I've never been one to hold back on what I have on my mind. Here is a place where I speak about all things woodworking. 
How to Choose the Best Miter Saw
Fri/09-Sep-2011
The Best-Selling Miter Saws are versatile tools that have become a mainstay of workshops everywhere. These powerful saws make angled cuts by pulling a circular blade down onto a workpiece with a short, controlled plunge. It might appear that miter saws are infinitely complex and varied, but there are only three general types. The type you choose will depend on your woodworking needs.
1) Basic Miter Saws
Basic miter saws are the least versatile of the three major variations, but they’re a great starting point for novice do-it-yourselfers. These models typically adjust for miter cuts only, so consider upgrading if you need to do more than that.
2) Compound Miter Saw
Compound miter saws are easier to use than basic miter saws because you can place your stock flat for cutting, and they adjust simultaneously for miter and bevel cuts. A compound miter saw is great for jobs that feature stock that's not very tall or wide, such as door and window trim or picture frames.
3) Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Sliding compound miter saws are the most versatile of the available models. They have a motor and blade assembly that's mounted on a moveable arm to accommodate longer, wider workpieces. For smaller pieces, the saw performs like an ordinary fixed-head model. On some models, the blade can only pivot in one direction, but on a dual sliding compound miter saw, the blade can tilt to the right or left.
Important Features at a Glance
Though models will vary by manufacturer and design, these are a few of the more commonly found features that you might want to keep in mind.
Miter saw blades come in a variety of different sizes, grades, and materials, but there are three main types: steel, high-speed steel, and carbide-tipped blades.
1) Basic Miter Saws
Basic miter saws are the least versatile of the three major variations, but they’re a great starting point for novice do-it-yourselfers. These models typically adjust for miter cuts only, so consider upgrading if you need to do more than that.
2) Compound Miter Saw
Compound miter saws are easier to use than basic miter saws because you can place your stock flat for cutting, and they adjust simultaneously for miter and bevel cuts. A compound miter saw is great for jobs that feature stock that's not very tall or wide, such as door and window trim or picture frames.
3) Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Sliding compound miter saws are the most versatile of the available models. They have a motor and blade assembly that's mounted on a moveable arm to accommodate longer, wider workpieces. For smaller pieces, the saw performs like an ordinary fixed-head model. On some models, the blade can only pivot in one direction, but on a dual sliding compound miter saw, the blade can tilt to the right or left.
Important Features at a Glance
Though models will vary by manufacturer and design, these are a few of the more commonly found features that you might want to keep in mind.
- Electric brake: Reverses the flow of electricity when the saw's trigger is released. This is an important safety feature that slows the blade quickly in case of emergency.
- Blade guard: Most miter saws have self-retracting guards that withdraw when the saw is lowered for use, and reappear when it is raised.
- Laser guide: Gives a precise visual line where the cut will occur on your workpiece.
- Dust bag: Helps collect sawdust for a clearer, more tidy cutting area.
- Shaft lock: Immobilizes the shaft and blade for quicker, easier blade changes.
- Table extensions: Mount on either side of the saw to help balance longer workpieces.
Miter saw blades come in a variety of different sizes, grades, and materials, but there are three main types: steel, high-speed steel, and carbide-tipped blades.
- Steel: Inexpensive and good for cutting soft woods or plywoods. Sharpness diminishes quickly in tougher materials.
- High-Speed Steel: More rugged than steel blades, and great for cutting harder woods.
- Carbide-Tipped: More expensive than other blades but much more durable. Maintain sharpness over a longer period.
Check that Flex Shaft
Thu/30-Apr-2009
Just a reminder guys to take a few minutes and check that flex shaft. This may seem like a obvious tip but sometimes we forget that what's right under our noses. Take just a couple of seconds and verify everything is in order. After all, you don't want a break down. Preventative maintenance pays off BIG TIME!!
Combat Old Age
Sun/08-Mar-2009
Getting old sure is challenging... Small details are more difficult to focus on and it seems that I need more light to see those details. Found a couple cool things to help with the onset of "old fart-ism". Bought a pair of these magnifiers and this clip on light. Both have come to my rescue... Grandpa was right when he would say "Getting old aint for sissies".
Continue to Review the Basics
Mon/09-Feb-2009
Did another skim through the owners manual and picked up a few more things I overlooked the last time I read it. It always amazes me how much I can learn from a revisit to the manual. After a little experience with the Carvewright, more and more of what I read makes sense where it didn't in the beginning.
Member Contact
Wed/09-Apr-2008
Got a great note from one of my newsletter subscribers - R Rauenhorst. He sent me an email to thank me for putting together the tip on "Reading the Manual". I've included it here in it's entirety.
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Matt
You are sooo right. I have now completed two projects nearly perfect. I am now ready to read the manual again. One thing I have learned and will do from now on is to take my piece of wood and sand it with my performax sander which will take out some slight imperfects that might cause a problem. A flat board is as important as having it square.
Thank you
R. Rauenhorst
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THANK YOU Mr Rauenhorst for sending the nice note AND for including a tip of your own. Letters like this are great to receive and a guy can never get enough of them. I sure do appreciate this sort of stuff - it makes putting this site together very rewarding.
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Matt
You are sooo right. I have now completed two projects nearly perfect. I am now ready to read the manual again. One thing I have learned and will do from now on is to take my piece of wood and sand it with my performax sander which will take out some slight imperfects that might cause a problem. A flat board is as important as having it square.
Thank you
R. Rauenhorst
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