How to Unlock a Miter Saw

How to Unlock a Miter Saw

Could you be using a new miter saw? It is always amazing to get new working tools, regardless of whether you have experience or not. Yet, putting them into use could raise questions on where to start.

One of the most wanting questions when it comes to miter saw is how to unlock it. This should not worry you. This article gives guidelines on how to unlock a miter saw. However, we will first discuss a few issues about miter saws before going to the main guideline.

What is a miter saw?

A miter saw is a tool used for cutting different materials into desired shapes. When cutting, its sharp blade moves from side to side to meet the user’s cut-shape requirements. As a result, you can rely on a miter saw to cut your photo frame and other related wood items with more accuracy.

By Matching it with the traditional saw, power miter exceptionally best. This is due to its precision in making angle cuts. Also, its accuracy in making crosscuts saves it a big deal.

How it works

To cut, the user holds the material against the fence to the miter saw. He then pushes it downwards to give it a precise cutting angle between the two planes. That is the plane of the longest edge of the workpiece and that of the blade. The cutting for cutting at a standard position is 90°.

Besides 90°, you can still rotate the blade at different angles. Thus, you can make various angled cuts for a large number of workpieces.

Different types of miter saws

The three types of miter saws are :

Standard miter saw- usually cuts the board vertically from top to bottom.

Compound miter saws- allow you to make cuts from different angles, both vertically and horizontally.

Single action compound miter saws- they bevel to one side.

How do you lift a miter saw blade?

Upon acquisition, the arm of the miter saw is usually locked down. You will need to release it first and install the blade to use the machine. After unlocking the arm, it should automatically rise. However, the arm may fail to rise, and this may need some adjustments at the travel pivot. The adjustment process involves the following steps.

Step 1- cut the tie-wrap by pressing down the D handle. (Note: while cutting, you must prevent the D handle from springing upwards. To do this, apply some downward pressure on it.)

Step 2- this step involves unlocking the lock pin by rotating it at an angle of 90 degrees. This also frees the saw blade.

Step 3- here, releasing some pressure on the arm, and the D arm will raise the installed miter saw blade.

The process of unlocking

Due to the safety of the use, miter saws need to be locked and unlocked when necessary. The pin and the knob regulate the process. That is, locking and unlocking are effected by a pull or push on the knob.

How to unlock different systems of power saws

Push or Pull

This applies to locks consisting of a knob and a pin. You only need to pull the knob at the end of the pin to unlock it. On the contrary, you can push the pin to lock it. However, some of these locks may need twisting. This depends on the model.

Upon the release of the pin, the blade should automatically lift up. The guard should move freely with the blade as it lifts to cover it.

Angle locks

A combination of two large locks knurled horizontally locks the side by side swivel action of the blade. The lever below the knob locks the angles and releases preset angles. To unlock the side by side swivel action, twist the knurled knob, and the miter saw will unlock.

To unlock the preset angle lock, apply a moderate force on the lever to depress the lever.

Swivel locks

Here, a small lever locks various angles and adjusts the blade for easy transportation. To unlock the saw, depress the lever and rotate it until it reaches the preset stop. You can as well remove the lever and customize an angle for cutting.

Bevel locks

The bevel angle locks are not consistent for every model of miter saw as all of them can bevel. Those incapable of beveling use a lever loaded with a spring to lock the bevel.

To unlock, press, and hold the lever down, then release after reaching the desired angle. Alternatively, you can use the pin to unlock. To avoid the preset lock stops, release the lock system over the beveling angle.

How to unlock Ryobi miter saw

Ryobi miter saw give excellent results when it comes to woodworks, construction, and other related tasks. To quality results, it uses the angle of the workpiece and that of the blade to facilitate its cutting.

As duty calls, you may have to lock and unlock it for safety when traveling or for use. However, the saw may fail to open, thus inconveniencing your operations.

You need to maintain the following steps to unlock the Ryobi miter saw:

First, you need to hold the locking pin attached oat the right of the miter saw button.

Press the pin downwards moderately. This will allow the pivot joints between the lower and the upper side limits of the locked area to float.

Thirdly, have the pin-attach with the lock pulled to the right position. While doing this, you will notice it dislodging slightly.

Now, while pulling the back pin, let go of the arm of the saw. It will rise to its maximum height and then release the pin, which is attached.

How to unlock Dewalt miter saw

As earlier discussed, a miter saw makes accurate cuts on the subject material, giving out its professional touch. Dewalt miter saw is one of the miter saw brands in the market.

Once purchased, the machine comes folded and locked for safety from the sharp blades. The tool uses two different locking systems. Apart from locking the tool, the system also helps in making a variety of accurate cuts.

The first lock- this one is located at the back of the Dewalt miter saw. It works regulate the up and down motions of the tool while.

Second lock-this one is present at the front, and it controls angles.

Dewalt miter saws locking system is controlled by a single adjustment knob. To unlock the blade for cutting, you need to locate the adjustment knob and push it. On the other hand, pulling the knob will lock the machine.

You can, therefore, lock the machine for safety when transporting or unlock the machine for use when duty calls.

You also need to unlock the preset angle locks and the knurled knob, which hinders the swivel movement of the blade. Use your middle finger to apply a little downward force on the lever below the knob to unlock the preset angles. Again, twisting the knurled knob will unlock the swivel action of the blade.

How do you unlock Makita 10″ Cordless Miter Saw?

Unlike the other miter saw models which are driven by a belt system, Makita drop saw has a direct drive system. Its cuts are not only accurate but also smoother. It has a long service life and doesn’t slow with time as the other models do.

It uses two steel rails that stabilizes the slide action. Its whole sliding mechanism operates smoothly due to the greased ball bearings present. It can exceptionally work in areas without electricity using its batteries.

A simple knob locks the slide mechanism. To unlock it, pull and turn 90 degrees in whichever direction.

Also, the machine has a bevel locking system which comes inform of a knob. You will have to twist the knob to unlock it. Although a half twist can is enough to move the bevel, a full twist will smoothen the bevel movement even more.

Safety measures

While using the miter saw, you may end up hurting yourself or cause damage to the machine. This explains why you cannot ignore the following safety measures and precautions.

Safety equipment:- Always make sure you use safety gear such as gloves to avoid injury from sharp blades. And, ear protection masks to guard against noise pollution from the saw. Also, wear eye goggles to protect the eyes from dust and other small particles.

Switch the machine off:- Consider switching and unplugging the device when making some adjustments. While the issue might seem of less importance, it might cause far-reaching consequences if ignored.

Clean the machine- keeping your miter saw clean increases its service life. This is because the tool is free from rust and other corrosive substances which may come into its surface.

In short, anything that can pose any potential risk to the machine or the user should be done away with to minimize the risks involved.

Buying guide for miter saws

As discussed above, miter saws make more accurate and precise cuts. Their application reduces an extensive workload that would otherwise cost a lot of physical effort and time. Their output is just great!

Besides knowing how to use and maintain it, it would help if you learn some important considerations to make before acquiring a miter saw.

Differences

Let’s check the differences between

A basic power miter saw- these are ideal in projects that need simple cuts of 90 degrees or less at high speed. Some of them specify the angles that they can make.

Compound power miter saw-they is capable of adjusting for both bevel and miter cuts, hence more useful than a basic miter saw. However, they operate in only one direction to make bevel cuts. However, some models are flexible in both directions. Their versatility makes them ideal for tasks like making crown moldings.

Sliding compound miter saw- these are the most versatile and can accommodate both small and large pieces of wood. It uses a combination of motor and blade, which are mounted on a flexible arm. Its blade works in a similar manner as the compound miter saw.

You can make your choice based on the versatility and the number of cuttings it can do.

The blade size

This is an important thing to consider before you select your miter saw. Typically, the blade sizes come in ranges of 8, 10, and 12 inches. The size of the blade determines the size of the cut with a positive correlation. You should also compare the dust bag and the electric brakes available for each option.

Area of operation-If your place of operation has frequent power cut-outs or no electricity, the cordless miter saw is the best. This is because it has backup batteries. You only need to add extra power packs depending on the size of your project.

However, all miter saws should feature the following:

Cutting guides-This will aid you in making cuts with more precision. Some models have a laser beam, which indicates where the blade passes on the material.

Positive stops- these allow you to adjust the miter saw to your desired angle. The frequently used angles are 22.5, 30, 45, and 90 degrees.

Led light- this is fitted from the back of the blade for a slim shadow.

Fences- they act as guides for straight cuts. The longer the fence, the longer the stock it can support.

Dust extractors- they help in sending dust to the dust bag or the vacuum cleaner. Say, they are more eco-friendly.

Soft start motors-they facilitate gradual spinning of the blade.

Inbuilt material clamps- send the material to the miter table

Stands- make it possible to use the machine even without the bench by providing a stable platform.

Speed controls- are useful in setting and maintaining consistent speeds under different workloads.

As you can see, unlocking a miter saw is not a tough to do task. Firstly, you need to understand the locking system and then proceed to unlock it. The buying guide will help you select a miter saw that best fits your cutting needs. Just make sure you follow the safety precautions to the latter while working with the miter saw.