A miter saw primarily cuts by crosscutting pieces of wood at various angles.
Understanding the Miter Saw's Cutting Action
At its core, a miter saw uses a circular blade attached to a pivot arm that swings down onto the material placed on the saw's base. This downward motion, combined with the rotating blade, performs a crosscut across the width of the workpiece.
The Key Feature: Angled Cuts
The defining characteristic of a miter saw, as highlighted by its name, is its ability to make angled miters.
- Mechanism: The saw head, often mounted on a turntable or pivot, can rotate from side to side. This rotation allows the blade to descend at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the fence (the back guide against which the wood rests).
- Versatility: This capability means the saw can crosscut wood at different angles, enabling users to create precise joints for various projects.
- Practical Use: This primary feature is incredibly useful for tasks like making picture frames and boxes.
For instance, as noted in the reference, two 45 degree miter cuts on opposing pieces of wood can be brought together to form a perfect 90 degree angle, creating a corner joint common in frames and boxes.
Summary of How It Cuts
In essence, a miter saw cuts by:
- Using a rotating blade to perform a crosscut.
- Allowing the saw head to pivot horizontally, enabling the blade to cut at precise angles (miters) from side to side.
This angle-cutting ability is what distinguishes it and makes it indispensable for joinery where pieces meet at specific angles.
