If your miter saw isn’t cutting square, the problem is easy to fix. Unplug the saw, loosen the fence bolts, and hold a framing square against the fence and blade.
Miter Saw Tuneup
Updated Jan. 31, 2022
If your miter saw isn’t cutting square, the problem is easy to fix. Unplug the saw, loosen the fence bolts, and hold a framing square against the fence and blade. Be sure the square touches only the saw’s plate and not the carbide teeth so you can make an accurate adjustment. With the blade down as deep as it will go in the throat plate, slide the .002-in. thick blade of an automotive feeler gauge ($3 at auto parts stores) between the blade and the square. Adjust the fence until you feel uniform resistance all along the frame and blade, then retighten the bolts. Check a few test cuts for square, and you’re done. Thanks to reader Darrel Ohs for putting our miter saws back to square one.
Watch this video to learn how to cut a wide board on a miter saw.
