Cutting skirting boards with a mitre saw is easy, but you need to be careful when using a mitre saw. The first thing you should do is to set up the mitre saw correctly. Then, you need to use the right blade for cutting skirting boards. Finally, you need to follow the instructions carefully.
Provided that you have all of these things in mind, then it will not take long before you can start your project successfully. You just need to read this article and get some tips from here.
How to Use Mitre Saw?
1) Adjust Blade Angle Using Handle
To set the correct angle, turn the handle clockwise or counterclockwise depending on what direction you want to cut from.
2) Cut Straight Lines
Holding the piece securely, start moving the blade towards the right side. As soon as you reach the end position, stop the blade immediately. Repeat steps 1 & 2 again to complete one full rotation.
3) Continue Cutting Other Parts Of Board
Repeat step 3 until all the pieces are completed. Once done, sand off the rough edges before painting or staining.
4) Apply Finishing Touches
Apply finishing touches such as wood filler, polyurethane, etc., after completing each section.
5) Clean Up Surfaces Before Moving On
Clean up surfaces before starting another task. Otherwise, dirt could accumulate during the process.
How To Cut Skirting Boards Using A Mitre Saw in 12 Easy Steps
Essential Tool/s Needed:
Mitre saw – You can buy these power tools from any hardware store or online stores like Amazon and eBay. It’s very important that you get one that has an adjustable fence so that it will fit your work perfectly. If not, then you may have problems while working on the project.
Blade – This is another essential part of the mitre saw. There are different types available in the market such as coping blades, crosscut blades, rip-cutting blades, etc. Choose the best type according to your needs.
Safety glasses – Always wear safety goggles before starting the job. They protect your eyes from getting injured by flying chips.
Workbench – Make sure that you have enough space where you want to place the skirting board. Also make sure that there is no other object around because if something falls down, it could cause damage to your tools.
Mitre Box - A mitre box holds the material being worked upon. In this case, we are going to use wood.
Wood glue – Use this to fix all the pieces together after assembling them properly.
Screws – Screws are used to attach the skirtings to the wall.
1) Set Up Your Work Area Properly Before Starting Any Project
Make sure that you have everything ready before beginning the task.
- First, put away all the objects near the area where you plan to assemble the parts.
- Second, check whether the flooring is clean and free of dust particles.
- Third, ensure that the table is stable and steady.
- Fourth, turn off the power supply at least 15 feet away from the area where you are going to perform the operation.
2) Adjust Fence Of Your Tool Correctly
The most common mistake people commit during the assembly of their power mitre is adjusting the fence incorrectly. When setting up the mitre saw, always adjust the fence until its position matches the desired angle.
3) Select Right Blade And Follow Instructions Carefully
When selecting the blade, consider the size of the piece you intend to cut. Smaller sizes require smaller blades whereas larger ones require bigger blades. After choosing the correct blade, read the instruction manual thoroughly.
4) Attach Pieces Together As Per Instruction Manual
After reading the instructions carefully, start attaching the pieces together. Remember to keep the edges aligned.
5) Check Whether All Parts Are Fixed Properly
Once you finish fixing all the components, double-check whether they are attached well.
6) Apply Wood Glue On Both Sides Of Each Piece
Apply wood glue on both sides of each component. Once done, let the glue dry completely. Then apply screws to secure the pieces firmly.
7) Measure The Length Of The Skirting Boards
Measure the length of the skirting boards using a tape measure. Now mark the center point of the board. Next, draw lines along the edge of the board. Finally, use these marks to determine the exact location of the cuts.
8) Start Making Cuts At Center Point Marked Earlier
Start cutting the first part of the board at the marked center point. This will help in keeping things straight while working on different sections later.
9) Keep Working Until Finished
Continue cutting the rest of the parts as per the measurements mentioned earlier. If you need any assistance or guidance regarding the project, feel free to ask us! We would be more than happy to assist you.
10) Remove Excess Material With Scissors
Use scissors to remove excess material if needed. Make sure not to damage your work surface by removing too much material.
11) Sand Down Surface For Smooth Finish
Sand down the finished product so it looks smooth. It helps in preventing scratches when applying paint.
12) Paint Or Stain The Product According To Your Choice
Paint or stain the final product according to your choice. Choose colors that go well with the room decor.
When to use Internal and External Mitre Saw
Internal mitres and external mitres saw can be used for various purposes.
They come handy especially when you want to make precise cuts without damaging the surrounding materials. However, there are some differences between them.
An internal mitres has an inner motor which makes it easier to control the movement of the blade. You may also notice that this type of tool comes equipped with a built-in dust collection system. These features allow you to perform tasks even under adverse conditions such as dusty environments.
An external mitre saw is designed to provide maximum power output. In addition, its outer casing provides protection against accidental contact with sharp objects. Moreover, it allows you to adjust the angle of the blade easily.
A typical miter saw works like a circular saw. Its main function is to cut wooden items into specific shapes. But unlike other types of tools, a mitre saw doesn’t have a fixed blade. Instead, it uses adjustable blades. When making adjustments, simply move the handle up and down until you get the desired angle.
What can I use instead of a miter saw?
There are many alternatives available for those who don't own one yet. Here's what they are:
1) Handheld Mitre Box - A handheld mitre box is similar to a miter saw but smaller in size. They usually consist of two handles connected together via a hinge mechanism. One end holds the base plate where the blade rests. The other end contains the fence. Unlike a regular miter saw, a handheld miter box does not require additional accessories.
2) Circular Saws - Another alternative is a circular saw. Like a mitre saw, a circular saw consists of a tabletop and a rotating head attached to the bottom side of the table. There are several models available depending upon their sizes. Some of them include variable speed motors whereas others do not.
3) Wood Lathe - A wood lathe is another option. Similar to a band saw, a wood lathe is capable of producing accurate angles.
Types of skirting
There are two basic types of skirting: flush and exposed.
Flush skirting is usually made out of hardwood plywood. And it requires no additional finishing touches. So, it's easy to install. On the contrary, exposed skirting needs extra care because it exposes the wood to moisture and humidity. Therefore, it should always be installed after painting.
Exposed / Softwood skirting consists of multiple layers of veneer panels. They're often made out of softwoods such as pine and cedar. Therefore, they require extra care during installation.
Hence, we recommend using a professional contractor who knows how to properly install these products.
Conclusion
Mitre saws have become very popular among homeowners because of their versatility. There are many types available today ranging from small handheld models to large tabletop machines. Before buying one, ensure that you know how to operate it properly. Also, choose wisely based on your needs and budget.
