What is a Sliding Compound Miter Saw and How to Use it?

Miter saws are a very useful tool in the world of woodworking. Since its invention, continuous research and efforts have increased its efficiency and brought us new cutting trends. One of the lasted and most advanced types of miter saw is a sliding compound miter saw. In this article, we are going to discuss what a sliding compound miter saw is and how you can use it.

What is a Sliding Compound Miter Saw?

A sliding compound miter saw is designed to move the saw head back and forth along with the ability to adjust the blade angle. With a sliding compound miter saw, you can make crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts, and compound miter cuts. Before you start working with tools, make sure you follow all the safety precautions given below.

Safety Precautions

• Wear personal protective equipment such as safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask. You may need a face shield if you are working with metal.
• Inspect your sliding compound miter saw before working and ensure that the blade is sharpened properly.
• Maintain a safe distance of 6 inches from the blade and avoid wearing loose clothing items.
• Keep children away from the worksite.
• Make sure that the electrical cables are not spread on your feet.
• Use your common senses while working and stop right away if you notice anything wrong.
• Read the instruction manual before operating a sliding compound miter saw.

How to use a Sliding Compound Miter Saw

With the help of the guidelines given below, you will be able to make the four types of cuts mentioned above. Please note that these guidelines are not a substitute for a professional course and training. Your skill will develop gradually with experience. Make sure you read all the points before making the cuts.

Making Crosscuts

1. Measure and mark the wood piece according to your work plan and place it against the saw fence.
2. Bring the blade head down and check that the blade comes exactly in the marked position.
3. Clamp the piece with the help of a miter saw clamp. Once the wood is firmly fixed on the machine, it will be safe to work, and the chances of kickback will be less.
4. Pull out the sliding saw head on your saw, and then take it downwards near the worksheet. You must not pull the saw head towards your body while cutting; it must be pushed away from your body. It can damage the blade and cause kickback injuries. You must not touch the timber unless your blade reaches its full speed.
5. It is now time to make the cut. Confirm that you are wearing the necessary PPE before initiating the cut. Move the blade downwards near the wood, but don’t touch it until you bring it to full speed. Once it gets to full throttle, slightly push the blade inside. You don’t need to put too much pressure on the handle; just a gentle push will do the trick for you. Move the blade along the entire surface of the worksheet. Don’t pull the handle out until the blade stops completely.

Making Miter Cuts

A miter cut is made using the miter gauge on your sliding compound miter saw. It is also a very simple cut. Follow the directions below to get a miter cut on your worksheet.

1. Measure and mark the cut on the worksheet.
2. Loosen the miter knob on the front and adjust to the cutting position. You can choose between 0-90 degree angles. Tighten the knob after getting the correct angle on the gauge.
3. Place your worksheet on the saw table and clamp it in the same way you did for a crosscut.
4. When making miter and bevel cuts, you have to take care of your fingers as the blade won’t move in a straight position in these cuts.
5. Bring the blade down and make the cut. Remember to follow all the instructions given in the crosscut section.

Making Bevel Cuts

Sometimes you may need to miter a piece of wood that is too big for a sliding compound. This is where bevel cuts come in handy.  You can make a bevel cut on a large wood sheet with the help of the following directions.

1. You may need to remove the clamp from one side of the machine to facilitate saw head movement. You can always attach it to the other side to hold the piece down.
2. Measure and mark the wood according to your cutting plan. Move the fence out of the way so that the saw head can move easily.
3. Lose the lever on the backside of the saw to adjust the saw head to your desired angle. Tighten the lever after getting the desired angle.
4. Cut according to the directions given in the crosscut section. You will have a perfect bevel cut in simple steps.

Compound Miter Cut – Combination of Bevel and a Miter Cut

To get a combination of a bevel and a miter cut, follow the above directions for the bevel cut adjustments. To adjust the miter gauge, move it to the desired angle. Pull the saw head towards your body, lower it, run the blade at full speed and make the cut. You will have a perfectly compound miter cut in no time.

How to get more out of your Sliding Compound Miter Saw?

A sliding compound miter saw has a limited cutting capacity. It means that it can cut to a specific length. Most of the saws have a cutting length of 10-12 inches. You can get up to 24 inches cut with a 12-inch miter saw. It is known as a plunge cut. To do this, place the material on the table, pull the saw head out to its maximum capacity and then make the cut. Now turn over the sheet and cut the uncut portion. You need to take care while doing this as you may end up cutting at a different position. The best way to avoid this mistake is by marking the cutting point on the sheet and then confirming by placing the blade on it before cutting.

If your miter saw has a grooving stop, also known as a trenching stop, you can also make grooves with it. A trenching stop limits the depth of the blade. To do this, you will need to place an additional wooden piece behind the workpiece to bring it near the blade. Measure and mark the groove you want to make and make the cut. Follow all the safety and cutting precautions.