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A 12 inch Miter saw, sometimes referred to as
a drop saw or a chop saw, is a versatile tool that is used to make
accurate angular cuts in wood, plastic, and even metal. One of the most
common applications of these saws is the execution of miter cuts, which
are cuts made into wood, perpendicular to the orientation of the wood
grain. Miter saws are also used in framing, which implies a house
construction composed of a skeletal wooden framework covered with
accurately cut wooden sheets. This tool is also used to cut molding
joints that are beveled wooden strips normally used to fill in a bare
gap in a wall or provide a smooth transition between adjacent areas,
such as a wall and a ceiling. Miter joints, seen in photo frames,
consist of wooden pieces cut at 45 degrees, joined to form a right
angle. Any angular cut, ranging from 45 to 90 degrees is possible with
this saw. These saws are used for crown molding and also to make
precise cuts at a predetermined angle. The saw can be tilted during the
cutting process to create compound angle cuts. Plumbers can cut mitered
pipes with this saw. Miter saws are used in cabinetry, furniture
making, deck building, and bevel cutting, In addition to skilled
workers such as carpenters, or masons, this tool can be used by
domestic workshop enthusiasts too.
Features and working of the 12” Miter saw
The size of this saw is normally depicted by
the size of its blade, which ranges from approximately 8 to 12 inches,
with the 12 inch blade being the most popular. This replaceable blade
is fixed to a metal framework and its movement over the guide is
controlled by a motor. The rotational motion of the blade generates the
cutting action. The workpiece sits on a Fence, which enables accurate
angle cuts. In the default position, this angle is maintained at 90
degrees. Further accuracy is provided with the miter index, which
allows miniscule changes to be made to the blade angle in relation to
the fence. This index can be easily manipulated with just the user’s
thumb. The saw incorporates stops at frequently used angles such as 15,
30, and 45 degrees, for more efficient usage. Cutting precision is
further enhanced with a dual rail design. A micro bevel adjustment
enables the user to cut highly precise bevel angles.
An average miter saw uses a 15 amp motor,
consuming around 1950 watts, to churn out a speed of approximately 4500
revolutions per minute (rpm). A precision machined aluminum base
absorbs the vibrations caused due to the high operating speeds and
provides a rigid footing for the tool. An elastomer grip for the handle
provides an added vibration absorbing facility. To support the
workpiece, some tools have an extension wing and a sliding fence.
Generally, the performance of the tool is
dependent on the material density, the cutting speed, and the blade
sharpness. The most commonly used blade is the 60-tooth carbide tipped
blade. This blade provides smoother cutting and stays sharper longer. A
camlock miter handle with a detent override feature allows cutting
accurate miter angles.
While most miter saws weight between 30 to 50
pounds, manufacturers intentionally try to keep the weight low to allow
easy portability. However, a saw which is too light may not be sturdy
enough to perform stable accurate cuts.
What to look for in a 12” Miter saw
Considering the speed at which the saw
functions, an electric brake provides for a more secure operation. The
carbon brushes of the saw are externally accessible, and facilitate
easy changing to enhance the life of the tool. Most of the moving parts
of the saw are rendered with ball bearings to prevent wear and tear due
to friction.
As with any cutting tool, there is bound to
be some amount of dust being created. Most of the miter saws have a
dust bag to collect the saw dust and other particulate matter released.
This keeps the environment clean for the user and also protects the
inner components of the saw from clogging due to the entry of dust.
Since the blade is the most important part of the tool, it may be
required to be changed after certain number of uses, and a blade wrench
is often shipped with the tool. A no-mar coating on the tool’s feet
prevent scarring of the surface on which it rests.
Some saws have a twin laser feature that
guides the user through the line of cut. Occasionally, a fluorescent
lamp is incorporated to light up the work area. The tool handle is
ergonomically contoured to enhance the comfort Level of the user during
prolonged application and minimize wrist strain. The arrangement of the
various controls of the tool is also designed for easy access.
Some
reputed manufacturers of 12 inch miter saws include Dewalt and Makita.
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