The manual or electric miter saw is an essential tool if you need to make cross and angled cuts. For example, if you want to create a frame, the ends of the pieces must be cut at 45° angles. If you’re installing moldings, the different pieces must be mitered to form the corners and ensure a perfect fit.
The manual miter saw, along with the back saw, is the most cost-effective alternative for making precise miter cuts.
What is a manual miter saw?
This tool, also known as a miter box, allows you to cut materials at 45, 90, and 22.5-degree angles. The 22.5-degree measurement is used to create octagonal pieces.
If it’s a precision manual miter saw, it comes with two cam clamps that secure the workpiece, preventing it from shifting during the cut. They also have a tab on the base to hold the miter box in place while you’re using it. In some models, you can store the clamps and the pencil in the built-in compartment.
Miter saws are made of high-impact material and can withstand long-term use. The back saw has an upper stop that prevents damaging the miter box when making cuts
Differences Between a Manual Miter Saw and an Electric Miter Saw
There are different types of miter saws, both manual and electric, so you can choose the model that best suits your needs.
Manual miter saws have been used for a long time and are still very effective for DIY and craft projects. They are lightweight and easy to transport. The basic model is a wooden or metal box with guides built into the box to guide the cut. Manual models with an integrated saw provide even more precision.
Electric miter saws are perfect for larger-scale carpentry projects or when you need to make precise cuts effortlessly. They come equipped with a circular saw powered by an electric motor. Both the motor’s power and the number and size of the blades should be adjusted to match the intended use of the machine.
How to Use a Manual Miter Saw
A manual miter saw is a straightforward machine, and you’ll quickly understand how to use it. Here is a step-by-step guide if it’s your first time using one:
- Secure the miter box to your worktable using clamps to prevent it from moving during the cut.
- Place the piece you want to cut and choose the necessary angle. Make sure the board is securely resting against the bottom of the box to prevent it from shifting during the cut.
- In more advanced miter boxes, the angle can be selected using a rotating knob that stops at the desired angle.
- Slide the handsaw through the corresponding slots for the chosen angle and cut by applying pressure to the board. The pressure should be sufficient for the saw’s teeth to penetrate the wood but without getting stuck.
How to Cut with a Manual Miter Saw Using a manual miter saw is similar to using a regular hand saw. The difference is that the workpiece to be cut is held in the base, allowing for precise cuts. If you attempt to make a right-angle or miter cut using a regular saw without the miter box, you’ll find it much more challenging, and the result will be less precise.
How to Build a Manual Miter Saw?
If you’re just getting started in the world of DIY and haven’t decided which machine to buy, you can create a miter saw box to start working. This way, you can assess the efficiency of this tool and choose the most suitable one. Once you’ve understood how a manual miter saw works, building one yourself is straightforward.
You’ll need the following materials and tools:
- A wooden board
- A jigsaw
- Hammer and nails
- Pencil and ruler
- A square
- Wood glue
Here are the steps to follow:
- Cut the wooden board into three equal pieces and assemble them to form a box. Apply carpenter’s glue to the joining areas and secure them with nails to ensure they are well attached.
- Once the glue has dried, mark two angles: one at 90° on one end of the box and another at 45° using a square.
- Secure the miter saw box to your worktable and cut the side pieces along the marked lines. Try to make precise cuts all the way down to the base. Now you have your tool to start cutting the wooden strips you need.
