Using and Tuning Up a Compound-Miter Saw | Tool Lab | This Old House

A miter saw is a smart tool to have in your workshop. It is often used to cut moldings, baseboards, and trim with accuracy. Learn more tips and tricks for how to safely and accurately cut with a compound-miter saw. SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse. Miter saws, especially the dual-bevel slide-style ones that are common now, are complex machines that don’t stay true forever. We expect them to be perfect out of the box, but at the end of the day, they show up on our doorsteps after a long journey — boxes worn, dinged, and bruised. Learn how to use, tune-up, and maintain your miter saw for years to come. How to Use a Sliding Compound-Miter Saw • Step 1: Without turning the saw on, lower the blade and line up the cutline on the workpiece with the blade’s teeth. Then raise the blade head and pull it all the way toward you. • Step 2: With the blade head in the “up” position, start the saw and let the blade come up to speed. Slowly pull the head down to engage the blade with the workpiece. • Step 3: Hold the head down as you push the blade all the way through the work. • Step 4: Continue to hold the head down as you release the trigger. Wait until the blade comes to a complete stop, then bring the head back to its starting position. Tip: For smooth cuts, less tear-out  • Pull the blade head partway down in Step 2, and make a shallow score across the stock’s surface in Step 3. • Pull the blade head back, then push it all the way down and through the stock at the score line. See more at TOH.com [https://ift.tt/2OsBGtG] Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://ift.tt/3jclZ3N Tool Lab: Tool Lab is a series that features unbiased reviews and objective tests of new and noteworthy tools. In addition to reviews and testing, we’ll also be producing user guides, buying guides, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of tools. Tool Lab is geared towards those with pro-level experience or interest—those who are new to the trades, have been working in the trades, as well as advanced DIYers who want to know what pros know and want to perform at their level. Be sure to catch new reviews and content each week on ThisOldHouse.com/Tool-Lab or on YouTube. Follow This Old House: Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG Using and Tuning Up a Compound-Miter Saw | Tool Lab | This Old House https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/