Undoubtedly, miter saws are must-have tools for any professional or DIYer. These power tools come in different types, and this guide will help you understand the different types of miter saws as well as choose what’s right for you.
Generally, any wood cutting saw with a mitering table that adjusts the angle of cross cuts is known as a miter saw. In its most basic form, the miter saw comes with a miter saw stand, which pivots to the right and left. As a result, it allows you to change the angle of the cross-cut that you are making.
The blade will then drop straight down, and the diameter of the blade will limit the cut capacity.
A quality chop saw is similar to a miter saw but without the ability to adjust the miter angle from 90 degrees.
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4 Different Types of Miter Saws
So, what are the common types of miter saws? What are the key features and cutting experiences of different types of miter saws? and most importantly, who should buy it? Here is a look at them.
1. Sliding Miter Saw
This is a miter saw that features a rail to let the blade slide from front to back across the wood. it also offers a much greater depth of cut compared to a miter saw with no rails.
Key Features
- Features a vertically-sitting blade
- The blade can be pivoted left or right
- Comes with rails
- Rails also allow the blade to move back and forth
Cutting Experience/Materials
A sliding miter saw allows you to make crosscuts, miters, and other angled cuts. Generally, it makes all the basic cuts. The slide mechanism enhances the overall cutting capacity of a sliding miter saw. It can cut wood, PVC, and even metal pieces.
Who Should Buy It?
This would be a good pick for you to plan to cut deeper material, such as 1×12 or 2×12 lumber. However, it may not suit you if you need a compact, portable unit. For portability, you can choose one of the Best Cordless Miter Saws out there.
2. Compound Miter Saw
A compound miter saw can rotate the blade head at a particular variety of angles from the board. As a result, it allows you to cut the wood at an angle that is beyond the basic 90 degrees. The compound miter saw adds the ability to make bevel cuts to its mitering ability.
Key Features
- It can miter and bevel
- The blade can pivot left and fright, but also tilt
- It comes with miter angle options
- There is a blade tilt mechanism on board
- You can adjust the angle of the blade and arm on the base
Cutting Experiences
A compound miter saw can make all basic cuts including crosscuts and miter cuts. But the width and depth of cut are limited to the reach of the blade. This is the most accurate tool if you need to make a crosscut on wood pieces. It delivers accordingly, whether the cuts are angled, beveled, or square. Read some reviews to get more info about the miter saw blade.
However, you might have to place the workpiece upside down when making some bevel cuts.
Who Should Buy It?
A compound miter saw would be the best pick for DIY and woodworking projects that include bevel, sliding, or metering functions. It is might not be the right choice for cutting metal pieces.
3. Sliding Compound Miter Saw
This tool comes with the features of a compound miter saw, with added sliding advantages. It uses rails to increase the crosscut capacity. Also, it adds a left bevel that allows you to make easy compound cuts. As a result, you get the flexibility of a compound miter saw with the added cut depth, thanks to the slide.
Key Features
- Comes with a slide
- The rails help to better the crosscut capacity
- Features a left bevel to enable compound cuts
Cutting Experience/Material
When you are looking for the best compound sliding miter saw, you should know that they are designed to make crosscuts, compound cuts, and the tool allows you to increase the length and cut with ease. They are also the best pick for cutting metal pieces.
Who Should Buy It?
A sliding compound miter saw is best suited for professionals. This tool can cut wider workpieces with ease. It is generally the best metal-cutting miter saw.
4. Dual Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw
This saw comes with a miter table, sliding rails, and a beveling that moves from left to right. You don’t have to flip your materials around when making the opposite compound cut.
Key Features
- Comes with three functions
- It bevels left and right to cover all cutting angles
- The arm with blade can tilt to the right or the left
- Allows you to push backward or forward on a mitering table
Cutting Experience/Materials
It can make all straight, mitered, or beveled cuts on wood pieces without flipping the stock upside down.
Who Should Buy It?
Choose a double bevel miter saw if you are a pro contractor or if you a hobbyist planning to work on frequent jobs.
Check the video to learn how to choose a miter saw
Final Words
So I can expect, you already got a clear idea about the different types of miter saws and their features, cutting experiences, and which one is perfect for you right now. If you still need anything to know please let me know in the comment section, It will be a pleasure to help you out.