How to Cut With Chop Saws

Loosen the miter grip on the chop saw and set the saw blade to the proper primary cutting angle to the stage. Some chop saws have a trigger release that must be depressed before the saw angle will change. Tighten the miter grip.

Loosen the clamp for the side to side angle setting and lay the saw blade to the left or right angle, if needed. Tighten the clamp to lock the angle.

Loosen the clamp on the armature to slide the saw blade forward or back, as needed. Tighten the armature clamp to secure the saw.

Place the material to be cut onto the stage of the saw, firmly against the back rest. Align the material to the cutting edge of the saw blade, allowing for the cutting width of the blade in your measurements. If the chop saw has a laser guide line, align the point to cut to the laser line.

Brace the material with one hand well away from the path of the blade or attach the material to the stage using clamps to stabilize it while cutting.

Grasp the handle of the saw, firmly. Depress the power trigger of the saw to start the blade turning. With a deliberate and steady stroke, lower the saw down onto the material to be cut. Allow the saw blade to do the work and do not push excessively down on the saw to force it to cut. This can result in a crooked cut. Pass the blade completely through the material.

Bring the saw blade back up to the starting position. Release the trigger to apply the brake and stop the blade. Release your grip from the saw handle.

Clear the cut sections of material from the saw stage. Clear away any cuttings from the stage and place another piece to cut and repeat the process, if required.