Miter saws are perfect for cutting boards that require angular cuts. As a miter saw consists of sharp blades, the person using it is exposed to great risk. Hence, whoever uses a miter saw has to be careful in order to avoid any kind of unwanted situations. To carefully do the work with a miter saw, you should go through the miter saw safety measurements which have been discussed below.
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Why is it Risky to Use a Miter Saw?
There are a lot of risks associated with a miter saw. Here are some of the major risks:
Eye injury due to sawdust
Eye injury is one of the common types of injuries caused by a miter saw. If you don’t install the blade properly, it might collide with the saw and this caused specks to come out. Along with that, a heavy amount of sawdust releases when a material is cut with the help of a sharp tool like a miter saw. The sawdust, particles of the material, etc. can severely damage the eyes.
Other physical injuries
Different types of physical injuries can occur due to several reasons. You need to have stable hands to cut with a miter saw. If you’re not careful enough, the material can slip or slide and the blade can wound your hands.
Foot injury due to slipping or falling
A miter saw is very heavy and contains a sharp blade. If you don’t hold it with firm hands, it might trip and fall over your feet. It can either cut your feet or bruise them severely.
Skin trauma
Skin trauma is another common injury caused by a miter saw. Whenever you are using a sharp tool as a miter saw, it will release sawdust with force. Therefore, if you don’t take proper protection, your skin can get bruised.
Miter saw Safety Measurement with Tips and Tricks
Safety tools to use
- Use safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes. You can also use a face shield over the glasses to protect your face.
- If the material you’re using releases too much dust, make sure you use a respiratory protector. Use some type of dust protector or a mask.
- Use an earmuff to protect your hearing.
- Use work boots to protect your feet.
- Use a push stick to pick up cut pieces.
- Use a guard to avoid injuries caused by the blades.
- Use a clamp to keep the work table stable and give additional support to the material.
- Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform
Precaution – What to do before starting?
Adjust the saw: At the very beginning, secure the saw properly to the table. Make sure that it’s in a stable position. Do not plug in the machine while making the necessary adjustments. Ensure that the miter saw is at a steady position and then proceed with your work.
Use a clamp to secure the material: You need to ensure that the material does not move while the machine is on. You can use a clamp to secure the material to the surface.
Ensure the height: The saw needs to be at your waist height. Make sure that the blades are guarded and the adjusting keys are removed.
Check the blades: Your blade’s size and type need to be according to the material you’re using. So, choose the blade as per your material. Make sure that the blade is rotating on the right side. Clean the blades properly before you start working.
Safety while working
Cut one piece at one time: Do not stack pieces while cutting with a miter saw. The material can slip and cause an accident.
Let the saw reach its maximum speed: When you’ve taken the measurements and ready to start working, turn on the saw and let it reach its highest speed. When the saw reaches its maximum speed, then proceed further.
Be careful while lubricating: The machine might need lubrication in the middle of the work. Make sure you turn off the saw and unplug the cable for further security. Read the instruction manual and follow the given lubricating process.
Keep the area clean and brightened: Whenever you are cutting something with the help of a miter saw, make sure that the table is clean. Try to clean in between so that the area doesn’t get packed with particles and cut pieces. Another important thing is the lighting. The area has to be bright while you’re working with a sharp tool like a miter saw.
Maintain the length while cutting: The length of the pieces has to be above 8 inches. Never try to cut smaller than this.
Keep your hands safe: Make sure that your hands are in a safe position. Your dominant hand needs to be in control of the saw. So, if you’re a righty, use your right hand to control the saw and your left hand to hold it. Always keep your hands away from the cutting line. Remove your hand from the switch only when the guard entirely covers ups the blade. Don’t try to overreach with your hands.
Maintain a steady position: A miter saw works with force. So, it’s obvious that you might lose your grip on the saw. Try to maintain a steady position and hold the saw firmly while cutting the board. Make sure that your material is at the right height.
Safety after finishing the work
Let go of the trigger: Once you’re done cutting, let go of the trigger and keep holding the saw until the blade stops. After the blade has fully stopped, place the saw in a safer area. Then remove the separated piece with the help of a push stick. Don’t try to remove it with your hand.
Unplug the miter saw: When you’re satisfied with the cuts, turn off the saw and unplug the cables.
Clean the blades: After you’ve unplugged the cords, clean the blades properly. Wipe the machine to remove dust. Check the tool carefully to see if there’s anything that needs repairing or replacing.
Store the miter saw at a safe place: Never put the saw on the ground. Always keep it at a safer place where kids won’t be able to reach it.
Safety tips and tricks
- Ensure the placement of the lower blade guards before starting to cut the material.
- Make sure that the movement of the guards is smooth and the guards are covering the blades.
- Let the blades stop entirely before taking off the miter saw from the material.
- Secure the material firmly to the workspace with the help of a clamp.
- Read the instruction manual thoroughly and make sure that you’re using the right blades for the material you’re going to cut.
- Never try to cut with excessive force. Have a firm grip and let the saw do its job.
- Make sure that the material you’re going to cut is completely dry. Never cut a damp board with a miter saw.
- Mark the area you want to cut with the help of a pencil.
Bottom line
Undoubtedly a sharp tool like a miter saw is quite dangerous. But if you use it carefully by taking the precautions and properly ensuring the safety measures, you’ll be able to avoid any sort of unwanted situations. The probability of the casualties caused by a miter saw decreases to a significant level if all the safety tips are followed.