It is important that every aspiring woodwork professional learns how to use Ryobi miter saw, or how to use any miter saw, at least. The tool is a must-have for every woodworker. It is one of the most versatile tools that you can have in your workshop. Once you know how to use it, you will be able to cut beautiful frames, quarter rounds, and you will also be able to handle other complicated tasks.
Before outlining the steps involved, it is necessary to list out the basic parts of a miter saw and their functions. When you understand the parts, it will be easier for you to understand the use of miter saw more easily. Also, we included a few safety tips, as well. This is because a miter saw is as dangerous as it is useful. If you don’t handle it with care, a serious accident may occur. So, let’s get down to business now.
Learn Basic Parts Before Using a Ryobi Miter Saw:
1. Blade and Guard
The blade and guard both work together. The guard covers the blade and prevents any object from accidentally coming in contact with the blade. The blade explains itself. It is needless for us to explain that the blade is the part that cuts the wood. As you lower the blade to cut any piece of wood, the guard automatically gives way. Never put your finger near the blade. If you have to push any piece of wood into it, you can use a wood block to push it.
2. The Fence
The fence is the vertical wall against which you hold the piece of wood that you want to cut. This will enable you to get accurate angles. If you don’t hold the wood tightly against the fence, you won’t get an accurate angle. In other words, a fence is an integral component of all miter saws. Accuracy is the reason why the use of miter saw is necessary.
3. Handle and Switch
This is a handle that acts as a switch. There is a button on the handle. When you press the button, the blade will swing into action. It will start to spin, ready to cut anything that comes in contact with it. You need to press and hold it for as long as you want to use it. Once you release the button, the blade will stop spinning.
4. Miter Gauge
This gauge gives you the angle of what you want to cut. There is a pointer that guides you. If you want to make a straight cut, you need to rotate the gauge until the pointer is on 0 (zero). Also, if you intend to make a 45 degrees cut, you need to set it until the notch points to 45. The best part is that the angles are always accurate.
Now that you already have an idea of the basic parts of a miter saw and their functions, we can now go into the main issue. The steps will be easier for you to understand now.
How to Use a Ryobi Miter Saw?
First Step
Take a measurement of the wood that you want to cut and mark the line with a pencil. We are assuming that you are not just cutting the wood for fun. There must be a purpose for cutting the wood. The purpose will determine the length of the wood you want to cut and the angle at which you want to cut it.
Second Step
Gently position the wood on the miter box. Make sure you line the wood against the fence. This is important for accuracy. Even if you have never done this before, you can still get it right in the first attempt. You only need to take caution.
Third Step
Rotate the miter gauge to the angle you want to cut. As explained earlier, if you are planning to make a straight cut, leave the gauge at zero. Also, if you intend to cut your wood at an angle of 30 degrees, you need to set the gauge to 30.
Fourth Step
While holding the wood against the fence, gently press and hold the switch we talked about earlier. The blade will start spinning, and it will gradually come down to cut the piece of wood at the chosen angle. After the first cut, you can re-position the wood to cut it at another side until you are through.
It is as simple as that. It is definitely not as difficult as you had thought, right? That’s why every carpenter or woodworker needs a miter saw in the workshop. It makes a lot of tasks much easier.
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Safety Tips
A miter saw is astonishing in cutting wood, and it could also be very dangerous if not handled properly. So, here are some safety tips that you should apply while using it.
Never let your hands get close to it
You should never let your fingers get to close to the blade no matter the situation. Once you press the button and the blade starts spinning, move your hands away from it.
Study all its safety features
Before you start using the device, you need to study its user manual with a major focus on its safety features. It is necessary to know all the safety features on your miter saw and how to make use of them to protect yourself.
Restrict access to the device
If your workshop is in your home, you need to lock it whenever you are not in it. If not, curiosity may push your children into your workshop, and they may end up playing with your tools. You don’t want them to harm themselves with your miter saw.
Always wear protective gear
To work in your workshop, you need to put on your protective gear. Cover your eyes with eyewear, wear covered shoes that will cover your toes, and wear covered clothes. You may also protect your ears with earplugs.
In conclusion, it is not enough to learn how to use Ryobi miter saw; you should also learn and apply all the safety tips outlined above.
