Do you have a 10-inch sliding miter saw but need to cut wider boards? In this article, we will guide you through a temporary modification that will allow your saw to cross cut wider boards, specifically for installing laminate flooring. With just a few simple steps, you can increase the crosscut capacity of your 10-inch miter saw and save yourself the need to purchase a new one.
Modifying the Saw
Removing the original fence: Start by removing the original fence of your 10-inch sliding miter saw. In the case of a Dewalt saw, it is held in place by four torx head screws. Carefully detach the fence to proceed with the modification.
Preparing a plywood base: Take a piece of plywood that is approximately 14 by 21 inches in size. Its exact dimensions are not critical as long as it covers most of the base. Place the plywood in a position where the saw will cut through it. Let the saw down and mark the cutting width on the plywood by aligning it with the saw’s blade. This will give you an accurate representation of the width the saw can cut.
Measuring the distance from the back: Lay a straight edge across the base of the saw and measure from the center of the bolts where the fence was attached. Make a note of this measurement, as it will be important for the next step.
Creating guide lines: Move back to your workshop and measure four inches from the back of the saw while leaving a slight quarter-inch space. Draw lines to connect these two points. These lines will serve as a guide for drilling the new bolt holes.
Drilling new bolt holes: Using a transfer punch for accuracy, drill the new bolt holes along the guide lines. Choose a drill bit that is slightly larger than the metric equivalent of 300 thousandths, ensuring some room for adjustment if needed.
Creating a new fence: Take note of the mark you made for the back of the saw and add a little extra space to it, such as two and a half inches. Align the piece of wood, which will act as your new fence, with the added measurement. Glue the fence in place, and secure it with drywall screws for additional stability.
Final installation: Bolt the new fence securely in place, ensuring it is straight and aligned properly. This step may require adjusting the angle to achieve optimal squareness. Once satisfied with the alignment, lock down the bolts to secure the fence.
Testing the Modification
Performing a plunge cut: With the modified saw in place, make a plunge cut following the standard procedure for your miter saw.
Test cut: Proceed to make a test cut on a piece of material. Notice that the modified saw is now capable of cutting across the full eight inches, or even slightly more.
By following these steps, you can easily increase the crosscut capacity of your 10-inch sliding miter saw, allowing it to cut wider boards. This temporary modification is particularly useful for tasks like installing laminate flooring, where wider cuts are often required. It offers a cost-effective solution, as it eliminates the need to invest in a new saw altogether.
Remember to always exercise caution while working with power tools and follow any safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, be sure to clean up your workspace and store your tools properly once you have completed your project.
We hope this article has provided you with the guidance you need to increase the crosscut capacity of your 10-inch sliding miter saw for laminate flooring installation. Now you can confidently tackle your next woodworking project without limitations. Subscribe to our channel for more handy tips and tricks to enhance your woodworking skills. Happy cutting!
