My mother always told me, “Never say never” but that does not apply when using power tools.
There are a few “never” and “always” rules to follow when using a miter saw.
NEVER:
- Never cross your hands, arms or any other body part over the path of the saw blade.
- Never start the saw when the blade is touching the wood.
- Never wear jewelry
- Never wear baggy clothes
- Never wear glove
- Never operate a power tool under the influence of fatigue, drugs, alcohol or medication that advises you against operating heavy machinery or driving a car…
- Never use power tools when you can not focus 100% on what you are cutting. Do not allow distractions in the same room with you and your miter saw. 🙂
ALWAYS:
- Always wear eye protection!
- Wear ear protection
- Wear a dust mask
- Wear close-toed shoes
- Follow safety, use and care instructions provided in your specific tool manual.
- Use common sense.
Be safe, be smart and be awesome!
Allison says
Can I add a safety tip gained from personal experience? Please check for knots in the wood and avoid cutting through them. I cut through one in a one inch diameter dowel rod once and it was a disaster. The safety guard broke, the saw broke and the wood kicked back and shattered one knuckle and two bones in my hand. It could have been much worse considering the safety guard had broken. (Can I just add that I was following all of the above safety tips at the time as well?)
Sandra says
That is scary Allison, I hope you are ok. I talked specifically about knots in my video. The bullet pointed items in text are definitely not meant to be a short version of my 19 minute video. They are just some important points.
Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says
You are HILARIOUS and ADORABLE. I’m so glad you didn’t delete this! Nick is always willing to show me how individual power tools work, but this was so much more helpful information! THANK YOU!
Sandra says
I aim to please! LOL
Deneen@dreaming-n-color says
I like seeing you on video! It’s the next best thing. You need your own show!
Sandra says
I definitely need someone standing BEHIND the camera making sure it doesn’t quit recording while I go on and on and on unaware — that’s for sure! LOL
Janet G. says
Thank you, Sandra, for not deleting this. So timely for me right now as I have a miter saw to unpack from the box and set up for the first time. I won’t embarrass myself by saying how long ago I actually bought it, but I guess it’s better late than never! Thanks for all that you do to empower us, help us build confidence, and keep us safe!
Sandra says
Thank you Janet. I know it was long but I had to get it all in there. Stay safe and enjoy your new miter saw!
Fran says
I just took mine out of the box on Tuesday. Bought it about 2 months ago….. so happy to have watched this before using.
John @ AZ DIY Guy says
Nice work! Good tutorial.
Sandra says
Thanks dude!
Julie says
Holy crap, I didn’t realize how many things I was doing wrong! Thanks for the tips, as I like all of my fingers. I have to say that I have the LED light that creates the blade shadow and it is life changing. So much faster to get accurate cuts.
Sky says
Thanks for a wonderful instruction of the compound miter-slider saw. One of the Best overall instruction I have seen! You are concise and very informative. The tips on knots (I just avoid them) and bowing are very good. I have one of these saws and have made wonderful tables using them. Thanks.