I have a new Makita LS1040 miter saw. I am using it to install composite railing on my deck. I have made fewer than 200 cuts with the saw. Before doing the deck, I cut some 2 x2's to mock up the stair rails. Since then, I have used it only to cut Timbertech composite railing. I called TT for a blade recommendation and they advised a finish blade. I bought a Diablo 80 tooth carbite tipped blade. It worked great, but then a tooth broke off. I returned it to HD and a tooth broke off the second one. I returned it and got a CMT Orange Tools blade. It seems to be working fine.
When I went to change the blade, though, after I put it back together, the blade guard was not working properly. After examining the saw, it appears that the support arm and housing at the opening is bent. This would explain why the balde guard is not working properly. I am just wondering why this would happen after relatively light use and cutting only basic wood and composite.
Until this happened, I was getting great smooth cuts. I plan on taking it back to the store where I bought and hope they will exchange it. However, I am curious if anyone has any ideas on this problem?