How to Use a Miter Saw Correctly

A miter saw (also called a chop saw) is the king of precise crosscuts and angle cuts. Whether you're cutting trim, framing lumber, or building furniture, a miter saw delivers fast, repeatable, accurate cuts that are hard to match with any other tool. Here's how to use one correctly.

What Is a Miter Saw Used For?

• Crosscuts — cutting boards to length at 90°
• Miter cuts — angled cuts (e.g., 45° for picture frames and trim)
• Bevel cuts — tilted blade cuts for crown molding
• Compound cuts — miter + bevel combined

Recommended Miter Saw

The DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw (DWS715) is a 15-Amp single bevel compound saw — accurate, powerful, and trusted by professionals and serious DIYers alike. Check it on Amazon →

Parts of a Miter Saw

• Blade: 10" or 12" circular blade — never touch it
• Fence: The vertical backstop that keeps wood aligned
• Table: The flat surface the wood rests on
• Miter scale: Rotates the table left/right for angled cuts
• Bevel scale: Tilts the blade for bevel cuts
• Blade guard: Retracts automatically as you lower the saw
• Trigger and safety lock: Both must be engaged to run

How to Make a Square Crosscut (90°)

1. Set the miter angle to 0° and bevel to 0°.
2. Measure and mark your cut line on the board.
3. Place the board flat on the table, firmly against the fence.
4. Align the blade with your mark — on the waste side of the line.
5. Put on safety goggles and hearing protection. DEWALT Goggles → | HANDLANDY Gloves →
6. Hold the board firmly against the fence with your non-dominant hand — keep fingers well clear of the blade path.
7. Press the safety lock and squeeze the trigger — let the blade reach full speed.
8. Smoothly lower the blade through the wood in one fluid motion.
9. Hold the blade down at the bottom for a moment, then release the trigger.
10. Wait for the blade to stop completely before raising it.

How to Make a Miter Cut (Angled)

1. Loosen the miter lock knob.
2. Rotate the table to your desired angle (e.g., 45° for trim corners).
3. Lock the miter knob.
4. Follow the same cutting steps as above.

Tip: For inside corners, cut two pieces at 45° in opposite directions. For outside corners, both pieces angle outward.

How to Make a Bevel Cut

1. Loosen the bevel lock.
2. Tilt the blade to your desired bevel angle.
3. Lock the bevel.
4. Cut as normal — the blade will cut at an angle through the thickness of the board.

Safety Rules

• Always keep both hands clear of the blade path
• Never reach across the blade to retrieve the offcut while the blade is spinning
• Always wait for the blade to stop before raising it
• Never cut pieces shorter than 6" without a stop block or clamp
• Keep the blade guard in place at all times
• Disconnect power when changing blades

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not locking the miter or bevel before cutting
• Raising the blade before it stops spinning
• Cutting freehand without the fence
• Cutting on the wrong side of the line (losing your measurement)
• Holding the board too close to the blade path