Parts of a Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Blade and Blade Guards

• Miter saws come in several different blade sizes. The most popular range from 10 inches to 12 inches. Newer models ship with a carbide-tipped blade and blade guards that help prevent injury. Saws featuring a blade guard that retracts and completely covers the blade when raised are the safest. Near the blade, a handle and electronic trigger turns the saw on or off. Newer models also include electronic brakes. These quickly slow the blade after the carpenter turns the saw off.

Fence, Base and Miter Handle

• The carpenter places the uncut wood on the base of the saw and against the back fence. The base remains perpendicular to the saw blade so that cuts stay true, and the fence rises square to the base. Some miter saws feature table extensions, which extend the base outwards and make a longer base to hold the wood. Directly in front of the saw, the miter handle rotates a base part known as the table and the saw blade. By rotating this section, the carpenter adjusts the angle of the cut.

Slide Carriage and Table Inset

• The slide carriage, which rests behind the blade, allows the blade to slide back and forth when the carpenter pulls the handle. A pivot point near the carriage lets the blade move up and down. When pushed completely through a piece of wood, the blade enters an enclosed slot called the table inset. A zero clearance inset prevents slices of wood from falling into and clogging it.

Optional Parts

• Many higher-end compound miter saws include more features, such as a laser guide, hold-down clamps and positive miter detents. The laser guide projects onto the piece of wood and shows exactly where the blade cuts. Hold-down clamps keep the wood in place while cutting. Positive miter detents lock the blade into place at popular angles when the carpenter turns the base with the miter handle. If a carpenter works with crown molding, he should buy a saw with crown-molding detents.