Different Miter Saw Types and How to Select the Best One

When deciding which type of miter saw to purchase, we asked our Pros for advice on when sliding, compound, single-, and dual-bevel capabilities matter. Which miter saw do you choose if you intend to buy one? With so many miter saws available, choosing the correct brand and features isn't enough.

Types Of Miter Saws

The miter saw (also known as a chopsaw) pivots to the right and left, enabling you to adjust your cross-section. The blade's diameter constrains your ability to cut as it descends directly. The arbor prevents the capacity from dropping all the way through. However, if you cut up against the fence's back, it can reach beyond the blade's radius.

1. Sliding Miter Saw

A miter saw with rails that allow the saw blades to move back and forth across the wood is known as a sliding miter saw. It allows for far deeper cuts than a miter saw of the same size without rails. The majority of sliding miter saws can also perform compound cuts.

2. Compound Miter Saw

Bevel and miter cuts are also included in compound cuts. You can also make bevel cuts with a compound miter saw and mitering. This is a feature you should always have when working with crown molding or other wall-mounted trim. When you turn the saw blade around a base, mitering happens. The scale on its base displays the miter angle in degrees.

3. Compound Sliding Miter Saw

The finest of both worlds is combined in the compound sliding miter saw. This miter saw has a left angle and rails to permit compound cuts and boost cross-cut capacity. By doing this, you may combine the slide's additional cutting depth with the flexibility of a compound miter saw.

4. Dual Compound Sliding Miter Saw

You get a miter table, sliding rails, and beveling that moves in both directions on a dual compound sliding miter saw. You may produce the opposite compound cut using the left angle without turning your material around. You can save time and hassle by doing this. This saw can save you time when cutting more extended pieces of material if you like to make your crown and base molding cuts flat.

Which Saw Size Should I Get?

Consider the material you plan to cut and the nature of your work while examining the various miter saw models. Next, consider the compromises between portability and capacity. Given how infrequently you need to make cuts with a 12-inch sliding compound miter saw, why carry the additional weight?

More than 85% of jobs can be completed with an 8-1/2" sliding door.  A miter saw is, after all, a trim saw. Anyone who usually uses a miter saw on 2x lumber or other thicker materials either doesn't know how to use circular saw blades properly or performs specialized work.

A 10-inch or 12-inch saw makes sense if you require the ability to perform vertical base and crown cuts. However, a sliding 8-1/2" saw makes more sense if you do most of your cuts "flat" on the base. It offers additional portability, which can help you save time and effort daily.

• Get a 12-inch saw if: You don't mind a larger saw and you need to cut materials that are deeper, like 112. Additionally, this saw performs best when used with a stand. This size saw is commonly used to cut vertical crown height.
• Purchase a 10-inch miter saw if: You desire a suitable balance between capacity and portability.
• If you wish to prioritize portability and intend to cut smaller base, crown, and door trim, invest in a 10" miter saw.

Traditional Slides, In Comparison To "Glide" Or Similar Mechanisms

Where you plan to put the miter and saw is another factor to consider when selecting a model. For the sliding mechanism in a standard sliding miter saw to work, there needs to be space behind the saw. Some saws offer a creative remedy for those worried about placement against a wall.

Selecting the Right Miter Saw

The following are the factors to consider while selecting the right Miter saw:

• Cutting capacity refers to the largest size or dimension of a material that a Miter saw can cut. It includes both the thickness and width of a material. Due to its sliding mechanism, a sliding miter saw is a perfect choice for cutting larger pieces of material. 
• Bevel capacity: it refers to the greatest angle at which the miter saw can tilt its blades left or right. This also helps determine the amount of bevel you are cutting from the material’s edge. 
• Blade size and power: The size of a blade and the power of a miter saw also influence the choice of a miter saw. Larger blade sizes and higher-power motors can cut harder and denser material, providing smooth and even cuts. 
• Added features: Always choose the miter saw with additional features like dust collection ports, laser guides, adjustable stops, and more. This ensures greater safety and convenience.

Corded Or Cordless Miter Saw: Which Should I Buy?

Ten years ago, no corded vs. cordless miter saw the debate. Several of the top miter saws come in battery-powered models. Some professionals must contend with trailing extension wires. Investigate the battery-powered miter saws available if you can save time and energy by using one. Most provide more corded devices, and some even let you choose between using batteries or a corded converter.

CONCLUSION

A dual compound sliding miter saw offers the maximum degree of adaptability, without a doubt. Depending on your trim, a 10-inch or 12-inch model would provide the most advantage and capacity. Once you’ve chosen the right size, learn how to use a miter saw like a pro to make precise, clean cuts with confidence.