Like circular saws, miter saws also have a circular blade. But does that mean both are the same?
Well, this was just the question my neighbor Amanda was asking me the other day.
She was planning to make some new furniture for her living room and had sought my help regarding the tools needed. That’s when the confusion regarding miter saws and circular saws arose and both her and I seemed equally doubtful.
So, I sought some time from her and did some research on the different features of a miter saw vs circular saw. What I found was indeed very beneficial. Hence, I decided to compile this guide to help Amanda as well as all of you who are having the same confusion.
Howdy! I’m Stacy Smith, and today I’ll be discussing all that you need to know about both these types of saws.
So, let’s go ahead.
You must have a basic idea about each of the saws. That way, you’ll be able to understand the differences between them more clearly. So, in this section, I’ve briefly explained the basic structure and function of a miter and circular saw separately.
A miter saw is specialized for chopping wood at a particular angle, and has a circular blade for making precise and quicker cuts. Note that it is stationery and includes a fence and a workstation.
Moving on to the structure of this tool, it has an 8 to 12-inch long blade mounted on an arm that swivels left and right. This swiveling action helps the saw cut at different angles. As such, you can use it to cut window casings, cupboards, crown moldings, door or picture frames, and fences.
If you happen to visit a carpenter’s workshop, you are most likely to find this versatile tool there. Circular saws are handheld tools which come with motorized blades that rotate to make straight and long cuts.
In addition to this, a plastic or metal plate is fitted to add to the accuracy, stability, and safety of the tool. Note that the cuts can either be against the grain of board or with it. Such a blade adds to the versatility of this tool.
The varying length of the circular saw blades is another notable attribute. Generally, the blade length ranges from 3 ⅜ to 16 inches.
blades like the dado bladeNow that you have formed a proper idea about each saw type, it’s time to know about the differences between the two. I’ll examine the differences based on a few criteria so that you can have a closer look at the different features of both saws. So, let’s move on.
I regard this as one of the most important factors, when it comes to buying tools for domestic work. After all, if the tool is not easy to operate, you may not be able to complete the job in a proper way.
Note that using miter saws is easier as you can keep the hands at a safer distance and can also control the tool more efficiently than circular saws.
Additionally, for cutting angles using a circular saw, you need to set up a straight edge or jig and then measure the angle. However, miter saws can help you adjust angles of the cuts in different directions.
Apart from this, both the saws come with triggers to stop and start the blade. While you have to pull the trigger of a circular saw with the index finger, for a miter saw it is done by gripping the handle with all the fingers.
A circular saw can make a range of cuts, which renders it useful for a variety of jobs. Note that it is very similar to a table saw, except that it is mounted on an arbor driven by a motor.
As such, with some technical know-hows and prior experience, you can make any cut with this tool. In fact, it can be used to make bevel and miter cuts as well, for which normally a miter saw is applied.
Now, talking about miter saws, they are explicitly designed to make cuts at different angles. However, you may wonder what’s the necessity of these saws when circular saws can already make bevel and miter cuts.
The answer to this is simple; you won’t get the accuracy, speed, and ease when using circular saws to make such cuts. It will be hard to get a straight and exact cut using the latter and it will need a lot of practice.
Thus, using a miter saw is the best choice for specialty jobs where you’ll need precise cuts. On the other hand, circular saws can be used for almost all carpentry jobs.
As for circular saws, they are very easy to carry along, especially if the model is cordless. Thus, transporting it from one job site to another is an effortless task. As for miter saws, they are relatively less mobile but are also not very difficult to move from one place to another.
The difference in price is not major, but generally, average circular saws are cheaper than miter saws. But this doesn't hold true in all cases; certain high-end circular saws cost slightly more than a few mid-range miter saws.
By now, we hope you’ve formed a clearer picture of what needs to be kept in mind while choosing between circular and miter saws.
Furthermore, I would like to share two pro-tips with you to help you further. Firstly, you will find a range of efficient saws of both types on Lowes or Home Depot. There are models of varying prices to make sure there is something suitable for everyone.
Also, go through the product information to check all the features we’ve talked about in the guide. That way, making a choice will be easier.
With that, we’ll call it a day. Till next time, take care.
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