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Miter saw question

Discussion in 'Garage / Workshop' started by kris77, Feb 2, 2012.

  1. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:13 AM
    #1
    kris77

    kris77 [OP] Born in the Backwoods

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    I think i need to square up my miter saw.

    I've tried setting a small square on it but for some reason, my 45 degree cuts dont square up just right.

    Its probably because its not a real nice saw. I mean it's a craftsman 10 in compound sliding miter saw.

    Something like this one but about 5 years older.
    http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10-34-single-bevel-sliding-compound-miter-saw-21237/p-00921237000P

    Any ideas? Or is it just trial and error? Cut some scraps and adjust, cut more scraps and adjust again till i get it right...
     
  2. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:15 AM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Is the 45* square accruate? Many times you have to hold it at the correct angle when tightening, then double check after locking in the setting.
     
  3. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:17 AM
    #3
    dexterdog

    dexterdog My pee parts itch

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    I would assume there would be adjustment screws to set 90 degrees. If I am understanding you correctly your cut isn't 90 degrees on a 45?
     
  4. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:23 AM
    #4
    stewartx

    stewartx Well-Known Member

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    If more than one slide, are they aligned properly? If one slide, is the saw somehow slipping out of adjustment on that? If you can't find the problem there and a square isn't cutting the mustard, trial & error may be all you can do (assuming the cuts are consistent).

    Wait, just thought of something. You are using the square only on the flat part of the blade, not including the teeth, right?
     
  5. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:26 AM
    #5
    kris77

    kris77 [OP] Born in the Backwoods

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    My cuts arent square anywhere. Trim work is impossible. I've tried squaring it up with a square like this...

    http://www.southpointhawaii.com/include/pdf_files/mitersawtuneup.pdf

    And it gets it close....But its still off. Off enough that i have to caulk EVERY joint in crown molding. Craftsman quality has really went downhill lately. The laser on this saw is useless. One cut you need to cut on the outside of the laser, the very next cut the laser moved to the inside of the blade, then 2 days later the laser is dead center of the blade. Its a guessing game every time you turn it on. Might have to go pay the money and get a dewalt.
     
  6. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:27 AM
    #6
    macgyver

    macgyver Well-Known Member

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    I used to have a cheap Delta shopmaster 10" compound miter saw that my dog knocked off the stand about a week after I bought it. It never cut right after that even after adjusting. I always had to use the speed square for ever cut...anything between 0 and 45, haha forget it!

    Since I got my Dewalt 12" slider it cuts PERFECT. It's amazing what a good saw will do.
     
  7. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:28 AM
    #7
    kris77

    kris77 [OP] Born in the Backwoods

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    Yes...Only on the flat part.

    I'm going to give it one more good try tonight when i get home...Try the square again, then give a couple of trial and error cuts and see if i can get it tuned in. Hopefully I don't have to get a new saw. But these miter cuts make it impossible to do picture frames or trim work or any kind of flush joints. Just makes a 2 hour trim job turn into and all day ordeal.
     
  8. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:36 AM
    #8
    kris77

    kris77 [OP] Born in the Backwoods

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    Whats the model number of that Dewalt?

    Heard bad things about the new 718
     
  9. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:40 AM
    #9
    kris77

    kris77 [OP] Born in the Backwoods

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    I have a different square to check with tonight. So i'll try it instead...

    On a completely irrelevant note......
    Do you really have over 80,000 posts? Thats crazy. I remember when people were talking about you hitting 40,000. That was only last year....lol We joined this site at the exact same time too...
     
  10. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:40 AM
    #10
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    LOL!! Yeah, I think its pretty close.
     
  11. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:43 AM
    #11
    macgyver

    macgyver Well-Known Member

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    So is it only with crown?

    A little trick I've found with crown is to only nail the middle of the board, then adjust the two pieces up or down so the miter lines up in the corner then nail the corner.

    Haha just noticed the miter saw on that website is the exact same one I had before.
     
  12. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:44 AM
    #12
    macgyver

    macgyver Well-Known Member

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    Not sure, I got it back in 2010.
     
  13. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:46 AM
    #13
    kris77

    kris77 [OP] Born in the Backwoods

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    Its not ONLY with crown, that's just where i notice it the most.

    I built a changing table for my son 2 years ago out of the pre cut, pre plained wood from lowes. Everything was perfectly square until i cut it. I had to literally make all the cuts on my table saw to get them square so i could make a flush joint with pocket screws.

    Most stuff, like framing, or most of the other stuff I do, it doesnt matter that much. But when i do trim work or build a cabinet or something that has to be square, i notice it. Crown is the worst.
     
  14. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:55 AM
    #14
    macgyver

    macgyver Well-Known Member

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    Do you bed your crown against the fence and cut the miter at a 45 or cut it flat with the miter and bevel adjusted? I find the first method to be much easier.

    I would just buy a better saw, it made all the difference in the world for me when it came to doing trim and mitered corners. I found myself using my table saw for cutting mitered corners just like you mentioned when I had a crappy saw.

    My Dewalt was $599 and came with a free folding stand. let me tell you, the stand is AWESOME! Very sturdy and the extensions make cutting long boards and trim a 1 person job. It's also very easy to setup and take down.
     
  15. Feb 2, 2012 at 11:57 AM
    #15
    snicklefritz

    snicklefritz Member

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    Not sure if you've done this already, but try squaring the blade to 45 with a combo or speed square and locking it (rather than squaring 90, zeroing the scale, then setting blade to 45).

    Might not fix the source of the problem, but should get you a 45 degree cut. If it doesn't then something might be loose and shifting during the cut like the fence or arm pivot, etc.

    I wouldn't trust those lasers for anything critical either....best to mark with a razor and sneak up on the cut if you want it to be really accurate. good luck
     
  16. Feb 2, 2012 at 12:09 PM
    #16
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    OP , cut a piece of wood and use a framing square to check the wood for square . Adjust as needed , and recheck the wood . Continue until you get it perfect .

    The larger size of a framing square will be more accurate than a speed square and trying to square the blade to the fence by holding a square to the blade is never accurate

    When done squaring , cut 2 pieces at 45* , hold them together and check that they make a square corner

    If you get a good 90* cut but the 2 45* cuts aren't square , the table detent for 45* on your saw is inaccurate
     
  17. Feb 2, 2012 at 12:12 PM
    #17
    kris77

    kris77 [OP] Born in the Backwoods

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    I'm guessing a 2x8 or 2x10 would be best for this. I have always just been moving the fence too. I think i need to actually adjust the blade.
     
  18. Feb 2, 2012 at 12:22 PM
    #18
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    1x10 is easiest , but 2x8 or 2x10 is fine .

    Adjusting the fence to the blade is correct .
     
  19. Feb 4, 2012 at 4:28 AM
    #19
    .28

    .28 TacoRunnerCamry

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    This.. Sometimes while tightening you yourself will slightly move the guide ever so slightly while tightening your set screw..
     

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