Every woodworker knows that a miter saw is used to make angled cuts. You possibly already have it in your workshop to help you make precise angle cuts with ease. It is a way better option compared to a circular saw or hand saw.
When using a miter saw, you must ensure that it is on a stable surface for it to deliver appropriately. The surface can be a sturdy table or a workbench. Either way, stability is key when using a good-quality miter saw.
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So, how does a miter saw work?
A miter saw comes with a table, where the stock is placed, up against a fence that holds it in place as you cut the wood piece. The table can be rotated based on the miter angle you wish to make.
Plus, most miter saws will have an angle that lets you position the blade to make bevel cuts with ease. Preferably, ensure that the miter saw you pick comes with a blade cover. The cover should only move out as you bring down the spinning blade in the direction of the table.
Generally, miter saws come in three major types; compound, standard, and sliding compound.
Miter Saw Uses – What Can It Be Used For?
So, what is a miter saw used for? What type of cut can it make? There are four major cuts that the miter saw can perfectly make. Let’s look at them.
1. Crosscut
Crosscuts are cuts across a board and against the grain. Usually, the cuts made along the wood grain tend to be longer, and they are known as rip cuts. Since a miter saw limits its cuts to the diameter of the saw blade, most straight cuts made with a miter saw are crosscuts.
Keep in mind that even a hand saw can make crosscuts. A table saw too can make better crosscuts with limited effort. Plus, a circular saw makes crosscuts with ease as well.
So, if you choose to make crosscuts with a miter saw, it’s probably because you enjoy working with the miter saw or you don’t have another saw to handle the job. But a miter saw is not the only option for making crosscuts.
2. Bevel Cut
This is an angled cut that is made relative to the edge of the board. Also, a bevel cut will be made at 45 degrees. A hand tool can be used to make a bevel cut, but it requires some effort and skills to achieve accuracy. However, a power tool is the best option for making a bevel cut, and a miter saw would perfectly do in this case.
So, when are bevel cuts necessary? These cuts are applicable in trim installation and molding when taking it around a corner. This happens by either making a negative angle cut or flipping whatever you are cutting. As a result, whatever is facing out from the wall will be on the bottom.
Bevel cuts can also be used to install stripping for weather or make geometric shapes.
3. Miter Cut
This is an angled cut that’s made along a crosscut face. Normally, it’s made at a 45-degree angle. Miter cuts are commonly used for projects like trim installation, where two pieces fit tightly in a corner. Mostly, these cuts are not used for strength, but rather for their aesthetic purposes. They just look attractive. Plus, the miter cuts will be applicable when installing crown molding and baseboard.
Besides that, miter cuts are also used in making framing pictures, boxes, as well as frames for pipes, doors, or windows.
4. Compound Cut
This is arguably the most complicated angled cut, which combines bevel cuts and miter cuts. The compound cut is cut at an angle across the grain while also cutting it at an angle that is relative to the edge of the wood. These cuts are also used in making cradles and serving trays. A compound cut is the best option if you need to make something look kind of sophisticated.
FAQs
Q. What features to look for in a miter saw?
Ans. Ideally, a miter should have detents at the common angles, including 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees. Furthermore, go for a saw that has a smooth and easy detent override, which will let you move it without the detent engaging every positive stop along the way and back.
Q. How long do miter saws last?
Ans. Generally, a miter saw can last between 12 and 120 hours of continuous use. This depends on the quality of the blade and the material they are cutting.
Q. Can you cut tile with a miter saw?
Ans. If you don’t have a wet tile saw, you can use your miter saw with a diamond or carbide blade to cut tiles. When using a miter saw to cut tiles, cut an angle on the tile using the miter feature on the saw
Final Words
So, these are the best alternative options for Miter Saw Uses. If you need to cut angles in wood, the best tool to use is a miter saw. It lets you line up any of the four major types of angled cuts with absolute ease. Always remember to observe the necessary safety precautions when using the miter saw.