A mitre saw cuts boards, timber and skirting quickly and cleanly at any angle, so in most workshops it is used almost daily. Fine wood dust gets everywhere though: into the slide rails, pivots, motor vents and the trigger switch. However often you sweep, the dust always comes back.
That is why the saw needs scheduled care of its moving parts, electrics, cast iron and plastic components. Below is a step-by-step routine that takes about half an hour and keeps the tool accurate.
What you will need
Important: Before any maintenance unplug the saw or remove the battery and wait for the blade to stop completely. Do not leave lubricant on the blade teeth or on the surface the timber slides over: residue will mark the workpiece.
Step 1
Disconnect the saw and remove dust
Unplug the saw, lock the head in the down position and put on a P3 mask: wood dust is harmful to the lungs. Vacuum or brush the sawdust off the table, from under the blade guard, around the turntable and out of the dust bag.
Blow out the motor vents with a compressor from the bottom upwards so that dust is not pushed deeper inside. Do this outdoors or next to an open window.
Step 2
Clean the table, fence and mitre scale
Spray WD-40 Multi-Use onto the cast iron or aluminium table, the fence and the angle scale. Wait two minutes for it to soften resin and caked dust, then wipe dry with a microfibre cloth.
In damp garages and unheated workshops cast iron quickly develops rust spots. A thin film of WD-40 displaces moisture and protects the metal between jobs, but wipe the work surface again before cutting so the timber stays clean.
Step 3
Remove resin from the blade
Take the blade off following the manufacturer's instructions. Spray WD-40 Multi-Use on both sides, let it work for a few minutes and scrub between the teeth with a nylon brush. A wire brush can damage the carbide tips.
A clean blade runs cooler, does not burn the end grain and stays sharp longer. Send a dull or chipped blade for sharpening or replace it.
Step 4
Lubricate the rails and pivots
Wipe old grime off the sliding rails and the bevel pivot. Then apply a thin coat of WD-40 Specialist Silicone: silicone lubricant is not tacky, so it does not attract sawdust, and it is safe on plastic guards and rubber seals.
Slide and tilt the head a few times to spread the lubricant, then wipe off the excess. Movement should be smooth without sticking.
Step 5
Service the motor and switch
If the trigger has started to stick or the motor sparks, treat the switch and the brush area through the vents with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner. It dissolves dust and carbon deposits, evaporates fast and leaves no residue.
Only switch the saw on once it is completely dry, after roughly 5-10 minutes.
Tip: After every big job store the saw under a cover, and once a season check the 90° and 45° settings with a test cut. Adjusting on a clean table takes a minute, while a dusty one gives inaccurate readings.
What next
Clear the dust after every session and do a full service once a month if the saw is in regular use. For rust protection on your other tools, WD-40 Smart Straw is handy: a wide spray for tables and a fine straw for tight gaps.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».