It’s not common that someone would intentionally install the miter saw blade backwards. But if someone does, either intentionally or by mistake, what’s the outcome? What happens when miter saw blade on backwards?
Installing the blade backwards on your miter saw will still allow the unit to perform. However, it’s not good practice, and there’s a chance of injuring yourself. Even though some people use the blade backward for some specific materials, it’s not recommended by anyone.
If you want to know why you shouldn’t do it and what happens when you do it, make sure to go through the whole article.
Exploring About What Happens When Miter Saw Blade On Backwards?
There’s a reason why blades have to be installed on your miter saw in a certain way. Altering the blade direction can have an impact on the result. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why you shouldn’t place the blade backward.
Lack Of Efficiency
The blade will only bring the best results when you are installing it the right way. Putting the blade backward will not show the same level of efficiency that you usually get from your miter saw. So, if you want the cleanest and easiest cuts with your miter saw, it’s best not to attach the blade backward.
Chances Of Damaging The Blade
One of the most significant reasons you shouldn’t install the blade backward is to avoid damage to the blade. There’s a very high chance that the tips of the blade will fall off if you run the blade backward.
Kickbacks
Another reason why you shouldn’t install the blade backward is to avoid kickbacks. Even with everything else in place, a backward blade can cause kickbacks. If you want to know more about kickbacks and what causes them, you can read my article on what causes miter saw kickback.
Chances Of Accidents
Not installing the blade in the right direction can compromise user safety. Even when you are using a miter saw with everything in perfect condition, there’s a great deal of risk involved. An extremely sharp blade with a lot of teeth spinning at a very high speed is not something you want to play around with.
Besides, you can come across unwanted complications when cutting any materials. For instance, there may be nails inside when you are cutting wood. Using the blade backwards is not a good combination when you are operating a miter saw. So, if you want to ensure your safety to the highest level when using a miter saw, make sure that the blade is installed the right way.
The Right Direction Of Miter Saw Blade
If you want to avoid accidental wrong installation of your miter saw, it’s essential to learn the right way. Miter saw blades spin clockwise. So, when you are installing the blade, you have to make sure that the teeth are facing downwards.
In case you’ve installed the blade with the teeth facing upwards, it’s time to reverse it. To avoid any confusion in the future, it’s a good idea to refer to the user manual of your miter saw before changing the blade.
You can also use the initial blade that came with your miter saw as a standard. Check what way the blade is installed and then install the replacement blade the same way. Read my article on are miter saw blades reverse threaded if you want to know more about the blade replacement method.
When Can I Use The Miter Saw Blade On Backwards?
There’s never a good time to use your miter saw blade backwards. Nonetheless, some users have tried installing the blade backward when cutting specific materials and get good results.
When you are cutting gutter material using a miter saw, the teeth can distort the material if you are using the blade in its usual direction. Attaching the blade backward can make a smooth and clean cut. Moreover, you will also have to put in less effort than before for getting a clean cut.
Alternative to a miter saw you can use a hacksaw to cut aluminum gutter material while clamping it with a few saw horses. This one is a safer method compared to when you are using a miter saw with the blade attached backwards.
So, the standard situation is when you don’t use a blade backward at all. Even if you do it one or two times, make sure you are not endangering yourself. Double-check all the safety features and use a fine-toothed blade. If you want to know more about backward blade functions in other saws, you can check this article from Extreme How-To.
Some Tips To Remember
- The best practice is not to use the blade backward. So, try to avoid that at all costs.
- In case you are trying out the blade backward, be very careful and do not apply this hack to all materials.
- Refer to your miter saw’s user manual to double-check the direction of the blade before installing it.
- Power tools are dangerous enough as it is. So, don’t compromise your safety by bending the rules.
- Always make sure that the teeth of the blade are facing downwards.
- If you can use any other tool for cutting specific materials that work better with a reversed blade, go with that tool instead of using a backward blade.
Final Words
If you are still wondering what happens when miter saw blade on backwards, the answer is ‘nothing good.’ So, regardless of what material you are cutting, never experiment with the power tool and endanger your safety.
A miter saw comes with high potentiality when you learn to utilize the machine in a safe and versatile way. But machines have their limitations. And as far as records go, installing the blade backward is not something creative that brings out extraordinary results. So, instead of taking the alteration of your miter saw too far, make sure you are being creative within a tolerable and safe level.
