As the number of sides changes, so do the miter and bevel angles. The chart below gives the
proper angles for a variety of shapes. The chart assumes that all sides are of equal length. For a
shape that is not shown in the chart, use the following formula. 180° divided by the number of
sides equals the miter or bevel angle.
No. Sides
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Fig. Q
A
Cutting Compound Miters (Fig. R, S)
A compound miter is a cut made using a miter angle and a bevel angle at the same time. This is
the type of cut used to make frames or boxes with slanting sides like the one shown in Figure R.
nOTE: If the cutting angle varies from cut to cut, check that the bevel clamp knob and the miter
lock knob are securely tightened. These knobs must be tightened after making any changes in
bevel or miter.
The chart (Table 1) will assist you in selecting the proper bevel and miter settings for common
compound miter cuts. To use the chart, select the desired angle "A" (Figure S, Angle A+Exteriors
Angles = 90°) of your project and locate that angle on the appropriate arc in the chart. From that
point follow the chart straight down to find the correct bevel angle and straight across to find the
correct miter angle.
Set your saw to the prescribed angles and make a few trial cuts. Practice fitting the cut pieces
together until you develop a feel for this procedure and feel comfortable with it.
EXAMPlE: To make a 4 sided box with 65° exterior angles(Figure S), 25°
, use the upper right arc. Find 25° on the arc scale. Follow the horizontal intersecting line to
Angles)
either side to get miter angle setting on saw (23°). Likewise, follow the vertical intersecting line to
the top or bottom to get the bevel angle setting on the saw (40°). Always try cuts on a few scrap
pieces of wood to verify settings on saw.
Fig. R
Fig. S
Vernier Scale (Fig. T1, T2)
Your saw is equipped with a vernier scale for added precision. The vernier scale allows you to
accurately set miter angles to the nearest 1/4°. To use the vernier scale follow the steps listed
below.
(As an example, let's assume that the angle you want to miter is 24-1/4° right).
1. Turn off miter saw.
2. Set the miter angle to the nearest whole degree desired by aligning the center mark in the
vernier scale, shown in Figure T1, with the whole degree number etched in the miter scale.
Examine Figure T1 closely; the setting shown is 24° right miter.
EXAMPLES
Angle Miter or Bevel
45°
36°
30°
25.7°
22.5°
20°
18°
B
= 90° – 65°
(Angle A)
Exteriors
Angles
Angle A
Fig. T1
Center mark on vernier scale aligns
with desired whole angle on miter
scale (24° right miter)
3. To set the additional 1/4°, squeeze the miter arm lock and carefully move the arm to the
RIGHT until the 1/4° vernier mark aligns with the CLOSEST degree mark on the miter scale. In
our example, the closest degree mark on the miter scale happens to be 25°. Figure T2 shows
a setting of 24-1/4° right miter.
For settings that require partial degrees (1/4, 1/2, 3/4°) align the desired vernier mark with
the CLOSEST degree mark on the miter scale, as described below (The plastic vernier plate is
inscribed with marks for 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1°. Only the 1/2° and the 1° are numerically labeled.)
Fig. T2
Miter Angle
(Exteriors
When Mitering to the Right
To increase the miter angle when mitering to the right, move the arm to align the appropriate
vernier mark with the closest mark on the miter scale to the right. To decrease the miter angle
when mitering to the right, move the arm to align the appropriate vernier mark with the closest
mark on the miter scale to the left.
When Mitering to the Left
To increase the miter angle when mitering to the left, move the arm to align the appropriate
vernier mark with the closest mark on the miter scale to the left. To decrease the miter angle
when mitering to the left, move the arm to align the appropriate vernier mark with the closest
mark on the miter scale to the right.
Cutting Base Molding (Fig. U)
ALWAYS MAKE A DRY RUN WITHOUT POWER BEFORE MAKING ANY CUTS.
Straight 90° Cuts
Position the wood against the fence and hold it in place as shown in Figure U. Turn on the saw,
allow the blade to reach full speed and lower the arm smoothly through the cut.
English
1/4° vernier mark aligns with closest
whole degree mark on miter scale
(24-1/4° right miter)
9