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Power miter saws are designed to make angled cuts for moulding, trim work, rafters and other general carpentry applications. The saws also make straight crosscuts and, when equipped with the right blade, the versatility of a miter saw is an important part of a tool arsenal for professional carpenters as well as DIYers.
What is the most common reason to use a miter saw?
A power miter saw, also known as a drop saw, is a power tool used to make a quick, accurate crosscut in a workpiece at a selected angle. It is commonly used for cutting of molding and trim. Most miter saws are relatively small and portable, with common blade sizes ranging from 200 to 300 mm (8 to 12 in).
What is the difference between a miter saw and a circular saw?
A miter saw is stationary and the blade is pulled downward onto the wood, while a circular saw is handheld and the blade is pushed through the wood. A circular saw excels at breaking down sheet goods, and a miter saw is best for cutting down longer boards.
Is a miter saw worth it?
Miter saws are a valuable tool for the DIYer, and a must-have tool for a fully functioning workshop. They are designed to quickly cut crown molding, door frames, window casings, and picture frames. Miter saws can also make straight cuts for general do-it-yourself woodworking projects.
Can I use a miter saw on the floor?
We don’t recommend using a miter saw on the ground. It’s a trip hazard and can lead to a back injury from handling a heavy saw (often 50lbs+) and lumber. Most manufacturers recommend bolting down a miter saw before use, which is difficult to do on the floor but can be achieved on a workbench.
Can you cut 2×4 with miter saw?
The bigger the blade, the deeper and wider its maximum cut. Typically, a 10-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 6 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 4 at 45 degrees; a 12-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 8 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 6 at 45 degrees. The sliding action can cut even wider boards.
Can I use a jigsaw instead of a miter saw?
Speaking of power tools, the Jigsaw reciprocates a straight blade, and a miter saw is a circular saw that can be set to make an angle cut, like making the 45° cuts for a picture frame. The jigsaw basically acts like a free hand scroll saw. Jigsaws work best for cutting softwood that’s no more than 1-1/2 in.
Are cheap Mitre saws worth it?
Although cheap compound miter saw models might give you the level of productivity you need, they may be shaky and wobbly, thus giving you a shady and untidy job. But at the same time, you may not get maximum worth from using an expensive miter saw on small scale and domestic cutting duties.
Can a table saw do everything a miter saw can?
While a miter saw cannot cut large pieces of wood, a table saw can make virtually any cut a miter saw can make—with a lower level of precision.
Can 10 inch miter saw cut a 4×4?
It may surprise you to know that the answer in question to cutting 4×4 posts with a miter saw is a hard, YES! If you can give the blade more clearance, then it should be possible to get a clean single pass cut through a 4×4 post, even when utilizing a 10-inch blade.
Can you use miter saw without a table?
A miter saw can be used on the floor, but it may be challenging to hold the board you are cutting level and in place. You can always buy or build a miter saw stand so you won’t have a hard time to work with your miter saw on the floor.
Where do you place a miter saw?
Set up the saw in an appropriate space After pulling the saw out of the box, the first thing you need to decide is where to place the tool in the shop or job site. It’s best to attach it on a workbench or stand against the middle of a long wall. This allows for cutoffs on either side of the blade.
How much does a miter saw cost?
A basic compound miter saw starts at $100, while miter saws with sliding blades start at $125. Dual-bevel miter saws start at $200, and professional-level miter saws with special features can cost as much as $800.
Can miter saws cut straight?
Power miter saws are designed to make angled cuts for moulding, trim work, rafters and other general carpentry applications. The saws also make straight crosscuts and, when equipped with the right blade, the versatility of a miter saw is an important part of a tool arsenal for professional carpenters as well as DIYers.
How thick of wood can a miter saw cut?
A saw with a 10-inch blade makes right-angle cuts across a board 5 1/2 inches wide, sufficient for two-by-six lumber. The same 10-inch saw will cut a two-by-four at a 45-degree angle. Manufacturers also make 12-inch versions, which have a maximum cut of about 7 1/2 inches, wide enough for two-by-eights.
Can a miter saw cut a 6X6?
A miter saw with a 10-inch blade installed can cut a 6X6 lumber piece, only it cannot do so with one single pass. If you don’t mind the extra steps, a 10-inch blade is very handy and versatile.
