Ready to learn how to cut trim with a miter saw? In this super-detailed guide, I will explain the right approach and trimming technique so that you don’t waste a single piece of wood.
After reading this guide, you will not only learn how to make a perfect cut but also how to secure yourself while working and properly prepare your shiny miter saw for the job.
This is an experience-based guide, so you can be sure that all the tips below are 100% actionable and tested in hundreds of my daily woodworking projects.
How to Cut Trim with a Miter Saw?
To cut trim with a miter saw, first set the saw to the desired angle. Next, measure the piece of trim to be cut, and mark it with a pencil. Then, align the blade of the saw with the marked line, and cut along the line.
Cutting trim with a miter saw requires you to follow several important steps. Below, I explain how to get ready for work, which safety measures are necessary, how to choose the right cutting trim angle, and how to secure the workpiece properly while cutting. Don’t skip any section, and you will succeed!
Get your tool and materials ready
Preparing your miter saw, make sure that there’s the right type of blade on the tool. The standard miter saw blade on your saw might not be the best solution, so you might need to upgrade to a 60-teeth blade with metal tips for the best quality of cuts.
For even better finish quality, you might want to invest in a carbide-tipped blade with up to 72 teeth. Such a blade will cut a tiny bit slower, but the fine finish is worth it.
Next, you need to prepare your workpieces for cutting. At this stage, you need to perform fine measurements using your measuring tools to ensure that you make cuts in the right places, receive pieces of proper length, and trim them under the right angle.
Once this is done, make a draft cut with a spare piece of baseboard to ensure that the tool is adjusted properly and fine-tune it if needed.
Don’t skip these safety measures!
Here is a list of the miter saw safety measures that are necessary to follow:
Refresh how to use a miter saw in your mind if you haven’t used it for long or use it for the first time.
Always unplug the tool before changing the blade and when the saw is not in use.
Wear woodworking safety glasses and construction-grade hearing protection while cutting to avoid eye and hearing damage.
Don’t put your hands under the spinning blade even if it’s up.
Keep the hand you use to hold the workpiece at least 6 inches away from the cutting line.
Don’t wear gloves to have more control.
Ensure that you stand firmly before starting to cut.
Wait for the blade to completely stop spinning before lifting the cutter.
Clear the base of the saw of wood chips after you make a cut.
Choosing the right cutting angle
When you make trim cuts, you need to know about two types of cutting angles – acute and obtuse. Besides, there are two types of cuts that are necessary for two pieces or baseboard trim match – inside and outside. Let’s figure out how to perform these kinds of angles and cuts.