Mitre saw cut issue

[clong]

Hi,

I've been a silent reader on these forums for a while now and have learned so much. I'm hoping the people here can help me out with a problem I have encountered.

I have just picked up a Metabo KGS216M sliding mitre saw. It seems pretty well put together, but after a few cuts I have noticed a problem. I've squared the fence and table to the blade a number of times to ensure it is as well set up as I can get it. It seem that approximately the 1st inch of cut is slightly off compared to the rest of the cut. I can place a straight edge along the cut and it is clear to see the problem. It is hard to explain so I will add a picture. I have tried clamping the piece vertically to the table and horizontally to the fence, all to no avail

I am hoping this is something that is caused by me missing a part of the tune-up.

Many thanks for your time on my question.

Con

 

[ColeyS1]

Welcome to the forum Con
First thought would be a dull/blunt blade. Does it do it if you chop say a couple inches off the wood or is it when you try and take off a tiny tiny piece from something ?

Edit - just googled the saw. Is there any movement on the slidy forward and back bars ?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

 

[monkeybiter]

Try holding a straight edge against the rear fence, is there a gap in the middle when the edge is touching at both ends. I think this may be common after reading a thread on here a couple of years ago.

You could try clamping a sacrificial straight piece of timber across the fence, then hold the work against that. See if there's any improvement.

 

[clong]

Hi, thanks for the very quick response. The blade was the one that came with it. I know I know, the general advice is dump the supplied blade and get a decent one. Its on my to-do list. I will assume that as the blade is new, it is sharp, albeit maybe not the best blade.

I have tried cutting a board in two and see the issue, as well as attempt to trim the edge of a piece. I've used a sacrificial board on the table and against the fence and it didn't help.

I've checked the slide bars and there is very slight movement up and down if I force it, but no movement at all to the sides.

I was wondering if it is something to do with how the blade is attached. Maybe as I slide the blade through the piece, the blade straightens up when some point is reached. Maybe I will try a non-sliding cut.

Con

 

[Silverbirch]

If the saw is new, as you seem to be saying, I`d contact the supplier and ask for a replacement. You wouldn`t expect to have to fiddle around with a new saw of a reputable brand to get it to perform correctly.

Ian

 

[andersonec]

It could be that the blade is 'pulling' the wood in towards it as it traverses across the cut, try clamping the wood down before you cut.

Andy

 

[CHJ]

It could be that the blade is 'pulling' the wood in towards it as it traverses across the cut, try clamping the wood down before you cut.

Andy

....... It is hard to explain so I will add a picture. I have tried clamping the piece vertically to the table and horizontally to the fence, all to no avail

 

[Silas Gull]

We have the same saw in our workshop. Whilst I would not argue that it isn't a reliable piece of kit, I have some niggling doubts about its overall accuracy, despite meticulous setting up and tuning. Any saw of this type is only going to be as good as the casting, alignment and fixing of its major components, and for that reason I would not consider the metabo for fine work. Having said that, for general construction cuts, it's satisfactory.
It is true, you must try a high-end blade. It is sometimes astonishing what a difference it can make to a chop-saw.

 

[clong]

I think I will look into a new blade. I might be asking too much from a saw in this price range. And arriving back to the shop with the saw and no box or packaging (due to an uncharacteristic clear out of my workshop) doesn't fill me with joy.

I suppose a few passes on a shooting board and a sanding will solve the defect too. Although It did cause a bit of havoc with my double hinged top jewellery box with my plan of a single plank of bocote for the lid. Worked out in the end.

Thanks again for all your input. If a new blade sorts the problem I'll give an update.

Con