Tools Central

All About Miter Saws

Learn how a miter saw works and how best to use it.

Miter Saw

This circular saw is used for accurate straight or angled cuts in wood. Whereas a circular saw is ideal for cutting large sheets, a miter saw is used for cutting across the grain of a securely clamped piece of lumber. Depth of the cut is determined by blade size, and whether the saw is "compound." Some compound saws slide on a rail, increasing the width that can be cut. Position the pointer at 0 degrees for a square cut and 45 degrees for a standard miter cut. The blade's guard will retract as blade is lowered.