Milly should start the cut at the foremost point of the material and then pull the saw blade backward toward the fence. This means she aligns the blade with the front edge of the stock where the cut is to begin, starts the saw with the blade in the raised position, and then slowly lowers and slides the blade back through the material to complete the cut. This method helps avoid kickback and ensures a clean, controlled cut
. Specifically, the recommended procedure for using a sliding compound miter saw is:
- Without turning the saw on, lower the blade and line up the cutline on the workpiece with the blade’s teeth at the front edge of the material.
- Raise the blade and pull it all the way toward you (the front of the material).
- Start the saw with the blade in the up position.
- Slowly lower the blade and slide it backward through the material toward the fence to complete the cut.
- Hold the blade down until the cut is finished, then release the trigger and wait for the blade to stop before raising it back up
This technique maximizes safety and precision by preventing the cutting head from being thrown forward or the stock from kicking out, which can happen if you chop straight down on material wider than the blade
. In summary, Milly should begin the cut at the front edge of the material and pull the blade backward through the stock for a safe and accurate cut with a sliding compound miter saw.
