Types Of Miter Saws and How To Choose The Right 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. Every time you work with crown molding or other wall-mounted trim, you should make sure you have this feature. 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. This helps you avoid some hassle and wasted time. 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. Why carry the extra weight if you rarely need to cut with a 12-inch sliding compound miter saw?

An 8-1/2" sliding door provides the items you need for 85% or more of jobs. 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.

• Purchase 12-inch saw if: You need to cut deeper material, like 112, and you don't mind a larger saw. 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 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.

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. Following your decision, try using a miter saw like a pro.