How to Cut Pavers With a Compound Miter Saw
Compound miter saw heads, which can turn from side to side, are designed to make angled and beveled cuts. When fitted with a blade designed for dry masonry cutting, the saw can be used on concrete pavers the same way it is used on wood. The masonry blade is made of a hardened material such as carbide and may have diamond-encrusted cutting teeth, capable of cutting into paver materials. The blades' cost are determined by their material, so you can find a blade to fit any budget.
Install the masonry blade into your compound miter saw. Adjust the angle of the saw by releasing the lock and turning it to the correct mark on the table gauge.
Measure and mark the paver to be cut using a speed square and a black felt tip marker. A speed square is a compact version of a carpenter's framing square; it is triangular in shape, making it easy to handle. Place the paver on the compound miter saw table.
Press the paver firmly to the back of the table fence. Without turning the power on, lower the compound saw blade to the paver, aligning the mark with the blade. Raise the compound saw blade and turn the saw on by pulling the power trigger.
- Install the masonry blade into your compound miter saw.
- Adjust the angle of the saw by releasing the lock and turning it to the correct mark on the table gauge.
Hold the paver firmly against the rear table fence with one hand; make sure your hand isn't in the way of the saw blade. Pull the saw blade down in a slow and controlled manner with the opposite hand, allowing the blade to cut the paver material. Release the saw's power trigger and raise the blade.
Swing the paver around or flip it over and repeat if you weren't able to complete the cut through with the saw blade the first time.
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References
Tips
- When using a compound miter saw for cutting pavers, keep the work area well-ventilated and use a bag or vacuum to catch the concrete dust.
Writer Bio
Elizabeth Arnold has written for a wide variety of publications and websites. Her experience includes writing travel features for "Recommend" magazine and packaging marketing copy for both Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Warner Bros. consumer products. Recently, Arnold was a staff writer for "Special Events" magazine. Arnold studied English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
