^what are you talking about? the miter saw goes through the workpiece and a slot in the table during a cut. (I may be missing something)

3/5/2015 8:47:34 AM

The slot in the table you're referring to is typically much larger in width than your blade. This allows splintering on both sides of your piece, including the backside of the piece when the blade passes through.

You can see the difference between normal insert vs. a zero clearance insert here:
http://lumberjocks.com/assets/pictures/projects/196384-438x.jpg

Or you could create a backer board setup like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYk_W6lvK1w

A GREAT video by Marc Spagnuolo on the topic of Miter Saw Safety and you can see his setup/jig, etc.
http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/miter-saw-safety/


It's the same reason you typically want a zero clearance insert on your tablesaw.

ALSO, once you cut through the piece, keep the saw down until the blade stops spinning. If the blade is still spinning down and you bring it back through the piece, that will also cause splintering. It's also just good safety practice.

[Edited on March 5, 2015 at 9:36 AM. Reason : .]

3/5/2015 9:28:24 AM

apparently, the 12" miter saw (item 61969 or 61970) from harbor freight gets down to at least $138.88...because that's what it is now: http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-double-bevel-sliding-compound-miter-saw-with-laser-guide-system-61969.html

15A motor
double bevel
laser guide

reviews are mixed: most negative reviews say it either quit after a very short time (same day as first use) or they hate the plastic parts (not that they broke, just that they don't trust them to last)...the positive reviews claim it's great

i'll probably get one...i really won't use it that much, but every now and then i need more than my 6-1/2" cordless circular saw can offer (and i'm thinking about doing crown molding in the entire house)

3/7/2015 8:25:02 AM

I don't think you'll be disappointed. I am planning on getting one myself for when I need an extra wide cut. Which isn't too often.

But I used the 10" version of the saw to do my hardwood floors and it performed great. The only thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't have a "brake" to slow the blade down after you let go of the trigger. But most lower end saws are like that so not a deal breaker for me.

3/7/2015 11:30:02 AM

splurged on the 12" sliding dewalt with the free stand. too much money, but I loved the one I borrowed from family.

3/17/2015 1:22:14 PM

pics, or gfto already!

3/20/2015 4:24:05 PM