A compound miter saw is a very useful power tool for any woodworking shop or home DIY project. This flexible saw lets you make precise angled cuts, known as miters, and beveled cuts where the saw blade tilts to cut at an angle. With the ability to combine miter and bevel cuts, a compound miter saw can handle just about any trim carpentry task.
Choosing the compound miter saw ensures you feature the features and capacity to complete your projects. This comprehensive purchasing steer covers the key factors to weigh when selecting a compound miter saw.
A miter saw is a very important and must-have woodworking tool for professionals that allows you to make precise angled cuts for frames, trim, molding, and other woodworking projects. The most common types are:
- A basic miter saw – makes straight and miter cuts
- Compound miter saw – makes miter, bevel, and compound cuts
- Sliding compound miter saw – makes all cuts and slides to cut wider boards
The best miter saws are generally 10 or 12-inch models with a 15-amp motor. Key features to look for include adjustable handles, electric brakes, laser guides, dust collection, and easy blade changes.
Miter Saw Model Variations
There are several types of compound miter saws, each with their own advantages. Understanding the differences helps you select the right saw for your projects.
Standard Compound Miter Saw
The standard compound miter saw can pivot its blade left and right to make miter cuts at various angles. It also tilts in one direction, usually to the left, to make bevel cuts. This versatility allows you to make crosscuts, miter cuts, and beveled cuts. Standard compound saws are a good choice for basic trim work.
Dual Bevel Compound Miter Saw
As the name implies, a dual bevel compound miter saw can tilt its blade in both directions to make bevel cuts on either side of 90 degrees. This added functionality provides more convenience, as you don’t have to flip your workpiece to cut bevels in both directions. Dual bevel saws excel at installing crown molding.
Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Sliding compound miter saws include rails that allow the saw head to slide back and forth. This sliding action provides greater cutting capacity, enabling you to cut wider boards. Sliding saws are ideal if you need to cut 2x dimensional lumber for framing or decking projects.
Miter Saw Features
Key features to look for in a compound miter saw include laser guides, LED shadow guides, digital displays, detent plates, tall sliding fences, electric brakes, dust collection, and hold-down clamps. These features enhance the functionality, convenience, precision, and safety of the saw.
Compound miter saws offer a range of features to enhance functionality and convenience.
Features to look for when selecting a model:
- Laser guide: Projects a laser line showing exactly where the blade will cut. Allows precise alignment of cuts.
- LED shadow guide: Casts a shadow of the blade onto your workpiece for accurate cut alignment.
- Digital displays: Provide clear readouts of miter and bevel angles. Make it easy to set precise angles.
- Detent plates: Allow quick setting of common miter angles like 45 and 30 degrees. Speed up repetitive cuts.
- Tall sliding fences: Give you full support when cutting vertically, then slide out of the way for beveled cuts.
- Electric brake: Stops the blade quickly after cutting to enhance safety.
- Dust bag/port: Helps collect sawdust and keep your workspace clean.
- Hold-down clamps: Secure the workpiece to the saw table and prevent kickback.
Miter Saw Amps
Higher amperage on a miter saw equates to more cutting power. 10-12 amps is good for basic work, 13-15 amps provides extra power for hardwoods, and 15+ amps delivers maximum power for heavy duty cuts.
The power of a compound miter saw is measured in amps. Higher amperage equates to more cutting power.
10 to 12 amps – Good for basic trim carpentry work using softwoods and composites.
13 to 15 amps – Provides extra power for cutting hardwoods and thicker stock. Ideal for furniture projects.
15+ amps – Delivers maximum power for larger moldings and dimensional lumber. Best for framing and deck building.
Higher amperage also enables faster blade speeds for smooth, splinter-free cuts. Consider your typical materials and projects to choose adequate cutting power.
Cordless Miter Saws
Cordless compound miter saws provide untethered convenience and portability between job sites. Cordless models have come a long way in performance, but there are still some tradeoffs:
- Runtime – Batteries don’t last as long as corded power. Have backup batteries ready.
- Power – Cordless saws max out at about 12 to 15 amps. Fine for trim, not for framing lumber.
- Cost – Cordless saws cost more than corded equivalents. Factor in batteries too.
For maximum power and value, corded saws remain the best choice for a home workshop. Cordless works well for job site portability.
Miter Saw Blade Sizes and Teeth Count
10” and 12” are the most common miter saw blade sizes. 10” blades offer precision while 12” cut wider stock. For smooth cuts, 40-50 teeth blades are ideal for trim and 80+ teeth for fine finish work.
Compound miter saws are available with blade diameters from 8” to 12”. The most common sizes are 10” and 12”. Consider these factors when choosing blade size:
- Cutting capacity – Larger blades can cut wider stock. Good for moldings, framing lumber, decking.
- Precision – Smaller blades allow greater precision on delicate materials. Best for trim and crafts.
- Portability – Smaller saws with 8” to 10” blades are lighter and easier to transport.
The optimal blade for a job also depends on tooth count. More teeth leave a smoother cut:
- 24 to 40 teeth – For fast, rough cuts in framing lumber and decking.
- 50 to 80 teeth – Provides a smooth, splinter-free edge in trim, hardwoods, and laminates.
Miter Saw Stops
Positive miter stops allow quick setting of the miter angle to common points like 45, 30, 22.5 degrees without needing to measure the angle. Models have between 3 to 10 or more stops.
More miter stops give you more preset options. If you’ll be working at the same angles repeatedly, the additional stops can speed up your workflow.
Compound Miter Saw Features
Useful compound miter saw features include bevel stops, miter detent overrides for fine tuning, dual horizontal handles, cutline indicators, and adjustable miter plates.
- Bevel stops – Like miter stops, preset bevel stops allow fast setting of common bevel angles.
- Miter detent override – Allows fine adjustment of miter angle near preset stops. Useful for dialing in precise angles.
- Double horizontal handle – Gives you better control and reduces fatigue on wide cuts.
- Cutline indicators – LED lights or lasers show exactly where the blade will cut.
- Adjustable stainless steel miter plate – Allows precision calibration of miter angle.
Miter Saw Considerations
Key factors when selecting a miter saw are space requirements, dust collection needs, quick blade changes, safety features, and an adequate warranty of at least 5 years.
- Space – Sliding miter saws require clearance behind the saw. Measure your shop space first.
- Dust collection – Miter saws produce a lot of sawdust. Consider dust bag or shop vac hookup.
- Blade changing – Look for quick release blade change systems to swap blades easily.
- Safety features – Electric brake, blade guard, anti-kickback device, and clamp add safety.
- Warranty – Miter saws see heavy use. Look for at least a 5-year warranty on the tool.
Miter Saw Safety Tips
Always read the manual, wear protective gear, check the blade guard, properly support workpieces, keep hands away from the blade, wait for full blade speed, and allow the blade to stop before raising it.
- Always read and follow the owner’s manual safety instructions.
- Wear proper protective equipment like safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Make sure the blade guard is working properly before each use.
- Double check that the blade is tight, clean, and sharp. Dull blades can kickback.
- Hold the workpiece firmly against the fence and table when cutting.
- Keep hands at least 6 inches away from the blade at all times.
- Allow the blade to reach full speed before cutting. Don’t force the cut.
- Support long workpieces on both sides of the saw to prevent binding.
- Wait for the blade to stop completely before raising it after a cut.
Miter Saw Maintenance
Regular miter saw maintenance includes cleaning, inspection, calibration checks, replacing worn parts, testing voltage, and following all manufacturer instructions.
Regular maintenance keeps your compound miter saw performing accurately for years. Follow these tips:
- Clean – Blow out dust using compressed air. Lubricate slides with silicone spray.
- Inspect – Check blade for damage. Make sure bevel and miter stops are tight.
- Calibrate – Use a triangle to check blade is square. Adjust if needed.
- Replace parts – Install new brushes when worn. Replace the blade when dull.
- Check voltage – Use a meter to test for adequate voltage. Low voltage can damage saw.
- Read manuals – Follow all maintenance instructions from the tool manufacturer.
Use Cases of Miter Saw
The compound miter saw is ideal for a wide variety of trim carpentry tasks. Picture frames, crown molding, door and window casings, chair rails, wainscoting, flooring, deck railings, roof rafters, cutting molding miters, building shelves and cabinets, and general woodworking all benefit from the precision of a compound miter saw.
Its ability to make beveled, mitered, and compound cuts allows the saw to handle diverse projects and materials. Furniture builders also rely on compound miter saws for cutting joinery and decorative elements.
The saw’s fixed position enhances stability and accuracy for repetitive cuts. DIYers find compound miter saws indispensable for home improvement and woodworking projects. From intricate trim work to basic shelving, a quality compound miter saw can handle the toughest tasks.
Thanks to its precision and versatility, a compound miter saw can handle innumerable trim carpentry tasks. Here are some of the most common uses:
- Picture frames and shadow boxes
- Crown molding, baseboard, and trim
- Door and window casings
- Chair rails and wainscoting
- Wood flooring
- Deck and porch railings
- Framing roof rafters
- Cutting molding miters
- Shelves, boxes, and cabinetry
- Furniture and woodcrafts
Benefits of Miter Saw
Compound miter saws provide many woodworking benefits. The saw’s sliding compound function allows extremely precise angled and beveled cuts not possible by hand. Popular angles can be set quickly with miter detents.
The fixed blade and sturdy table offer stability for accurate repeatable cuts. Lower blade speed than a circular saw reduces dangerous kickbacks while generating smooth splinter-free edges. Sliding variants expand cutting capacity for wider stock. Large workpieces can be supported on extensions.
Compound miter saws are easier to master than table saws. Additional advantages include portability, space savings, and quick setup. Safety features reduce accidents. With the right blades, compound miter saws can cut wood, laminates, aluminum, and more.
For trim carpentry, DIY projects, and broad woodworking applications, the compound miter saw’s precision cutting and versatile angled abilities make it an essential addition to any workshop.
Compound miter saws provide many advantages that make them a woodworking essential:
- Make extremely accurate crosscuts, miters, and bevels
- Cuts are repeatable to within a fraction of a degree
- Quickly set common angles with preset stops
- Cut at precise angles not possible by hand
- Saw’s stability and fixed blade enhances safety
- Generate less tear-out than a circular saw
- Ability to do compound miters speeds up work
- Increased cutting capacity from sliding rails
- Great for cutting long stock with support stands
- Easier to learn than a table saw
A Short History
The earliest known miter saw dates back to the late 18th century. It consisted of a saw mounted inside a triangular wooden guide, allowing the saw to be pulled through at an angle. In the 1920s, power miter saws were introduced but had limited cutting capacity.
Ed Niehaus revolutionized the tool by mounting a circular saw blade on a pivoting arm, creating the first modern power miter saw. Since then, the tool has continued to evolve with compound bevel abilities, laser guides, sliding rails, and cordless convenience. Today, it’s one of the most popular saws for trim carpentry, DIY projects, and woodworking of all kinds.
Facts about Miter Saw
- The miter saw was invented by Ed Niehaus of Rockwell in 1964.
- The first compound miter saw that could tilt its blade was introduced by Makita in 1983.
- Miter saw blades spin at 4000 to 5000 RPM for smooth cutting.
- A 10″ miter saw can cut stock up to 5″ to 6” wide. A 12” blade will cut 8” stock.
- Sliding miter saws can cut up to 16” wide stock, over twice the blade diameter.
- The thinnest kerf (cut width) on a miter saw blade is about 1/8 of an inch.
- A 60-tooth fine finish blade leaves edges up to 4 times smoother than a 24-tooth framing blade.