What the mitre saw is for
- Cross-cutting lengths of timber
- Cutting mitre angles (and bevels, if using the compound function)
Limitations
- Hazardous to cut timber with nails, screws, or other embedded hard objects
- Cannot cut steel
- Some plastics can be cut and some can’t — check manufacturer guidance
- Aluminium extrusions can be cut with care — check manufacturer guidance
Anatomy (key parts)
- Handle and trigger
- Blade
- Retracting lower blade guard
- Fence
- Base plate / platen
- Sliding mechanism
- Mitre angle adjustment (horizontal)
- Bevel adjustment (vertical)
Before you start
- Inspect the workpiece for nails/screws
- Ensure the saw is stable and properly mounted (bench/floor/stand)