Miter Saw Safety

Come for the Craft, Stay for the Company

Miter Saws

The miter saw, sometimes called a chopsaw, is a carpenter’s tool that has found a home in the woodworking shop. Its cuts aren’t always precise enough for furniture joinery, but they are plenty good for many tasks. More than anything else, the miter saw is used for cutting pieces to rough length before they move on to the more precise machines.

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Safety Tips

Machine Setup & Area Preparation

Support long material at the same height as the saw table.
Clean the lower guard frequently to clear sawdust and ensure maximum visibility and smooth guard movement.
Unplug or lockout power to the miter saw before making repairs or adjusting blades and guards.
All guards must be in place and operating properly; if a guard is slow to return or hangs up, adjust or repair it immediately.

Safe Cutting Operations & Workpiece Handling

Keep hands and fingers clear of the blade by at least 6 inches at all times.
Hold or clamp all material securely against the fence before cutting; do not perform operations freehand.
Never reach into the cutting area to retrieve material until the blade has come to a complete, full stop.
Never cut small pieces without a device to hold the stock securely and keep hands 6 inches away from the blade.
Release the trigger switch after completing a cut and allow the blade to come to a complete stop before raising it out of the workpiece.

Woodworkers of Green Valley Recreation

1111 S. GVR Drive, Green Valley, AZ 85614