Types

There are manual models that consist of a base made of wood or metal, as well as less expensive models made of plastic, and may or may not include a handsaw or backsaw to do the cutting. These miter saws are economical and work well for small projects or repairs.

The power models are of two general types:

1. Pivot-arm models have a power saw unit on a pivoting arm that is moved in a downward motion to cut the material.
2. Slide-arm models on which the power saw unit slides on single or double horizontal metal bars to cut across the material.

Both types of power miter saws enable the rotation of the saw arm to set a full range of cutting angles from 45 to 90 degrees to both the right and left sides. In addition, both model types are available with an additional “tilt” adjustment to allow for “compound angles.”

Miter saws are designated by the blade size with ranges from 8 to 14 inches in diameter. Larger models typically offer the advantage of cutting greater material sizes. Power models are built for use in shops and on jobsites.

Construction

Some hand- and all power miter saws have tables and leg unit made of steel or aluminum alloy, and the angle adjustment mechanism can be made of polythene or metal. The handle is a grip-type with a locked trigger. The motor operates on 120v AC household current and are equipped with an integrated safety brake.

How it works?

The wood, plastic or metal stock is placed on the saw table and held tightly again the vertical metal plate, or “fence”), that is perpendicular to the cutting direction of the blade and extends from either side of the cutting slot to the end of the saw table.

On hand models, the saw is held to a specified angle by placing it in a slot corresponding to that angle and the material is cut by drawing the saw back, toward the operator, then pushed forward and down and repeating this motion until the saw teeth have cut the material.

With the power miter boxes, the angle of the cut is adjusted by means of a pivoted arm that can be locked at any angle and on which the saw motor is mounted. The blade is shielded by a safety guard that rises as the handle is pushed and the saw blade cuts the material. The saw is started by holding in a safety button on the handle and depressing the trigger switch. This starts the saw motor, which spins the steel saw blade, enabling the cut to be made. By allowing the saw to return to its starting position and releasing the trigger, the blade stops with the guard in place and the material can be safely removed from the saw table.

Using the miter saw

Place the piece of material to be cut on the base of the saw, holding it securely against the rear fence. Position the saw at the desired cut angle.

For hand miter saws:

1. Insert the handsaw in the groove corresponding to the angle of cut needed.
2. Move the saw in a back and forth action until the material is cut through.

For power miter saws:

1. With the material secured, depress the trigger to start the saw motor.
2. Move the handle to push the saw blade through the material until fully cut.
3. Return saw to its starting position and release the trigger switch.
4. When saw has come to a full stop, release and remove cut piece of material.

Typical Hand Miter Box Image via Wikipedia