Home Improvement Information

Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards


A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is a circular saw that is mounted on a frame. It is designed to be portable and to make very accurate angled cuts between 45 and 90 degrees. The compound miter saw can cut at an additional angle in order to cut bevels. Miter saws are predominately used in cutting wood but can also be used to cut plastics and light metals. Like any power tool, it is important to follow some safety rules to protect yourself. The following are some guidelines to keep yourself safe while operating you miter saw:

1) Wear protective gear. Make sure to protect your eyes with safety goggles or safety glasses that currently meet the national safety standard. Wear a full protective face mask when needed or dust mask for dusty projects (some of the dust from projects can contain harmful chemicals). It is also recommended to wear hearing protection (such as ear plugs) with extended use of a miter saw.

2) Avoid wearing any loose clothing. Do not wear anything that could possibly get in the way or fall into the path of the saw. This would include loose clothing, jewelry such as earrings, neck ties, gloves, or any dangling object. Remember to tie back long hair.

3) Keep miter saw clean. The miter saw and area around the miter saw should always be clean and free from debris. Also, inspect material to make sure it is free from nails and any other foreign objects before cutting.

4) Maintain a sharp miter saw blade. Always use a miter saw blade that is sharp and undamaged.

5) Do not over reach. Keep a secure footing and do not over reach. Never attempt to reach around the miter saw while it is on.

6) Use miter saw safety guards. The miter saw should come with an upper hood that covers the top half of the blade along with a lower blade guard. Do not operate machinery without these guards.

7) Make sure that blade is securely fastened. Loose blades have the ability to fall off. Take care to make sure that the miter saw blade is securely fastened and aligned correctly. To do this, unplug the miter saw and carefully spin blade with finger. The blade should not hit any of the other components of the saw.

8) Keep work material secure. Do not attempt to cut the material freehand. Always make sure that the material being cut is secure against the fence of the miter saw. If the work piece is unstable, then use a clamp to hold it in place. Also, remember to check that the miter saw is on a smooth and stable surface before beginning a project.

9) Leave miter saw unplugged and in the off position when not in use. Following this guideline will protect you from any accidents that could occur when turning on your miter saw. Never leave a power tool on while unattended. It is also advisable to wait until your miter saw is completely warmed up and come up to speed before starting a project.

10) Be Alert! Always be alert when operating a power tool. If the work becomes monotonous, take a short break. Accidents are prone to happen to those who are not paying attention.

Be sure to follow these miter saw safety tips in order to keep yourself safe. Remember that these are only general guidelines and that you should stop operation of a miter saw at any sign of abnormality. Always be cautious while operating a miter saw in order to avoid any possible accidents.

Kaitlin Carruth is a client account specialist with 10xMarketing - More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. For more information about miter saws, please visit Tool America.


MORE RESOURCES:

BobVila.com

How to save money on your home improvement project
YourHub.com, CO - Jan 5, 2009
Workshop for Women can help you get the home improvement skills you need in an inviting and fun environment. Taking a class will . ...
New Year's Home Improvement Resolutions BobVila.com
all 2 news articles


Do thorough research before signing a home improvement contract
Detroit Free Press, United States - Jan 4, 2009
... the economy on shaky ground, it's more important than ever for homeowners to carefully screen the contractors they hire for home improvement projects. ...


Home Improvement Expert Don Zeman Dies
Los Angeles Chronicle,  USA - Jan 3, 2009
SAVANNAH, GA - Don Zeman, known to millions of radio listeners and television viewers across the country as "America´s Home Improvement Expert" died ...
News From The Homefront KEYC
all 3 news articles


9 home-improvement projects for 2009
Seattle Times, United States - Jan 3, 2009
A look at what home projects will allow folks to live better now and make the house more saleable later. By Karen Klages A bathroom remodel may make your ...


What's your home improvement resolution for 2009?
MLive.com, MI - Jan 3, 2009
"What are your home improvement resolutions for the new year?" Post your response under "Post a comment," and it could be included in next Sunday's ...


Plan ahead to save money on energy, home improvement
Staunton News Leader, VA - Jan 3, 2009
And, thanks to a number of plastic storm window kits available at area hardware and home improvement stores, putting plastic over your windows is easier ...


Home-improvement retailers do better than expected
SmartBrief, DC - Jan 2, 2009
Home-improvement retailers might not have had a stellar 2008, but they did better than expected, having been hit early on from fallout from the troubled ...


Home improvement chains weather tough storm
The Associated Press - Dec 31, 2008
CHICAGO (AP) — A year that started poorly got worse for the nation's home improvement retailers, as the housing market meltdown pushed the economy toward ...


Home improvement, on TV
News & Observer, NC - Jan 2, 2009
If you've seen every episode of HGTV's "House Hunters," "Property Virgins" and "Divine Design," never fear. The channel that offers everything about the ...


New Direction for Homefront With Don Zeman
NewsBlaze (press release), CA - 20 hours ago
SAVANNAH, GA - The popular home improvement radio show, Homefront with Don Zeman, will continue with guest host Danny Lipford following the unexpected death ...

Home-Improvement - Google News

home | site map
© 2006