In the video “12 Miter Saw Mistakes Beginners Make,” Matt from 731 Woodworks provides a comprehensive guide to avoiding common errors when using a miter saw, enhancing both safety and efficiency.
1) Cutting Dangerous Angles
2) Using The Stock Blade
3) Check for Square
3a) Check square Side To Side and Up and Down
5) Dust Protection
6) Crossing Arms
7) Loose Clothing
8) Cutting Very Small Pieces
9) Cutting The Right Way
10) Safety Stop Block Usage
11) Material Support
12) Throat Plate
Bonus) Fence Movement
The video is packed with practical advice, tips, and accessory recommendations aimed at improving the miter saw experience for woodworkers of all levels.
One critical mistake highlighted is attempting to cut dangerous angles beyond the saw’s capacity. Matt demonstrates a safe method to achieve a 65° cut by creating a jig from a 2×6 board, enhancing the miter saw’s versatility without compromising safety.
This solution is particularly useful for projects requiring unusual angles, such as custom furniture pieces.
Matt also emphasizes the importance of upgrading the stock blade, which is typically designed for rough construction, to a finer blade like the CMT 880 or Diablo line, ensuring cleaner cuts and better results in woodworking projects.
Checking the saw for square is another crucial step often overlooked. Matt guides viewers through the process of ensuring the blade is perfectly aligned with the fence, preventing inaccuracies and potential accidents.
This involves using a square to verify both horizontal and vertical alignment, with adjustments made according to the saw’s manual.
Dust protection is another area of concern. Matt recommends using a quality dust mask like the RZ Mask and integrating a dust collection system, such as a shop vacuum or dust extractor, to minimize exposure to harmful particles.
He also advises on the importance of letting the saw blade stop completely before raising it to avoid kickback and ensure cleaner cuts.
Avoiding crossed arms while operating the saw is a safety tip stressed by Matt. He explains the dangers of this practice and advises keeping hands in safe positions relative to the blade.
Loose clothing is also highlighted as a potential hazard, with recommendations to wear fitted sleeves to prevent entanglement.
Cutting small pieces on a miter saw is discouraged due to the risk of kickback. Instead, Matt suggests using a zero-clearance jig and a push stick to safely handle small cuts.
Additionally, he underscores the need for proper material support on both sides of the saw to maintain stability and accuracy during cuts.
Matt also touches on the importance of a zero-clearance insert to reduce tear-out and improve cut quality.
He recommends products like the FastCap zero-clearance tape for this purpose. Moreover, he advises checking and adjusting the saw’s fence to avoid accidental cuts into the aluminum and maintaining overall saw accuracy.
For those struggling with miter saw selection, Matt shares his preference for the DeWalt DWS779 and discusses other space-saving options like the Festool and Delta models, considering factors like dust collection and workspace limitations.
Throughout the video, Matt’s practical demonstrations and clear explanations provide valuable insights, helping woodworkers to avoid common mistakes and optimize their use of the miter saw for safer and more precise woodworking projects.