Miter Saws (Chop Saws)

Miter saws make fast, accurate crosscuts and angle cuts. Most injuries happen when a hand drifts into the blade path, or a small piece gets grabbed by the blade.

• Construction

Set-up

• Saw mounted on a stable stand or bench, at a comfortable height
• Long stock supported on both sides at table height
• Blade guard returns and covers the blade
• Fence and table locks tight; blade sharp

Cutting safely

1. Hold the work firmly against the fence and table, or clamp it.
2. Keep your hands at least 6 inches from the blade path. Many saws mark a no-hands zone on the table.
3. Let the blade reach full speed, then lower it smoothly.
4. Sliding miter saws: pull the saw out, lower it, then push it back through the cut. Pulling into the cut can make the saw climb toward you.
5. After the cut, release the trigger and let the blade stop completely before raising it or reaching for the offcut.

• Don’t cross your arms to hold material on the other side of the blade.
• Don’t cut pieces too small to hold safely, or freehand without the fence.
• Don’t cut round stock (pipe, dowels) without a jig. It spins.
• Don’t remove the guard to make a cut easier.

Last updated: October 1, 2026