You may have noticed that most miter saws come with convenient stops to make repeated cuts easier. When you have to switch between different sizes, the preset points help. But have you ever wondered why does my miter saw have a stop at 31.6 degrees?
The stop at 31.6 degrees is intended for cutting crown moldings. When you need repeated cuts, you can use this preset point for convenience. It also saves time and makes the measurement more accurate.
If you want to learn more details about this, make sure to keep reading.
Explaining Why Does My Miter Saw Have A Stop At 31.6 Degrees?
Miter saws have preset stops for adjusting the angle quickly. So, the angles that are most frequently used by users are usually set as a stop in a miter saw. Like other common stops, one is at 31.6 degrees.
Users involved in home construction are frequent users of this stop. Much like any other user of the miter saw, the manufacturers have tried to facilitate the task for carpenters who are involved in doing roof projects. More specifically, this stop is perfect for anyone dealing with crown moldings.
What Is Crown Molding?
The 31.6-degree stop is commonly used by people who cut crown moldings. To understand this better, you have to know what crown molding is and how this stop facilitates cutting crown moldings.
Crown molding refers to the part that is usually set in the joint of the wall and the ceiling. The purpose of crown molding is to hide the seam and improve the aesthetic of the room. It can be made from different types of materials, including wood, MDF board, and metal.
This is where the miter saw comes in. Carpenters often use miter saws to cut crown moldings, and a specific angle is required for these pieces. To facilitate these cuts for the professionals, miter saw manufacturers put a stop at 31.6 degrees. The same goes for the preset bevel angle at 33.9 degrees.
By using these preset stops, you can cut perfect 45/45 crown moldings within seconds. How difficult the process is will depend on the material you are dealing with. Nonetheless, you can expect preciseness and accuracy from your compound miter saw by using these settings.
How To Cut Crown Molding?
If you want to learn how you can utilize this 31.6-degree stop in your miter saw, the answer is crown molding. Cutting crown moldings can be difficult because of the size required. However, with the right blade angle and bevel angle, you can cut perfect moldings.
- Setting the miter saw at the right angles is the first step in cutting crown molding. So, set the miter saw to the specific stop at 31.6 degrees. The bevel angle should be at 33.9 degrees. This should also be marked on your miter saw.
- Now, place your crown molding flat on the miter saw.
- Steadily cut the material and wait for the blade to stop before releasing it upward again. Make sure to keep your hands away from the blade.
- Remove the pieces you’ve cut and start with a new one. Make sure that the angles are set in the correct position.
If you want more details about cutting crown molding with a visual demonstration, you can check this article from Pro Trade Craft.
Some Tips To Remember
- It’s always best to cut a few practice pieces before you get to the functional material.
- Use a sharp blade to avoid kickbacks and get a clean cut. You can also check my article on what causes miter saw kickback if you are interested.
- Theoretically, familiarize yourself with the whole procedure before you start working with crown moldings.
- Make sure your miter saw is compatible with the crown molding material.
- Choose the right blade type by matching it with the material you are cutting.
- Make sure that the workshop is clutter-free and convenient to work in.
Safety Tips For Using A Miter Saw
- Always check whether all the safety features are in force or not. Do not use the miter saw without the blade guard or when the brake isn’t working.
- Keep your hands away from the blade whenever cutting any type of material.
- Don’t put too much pressure when you’re cutting.
- Allow the blade to stop spinning before releasing the handle.
- Go through the user manual of your miter saw before adjusting any settings.
- Never avoid the safety rules provided by the manufacturer for that particular miter saw.
- Ensure an effective dust collection system, regardless of where you are working. Nonetheless, dust is a significant issue, particularly when you’re working indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my miter saw cutting at an angle?
Your miter saw might be set at an angle when you’re cutting your material. If you don’t understand how you can adjust the settings, make sure to go through the user manual of your miter saw. Different models may come with different ways to adjust the settings.
Why is my miter saw not cutting straight?
One of the most common reasons why your miter saw isn’t cutting straight is a damaged blade. If the blade attached to your miter saw is bent or warped, the cuts won’t be clean or straight. So, change the blade to see if the problem still exists.
If the blade isn’t at fault, the issue might be caused by a misaligned bevel or fence. Check those settings and make sure to use an accurate dial caliper for calibrating your miter saw.
Wrap-up
All stops in a miter saw are supposed to increase convenience for a set of customers. If you want to particularly know why does my miter saw have a stop at 31.6 degrees, it’s for users who utilize their miter saw for home construction projects.
When constructing roofs, one of the most important parts is to cut crown moldings which requires precision and accuracy. The stop at 31.6 allows the user to quickly set the miter saw to an accurate angle without wasting any time. This stop can result in perfect 45/45-degree crown molding pieces.
