The Valuable Miter Saw

Woodworking, like any art or craft, requires the correct tools. From the common claw hammer to the plane, appropriate tools can make all the difference to the woodworker. For example, no do-it-yourself carpenter’s tool shed is complete without the versatile miter saw, which can be found in both manual and powered varieties.The manual miter saw has a metal base with a freely rotating back saw installed on it.

The wood to cut is attached with vice clamps on the miter saw’s base. Once the wood is attached, guiding rods are employed to repair the wanted cutting angle. Additionally, the manual saw is run by a miter box. A miter box has both open ends and open tops as well as slots or guides on the box itself. The woodworker places his selected wood inside this box, then positions the saw via the slotted guides or cuts. In most miter boxes, the guides are set at 45 or 90 degrees, but some models feature guides that cut at varying angles. When working with a miter box, it is wise to clamp the wood toward another surface before cutting.

This is to forestall the cut getting out of position, an occurrence that can ruin an otherwise carefully planned project. Many woodworkers have felt the dismay of realizing too late that a cut is in the wrong angle! The powered version of the miter saw is preferable for larger projects. Historically out of many woodworkers’ price ranges, modern power miter saws are relatively inexpensive and an excellent investment for both amateur and professional carpenters.The powered variety features an aluminum base that has a circular saw mounted above this base. The saw is rotated around the base and secured in position at any preferred cutting angle.

Many different models of the power miter saw are on the market today. One of the most popular is the sliding miter saw, so-called because this model can slide along a rail, enabling it to cut pieces of varying diameters.

An ingredient saw is another option of interest. It contains a compound saw which allows for an angled cut and a blade tilt concurrently. This equals even better cutting precision.

Overall, the main advantage of both the manual and power miter saws are their unique abilities to make cuts at virtually all angles. For example, the angled cross cut is of use for wood-working projects such as picture frames that require slanting angles to join the four pieces of the frame. The miter saw is the tool that makes such cuts easy; indeed, these slanting cuts are called miter joints. Miter joints are not only attractive, they are often the only cut option for certain projects.

As with all tools, think safety first when using the miter saw.

If storage space and budget permits, consider owning both the manual and powered miter saws. Both are valuable tools for any woodworker. The miter saw can help create lasting pieces of furniture and art that will last for generations.