Overview

• A miter saw makes a variety of crosscuts, or cuts that are perpendicular to the grain of the wood. Miter saws are usually able to make both mitered (horizontally angled) and beveled (vertically angled) cuts. Observing essential safety rules when using miter saws helps avoid nicks, cuts, eye injuries or serious injuries to the hands and fingers.
  
  

Clothing

• With any power tool, particularly power saws, it is important to remove any loose-fitting clothing or jewelry before using a power saw. These include ties and baggy sleeves. Long sleeves should be tightly rolled up whenever possible. Similarly, tie back long hair to avoid risk of catching it in the machine. Do not wear gloves when operating a miter saw because they pose a risk of entanglement in the machine. Always wear sturdy, close-toed shoes with a good grip in a woodshop or wherever power saws are used. Safety glasses or goggles must be worn during operation of a miter saw, and ear plugs or external ear protective devices are also necessary due to the high decibel level generated by power miter saws.
  
  

Awareness

• Never operate power tools or saws while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may interfere with judgment or perception. The most important safety rule for power saw operation is maintaining awareness of the blade position at all times. Keep your hands or fingers at least 6 inches away from the blade at all times whether the saw is operating or not. Do not touch or lift the blade guard; allow the automatic lifting mechanism to lift the guard when the blade is lowered. Do not rest your hand or finger against the saw trigger, as this may result in unintentionally starting the saw. During saw operation, do not cross the path of the blade with your free hand.
  
  

Operation

• The miter saw is equipped with safety devices, including a blade guard and fences for safe wood alignment. Do not remove or alter these devices. Do not attempt to cut metal with an ordinary wood-cutting blade because a special metal-cutting blade must be installed before you can cut metal safely. Do not attempt to cut very tall or wide pieces of wood on a miter saw because very large pieces of wood usually must be cut on a table or band saw. Generally, miter saws cannot accommodate wood much taller than 3 inches or much wider than 4 1/2 inches. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the wood-cutting parameters of your saw. Always allow the saw to reach full speed before initiating a cut. Never begin a cut with the blade touching the wood. If a piece of wood jams during saw operation, turn off the power and unplug the saw. Do not attempt to remove jammed wood until the blade has completely stopped moving.