5 Safety Tips to Follow When Using a Compound Miter Saw

Miter saws come in a variety of styles. In addition to sliding miter saws, for instance, there are compound miter saws. Compound miter saws are characterized by their cutting angle. Like all miter saws, they support miter cuts. But compound miter saws also support bevel cuts. Whether you need to make miter or bevel cuts, you can use a compound miter saw. However, you should consider the following safety tips to protect against bodily injury.

#1) Wear Hearing Protection

Always wear hearing protection when using a compound miter saw. All miter saws produce noise during use -- and compound miter saws are no exception. Without hearing protection, you'll be exposed to this loud noise. Prolonged exposure to loud noise, of course, can lead to hearing loss. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hearing loss is the third-most common chronic physical condition in the United States.

#2) Use a Sharp Blade

Make sure the blade on your compound miter saw is sharp. Blades will inevitably wear out over time. The more cuts you perform with a particular blade, the duller it will become. Using a compound miter saw with a dull blade is never a good idea. Rather than cutting through the workpiece, it may jerk or kick back.

#3) Push Forward

When making miter cuts, push the compound miter saw forward. Some people make the mistake of pulling it. Rather than pushing their compound miter saw forward, they pull it backward and through the workpiece. For safety purposes, though, you should push the compound miter saw forward so that it moves away from your body.

#4) Wait for Blade to Stop Before Raising It

The blade will inevitably spin during use. As you cut through workpieces, you'll see the compound miter saw's blade spin. The blade, of course, will continue spinning for a short period after you've completed the necessary cut. And while the blade is spinning, you shouldn't raise it. Wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before raising it.

#5) Keep Hands Out of Cutting Path

Perhaps the most important safety tip to follow when using a compound miter saw is to keep your hands out of the cutting path. Assuming you push the compound miter saw forward, your hands should be behind it. You can hold the compound miter saw with one hand, and you can hold the workpiece with the other hand. Just remember to keep your hands out of the compound miter saw's cutting path.