Miter Saw Model Variations
A miter saw is a specialized tool that lets you make cuts at a variety of angles. The saw has a blade mounted on a swing arm that pivots left or right to produce angled cuts. You can use a miter saw to quickly make cuts for crown moulding, picture frames, door frames, window casings and more. You'll find three variations:
- Compound miter saws feature blades that pivot left and right for angled cuts and tilt in a single direction for beveled cuts. Manipulating the saw on both of its axes at once yields a compound miter cut. Compound miter saws are useful for picture frames, crown moulding or any project that requires angled cuts in two planes. They offer the advantage of making compound cuts in one pass.
- Dual compound miter saws function like compound miter saws. While compound miter saws tilt in only one direction, dual compound miter saws can tilt both left and right. They can quickly create bevels at any angle.
- Sliding compound miter saws have all the versatility of compound miter saws and a sliding feature, similar to a radial arm saw, allowing you to move the blade forward and backward. The major advantage of the sliding feature is the increased length of cut it provides.
Learn more about the various cuts you'll be able to make and watch our DIY Basics video: What's That Cut Called?
Always follow the device manufacturer's operating, maintenance and safety instructions, including instructions on safety gear.
Miter Saw Features
The versatility of a miter saw is enhanced by its features. Whether you are looking for a small DIY miter saw or a heavy-duty model with benefits to make the workday go smoothly, look for options that can make your work easier.
Miter Saw Amps
Amps measure the power of the saw motor. Higher amps mean more cutting power. Miter saw motors come in 10-, 12-, and 15-amp sizes. For the home DIYer or woodworker, a 10- or 12-amp size miter saw will provide plenty of power. These smaller motors can manage cutting small pine trim work or composite moulding. A 15-amp miter saw is designed to provide the power and durability for construction jobs that require cutting larger lumber pieces like 2 x 6 and 2 x 8 boards or 4 x 4 and 6 x 6 posts, along with being able to make wide crosscuts.
Cordless Miter Saws
Cordless tools have become exceedingly popular with DIYers thanks to the ease of use and increased power today's battery platforms provide. Outdoor power equipment and power tools can all run off of the same batteries. Cordless miter saws have joined these tools as a smaller, lighter and still powerful option to corded models. They are able to go about anywhere due to not needing a power cord. Also, brushless motors are quieter, smooth starting, and need less maintenance. Cordless miter saws are available in both single and dual compound styles and up to a 12-inch blade size.
Miter Saw Blade Sizes and Teeth Count
Blade size or diameter is an important consideration in selecting a miter saw. The most common miter saw blade sizes are 8, 10 and 12 inches. Keep in mind that larger diameter blades can make longer cuts. Along with saw blade diameter, the tooth count of the blade is significant to the type of work being done. A blade in the 20-tooth range is good for rough cuts of framing lumber. A 40-tooth blade will give a smoother edge for general purpose cuts. 60, 80, and 100-tooth blades will give smoother and finer edge cuts on more delicate wood, trim and moulding.
Miter Saw Stops
Positive stops are factory-set points that let you quickly make precise cuts on specific angles. More positive stops decrease the time needed to set up cuts. Some saws feature thumb-activated stops for quick adjustments. Depth stops let you quickly adjust the height of the blade, controlling how deeply it cuts into the workpiece.
Miter Saw Lasers
Miter saws with laser guides help you make accurate cuts. Lasers for miter saws project a beam of bright light onto the workpiece, helping you align the blade with your cut marks. Functionality may vary between models with miter saw lasers and you should follow the use and safety steps for your model.
In general, to use a laser for a miter saw, you mark your board for cutting and place it on the saw table. With the saw unplugged, turn on the battery-powered laser and align the blade to the mark, depending on whether you want to cut alongside the mark or cut through the mark. With the blade properly aligned, plug in the saw, turn it on and make your cut. It’s a good idea to make a few test cuts on scrap wood when you first use a laser for a miter saw or when you purchase a new saw with a laser guide. If the miter saw laser guide gets out of alignment with the blade, check your manual for steps to adjust the beam.
Don’t look directly at the miter saw laser beam for a long period of time. Don’t point the miter saw laser at anyone’s eyes.
More Compound Miter Saw Features
- Articulated blade guards keep the guard clear of the stock so you have a better view of the cutting line. When you raise the saw, the guard lowers to completely cover the blade.
- Electric brakes reverse the flow of electricity in the saw motor when you release the trigger. Reversing the current stops the blade's momentum quickly. Electric brakes can stop the blade in as little as two seconds, much quicker than a blade on a saw without this feature.
- Spindle or shaft locks immobilize the shaft and blade, making it much easier to change the blade.
- Dust chutes and blowers help move sawdust from the cutting area.
- Dust bags mount directly to the saw and collect sawdust.
- Table extensions connect to the sides of the saw and support longer stock to give an accurate cut.
- Sliding and flip fences give added support to taller stock for standard miter cuts. You can then slide or flip them out of the way to make bevel cuts or to support longer work pieces.
- Digital displays provide easy-to-read bevel and miter setting information.
Other Miter Saw Considerations
Beyond the features available, there are additional considerations when shopping for a miter saw:
- Miter saws are typically mounted to a workbench for shop use. If you'll be transporting the saw to different work sites, remember that lighter models will give you increased portability. Using miter saws with stands can give you jobsite portability with a sturdy frame for cutting
- The blade is a key part of the saw. Different blades are available for different applications. When purchasing a blade, make sure it's compatible with your miter saw and project. Read our Circular Saw Blade Buying Guide to learn more about finding the best circular saw blade for your work.
- If you work on small or detailed hobbies and crafts, then a mini miter saw is the choice for you. Using between a 2-inch and 4 3/8-inch blade, they can cut and trim wood, brass, aluminum and other ferrous metals.
- When using an extension cord with a miter saw, make sure you have a suitable cord. Follow the device manufacturer's recommendations for compatible extension cords and see Power Cord Safety Tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about compound miter saws.
What Is a Compound Miter Saw Used For?
Compound miters saws are designed to make three main cuts in wood, moulding and other materials. First are simple rips or crosscuts, like cutting single or multiple boards in half at one time. Second are angled or miter cuts, which can go to about 50 degrees both left and right of center. Third is the ability to do both angled and beveled cuts simultaneously. For example, you would move the saw blade 45 degrees to the right for the angle and then tilt the blade 15 degrees to the right for the bevel cut.
What Is the Difference Between a Miter Saw and a Compound Miter Saw?
Miter saws are capable of doing simple crosscuts only, while compound miter saws can create angled, beveled and compound cuts along with basic crosscuts.
How Do I Choose a Miter Saw Blade?
Miter saws are usually designed for 7-1/4-inch, 10-inch or 12-inch blades. Your owner’s manual will specify what diameter and arbor size you will need. Next, what type of materials are you going to be cutting? Will you be cutting framing lumber or trimming composite moulding? There are countless options for these types of cuts and more including cutting metal. Tooth count will also be key as a 24-tooth framing miter saw blade will have less teeth per inch to cut faster through materials but with a rougher cut edge. If you are cutting thin materials like moulding and plywood, you will need a tooth count between 40 and 80 to avoid chipping and splintering, leaving a smoother edge. For more information see our Circular Saw Blade Buying Guide.