How To Use A Miter Saw | DIY For Beginners

A chop saw (official term: mitre saw) is one of the most versatile tools you can buy and is essential for cutting flooring, trim, lumber and even ABS plumbing. In this video, I show you how to use this saw to its full potential.
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[@4mulaBaby]

A buddy of mine recently described Home RenoVision as "It's like your dad teaching you how to do something, but he's not angry and it's actually pleasant."

[@khallo151]

And you actually want to learn 😆

[@MarkAntonowsky]

So true... LOL...

[@resilientrecoveryministries]

You had my dad, too?

[@ItsNotInventedYet]

He teaches as good or better than any dad in the world. Learning how to cut fast like a pro is one thing, safety is another. He needs to teach folks how not to lose finger(s) while using any power saw.

[@superek4]

I was just thinking that!

[@DextarRogue]

I'm doing baseboard soon and I have a sliding miter saw my late father left me. He never taught me how to use it so I really appreciate this video. Thank you for everything you've done to help the community. I've started to gain more and more confidence in doing projects around my duplex. I wish I could give you a hug and say thank you in person for filling in the things my father wasn't able to before he passed away.

[@vernita1187vm]

❤God Bless you

[@TheItalianDNA]

At 9:15 While I am sure some pros do this routinely it's a major safety issue for the beginner Miter saw DIYer. Not only is the safety shield retracted in an awkward manner with your forearm, but the piece you're cutting is impinged against the fence and your hand feeding the piece. Your hand and body are really exposed if there's any kickback or someone bumps you from behind, (Which you mention a few seconds later!) If you need to cut a piece longer than the span for your miter saw, you should be using a table saw, jig saw, or multitool to make the cut. Overall I enjoy seeing your practical approaches to what seem like complex fixes, but this one crosses the safety line for me in a "Beginner" video. Use the right tool for the job folks!

[@compubyte2010]

Really? that's the safety issue for beginners ? and here I thought him cutting any wood with NO safety glasses on at all , was the Major no no here?

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

@@compubyte2010 Both are safety issues regardless of beginner. Sadly, it's often the pros that become complacent.

[@anthonyz5671]

I concur. I thought the same thing. That why in the heck would you show a beginner that!? Lol As well as the other longer cuts bending material. Wouldn’t be advising a beginner to do that. I think he just gets excited and cant stop giving tips. Lol

[@Phatzoot]

I dont even own a mitre saw yet but when i do i am definitely not tryin that lol looks well dodgy

[@patrickbellefleur5508]

@@Phatzoot Lol I frame new construction and when he did that I was like ....

[@gabrieljung6763]

Hi, I'm a noob and just started woodworking for my home improvement. Thank you very very much for this wonderful tutorial video and now i have the confidence to go purchase my first miter saw this week.

[@chrisgraham5667]

Thank you! Very nice instructional video. I have owned my fixed Dewalt miter saw for many years but only occasionally use it for home projects. Today, I encountered a different cut and needed a refresher to configure the double compound feature. I learned so much watching your video. Any new saw owner or occasional user should watch this video. I learned so much more than I came for. I also had been considering purchasing a sliding compound saw but hadn’t since the need overall was very low. I believe you have showed me how to use my current saw better for all my needs without the need for a sliding model. I’m definitely more proficient and knowledgeable concerning my miter saw today. Again thanks.

[@tristanmefford2609]

just bought an old craftsman miter for $50 from 2008 or so. im very thankful for this video! perfect timing.

[@dennymoore4219]

Just Watched Paul and Jordan from the Stud Pack channel and saw your comment congratulating them. I’m subscribed to both channels and love seeing mutual respect good on you Jeff. I’m in the middle of a renovation of my whole house and you both have made life a lot easier for me with you tips and tricks. I’m 62 and I’ve done most of what I’ve done by myself with good advice from you guys

[@cgilleybsw]

64 here and starting the process. Happen to live in a very rich county where all of the handymen and crews charge out the wazoo. 6k+ and up to fix some trim and paint. Nope, time to get off my a$$.

[@stevencoad9224]

Oh man, I really wish this video was out a few days ago - yesterday I just replaced some damaged baseboard & added chair rail in my dining room, and the “cut it vertically” tip alone would have saved me a bunch of time setting and resetting the saw angle. Completely changes my way of looking at using the saw.

[@DiRidpath]

I just bought a DeWalt Compound Miter saw. Your video has helped me so much in understanding how to use it 'before' I start.

[@0hMiri]

This is exactly what I need and appreciate from you. I wish I had been able to take shop during my high school years, but instead I took child development and I regret it everyday. Currently the only woodshop in town is open to people who've taken a woodshop 101 class, that's currently unavailable. Thank you for this info, you are a terrific teacher!

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

Tell them you have a degree from KZbin university 9/10 ppl just nod and miss the reference 🤣

[@davidwilson6717]

Outstanding video, as a musician who has never purchased a mitre, I learned a ton. Thank you SO MUCH.

[@aceshr9499]

Thanks. Really helpful. The saw was my Christmas gift from my husband. I have been rather intimidated by the saw. I am a nurse and have seen quite a few missing fingers. Don’t want to be one of them. I am building a lot of beehives and needed an upgrade. Your video helps a lot. Thanks

[@lacylaplante2222]

Jeff, you are my "go to" for "how to!" Thank you for making it so simple! I'm making a closet system thanks to your videos! My construction friends are giving me the nod of approval with my work - all Jeffs tips and tricks!

[@FurryNightmare666]

You’re like a way more patient ans kind dad I never had! Big thank you!

[@redhead0616]

First time using a miter saw. This was incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@boblawrance7095]

Thank you for posting this, i am a novice and have used my chop saw a bit. but this was quite helpful. thanks you!

[@joannrice8359]

Wonderful video. I just bought this saw and needed to know these handy tips. Thank you so much. Love your videos.

[@baa32]

This is EXACTLY the video I needed. I recently decided to buy a mitre saw for a wall and crown moulding project, and was surfing around, looking for instructions on how to properly cut moulding for boxes

[@Tyler_County_King90]

Haha Jeff you were on fire with the quick wit in this video! Time for a saw and stand up grade. The honey due list isn’t getting any shorter. If I’m doing it myself might as well reinvest those savings into great tools! Thanks

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@ericyi8098]

This is one of my favorite videos. I’ve been using my chop saw for years but this has a ton of nifty little tricks. Also cuttin stuff is just so fun…

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers

[@stephendaniel168]

This is good advice and tips for the younger guys. I was just texting a younger family member and gave him same advice. I actually had that same saw 15 years ago with the stand and took it back for a single bevel compound miter Rigid. Still use it a ton and it fits very nice on my tool shelf. I prefer temporary work benches with an old piece of plywood and horses and some Harbor Freight rollers. The saws light enough to grab and switch it out with a 10” job site table saw. I like to lag the table saw to the plywood even if it’s only a few cuts. One thing most people don’t know is the height of the miter saw is 3 1/2”. So you can keep two pieces of 4xs handy and a piece of pine board to fasten as a jig if you don’t like trying to hold crown still while cutting. I have a piece of pvc 3/4 material that I use for that so it doesn’t warp and stuff. A 12” board is big enough where you can make your jig cuts and it will still stay together with that saw.

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Thank you for this, much appreciated. I just bought a used but like-new Pro-Tech 7208 10" miter saw and have never used one before, so your video was a perfect intro (even though I had to replay parts of it multiple times to understand what you meant 😆).

[@stephendaniel168]

My buddy cut pipe to make spacer washers for a light rail automated platform. As you get older you enjoy your favorite tools. The small hole in my dust bag from those sparks is good memories.

[@Fullmoonrisingtarot]

I’m so relieved I can look you up and get taught how to do this stuff. That for me has never been done before in the history of my world! 😃! Many many thanks!!! Merry Christmas!

[@ladyewo6778]

Great video. I just purchased the Dewalt DWS779 and had no idea how to use it. It was on sale and I got the stand free with purchase. I had returned a recall saw unopened and lucked up with the exchange. I'll be subscribing to your channel for helpful tips for my home reno. I'm a lady and new to power tools and DIY. Trying to get my confidence up.

[@seanhiscock]

Thanks Jeff. I find your tips helpful. I have tried some & will use more.

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Ahhh💛 This was so helpful! I like the 15 inch cut you demonstrated by lifting up the flooring plank. Good to know these tricks.And the hack to ending a baseboard against the wall by not just cutting it off but adding another miter cut smaller piece that connects it to a 45 degree angle! Very cool trick!💯🇨🇦🍁

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers!

[@johnvatistas6569]

Excellent instructional video. Simple, to the point, quick and no bullshit. Thank you.

[@georgedavall9449]

Thank You Jeff! I say that mainly for @02:48, regarding the finishing of a cut. Ask a few tradespeople, and you will quickly get a discussion/ argument going on whether or not to ‘lift up’ after the cut! And I’m putting that nicely. If, and I say IF, you are cutting big lumber or wide boards, you can probably plunge cut and come back up, but, BUT for anything else, just take a few extra seconds to let the blade brake do its job, and save yourself, a bystander/worker nearby, and your material! Make the cut just like Jeff did here people! I’ve seen small pieces of wood come off and stick or go through fresh drywall on the job! This can be serious. I’ve had the saw catch and pinch or twist my fingers by the long piece remaining, when I lifted the head with the blade spinning, and catching the cut off, and the piece on the saw. Lifting material to extend the capacity, yeah, most all of us have done it. I don’t recommend it, but if you must, spend some time with your saw beforehand, get to know it. I’ve operated miter saws for over 20 years. Only saying that as a matter of reference to which I speak. Certainly not as bragging rights. Please think, and be safe! Thanks for the video Jeff! 👍👍👍✌🏻😀

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

the demo was designed to show the danger. learn from me is the easy way. learn yourself can be a bad thing.

[@ibrahimsalem9469]

Thank you so much, this is one of the most useful tips videos on how to use the mitersaws

[@garybarker4481]

At 8:41 boy that looks so good ! With all that he does, he's quite a talented guy. Thanks so much !

[@growsomething7248]

I've learned a lot since I discovered your channel. Thank you for making these educational videos.

[@user-mv5gg3nr8y]

Thanks for this!! Perfectly explained! Sold me on the miter stand too.

[@mypointofblue5260]

Just got one of these and learned a lot from this one video! Thanks for sharing!

[@jackryan8421]

Awesome video. I want to purchase a miter saw but didn’t know enough to make an informed purchase and now I do. 😊

[@henryparrott2447]

Love your channel. Upstanding most of what you do. THANKS 👍 😊

[@BBQPeanut]

Perfect timing! Just put down my underlayment. Surprised the underlay was 0.60/sqft as I was expecting cheaper from King of Floors and having watched the video mentioning that the quality stuff can be 20 cents, but maybe it's because BC's flooding means everyone is redoing their floors. While my mitre also isn't long enough for my laminate floors, I'm definitely not trying that trick just yet. Scares me. Either way, thanks Jeff!

[@kmc669]

Great video Thank You

[@joanna201269]

Thx for teaching, I did make mistakes before and had poor cut on my pieces

[@TommyTactix]

Thanks for this! It was great to watch and just go over basics well explained again.

[@brentmwil]

Im fairly seasoned in miter saw use, I wish this video was around when I first started.

[@thehound1359]

Miter saw and multi tool are my favorite tools to use.

[@TheAnetmusik]

I have measured once and cut twice too many times. Lol Love your video! Thank you!

[@davidm.6643]

What an outstanding tutorial. Well done, and thank you. 🇺🇸

[@scottwlak4736]

You're a gem dude, I appreciate the depth of you're explanation

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Glad to help

[@patriciaingraldi4719]

I love your tutorial!! Thank you for those tips.

[@lcook0825]

Very informative video. Thanks.

[@yvesinformel221]

You are so practical, I just love the way you make your video

[@michaelaotearoa3839]

Looks like letting the saw blade come to a stop is not easy.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

some saws have better brakes. it all depends on the money you spend and the comfort that you like to work with. i personally let the spin reduce for a second and pull the pieces away from the moving blade.

[@FragThePlanet]

I love this kind of stuff, this is gold for people like me!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@monachinn1576]

Thanks. I bought the saw and they did not suggest the table for it. Im going back to get the table. I watch you all the time and love your tricks

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers, appreciate that

[@nealphoto1141]

great concept. looking forward to see more “how to use and tips and tricks”

[@kristinminner3647]

Again! Great information. Thank you!

[@benbolbar3628]

2:55 Iol. Can't stop watching that moment over and over again

[@jomjimison5637]

Thanks dad gonna use the drop saw now

[@goodiesby13booboo]

I LOVE you!.....in a strictly platonic way!! 😁 Your videos are the best!!

[@diskysince84]

Awesome Vid.Thank youi!!

[@jumellesaltidor9551]

Wow! You're amazing ! Thank you so much for your tipssss Always pleasant to watching you 😊

[@od628]

Excellent tips. 👍👍

[@TheSaks40]

Been waiting for this video on your dual bevel compound miter saw! It's been a while since your homeowners tools video. I think my money was well spent on the 12" vs. the 10" even though I'm still learning. Still don't understand why Dewalt or Milwaukee don't sponser you. As I've commented in the past, you should have your own show on network television, like Maine Cabin Masters :) Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Love it, we don’t know either 😆

[@yeeaahBUDDY]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY To get sponsored I believe some companies make you sign a contract that says you'll (at least publicly) only use their brand and no others. Also, once sponsored you won't always get their stuff for free, but you'll get it "at cost", so still cheaper than store prices. That was the case for music instruments when I worked for a music gear supplier. No idea if that applies to DeWalt or other tool brands though.

[@spencerrobinson5385]

Well, you don’t get your own TV show when you use power tools, especially saws, without wearing safety glasses. And no network is going to sponsor someone who shows tips like raising the working piece up off of the table into the saw blade - that’s exactly why the making the sliding miter saws, so you keep the working material flat on the bed where it’s supposed to be for safety reasons……..

[@raycarter4030]

i learned so much watching this brilliant video.

[@bucky5063]

Amazing video once again, can't thank you enough

[@ohmygosh6176]

Wow this was an amazing tutorial. Thanks for the info

[@marchofthedragons4325]

We've got a woodshop at my college that I have to build a beehive at, got a long night of watching how to use these machines. Didn't know what a miter saw was before this so thanks

[@rrome6178]

I love this video - tips I’ve never seen before! I have two questions - you said to make sure your blade is square; if it is not, how is that corrected? Second question is whether there is any way possible to adjust the depth of the cut on a basic mitre saw that has no depth adjustment? Thanks!

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

Answer to question 2 anything’s possible with money but with no depth adjustment screw no…. Honestly I’ve never used it personally but if u really need it u can get a decent 10” saw for $200 Answer to 1st question If the blade is not square …. Search for how to square miter saw blade… Basically the fence on the back of your saw will have Allen screws u loosen those and move the fence forward or back’ Place saw down lock it Unscrew 1 side of fence Use square next to blade square up fence to your square’ Tighten screws Now do the same to the other side You now have a square blade’

[@wilmal4087]

Very very good video and tips. Thank you! 👍👍💐💙

[@lcook0825]

Thanks Jeff. This was an excellent video.

[@MoranGuyVideos]

Hi , Amazing video , what do you think about 10" instead of 12" ? I have a circular saw and a table saw already. I asked because I'm trying to save on blade cost and overall size of the machine...(I don't have much space)

[@benniemcfadin9727]

It’s always nice to have a slider when you need one.I couldn’t do without mine

[@creamer350]

Great video 👍

[@djjoeykmusic]

Great video! Thank you

[@noahschmartz2354]

succinct and to the point as usual, I really like this guy.

[@debskvorz8911]

I watched this video last time I changed my blade and found your talking through the process a great help. I would suggest though that you turn the area you're working on toward the camera so it's easier to follow along with what you're doing. I will watch your other videos I just hope I'll be able to have the visual since that's how I learn best. thank you!

[@cricklicklers9382]

Guess what Santa brought me for Christmas... yep. I read the manual but it does not compare to what you’ve just taught me. Thank you so much!

[@unik2131]

Always enjoy your videos! Well done!

[@tmarc1127]

Great video!! Thanks

[@marathonnierbagino6490]

u so knowledgeable, and u go straight to the point

[@starburst3847]

love this video!

[@heatherd9340]

This is so helpful!

[@octaviogamez6464]

Thank you 🙏🏽 great vid

[@synchro-dentally1965]

Don't forget your PPE. Thanks for the video.

[@-htl-]

For cutting more length and less splinters buy one with the saw blade on a (compound) slide. It really pays off if you saw a lot. And saw from extendend inward to stop splinters and cut in two passes. But be careful it is way more dangerous when not used correctly.

[@nancyurbano2078]

Amazing 👏 thanks

[@scottg7660]

I always think I know it all and then I watch videos from you lol.

[@blabbergasted4380]

Gr8 demo!

[@user-sl1iv7qk8z]

that's awesome thank you.

[@photonpixie]

love the shoutout being at the end!! makes it less intrusive plus its like a bonus for waiting tell the end to see if its yours

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@Birchtools_]

Great Video!

[@Mrsh-18]

Thanks:) I loved it!

[@georgemalesky9462]

Thanks!

[@annh3599]

Thanks! Just the video I needed!

[@noenduringcity]

Love the pace of this video!

[@shankarh6915]

Great tips! What stand are you using here? Could you please provide a link?

[@jjesse8707]

such a great video. I am new with the saw and you taught me a lot of good things. excellent video

[@onekad4932]

Very informative and funny too! Thx

[@zeke393]

great tips n tricks appreciate the video!

[@madman9970]

Once again another great video and very informative 👍

[@redryder210]

Saving this video!

[@beardedelephant3023]

Great video as usual!!!

[@sparky1044]

A little trick I learned, put a piece of painters tape on the throat plate (bottom of the saw where the bottom of the blade goes). It gives you a zero clearance for smaller cuts and you can reference off it so you know exactly where the blade will cut.

[@georgedavall9449]

Excellent Yard Dawg! Not only will it help with the cut, it IS a safety measure, as small pieces won’t fall into the throat area, and bind up or get caught with the blade! Another reason for leaving the head down, as the blade comes to a stop! Peace!

[@stephendaniel168]

Just pull the saw blade down to your piece and see where the teeth hit and cut the waste side like he said.