Bosch 12-inch Miter Saw: Difference between revisions

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'''This is a [[RED]] tool.  Training and tool-testing are required.'''
'''This is a [[RED]] tool.  Training and tool-testing are required.'''
==Description==
The miter saw is a circular saw mounted to a mechanical arm that allows it to travel smoothly in the plane of the cut.  It can tilt up and down and it can move in and out from a fixed column in the back.  As such, it is less constrained than a radial-arm saw but more constrained than a hand-held circular saw.  The workpiece is held firmly against a fence in the back of the machine.  The saw cuts from the front to the back.  The saw can be rotated with respect to the fence to do "miter" cutting.  The blade can also be tilted to make "bevel" and "compound" cuts but this is rarely done because such cuts are easier with the table saw.


==Use For==
==Use For==

Revision as of 16:30, 18 February 2024



Bosch 12-in Miter Saw GCM12SD
Bosch 12-inch Miter saw in action
General Info
Make Bosch
Model GCM12SD
Serial Unknown
Specs
Manual Bosch 12 User Manual
Asylum Info
Location Wood Shop
Rubric
Training
Testing
Restrictions red


This is a RED tool. Training and tool-testing are required.

Description

The miter saw is a circular saw mounted to a mechanical arm that allows it to travel smoothly in the plane of the cut. It can tilt up and down and it can move in and out from a fixed column in the back. As such, it is less constrained than a radial-arm saw but more constrained than a hand-held circular saw. The workpiece is held firmly against a fence in the back of the machine. The saw cuts from the front to the back. The saw can be rotated with respect to the fence to do "miter" cutting. The blade can also be tilted to make "bevel" and "compound" cuts but this is rarely done because such cuts are easier with the table saw.

Use For

  • Dry, flat lumber
  • Boards
  • Fiberboard

Do Not Use For

  • Sheet material
  • Logs, carvings, or other irregular lumber
  • Pressure-treated
  • Wet lumber
  • Plastic
  • Metal or metal-coated
  • Composites
  • Carbon-filled materials

NOTE: This tool has a superficial resemblance to "Chop" saws in the Metal Shop. Those are for cutting metal, this for cutting WOOD.

Warning Safety glasses Eye protection required!


Tool Safety Notes

Personal Safety

Miter saw live
The Bosch Miter saw with a portion of the worktable.
  • Always wear safety goggles. Eyeglasses are not safety goggles.
  • This machine generates a lot of dust. Wear a dust mask if using it frequently.
Goggle mask.png
  • Dust collection is required where present.
  • No open-toed or floppy shoes.
  • This tool is loud. Hearing protection recommended.
  • Remove adjusting keys and wrenches before starting.
  • Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times
  • Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry

Tool Safety

  • Always treat this tool as a dangerous instrument, no matter how familiar you are with it. Don't become complacent or ignore safety rules.
  • Use clamps to support the workpiece if possible. Keep hands at least 4 inches away from the path of the blade.
Miter saw hand positions
Hand position for the miter saw. L1: Lefty, Good; L2: Righty, Good; L3: Lefty, Bad; L4: Righty, Bad.
  • Keep the workpiece stationary and press or clamp it against both the rear fence and the table.
  • Do not feed the workpiece into the blade or cut "freehand" in any way.
  • Never cross your hand over the line of cutting, either in front of or behind the saw blade.
  • Inspect the workpiece. If it is bowed or warped, clamp it with the outside of the bow against the fence. Always make sure there is no gap between the workpiece, fence, and table along the line of the cut.
  • No nails in the workpiece
  • Cut only one piece at a time.
  • Plan your cuts. Do not confine the workpiece in any way that may cause it to jam against the blade.
  • When cutting a rod, reduce its tendency to roll under the spinning blade by clamping it or using a fixture.
  • If the workpiece jams on the blade, turn the saw off and unplug it before reaching in to free up the piece.
  • Do not stand on the tool.

Starting the Saw

Miter saw power switch
Pwoer switch for the Miter Saw.

1. Place the workpiece on the saw and hold firmly against the back fence and the table. Keep hand more than 4 inches from the line of the cut!

2. Grasp the handle and press one of the "Lock-OFF" buttons with the thumb.

3. Squeeze the handle to start the motor.

4. Make the cut.

5. Release the handle. This will stop the motor and reset the "Lock-OFF" button.

Miter saw slide action
Slide-action cutting on the Miter Saw.