A miter saw is one of the handiest power tools to keep in your woodworking shop thanks to its versatility when it comes to handling different jobs. Although it might be a great and reliable tool for handling most woodworking projects, its performance can drop after some time. This is normally because of improper usages. However, all is not lost as you can restore its effectiveness and reliability.
Four Maintenance Tips For Your Miter Saw
Keep it clean and debris-free
The first step to maintaining your miter saw is by keeping it free from debris as soon as you are done using it. Debris such as sawdust and bits of wood can stock up in your miter saw and contribute to rusting of its blade and metallic parts. They can also get into tiny crevices in your saw components and prevent it from functioning optimally.
To get rid of debris, use an air blower to blow them off. You can also suck them using a vacuum cleaner. However, ensure your miter saw is not working when cleaning it.
You would also want to give your saw a thorough cleaning once in a while to prevent the buildup of debris. Wipe the sawdust with a clean, dry dust rag, and clean the blade using a special blade brush. Pay close attention to the blade brush to ensure there is no stuck-on debris.
If you don’t have a specialty blade brush, use an ordinary wire brush and apply some washing detergent. Make sure to dry your blade after cleaning to prevent it from rusting. Pay close attention to all parts of the saw including fences. You can use a scrubbing pad to clean the fences.
After that, store it in a cool, dry place free from moisture.
Lubricate the moving parts
The moving parts of your saw need to be maintained to ensure your machine works optimally during the next usage time. The moving parts are likely to get worn out due to friction.
Therefore, using quality lubricants is the best options in order to reduce friction. Avoid using cheap lubricants as they can cause the parts to corrode rather than protect them.
Consider buying high-quality lubricants from proven manufacturers if you are not conversant with lubricants. Without a doubt, by maintaining your miter saw’s moving parts will help your machine to last longer. You will definitely not be looking to buy a new one any time soon.
Regularly check its components for damage
Irrespective of whether they are cheap or expensive, rarely used or regularly used, miter saws are vulnerable to wear and tear. It doesn’t matter whether you maintain them regularly or not, its parts will eventually wear off. As long as you are using the tool and it is exposed to dust and air, exposure and usage will take their toll on this tool.
This makes it important for you to check your saw for damage regularly. You can do this after a few weeks of using it or make it a routine to inspect your miter saw after every heavy usage for cracks, chipping, or any other form of breakage.
Don’t forget to check its kerf board, brushes, and power cord. If you see any of these parts cracking, chipping, or getting worn out, repair the damage when it is still small. Also, don’t hesitate to replace the parts if the damage is quite big.
It is also good to check the wearing and tearing of your miter saw. By checking it regularly, you will be protecting your investment. Besides, early detection of a problem will help prevent injuries and accidents from happening in your workshop. If your machine is not in good condition and you ignore it, you risk accidents occurring in your workshop as a miter saw could malfunction and seriously hurt you.
Cleaning the fences and cutting table
Most people tend to ignore the fences and table when cleaning their miter saw. These parts need attention just like other parts of your saw. You need to use a scrubbing pad to clean the fence and table. The scrubbing pad is cheap and can be bought at any local hardware shop. Clean the fence and table circularly to remove dirt and debris effectively.
Wrap Up
Your miter saw is a handy tool that should not lack in any workshop. It certainly makes handling woodworking projects a lot easier and quicker. To keep it in tiptop condition and functioning optimally, you really have to maintain it. By keeping it in tiptop shape, you will also be extending its lifespan.
