How to Tune Up a Compound Miter Saw

Safety

• 1

  Check that the blade guard is functioning correctly. The guard should move up and down freely without catching or binding.

• 2

  Remove any saw dust from the saw motor and motor housing by vacuuming or blowing it off. Saw dust can make its way inside the motor causing the motor to seize.

• 3

  Hold the blade securely from turning and try to tighten the bolt that fastens the blade to the saws mounting bracket. The bolt must be tight to prevent the blade from coming off during operation.

• 4

  Inspect the blade thoroughly. Look for any chips or flat spots on the cutting teeth of the blade. If any defects are noticeable, replace the blade.

• 5

  Set the saw turntable to 0 degrees and cut a piece of scrap wood in two. The blade should cut freely without binding or snagging in the wood. Replace the blade if it binds or snags on the wood when cutting.

Calibrating The Blade

• 6

  Set the saw turntable to 0 degrees, lay a speed square flat on the turntable with the 90 degree edges against the cutting fence and the blade simultaneously. Check whether the blade is square to the cutting fence, as there should not be any space between the edge of the fence and the edge of the speed square or the blade and the edge of the speed square. If necessary, adjust the blade according to the owner's manual.

• 7

  Cut a piece of scrap wood in two, flip one of the pieces over and fit the two pieces back together using a ruler to align the outside edges. There should be no gaps or spaces between the two pieces of wood. If there are any spaces between the two pieces of wood, step one needs to be repeated until the desired result is achieved.

• 8

  Set the turntable to 45 degrees, lay the speed square flat on the turntable with one edge against the cutting fence and the 45 degree side of the speed square against the blade. Confirm that there is no space between the blade and the square or the cutting fence and the square. Adjust the blade if necessary.

• 9

  Cut a piece of scrap wood in two, flip one of the pieces over and fit the two pieces back together to form a 90 degree angle. Use a carpenters square to align the outside edges. There should be no gaps or spaces between the two pieces of wood. If there are any spaces between the two pieces of wood, step three needs to be repeated until the desired result is achieved.

• 10

  Set the blade for a 45 degree beveled cut. Place the speed square against the cutting fence with one edge on top of the turntable and the 45 degree edge against the blade. Confirm that there is no space between the blade and the square or the turntable and the square. Adjust the blade if necessary.

• 11

  Cut a piece of scrap wood in two, flip one of the pieces over and fit the two pieces back together to form a 90 degree angle. Use a carpenters square on the outside to align the outside edges. There should be no gaps or spaces between the two pieces of wood. If there are any spaces between the two pieces of wood, step five needs to be repeated until the desired result is achieved.