Hi,
I’m new to carpentry and have just started apprenticing with a small crew doing remodeling. We have a very new Makita sliding, compound, miter saw. When set to 0 deg. on both adjusments the saw seems to cut out of square. What is the best way to check and align the saw to square?
Thanks,
Alexi
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
There are a number of ways to achieve a level foundation and mudsill.
Featured Video
How to Install Exterior Window TrimHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Toss it and get a Bosch....
Unplug it...
Set yur framing square to the fence and blade...
This will tell you wich way to move the fence to get a square cut...
Loosen the fence and move the fence perpendicular to blade...
Run the head in and out to check fer overall trueness too...
Do this to both sides...
Also make sure both fences are absolutely in line when yur all done...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
that will work as long as your framing square is square unlike most framing square.
simple way to check is to take x 12" length mark the edge you put against the right fence. set the saw to 0 degrees or 90 degree cut. now cut the board. now place it on left side the marked edge up up against left fence the fresh cut against the blade and if there is a gape you did not cut 90 degrees.
My framing square is square... Been peened...
I still find it easier to use a clamped on straight edge to keep the fences in line and the square to set the blade 90* to the fence... Also use a machinest's square to set the vertical 90...
If required I then zero the indicators...
OOPS!... Forgot to tell him about the straight edge thing...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
BTW... Plug it back in and get back to work....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Get your self a wide piece (10" or so) of 3/4 ply with both edges straight and parallel .Make it about 2 foot or so long. Put a pencil line along one edge and use that edge againgt the fence to start with.
put that edge against the fence and run the saw thru the board
don;t move the left piece. pick the right piece up flip it over and slide it up against the left board. look at how the boards touch each other. A gap along the 10' dimension shows the fence is off. and a gap in the edge of the ply shows the bevel is off. If the gap is in the frt. of the 10' then rotate your fence clokwise and vise-versa as for the bevel if the gap is on the top tip the saw to the right .
Once your diled in and you know what the board should look like then when ever you are on a job you can test the saw in 5 seconds and know your cut will be true
give it a try It will be worth the effort.........Mike
Oh- BTW it is not a chop box--it's a miter saw or miter box.
chop boxes cut steel. :)