Safety & Uses Of A Chop Saw
The miter saw, also known as a chop saw or drop saw, is a small, portable saw that uses a circular blade, ranging in size from 8 to 12 inches. This saw is designed to make precision cross-cuts. The blade is pulled downward in one, short, controlled motion -- hence the name chop or drop saw.
Uses
Miter saws are used to cut precise angles in molding, trim work, rafters and in general carpentry. A miter index allows you to adjust the angle of your blade from 0 to 90 degrees, relative to the fence. Compound miter saws provide the added ability to adjust the vertical angle of the blade, allowing you to make vertical- and/or horizontal-angled cuts. Examples of miter saw uses include baseboards, chair rails, crown molding, door and window casings and framing projects.
Safety Features
Miter saws are equipped with blade guards to help prevent body parts from contacting a spinning blade. Most models feature self-retracting guards. These guards automatically retract as you lower the saw blade and extend back to cover the blade as the saw is raised back up. It is extremely dangerous to operate a saw with these guards removed or damaged.
Miter saws are equipped with a dust-bag. This bag collects dust and wood particles as you perform cuts, making it easier to see your work, reducing the potential for getting dust in your eyes and reducing the amount of dust you inhale.
Miter saws are equipped with a safety clamp. This clamp locks your piece of wood down and firmly against the fence. This reduces the danger of a kick-back and helps keep your hands and fingers clear of the cutting area. However, never clamp both ends. This will pinch the blade during cutting, potentially leading to a violent kick-back.
Personal Safety Gear
When operating a miter saw, you should always wear eye protection. Cross-cut saws create a large amount of dust and tiny splinters, which can become lodged in your eye and cause serious damage. You should also wear a mask to reduce the amount of dust inhaled into your lungs as well as hearing protection. Remove any loose clothing or jewelry prior to operating the saw. As you bend over to operate the saw, these items can snag the spinning blade and jerk body parts into its path, causing serious injury.
Operational Safety
When operating a miter saw, never re-cut a small piece of wood. This will place your hands dangerously close to the cutting area. Always support long pieces of wood to avoid being struck. Make your cut slowly to reduce splintering. When your cut is complete, release the power trigger and allow the blade to come to a complete stop before raising the saw. Always replace dull blades. This will improve the quality of your cuts, minimize kick-backs and reduce the number of splinters produced. When changing a blade, always unplug the saw first.
Uses
Miter saws are used to cut precise angles in molding, trim work, rafters and in general carpentry. A miter index allows you to adjust the angle of your blade from 0 to 90 degrees, relative to the fence. Compound miter saws provide the added ability to adjust the vertical angle of the blade, allowing you to make vertical- and/or horizontal-angled cuts. Examples of miter saw uses include baseboards, chair rails, crown molding, door and window casings and framing projects.
Safety Features
Miter saws are equipped with blade guards to help prevent body parts from contacting a spinning blade. Most models feature self-retracting guards. These guards automatically retract as you lower the saw blade and extend back to cover the blade as the saw is raised back up. It is extremely dangerous to operate a saw with these guards removed or damaged.
Miter saws are equipped with a dust-bag. This bag collects dust and wood particles as you perform cuts, making it easier to see your work, reducing the potential for getting dust in your eyes and reducing the amount of dust you inhale.
Miter saws are equipped with a safety clamp. This clamp locks your piece of wood down and firmly against the fence. This reduces the danger of a kick-back and helps keep your hands and fingers clear of the cutting area. However, never clamp both ends. This will pinch the blade during cutting, potentially leading to a violent kick-back.
Personal Safety Gear
When operating a miter saw, you should always wear eye protection. Cross-cut saws create a large amount of dust and tiny splinters, which can become lodged in your eye and cause serious damage. You should also wear a mask to reduce the amount of dust inhaled into your lungs as well as hearing protection. Remove any loose clothing or jewelry prior to operating the saw. As you bend over to operate the saw, these items can snag the spinning blade and jerk body parts into its path, causing serious injury.
Operational Safety
When operating a miter saw, never re-cut a small piece of wood. This will place your hands dangerously close to the cutting area. Always support long pieces of wood to avoid being struck. Make your cut slowly to reduce splintering. When your cut is complete, release the power trigger and allow the blade to come to a complete stop before raising the saw. Always replace dull blades. This will improve the quality of your cuts, minimize kick-backs and reduce the number of splinters produced. When changing a blade, always unplug the saw first.
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