Different Types of Miter Saws: Which is Best For You?
A miter saw is an essential tool for many woodworking and home improvement projects. With different types available, from basic to sliding compound models, selecting the right one for your needs can seem daunting. This guide will walk you through the key considerations when buying a new miter saw, so you pick the perfect option for your workshop and projects.
What is a Miter Saw and How Does it Work?
A miter saw consists of a circular saw blade mounted on a pivoting arm, allowing you to make precise crosscuts at different angles. The blade is lowered down onto your workpiece to make the cut. The base can swivel left and right to change the cutting angle, also known as the miter angle.
The key components of a miter saw include:
- Circular saw blade – The sharp, spinning blade that cuts through the material. 10 or 12 inch diameter blades are common.
- Miter table – The base that swivels to adjust the miter angle. Often marked with common angles.
- Fence – The stationary rail along the base that supports the material.
- Handle – To lower the blade down onto the workpiece to make the cut.
- Guards – Covers to protect the user from the spinning blade.
- Laser guide – Projects a laser line to help guide cuts (on some models).
- Dust bag – Collects sawdust and debris (on some models).
To use a miter saw:
- Adjust the miter table to the desired cutting angle.
- Place your workpiece flush against the fence.
- Lower the blade with the handle to make the crosscut.
The following are the types of cuts that can be made with miter saws:
- Miter Cut – A miter cut is a straight angle cut across the width of a workpiece. The miter saw blade pivots left or right to make angled cuts other than 90 degrees. Miter cuts are used to create frames, boxes, trim pieces and other objects that require angled corners.
- Bevel Cut – A bevel cut is an angled cut made across the thickness of a workpiece. The miter saw blade tilts in one direction to make bevel cuts at an angle other than 90 degrees to the work surface. Bevel cuts are often used to create sloped or angled edges.
- Compound Cut – A compound cut combines both miter and bevel angles in one cut. The blade pivots for the miter angle and tilts for the bevel angle. Compound cuts allow for cutting frames, moldings, etc. with sloped sides and angled corners in a single cut. It combines two angle cuts into one by tilting and swiveling the blade at the same time.
Now that you understand the basics, let’s explore the different types and features of miter saws available.
Standard Miter Saw
The most basic type is a standard miter saw without any additional capabilities. It can only make straight 90 degree cross cuts or miter cuts angled left or right. While limited, a standard miter saw works well for quick, simple cuts in trim or other lightweight materials.
Key Features:
- Makes straight and miter angle cuts
- Lightweight and compact
- Affordable price point
Best Uses:
- Small DIY tasks
- Simple trim or molding work
- Light duty hobby work
Examples:
- DEWALT DW713 10″ Compact Miter Saw
- Ryobi 10″ Miter Saw with Laser Guide
Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
A compound miter saw builds on the standard design by adding a bevel function. In a single bevel compound, the blade can only tilt to the left, allowing you to cut both vertical and angled bevel cuts, also known as compound cuts. This added versatility makes compound miter saws popular for trim carpentry and finish work.
Key Features:
- Makes miter, bevel, and compound angle cuts
- More versatile for angled work
- Often includes higher quality fences for accuracy
Best Uses:
- Door and window trim
- Crown molding
- Chair rails and baseboards
Examples:
- Metabo HPT C10FCGS 10″ Compound Miter Saw
- DEWALT DWS715 12″ Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
Sliding Compound Miter Saw
For greater cutting capacity, a sliding miter saw uses rails that allow the blade assembly to slide forward and backward over the workpiece. This provides increased cut width so you can crosscut wider stock. Popular for deck building, framing work, and other tasks requiring depth.
Key Features:
- Extended cut capacity
- Cut wider boards and thicker stock
- Larger saws may be less portable
Best Uses:
- Framing lumber and boards
- Decking and fencing
- Workshop furniture building
Examples:
- METABO HPT C10FCH2S 10″ Sliding Miter Saw
- Festool KAPEX KS 120 Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Dual Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw
For the ultimate in versatility, dual bevel sliding miter saws tilt the blade both left and right. This lets you make compound cuts in either direction without flipping your workpiece. The dual bevels combined with sliding rails provide unmatched cutting capabilities.
Key Features:
- Bevels both left and right
- Makes all types of compound cuts
- Large saws with premium features
Best Uses:
- Finish carpentry
- Complex trim and molding work
- High-end woodworking
Examples:
- DEWALT DWS780 12″ Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Bosch GCM12SD 120-Volt 12″ DB Glide Miter Saw
Cordless Miter Saws
For maximum portability, cordless miter saws run on battery power so you don’t have to drag a cord on the jobsite. Cordless models were once limited in power, but the latest brushless motors rival corded performance. Just be mindful of battery life.
Key Features:
- Cordless convenience
- Excellent for remote worksites
- Limited run time per charge
Best Uses:
- Jobsite carpentry
- Remote work locations
- Quick cuts away from outlets
Examples:
- Makita XSL06PT 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 7-1/2″ Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
- Milwaukee 2734-20 M18 Fuel 12″ Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
What Size Miter Saw Should You Choose?
Miter saws come in several common blade sizes:
- 7-1/2″ – The most compact and portable size. Capacity limited to trim applications.
- 10″ – The most popular mid-size choice. Good all-around capacity.
- 12″ – Maximum cutting capacity. Heavier and less portable.
Consider what you’ll be cutting most often:
- Smaller 7-1/2″ blades are best for tight spaces and basic trim work.
- For moldings, door frames, and general carpentry, a 10″ saw is ideal.
- 12″ models handle thicker stock like decking and beams, but are heavy.
Matching the blade capacity to your typical workload helps optimize performance and manageability.
Key Features to Look For
- Adjustable laser guide – Projects a cutting line for better accuracy.
- LED light – Illuminates the cut area. Helpful when visibility is low.
- Cut capacity – The max depth and width it can cut. Bigger is better for thick material.
- Positive stops – Pre-set angle detents for fast setting of common miter angles.
- Tall sliding fences – Support taller material like baseboard molding in an upright position.
- Dust collection – Built-in ports and bags cut down on airborne dust.
- Safety features – Blade guards, anti-kickback pawls, and electric brakes.
Prioritize the features that will benefit your work. For example, dust collection is very useful for fine woodworking.
Corded or Cordless Miter Saws
Corded miter saws offer continuous power and no battery life to worry about. However, dragging a cord around the jobsite can be a nuisance.
Cordless models provide untethered convenience, but you’re limited by run time. Some can be plugged in though to work corded when needed.
Consider your needs:
- Corded – Best for a fixed workshop or long work sessions. Unlimited runtime.
- Cordless – Ideal for portability between job sites and remote areas. Sacrifices sustained power.
- Corded/Cordless – Provides flexibility to work either plugged in or on battery. A good compromise option.
Both corded and cordless saws can deliver excellent cutting performance when properly matched to your tasks.
How to Choose the Best Miter Saw – Recommendations for Common Uses
Here are recommended miter saw types for some typical DIY and jobsite applications:
- Home DIY projects – Compact 7-1/2″ basic miter saw.
- Trim carpentry – 10″ or 12” dual bevel compound miter saw.
- Finish carpentry – 10” or 12” dual bevel sliding compound miter saw with laser.
- Framing and deck building – 12” sliding miter saw.
- Jobsite use – 10″ sliding miter saw or cordless model.
- Fine woodworking – 12” dual bevel sliding saw with premium features.
- Portability – Cordless 7-1/2” basic miter saw.
Picking a saw well-suited to your needs will provide the right mix of capability and convenience for your projects.
Final Thoughts
With a basic miter saw, sliding compound model, or any other type, selecting the right saw for your needs is the key to maximizing utility. Carefully assess your typical cutting applications, portability requirements, budget, and features to determine the best choice. And always make safety the top priority when operating any power saw. Your new miter saw will quickly become an indispensable addition to your woodshop or jobsite when matched appropriately to the work you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of miter saws?
There are several different types of miter saws available in the market, including standard, compound, sliding compound, and dual-bevel compound miter saws.
What are the features to consider when buying a miter saw?
When buying a miter saw, you should consider features such as the size of the saw, whether it offers bevel and miter cuts, the flexibility of a compound miter, and the type of saw blade it uses.
What is a chop saw?
A chop saw is a type of miter saw that is designed for making straight crosscuts in wood. It is commonly used in carpentry and metalworking.
What is a dual compound sliding miter saw?
A dual compound sliding miter saw is an advanced type of miter saw that not only allows you to make miter and bevel cuts but also has a sliding feature for cutting wider pieces of wood.
What types of cuts can a miter saw make?
A miter saw can make miter cuts, which are angled cuts across the width of the wood, and bevel cuts, which are angled cuts through the thickness of the wood.
What is a radial arm saw?
A radial arm saw is another type of miter saw that features a sliding arm that allows the saw blade to move forward and backward. It offers more flexibility and can be used for various cutting tasks.
Which type of miter saw is best for me?
The best type of miter saw for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you require versatility and the ability to make both miter and bevel cuts, a compound miter saw or a dual compound sliding miter saw would be a good choice. If you prioritize portability and compactness, a 10-inch miter saw may be more suitable.
