Photo: Makita
Miter saw comes handy in various DIY cutting projects. They come with a variety of circular blades that are designed to target different types of cutting tasks.
Well, here is all you need to know about different types of miter saw and we will conclude with which one is more suitable for what kind of buyers.
In this post:
Types of Miter Saws
1. Standard Miter Saw
Photo: Metabo
A standard miter saw is very accurate and fast in working its way through the wood. You can find these saws in a variety of sizes and power tendencies. These are however pretty handy and quick in performance.
It is mostly used for crosscuts. If you are a DIYer or seeking towards learning woodworking then a standard miter saw will be the most suitable considering that it is priced moderately and comes in corded and cordless variety.
Plus, it has a simple mechanism that you will find easy to learn. Well, the drawback is that it is not suitable for heavy-duty advanced cutting tasks.
Pros:
- Low on the price side
- Very accurate
- Quick cuts
Cons:
- Not suitable for advanced cutting jobs
2. Sliding Miter Saw
The sliding miter saw takes you one step closer to the advanced cutting. You can cut wood as well as metal with this saw. It can be used for basic cuts, bevel cuts, and crosscuts.
If you have to cut more full pieces of wood or metal that this saw can be extremely helpful as it simply slides along the track to cut the material.
There are three varieties of sliding saws including single sliding compound, double sliding compound and cordless sliding compound.
With the single one, the blade tips to one side and in the double sliding saw, the blade tips on both the sides, right and left.
In the cordless one, you can run the saw freely to any direction. It runs on batteries. Plus, it does not have a cord to restrict its working. The downside is that these saws are usually heavy and not very travel-friendly. A 10-inches saw can weight up to 50-pounds.
Recommend: DeWalt DWS780
Pros:
- Handle advanced cuts
- Comes with sliding ability
- Suitable for wider wood pieces and metal
Cons:
- Larger in weight and not very travel friendly
3. Compound Miter Saw
Photo: 3x3custom.com
These days, due to the striking cutting tendencies of a compound miter saw, these tools are getting a lot of heed from the customers.
These saws are designed to give the best compound cut. Well, a compound cut is both angled and bevelled. The saw has the same miter angle options in which you can adjust the blade’s angle and arm on the base.
The blade can tilt to up to 45-degrees left or right. This way you can make miter, crosscuts, bevels and compound cuts.
You should note that not all compound miter saws are designed to tilt. There are single bevel saws and double bevel saws.
The single one will be able to tilt to one direction whereas the double bevel saw will tilt in both left and right sides. If you are into basic cutting tasks then this product is not for you considering it will cost you immensely without benefitting as much. Plus, they have limited cut capacity as they cannot slide.
Pros:
- Suitable for angled and bevelled cuts
- Available in tilting models
- Suitable for advanced cutting
Cons:
- Pricey miter saws
- Limited cut capacity
Buying Advice
If you are a DIYer or a woodworking enthusiast then a standard miter saw is suitable for you. However, if you are deep in the woodworking profession then go with the sliding miter saw as it will be able to handle larger cuts and have advanced cutting tendency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Sliding vs. Non-Sliding Miter Saw: Which One Should I Buy?
A fixed saw gives more accuracy and moves in the forward direction to make crosscuts or bevel cut. It will be less expensive for a beginner and DIYer to afford.
A sliding saw, because of the forward and backward moving blades will be able to cover more area. The features make it a bit expensive and suitable for the professions. You can buy according to the need of your project and frequency of usage.
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2. What Size Miter Saw Do I Need?
The miter saw is available in 2 prime sizes of 10-inches and 12-inches. A 10-inches saw is suitable for smaller projects. It will give 2 x 6 lumber size with 45-degrees miter cut.
The 12-inches saw is suitable for wider and deeper cuts, giving a maximum crosscutting distance of 16-inches. These saws can give 2 x 8 lumber size at 45-degrees miter cut.
Depending on the project you are handling, you can make purchase of a certain size of miter saw.
Conclusion
A miter saw is a mandatory tool for every woodworker. Given the versatility in types, it becomes complicated to decide the variety that can prove most resourceful to the buyer. Well, depending on the need, your affordability, and level of the project, one should be able to make a thoughtful purchase.