Broke my mitre

[mnev]

Simply cutting some small pecan sticks into chunks for my smoker, blade got caught or stuck and slammed the piece into the fence. Thought the rough cut blade would work OK. Didn't want to use my only other finish blade. Luckily I got the pieces I needed before it happened.

Better blade recommendation for next time?

Hopefully covered by the extended warranty I purchased from Lowe's. Otherwise time for a new fence.

 

[The Cobbler]

Years back I loaned a friend my 12" dewalt, he did the same thing with oak.
he replaced a bunch of parts .

 

[dogdog]

hmmm the casting on these newer miters are thinner than they used to be... the craftsman one I got for my dad did the same thing... split/crack on the thin aluminum fend... he still refuse to acknowledge he did it though... lol ... compare to my earlier 10' craftsman, the older one is a lot thicker fence casting...

 

[RKA]

I don't think the blade was the problem. It's hard to tell but those "sticks", were they flat on the bottom and the back (the sides that face the saw base and fence)? If they were irregular (not flat) surfaces on the sticks, it's likely that the wood moved during the cut and you got a kick back. The only other thing that comes to mind is a defect in the casting for the fence base, but that would be really unusual.

If the problem was the type of material you were cutting, Lowe's may not cover this and may consider this operator error. It's only a $100 saw, so you're not out too much and lucky to have your fingers. But obviously a defect in the casting should be covered. But they may not be able to tell looking at the carnage.

 

[Locker537]

You use the tools you have, but I would not use a miter saw for cutting irregular wood that you intend to consume as fuel, burn, etc.

Reciprocating saw is likely what I would use.

 

[Rabid Badger]

You use the tools you have, but I would not use a miter saw for cutting irregular wood that you intend to consume as fuel, burn, etc.

Reciprocating saw is likely what I would use.

My thoughts as well.

 

[mnev]

Can't disagree. Solid advice.

I used the reciprocating saw last time. But it was a little if not overly awkward to hold them down with my current setup. Holding the pieces down was difficult. I'm in transition right now. Recently relocated permanently to AZ. Some tools didn't make the move. Including a vice. My table saw. My bar clamps and some other tools that would've helped mysteriously disappeared. Thought the miter would be a quick and powerful option.

 

[AZ Pete]

You use the tools you have, but I would not use a miter saw for cutting irregular wood that you intend to consume as fuel, burn, etc.

Reciprocating saw is likely what I would use.

well said

 

[dogdog]

Can't disagree. Solid advice.

I used the reciprocating saw last time. But it was a little if not overly awkward to hold them down with my current setup. Holding the pieces down was difficult. I'm in transition right now. Recently relocated permanently to AZ. Some tools didn't make the move. Including a vice. My table saw. My bar clamps and some other tools that would've helped mysteriously disappeared. Thought the miter would be a quick and powerful option.

I have used it on irregular wood before (not tree branches, but laths and what not construction waste, chop to smaller manageable size to bundle)... you'll have to make sure something is butted against the fence for stability and let the blade spin up to speed before going down... Slowly...

I usually have this problem if I go chomp down before it have a chance of spinning up to speed and going down too fast too hard.... it gives me those scary moments every time...

 

[mnev]

I have used it on irregular wood before (not tree branches, but laths and what not construction waste, chop to smaller manageable size to bundle)... you'll have to make sure something is butted against the fence for stability and let the blade spin up to speed before going down... Slowly...

I usually have this problem if I go chomp down before it have a chance of spinning up to speed and going down too fast too hard.... it gives me those scary moments every time...

Likely after the first half dozen cuts, I got casual. Good lesson and insight. Thanks.

 

[Bretny]

The table actualy ripped out on my craftsman. I welded its crack closed and has been fine since. If its not under warrenty and parts are expensive its not a total loss.