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About This Project
A power miter saw is one of the best tools to cut tight-fitting joints on all kinds of moldings: window and door trim, baseboard and crowns. With a power miter saw and a sharp saw blade, it’s easy to fine-tune a joint for a perfect fit by slightly adjusting the angle or trimming off a hair’s width. And you’ll discover all kinds of other cutting chores that are easier with a miter saw too.
Clean Cuts Start With a Steady Hand And a Firm Grip
Be prepared for a startling experience the first time you squeeze the switch on a power miter saw. The saw will jerk and whine as the blade gets up to speed. Listen for the blade to reach top speed before starting your cut. Then lower the blade slowly and steadily through the board until the cut is complete. Hold the saw carriage down in this position and release the switch, allowing the blade to come to a complete stop before raising it. Maintain a firm grip on the workpiece until the blade stops spinning.
Aligning the blade with the cutting mark on your workpiece gets easier with practice. Cut a little beyond the line, leaving extra length on your workpiece. Test the fit. Then adjust the miter saw angle if necessary and slice off a little more. Keep a firm grip on the workpiece (with your hand a good 6 in. away from the blade) to prevent it from being pushed aside by the blade. For greater accuracy, clamp the workpiece.
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