Equipment/CompoundMitreSaw
A new sliding compound mitre saw (with much larger cutting capacity and in generally better condition) was donated in December 2021 replacing the original that was listed on this page
Saw Blade can be angle to support different cut and longer cut using back and forth movement.
Note - this brand of saw is designed to cut metal as well as wood, but is currently fitted with a wood only blade - the Donkey Saw is a better tool for metal cutting
Instructions for the old mitre saw (not an exact match for the current model, but still useful for reference) can be found below
Maintenance and Cleaning Instruction
Ensure to connect the vacuum cleaner when you cut a part preventing the wood dust to spread.
Supplemental manual for changing saw blade
Risk Assessment - Mitre Saws
This risk assessment is intended to provide guidance on the risk associated with the above equipment and activities in normal use. Please also check general risk assessments for the space as a whole. Any discrepancies, errors or concerns should be raised with the document maintainers or trustees - do not edit this assessment directly. For responsible persons and last update, see 'version log' of the assessment page.
Activity
Cutting material with a mitre saw
Signage
Understanding Risk Rating
LOW - Ensure current control measures are in place and continue with activity
MED - Control measures may be adequate, co-supervision is recommended
HIGH - Do not undertake activity without further consultation with area specialists
Risk Assessment
Identify Hazards | Who May be Harmed and How | Severity | Control Measures | Likelihood | Risk Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Incompetent user | User, Bystander | HIGH | Users must not use tools that they are not competent to use. Members must challenge use that they believe is dangerous. Users must read the user manual where applicable. Users must read the risk assessment before using a tool. Users will be advised during induction which tools they will need supervision or an induction to use. Only authorised members will complete maintenance and calibration tasks. | LOW | MED |
Contact with blade | User | HIGH | Do not put hands into exclusion zone. Clamp small work pieces to avoid contact with hands close to the blade. Saw should be turned off immediately after use Saw blade should stop within 10 seconds of being turned off. | LOW | MED |
Drawing in (being pulled into the saw) | User of the tool | HIGH | User of the saw should not wear gloves, ties, scarves, or other long flowy clothing that could get pulled into the blade. Do not move hands past the blade | LOW | MED |
Dust (inhalation, fire, explosion) | User of the tool, users of the room, the space. | MED | Maintenance must include the cleaning of dust from within the saw housing where accessible. A respirator or mask should be used whilst operating this tool for prolonged periods. | LOW | LOW |
Blade snatching or jamming | User, bystanders | HIGH | Only cut wood and plastic on the mitre saw Ensure a visual inspection of the mitre saw is undertaken before every use, checking for physical obstructions | LOW | MED |
Noise | User of the tool, users of the room. | MED | Ear protection is advised. | LOW | LOW |
Flying splinters | User of the tool, users of the room. | HIGH | Eye protection must be worn In the workshop | LOW | MED |
Induction Script
The first stage of any induction is to read and familiarise with the Risk Assessment and PPE requirements
What is a Mitre Saw For
Cutting strip material to length, at a variety of angles This one for wood only (this model is sold with a wood/ metal combo blade but we have a wood blade fitted)
Alternatives: • Bandsaw or hand tools for small parts • Table saw with crosscut sled for precision, repeat parts, or stopped cuts
Parts of the Saw
Point Out:
- The blade
- The blade guard
- The Table
- The 'no hands zone' (swivelling part)
- The workholding clamp
- The mitre adjustment
- The bevel adjustment
- The sliders
- The slider lock
- The 2-stage trigger
Straight Cutting
- Check the angle is as you expect (for precise work, test cut and adjust)
- Position work. Unlock guard to lower saw to pencil mark, if required
- Clamp work, if necessary
- Make sure saw is clear of the work, activate 2-stage trigger, allow to get up to full speed
- If work is wide, pull saw towards you and down, then push through to finish the cut
- Raise saw to the locked 'home' position - until you hear the click
- Remove workpiece
Mitre Cut
- Unscrew orange locking handle at front to unlock
- Pull locating lever up and rotate to desired angle (gauge at front is a guide, test cut and adjust if it's critical)
- Re-tighten locating lever
- Think about how the new angle affects your workholding and that the blade path is clear (if possible, cut angles so your workholding hand is the obtuse side)
- Make your cut, as normal
- As a courtesy to other users, rest to 90° when done
Bevel Cut
- Unlock bevel locking screw (at rear of saw)
- Rotate to desired angle
- Lock off locking screw
- Think about how the new angle affects your workholding and that the blade path is clear (if possible, cut angles so your workholding hand is the obtuse side)
- Make your cut, as normal
- As a courtesy to other users, rest to 90° when done
After Use
- Always Sweep down the saw and the surrounding bench
- Dust will build up inside the saw and a hoover is needed to deep clean it (and sometimes, compressed air right into crevices). It's not necessary to do this every time but this should be done at regular intervals, at least once a month. If it looks like it hasn't been done for a while, be a good citizen and do it.