THE MITRE SAW
The Mitre Saw, also known as a Chop Saw, is a power tool used to make a simple, easy and accurate crosscut in a work piece. Most mitre saws are relatively small and portable, with blade sizes mostly around 12” though larger blades are quite common.
The Mitre Saw makes a cut by pulling a spinning circular saw blade and motor assembly down onto a workpiece in a short arc which is
controlled by a pivot mechanism. The blade and motor assembly can be tilted through a range of angles to the vertical to do a compound cut in conjunction with the mitre cut created by rotating the turn base.
A workpiece is typically held against the fence and this provides a precise cutting angle between the blade and the work piece edge. For a standard cut, the blade is normally locked at 90°.
A primary distinguishing feature of the Mitre Saw is the rotating table or turn base with indexing points that allows the blade assembly angle to be changed relative to the fence. The saw allows the operator to adjust and lock to various angles but also provides a way of quickly setting to locking stops set to commonly used angles such as such as 15°, 22.5°, 30° and 45°.
The Mitre Saw makes a cut by pulling a spinning circular saw blade and motor assembly down onto a workpiece in a short arc which is
controlled by a pivot mechanism. The blade and motor assembly can be tilted through a range of angles to the vertical to do a compound cut in conjunction with the mitre cut created by rotating the turn base.
A workpiece is typically held against the fence and this provides a precise cutting angle between the blade and the work piece edge. For a standard cut, the blade is normally locked at 90°.
A primary distinguishing feature of the Mitre Saw is the rotating table or turn base with indexing points that allows the blade assembly angle to be changed relative to the fence. The saw allows the operator to adjust and lock to various angles but also provides a way of quickly setting to locking stops set to commonly used angles such as such as 15°, 22.5°, 30° and 45°.
MAIN PARTS OF THE MITRE SAW
SAFETY PROCEDURES
- Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
- Check the board for foreign objects – such as nails or rocks.
- Never cut pieces shorter than 6 inches
- Turn the blade on before moving it down to cut, and make sure the blade comes to a complete stop before lifting it up again
- Ensure you are aware of the blade path before you make your cut.
- Always make sure your left hand is well clear of the blade (6” or more).
- Watch for kick back when cutting off small pieces.
- Long boards should be supported safely.
- When making angle cuts ensure the blade has adequate clearances.
- When using a sliding mitre saw, ensure the blade is pulled all the way forward and is clear of the stock before turning it on.
- Make sure all guards are in place and working well before turning on the saw.
AT ALL TIMES – IF IN DOUBT, SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR
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