If you’re a miter saw user, you might want to know how can you cut PVC with a miter saw.
A miter saw can cut various materials like wood, metal, plastic, and others.
However, it does depend on the blade you are using. So, knowing about cutting PVC with a miter saw might be something you would love!
Despite the size of the PVC pipe you need to work with, a miter saw will let you easily cut through its walls. Handling pipes with larger diameters are easier with a miter saw compared to a hand cutter. Just keep in mind that a saw blade with more teeth will give you a cleaner cut.
PVC requires clean and exact cuts. The precise angles offered while cutting makes the miter saw one of the best options among others.
In this article, you will learn how can you cut PVC with a miter saw.
Let’s begin!
Safety Rules to Follow While Cutting PVC Pipe!
Before we jump into the guide, here are a few safety rules you must follow while working with a miter saw:
- When using power tools, you should always wear safety goggles or a face shield to protect your face and eyes from flying particles. If you want to use the miter saw frequently, you might also want to think about investing in some sort of protection for your ears. It helps you avoid headaches or ringing in the ears caused by continuous exposure to motor noise while cutting.
- While cutting PVC pipe, tiny particles fly around that might irritate your nose and/or lungs. The quickly moving blade may also produce heat, which could cause the PVC to leak gases. A dust mask is a must, but if it’s feasible, a respirator is recommended.
- Keep an eye on your arms, fingers, and hands. Keep them away from the saw blade. Mistakes with a miter saw can result in serious harm, including limb loss.
That said, let’s take a look at the things you’ll need for the process.
Related article: How to Change the Blade on a Ridgid Miter Saw? | Detailed Guide!
Things to Grab!
Along with the safety gear already specified, you’ll additionally require the following:
- Tape Measure: Use tape to make all the measurements. It helps you predetermine where to cut.
- Pencil or Marker: After measuring the PVC pipe, use a pencil or marker to indicate the cutting point.
- Sandpaper: After you’ve finished cutting the pipe, use sandpaper to remove any burrs that may remain.
Now, it’s time to see how can you cut PVC with a miter saw!
How to Cut PVC Pipe with a Miter Saw? | Step-by-Step Guide!
Okay, now as we are aware of safety precautions, let’s walk through a step-by-step guide on how can you cut PVC with a miter saw.
This technique is quick and simple!
Step 1: Select the Proper Blade
The first step in using a miter saw to cut PVC pipes is selecting the proper blade.
- Keep in mind that if you use a coarse or huge teeth blade in a miter saw blade, your pipe will be torn apart and produces burrs.
- Use a blade with extremely fine teeth if you want the best finish. The outcome will be better if your blade has more teeth and is smaller in size.
- There should be a minimum of 4 to 5 teeth per inch on your saw blade.
It does not matter how large the PVC pipe diameter is as long as you have sharp blades.
Step 2: Select the Cut’s Angle
The second step while cutting PVC with a miter saw is to set the miter saw to the proper angle.
- Keep the saw blade in its original 90-degree position since you will most likely cut the PVC pipe at an angle of 90 degrees.
- It’s important to know that compound miter saws have the feature to change the blade angle to a specific degree on both the left and the right sides. This feature helps you if you want to cut the pipe at an angle of 45 degrees.
- You will have to join another pipe at a 90-degree right angle for this. So be sure to measure everything first.
Now, it’s time for marking!
Step 3: Make a Mark & Firmly Hold the Pipe
Take a pencil or a marker…
- Mark the pipe in the place where you want to cut it.
- After that, clamp the pipe to the miter saw, so its length rests against the guard.
- To prevent the guard from moving apart from the base when making the incision, ensure the pipe is resting against it.
Doing so will solidly hold the pipe in place.
Step 4: Cut the Pipe
The saw must now be turned on and operated before the blade moves on the pipe at full speed. If the blade gets trapped in the pipe, turn it off and wait until it stops moving.
To finish the cut, repeat the previous action.
Step 5: Sand Down
After cutting, if your PVC pipe has rough edges, simply smooth them off with some sandpaper.
That’s all!
Here’s a visual guide for you:
How can you cut PVC with a miter saw? – YouTube
Now, let’s head toward the conclusion!
Conclusion
Can you cut PVC with a miter saw, you asked? The answer would be a ‘Yes!’ given that you follow the guidelines and instructions provided in this article.
You shouldn’t have any trouble doing it.
Using a stock standard blade shouldn’t cause any problems, but for a better, smoother cut, use a multi-toothed saw blade, which you can learn to use with practice. Sandpaper is just an alternative to make your pipe smoother.
When you are aware of the miter saw’s cut capacity, no task is tough as long as you pay attention, take your time, and put in the effort. How much effort you put into this work will determine how good a cut you make.
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Finally, thanks for reading!
Regards.