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Maker Lab

Compound Miter Saw

Compound Miter Saw

Photo of a dewalt compound miter saw

The compound miter saw is used for making accurate cross-cuts on wood and soft plastic. In Maker Lab we have a Craftsman 7-1/4" Sliding Compound Miter Saw and a DeWalt 12" Compound Miter Saw


Quick Reference

Training Required: Basic Training and Compound Miter Saw Training

Craftsman Miter Saw Workspace: Cutting cross section dimensions- Crosscut: 2 x 8 inches; Miter 45 degrees: 2 x 6 inches; Bevel 45 degrees: 1-1/2 x 8 inches; Miter 45 degrees and Bevel 45 degrees: 1-1/2 x 6 inches

Craftsman Miter Saw Materials: Wood and soft plastics

DeWalt Miter Saw Workspace: Cutting cross section dimensions- Crosscut: 3.6 x 7.9 inches; Miter 45 degrees: 3.6 x 5.5 inches; Bevel 45 degrees Left: 1.6 x 2.3 inches; Bevel 45 degrees Right: 1.6 x 7.9 inches

DeWalt Miter Saw Materials: Wood, soft plastics, and non-ferrous metals (e.g. aluminum)

Material Fees: We have limited material available in the scrap bin. You can bring your own materials.

Common Terminology: Straight cut- a cut where the saw and saw blade make 90 degree angles with the workpiece and table. Miter cut- a cut where the saw is rotated to an angle other than perpendicular to the work piece. Bevel cut- a cut when the saw blade is tilted at an angle other than perpendicular to the table. Compound cut- a cut that is both miter and beveled at the same time.


PDF Links

Craftsman Compound Miter Saw Manual

DeWalt Compound Miter Saw Manual


Video Links

Maker Lab Compound Miter Saw Safety Video

Craftsman YouTube Channel

DeWalt YouTube Channel


Manufacture Information

Craftsman Website

DeWalt Website


Sample Projects

Various cuts with 2x4 wood

Used the compound miter saw to make the various cuts with 2x4 wood.

Top to bottom: Straight cut, miter cut, bevel cut, compound cut

photo of sample cuts with Miter Saw



Contact Us

Santa Clara University
School of Engineering
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053

Sobrato Discovery, Bldg. 402