Miter Saw

A miter saw is a stationary power tool used for making precise crosscuts and angled cuts in materials such as wood and plastic. It consists of a motor-driven circular blade that is lowered onto the workpiece by pulling a handle. The miter saw offers high accuracy and repeatability, making it ideal for cutting clean, consistent angles and lengths.

Parts of a Miter Saw

1. Kinematic Slide: Allows the saw head to slide forward and backward for cutting wider material.
2. Sliding Fence: Supports and aligns the workpiece for accurate cuts.
3. Angle Controls: Adjust the miter angle of the saw for angled cuts.
4. Compound Adjust Lever: Locks and unlocks the saw head for bevel cuts.
5. Free-Angle Knob: Allows adjustment of miter angles without snapping to preset stops.
6. Angle Detent Latch: Engages preset miter angles for quick, repeatable cuts.
7. Override: Bypasses the preset angle detents for fine angle adjustment.
8. Table: Provides a stable surface to support the workpiece during cutting.
9. Blade Guard: Automatically covers the blade to reduce accidental contact.
10. Blade: The rotating cutting component used to cut material.
11. Motor: Powers the blade during operation.
12. Handle: Used to lower the blade into the workpiece in a controlled motion.
13. Power Switch: Controls power to the saw motor.
14. Safety Interlock Switch: Prevents the saw from starting unless intentionally engaged.

How it Works

Tool Operation

Key Terminology

The Work: The entirety of the material you’re bringing to the machine before any cuts are made
The Workpiece: The portion of the work that you’re controlling with either your hand, the 11th finger or the hold down
The Offcut: The portion of the work that is cut away from the workpiece

Kickback – Occurs when the work pinches the blade during the cut.

Kickback while cutting heavier pieces can cause the saw to jerk back toward the user suddenly and uncontrollably.
Kickback while cutting lighter pieces can cause the offcut to be splintered away from the workpiece with pieces flying away from the saw in unpredictable directions.

Hand position and technique

Never allow your arm to cross the plane of the blade. Left hand goes to the left fence; Right hand goes to the right fence.
Position your hand at the middle of the fence to maximize leverage and stability while minimizing your hands proximity to the blade.
Apply firm pressure down into the table and forward into the fence.

Holding and orienting the work properly

The workpiece must be oriented and held in such a way that it will remain stable and not move throughout the operation. The offcut must separate from the workpiece in such a way that it will not pinch the blade
Reorient the work as necessary to meet this requirement.
Consider using the hold down when hand pressure is insufficient to ensure the workpiece will remain stable and not move throughout the operation.

The offcut must be supported by the fence. When the offcut is too short to reach the fence, use a sacrificial fence to bridge the gap.

Never place your hand with un-splayed fingers closer than midway along either the left or right fence.

When cutting shorter material consider using the 11th finger to control the workpiece while keeping your hand at a safe distance.

At the conclusion of a cut, raise the blade only after it has come to a complete stop. Raising the blade while it’s still spinning can cause the offcut to cross the spinning saw which can send fragments of it flying uncontrollably.

Makerspace Equipment

Bosch - CM10GD Professional

Bevel Angle Range: 47° left and 47° right
Bevel Stops: 0°, 33.9°, 45° left and right
Height: 20-1/2''
Length: 32''
Miter Angle Range: 52° Left, 60° Right
Miter Detents: 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45° (Left/Right)
Miter Positive Stops: 0°, 15°, 22.5,° 31.6°, 45° (Left/Right)

Safety

Before using a miter saw, ensure the blade is properly installed and tightened, the fence is secure, and the guard is functioning correctly. Wear safety glasses and keep the work area clear. Position the workpiece flat against the table and firmly against the fence, and plan the cut before turning the saw on.

General Safety:

The spinning blade can cause severe injury if contacted during operation.
Keep fingers and hands well away from the blade at all times.
Never cross your arms while holding the workpiece and operating the saw.

During Operation:

Maintain firm control of the workpiece with pressure directed into the table and against the fence.
Use the hold-down clamp when necessary to prevent movement.
Position the workpiece to avoid pinching the blade, especially near the end of the cut, to reduce the risk of kickback.
Ensure offcut material is supported by the fence or a sacrificial fence for smaller pieces.

Post-Operation:

Turn off the miter saw and allow the blade to come to a complete stop before raising the blade or removing material.
Remove offcuts only after the blade has stopped.
Clean the area after the saw is fully powered off.

Standard Operating Procedures

Access & Hazard Information

Standard Access

Members are allowed to use this equipment only with dedicated assistance or supervision from a Makerspace staff member.

Hazard Class 3

Hazards: Minor injuries that can be resolved with first aid kit or ice pack, but potential for serious lacerations and minor amputations that require medical attention
Power: Greater than 0.5 HP, greater than 10-amp, 120 VAC, greater than 24V DC
Examples: Powerful portable tools and light industrial tools. 3D printers/processes with toxic/corrosive wash steps, CNC interlocked/enclosed mill, lathe, waterjet
Access Requirements: Members must attend a training session and pass written and hands-on exams. Improper use will be punished with a verbal warning, a note in the members file, mandatory retraining, and potential loss of access to the space.
Supervision Requirements: The Makerspace must be open and a makerspace staff member must approve use of the equipment each time it is used. Staff may deny access or place additional restrictions on the use of this equipment on a per-use or per-person basis.

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