevel compound miter saws are typically a few hundred dollars cheaper than dual bevel saws of the same brand.
• Simplicity: Single bevel miter saws are straightforward and easier to use. If you plan on making most of your cuts at 90-degree angles, then this will do everything you need.
• Versatility: Single bevel miter saws are great for beginners or professionals since you can accomplish what you can with a dual bevel, with a hair more effort.

Despite their advantages, single bevel miter saws do have some drawbacks:

• Fewer capabilities: The main disadvantage of the single bevel miter saw is that it makes one-directional angled cuts, meaning you have to turn your workpiece around to make matching cuts. This matters most when installing crown molding or other types of trim.
• Less uniformity: Because you can’t make double cuts at once with a single bevel miter saw, any matching bevel cuts you make on the other side of your workpiece might not appear as uniform.
• Longer work time: If you’re working on a more intricate project requiring double cuts, it will take you longer with a single bevel cut miter saw.

Pros and Cons of Dual Bevel Miter Saws

Many professional contractors and advanced woodworkers prefer double bevel miter saws. If you’re a more experienced craftsperson, then here are some of the benefits of investing in a dual bevel miter saw:

• Take on more work: With a double bevel miter saw, you can take on more projects because you’ll be able to cut in both directions efficiently. This is very helpful for crown molding projects and other projects with trim.
• Meet tight deadlines: Being able to make bevel cuts in two directions without rotating your workpiece saves time, meaning you can get more done faster if you’re on a tight deadline.
• Make precise cuts: Having the ability to rotate the saw head allows you to make more precise matching cuts on both sides of the workpiece, improving the quality of your work.

It’s essential to choose the right miter saw for you, so first consider some of these possible disadvantages of dual bevel miter saws:

• expensive: Dual bevel miter saws are typically at least 100 more than single bevel miter saws from the same brand, so it’s important to consider the return you’ll get from your investment.
• complicated to use: Dual bevel miter saws have more extensive capabilities, making them more complicated and not as suitable for beginners. Typically the projects where these are most helpful, such as crown molding as mentioned above, are not beginner woodworking projects.

The Miter Saw Says it’s Sliding. What does that mean?

Both single and dual bevel miter saws can be sliding. Sliding miter saws are designed to expand the capabilities of the miter saw. The blade sits on a rail and slides across the board you’re cutting. This will allow you to cut wider boards. Some sliding saws allow you to cut boards that are 12″ or even 16″ in width, which you couldn’t accomplish with a normal miter saw. Instead of “chopping” through the board, you’ll slide the blade across the board since the blade sits on rails. To use a sliding miter saw, you simply pull the blade toward your body and push away as you cut. Typically single and dual bevel miter saws that are sliding cannot be adjusted to angles that are as steep as the non-sliding saws. This is because the rails used for sliding interfere with the side to side motion.

Blades You Can Use With a Miter Saw

Whether you use a single or a dual miter saw, the quality of your work still depends on the right type of blade for the job. Miter saws are versatile woodworking tools that you can use with a variety of circular saw blades. Here are some of your best saw blade options to use with a miter saw:

• Crosscut blade: Miter saws are meant for crosscutting, which is why your miter saw needs a good crosscut blade. For best crosscutting results, choose a blade with a high tooth count, so you can achieve smoother cuts.
• Combination blade: If you use a variety of materials besides lumber, then a combination blade is a good option. Combination blades allow you to achieve smooth cuts in materials other than lumber.

When selecting your saw blade for your miter saw, be sure to choose high-quality blades that are built to last longer and perform better.

Choose Luxite Saw Blades for Superior Woodworking

Whether you’re a professional craftsman or carpenter or you’re new to hobby woodworking, choose Luxite woodworking blades for high-quality woodworking results. We offer superior carbide-tipped circular saw blades that are made to last, giving you a better return on your investment.

For more information on Luxite saws, reach out to our representatives today. Call us at 1-800-654-7297 or contact us online.

Miter Saw vs Circular Saw

Circular saw or miter saw, which one should I get? What is the difference and do I need both?

Generally, if your project involves a lot of trimming then get a Miter saw. Conversely, if you are going to do rip-cuts or need to cut plywood, then a circular saw is what you need. However, the choice is not that easy.

So, you notice it has been a while since you added a new power tool to your collection, and you decide now would be a perfect time to grab a new tool to use. But, you face the issue that all professionals face, what power tool should you get? In this article, we are going to look at two very different, and two very popular power tools, miter saw vs circular saw. You will learn what each does, what jobs each is best suited for, and finally, you will learn what person should buy each kind of saw.

What is a circular saw?

A circular saw is a power tool with a flat circular blade that rotates at high speed to cut wood, plywood, plastic, and even metal.

Circular saws are pretty straightforward as far as power tools go. They are handheld and come in both corded and cordless models. They are versatile and relatively cheap (especially when compared to other top of the line power tools) so you will find circular saws in almost every workshop and garage. Most of you out there, especially if you are interested in carpentry, woodworking, etc., have seen a circular saw before. They are round handheld saws that rotate at high speeds. They are generally capable of cutting through almost anything, including any kind of wood, plastics, and much more.

What is a miter saw?

Miter saw is a machine designed to do accurate crosscuts and miter cuts at the required angle. They can also cut bevel and a combination of both. For those who do not know, a “miter” essentially refers to cuts done at any angle other than 90 degrees (a crosscut). So, as you can probably guess, a miter saw is a kind of saw dedicated specifically to make those sorts of angled cuts.

How to use a Miter Saw. A complete beginner’s guide

Miter saws look somewhat similar to circular saws, as both have large circular saw blades that rotate at high speed and cut through the wood. However, there are considerable differences between the two power tools, which I will explain below.

Circular Saw Vs Miter Saw Comparison

Here is a quick comparison chart to help you decide betwen miter saw or circular saw.

Features	Circular Saw	Miter Saw
Versatality	Excellent for wide range of cutting	Dedicated to crosscuts
Accuracy	Average	Highly accurate
Rip-cuts	Yes. Use straight-edge or guide rail	No
Crosscuts	Yes. But poor accuracy	Excellent for crosscuts
Cuts Plywood	Yes.	No
Rabbet Dado	Yes. Can be done.	Requires sliding miter saw
Ease of Use	Takes time to master	Relatively easy to use
Portability	Easy to store and carry around	Requires table or workbench
Price	Very affordable	Comparatively expensive
Recommended	Best Circular Saw

Difference between a Miter Saw and Circular Saw

Let’s take a detailed look at both the power saws to figure out which is best for beginners and which tool is right for your job.

How do they work?

In case of a miter saw the cutting blade is dropped from above the work-piece to make the cut, whereas on a circular saw the blade is fed against the work along a straight path. Likewise, they have a bed that is used to hold the wood (or whatever else is being cut) in place.

Types of cuts

Looks aside, circular saws and miter saws are effectively two different tools. A circular saw is an all-around tool. It can make a variety of different cuts and it can be used on a variety of different jobs. It is effectively a mobile version of a table saw. With enough experience and technical knowledge, a circular saw can be used to make any kind of cuts that you can think of. It can even make miter and bevel cuts that you would normally have to use a miter saw for.

A miter saw, on the other hand, is a specialty tool. As I said earlier, it is explicitly meant to make angled cuts. Now, you may be wondering what the purpose of a miter saw is since circular saws can also make miter cuts. Well, miter saws allow you to make angled cuts easier, faster and accurately. The problem with using circular saws to make miter cuts is that it is difficult to get the cut straight and accurate and requires a lot of practice to get it right. The chance for error is also much higher when using a circular saw.

Storage and Portability

Circular saws are small and require very little storage space. On the other hand, Miter saw requires it’s own table or a miter saw stand.

In terms of portability, circular saws are much easier to move around; especially if you have a cordless model. Transporting a circular saw from job site to job site is as easy as throwing it in your car. Miter saws are not as difficult to move from place to place when compared to table saws, but they are definitely less mobile than circular saws.

Price

In terms of cost, there is a bit of difference, but not a major one. I generally notice that your average circular saw is cheaper than your average miter saw, but this is not a universal truth. For example, I have seen the top of the line circular saws that cost a bit more than a middle of the road miter saw. The price differences are not that major either way, at the most, you will be spending about 50-75 more dollars for a good miter saw. Still, if you are on a strict budget it is something worth considering.

When to go for a circular saw

So, when should you buy a circular saw? Well, if you have a job that requires you to make a large variety of cuts, then you absolutely must get a circular saw. The variety of cuts a circular saw can make far surpass the variety of cuts that a miter saw can make.

Almost any carpentry or woodworking job that you can think of can benefit from a quality circular saw. In order to make a perfectly straight rip-cut, first get straightedge cut from the edge of a sheet of hardboard and clamp it on your workpiece to use it as a jig. Alternatively, you can get expensive ready-made guide rails that can help you to make accurate straight cuts.

Most newer circular-saw models also come with the tiltable base, that you can set the desired angle to make bevel cuts.

Also, a good circular saw will be useful for the general house and/or property maintenance.

When to go for a miter saw

A miter saw is a specialty tool and thus you should get it if you plan on doing specialty jobs that require precise miter cuts in the future. There is no sense in buying a miter saw and just letting it sit in the garage or tool shed gathering dust.

Miter saw cannot be used for cutting plywood and can’t do long rip-cuts. You can’t make rabbets and dados unless you go for an expensive sliding miter saw.

If you plan on building something that requires a lot of trim work, like photo frames, build furniture, small tables, decks with 2×4 or 2x6s or anything else of that nature, then invest in a good miter saw as it will make those jobs both faster and easier. Learn how to use a miter saw before you build your next project.

However, if you just need a simple tool for cutting wood occasionally, then look for a different kind of saw. For woodworking, the table saw with miter gauge is a great alternative.

Who should buy what?

So, by now you have a good grasp on what each tool is and what jobs they are best suited for. The last thing I want to discuss who should buy each kind of saw.

Most beginners, especially women may find circular saw more intimidating. However, it is the most versatile tool that can perform nearly all the tasks that a Miter Saw can and more, but with less accuracy.

A miter saw is a specialized tool to miter, crosscut, and bevel cuts accurately. If the extent of your carpentry is around the house DIY work, then a miter saw is frankly just a waste of your money. You may get one or two uses out of it, but that does not really justify the cost of most miter saws. Unless you already have a circular saw at home, then I would definitely recommend buying one of those.

If, however, you know for certain that you are going to need to make miter cuts in the future. Say for example you are building some furniture and the local expert at the hardware store told you that you would need to make miter cuts, then you should definitely invest in a miter saw.

Conclusion:

Ideally, you should get both; miter saw for your work that requires accurate trimming and circular saw for all rip-cuts. However, if you must choose one over the other, I would recommend you to buy a circular saw first since it is the most versatile power saw you get.