When it comes to woodworking, the best type of saw is much often talked about. At the very least, you should cut through different materials easily and quickly. 
One type of saw commonly used because of its effectiveness and ease of use is the miter saw.
If you’re not sure whether you can benefit from it or not, we will guide you on what a miter saw is – along with its different types and uses.
What is a Miter Saw?
A miter saw is used to create crosscuts and miter cuts in a work piece. It is achieved by pulling down the circular saw blade into the material or piece.
It is a stationary tool since you bring the saw blade down onto a piece to cut it, rather than running the cutter edge across the piece.
Just imagine slicing an apple by bringing it towards the kitchen knife while continuously making cuts until circular pieces are left. This is how a miter saw works.
Furthermore, the cutting angle of a miter saw is 90 degrees, which allows you to cut the material precisely by placing the work piece against the saw’s fence. Hence it is useful for cutting large objects into smaller ones.
However, note that a miter saw does not only work at a 90-degree angle cut. You can rotate its blade at varying angles, most commonly at 45 degrees. This allows you to make angled cuts for your work piece.
Types of Miter Saw
There are different types of miter saw with unique features. The most common types are the following:
- Standard Miter Saw
This type of saw is the most basic one, which allows you to cut pieces of varying angles such as 90 degrees and 45-degree angles. It can perform at crosscuts, and miter cuts as what a typical miter saw should work.
Extra features may come with different models. This type of saw is perfect for framing or any basic cutting needs.
- Compound Miter Saw
A compound miter saw rotates its blade head at various angles, which allows you to cut the wood or any material beyond a 90 degree or 45-degree angle.
This saw is used for intricate cuts such as trimming work. It also comes with different types. These are the following:
- Dual Compound: It allows the blade head to rotate between the left and right portion of the saw. This type of compound miter saves you time from flipping the piece to allow you to cut the same angle on its other side.
- Sliding Compound: Also known as a radial arm saw, a sliding compound miter lets you move the saw head along the piece back and forth.
By sliding the saw head back and forth, you can easily cut or trim the piece wider than its blade. Hence, it provides a broader range of cutting options for large work pieces.
Uses of Miter Saws
Despite having a limited range of use when cutting work pieces, a miter saw is usually preferred for woodworking and construction. The reason is, it is beneficial for framing, crown molding, ledges, boxes, and more.
The quick operation and easy adjustment let you cut pieces precisely in a matter of seconds. Hence, you can work with many wood work pieces in a short time.
You can use it if you want to create smaller pieces out of a larger one. With a measuring tape and a marker, you can mark the cut where it should be.
After, cut the material by following the mark. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can finish by using a saw.
Furthermore, it is common to use it in construction sites, especially for framing purposes. Moving the large saw up and down will trim or cut the wall studs and other framing parts. As a result, you can cut at the desired angle in a few minutes.
Because of how versatile it is, it’s no wonder why roofers, fence builders, and plumbers use it. Roofers and fence builders use it to trim down fence pieces and roofing materials.
On the other hand, plumbers use it to trim down piping, especially when the pipe needs special blades to cut through the material.
Of course, you can use a miter saw if you are a DIY enthusiast. It gives you an accurate and easy method to create smaller cross cuts, bevel cuts, and miters in your garage or backyard.
You also don’t need to move the saw back and forth along the piece to achieve the cut you want.
Conclusion
A miter saw might have limited features, but it can be used for various uses, such as small to large woodworking, framing, and construction. It also comes in many types, which allows you to use it depending on where you want to use it.
This guide should help you in understanding all about miter saws. If you’re planning to make wood work pieces in your home, trying a miter saw won’t hurt.