Different types of miter saw exist. Although a standard miter saw is the best way to get started, learning how to use a sliding miter saw or a compound model is a must.
You can use standard miter saws in various ways, but the other types can help you finish your tasks efficiently.
The sliding miter saw comes with all the advantages of a compound miter saw, but it is more flexible.
If you plan to use one for your project, our simple guide below would benefit you.
We've also discussed the different types of a miter saw and how to choose which is best for you to help you understand the tool better.
The Different Types of Miter Saw
The standard miter comes with a table capable of pivoting to the left and right to adjust the angle.
The blade will drop straight down, making the cut capacity very limited.
You can only cut based on the diameter of the blade.
As such, different types of miter saws were introduced to provide more flexibility to the users.
If you plan to buy a miter saw, you can check out some of the different types below.
1. Sliding Miter Saw
This saw slides front to back across the material being cut, providing a greater cut depth.
It comes with rails that would allow the blade to slide easily from the front to the back.
Also, sliding miter saws can make compound cuts.
So, do you need a sliding miter saw or not?
If you'll cut deeper materials, such as 1 x 12 or 2 x 12 lumber, it is better to get a sliding miter saw.
It is the best choice for these materials as they can slide through the wood and make deeper cuts.
If you need a more compact saw that is very easy to carry, this is not a good pick.
Sliding miter saws are bigger and heavier than normal miter saws.
If you are working in different locations and need to carry the miter saw, it is better to use a standard model.
2. Compound Miter Saw
A compound miter saw can cut a bevel and miter.
A traditional miter saw can only do miter cuts, but this model can also make bevel cuts.
If you'll work with crown molding, this is a feature that you will definitely need.
If your project revolves around wood, this is the best miter saw that you could buy.
3. Compound Sliding Miter Saw
This particular miter saw has the advantages of both a compound and a sliding miter saw.
A compound sliding miter saw uses rails to improve the cross-cut capacity.
It also comes with a left bevel to enable you to make compound cuts.
With this, you get the flexibility offered by a compound miter saw and the depth of cut given by a sliding miter saw.
This miter saw is the best choice if you need to cut deeper material.
Since it has the feature of a sliding miter saw, you can easily handle thick materials.
But, the compound sliding miter saw is too bulky to be moved from one place to another.
You cannot bring it anywhere you want compared with a normal miter saw.
4. Dual Compound Sliding Miter Saw
As the name implies, it comes with all the amazing features that the other types of miter saw have.
You can get a miter table, beveling that goes right and left, and sliding rails for deeper cuts.
With the left bevel, you won’t have to flip your material to do a compound cut.
This would be a great way to save more time if you need to complete your projects fast.
This miter saw can also be a good choice if you need to make a flat crown and base molding cut.
The dual-compound sliding miter saw is more expensive than the other miter saws.
If you plan to buy one, make sure that you really need all its features.
If you don’t need to bevel in both directions or you rarely need to do it, you should opt for a more affordable miter saw.
How To Choose a Miter Saw
Choosing a miter saw can be a bit complicated because of all the available options that you have.
If you want to purchase a miter saw, you should know a few simple tips on finding the best one.
1. Choose the Type
We’ve already mentioned the miter saw types, and you can choose one depending on your preference.
Always remember that you need to know your needs before choosing the type of miter saw that you’re going to use.
Some models are costly, while some only offer basic features.
2. Battery or Corded?
Miter saws are originally corded, and they have 10 to 15-amp motors.
Corded models are very powerful, so it is the perfect choice if you’re going to make cross-cuts or you plan to work on hardwoods.
Their powerful motors are capable of slicing through thick materials.
Battery-powered miter saws are now very popular because they allow you to use the saw even without a nearby power outlet.
As long as you charge the battery fully, you can start using the miter saw to do some simple projects.
These cordless options are very small and light, so the type of work they can do is very limited.
One of the best benefits of a cordless model is its brushless motor, which offers longer shelf life, lower maintenance, and other benefits.
3. Choose the Right Blade Size
The blades usually come in 10 or 12 inches, so you need to know exactly what you need before buying.
Choosing the blade will depend on the material that you’re planning to cut.
Sometimes, buying a bigger miter saw would benefit you.
That's because you can fit a smaller blade if you plan to cut something small.
If you’re just doing regular cutting tasks and don’t deal with anything big, you can opt for a 10-inch blade.
You should only get a 12-inch size if you’re going to cut thicker materials.
4. Laser Guide
A laser guide is not very uncommon because you can see a lot of professionals use this.
Even if you’ve been using a miter saw for a long time, there is no guarantee that you can make accurate and clean cuts.
Buying a miter saw with a laser guide allows you to accurately cut the wood as it would serve as a guide on where the blade should hit.
This type of feature can decrease the risk of error and make a miter saw safe.
Remember that this is a feature used for indoor cutting because the sun can affect its light.
How To Use a Sliding Miter Saw
Using a sliding miter saw is not very different from using a regular miter saw.
They only have a few differences, so the basic features are almost the same.
Here is a short guide on how you can use your sliding miter saw properly.
1. Ensure Safety
As with any power tool, you must ensure your safety before you operate your sliding miter saw.
Wear protective gear, such as working goggles and ear protection, as well as proper attire.
Loose clothing and jewelry that can get caught up on the tool is a big no-no. You must also tie your hair, especially if it's long.
You must also check your surrounding or working area, ensuring there are no pets and children around.
2. Plug the Tool
The first thing that you have to do is to plug your sliding miter saw into a standard power outlet.
You have to make sure that the worktable is very close to a power outlet because it’s not advisable to use an extension cord.
Miter saws use a lot of power, and an extension cord won’t be able to provide the required voltage for it to work properly.
3. Position and Secure the Material
Place your board against the fence and securely clamp it.
Before you turn on the sliding miter saw, make sure that the blade is over the board’s edge that is very close to you.
4. Start Cutting
Press the trigger and wait for the blade to reach its maximum rotation before you pull the blade down to the wood that you’re going to cut.
Once the rotating blade touches the wood, slowly push the saw back.
Make sure that you push it away from you while the blade is sliding through the wood.
When the saw reaches the end of the wood, turn the trigger off and wait for the blade to stop rotating before you pull it up.
Remember that it’s very dangerous to pull the blade up while it is still rotating.
Conclusion
Learning how to use a sliding miter saw is not a big deal because this particular machine is very straightforward.
You just need to follow the simple procedures, and you can start using the tool with ease.
If you plan to buy a miter saw, make sure that you know what you need and understand the different types.
Although a sliding miter saw is a good pick, it is not the best choice for all types of work.