Chop Saws

• Also known as miter saws and drop saws

• Used for straight and angle cuts in timber and metal

• Used in framing and finished carpentry

Parts of the Chop Saw

• Fence• Guard• Blade• Dust Bag• Motor• Trigger

Chop Saw Blades

• Large– 10”, 12” and 14” sizes

• Material specificIdeal for Ceramic Tile, Porcelain, and Slate

Cuts wood and plastic

Cuts Metal

Safety Concerns

• Zero chop saw related deaths• Hand and finger cuts• Approximately 52,000 people

nationwide injured by stationary power saws in 2001

• 83% of injuries to fingers• 5% result in hospitalization

Statistics not chop saw exclusivehttp://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/FOIA/FOIA03/os/powersaw.pdf

Safety Concerns• 98% of injuries occur to operator• Other injuries include matter in eyes, ear

injuries, and flying objects

• Awkwardness for left handed operators can result in injury

OSHA

• Must use guards on power tools as intended by manufacturer

• Operator must wear personal protective equipment

• No regulations specifically regarding chop saws

Safe Work Practices

• Work at a comfortable level• Bolt to work bench to ensure stable and

level working platform• Do not use saw on the floor• Do not cut small pieces as they may

catch in blade• Keep cords clear as they may

be a tripping hazard

Safe Work Practices

• Operators should always wear safety glasses under a full face shield.

• Gloves, loose clothing, jewelry, or any dangling objects including long hair should not be worn as they may catch in the rotating parts of the saw.

Safe Work Practices

• Use only the recommended RPM and sizes of blades.

• Regularly check and tighten the blade and the blade-attachment mechanism.

• Use ring test for blade continuity– If it rings clear then blade is free of cracks

Safe Work Practices

• All guards must be in place and operating. • Unplug power when making repairs. • Clean the lower guard frequently to help

visibility and movement.

Safe Work Practices

• Check cutting stock for nails and impurities– Nails may damage blade– Impurities may cause stock to splinter or shatter

• Always wear proper ear protection, especially when cutting metal, as it is very loud

• Metal also makes a lot of sparks so proper arm protection is needed

Safe Work Practices

• Hold or clamp all material securely against the fence when cutting.

• Do not perform operations freehand. • Long material should be supported at the

same height as the saw table. • Never place hands or fingers in the path of

the blade or reach in back of the fence.

Safe Work Practices

• NEVER CROSS HANDS!!!• Do not hold short end of cutting stock• Reset miter if the angle requires

Final Tips

• Know your equipment• Wear proper protection• Keep hands clear• Look like this guy…

but with safety glasses

References

• For more online safety tips visit www.tru.ca/hsafety/workinglearningsafely/work/chopsaw.html

• Video: www.expertvillage.com/videos/chop-saw-beginner-safety-tips.htm