When cutting through wood with a chop saw, it's inevitable that some friction will occur. Friction produces heat, and when enough heat builds up, it can start to burn the wood.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your chop saw from burning wood:
-Use a sharp blade: A dull blade will cause more friction than a sharp one, so be sure to keep your chop saw blade nice and sharp.
-Make shallow cuts: The deeper you cut, the more friction is produced. So shallower cuts will create less heat and be less likely to cause burning.
-Use a slower speed: Faster speeds create more friction (and therefore more heat). Slower speeds may take longer, but they'll help prevent burning.
-Apply lubricant: This could be WD-40, oil, or even just soap and water. By lubricating the area where the blade meets the wood, you'll reduce friction and the risk of burning.