What’s A Mitersaw Used For? Is It A Versatile Tool Thats Worth Buying?
Share it
Woodworkers should have a variety of saws for different projects. This is especially true when it comes to miter saws.
Our team of woodworkers made this simple guide to catch you up on what a miter saw is used for.
What Is The Function Of A Miter Saw?
Many people would be curious about how a mitersaw works. It is very similar to other power tools such as a radial or circular saw. Miter saws function in a short controlled motion and are powered by pulling the spinning circular saw blade onto the wood.
Angles are important when mitering. Before tightening your blade, you need to establish your miter angle. While miter saws can make precise repeated cuts, they cannot make cuts as long as the actual blade.
Uses For A Miter Saw
: Regular Crosscuts
Crosscuts are simply cuts across a board. Crosscuts can be made with any regular saw, but most people prefer to use power saws like miter saws.
Crosscuts can be used in a variety of construction and furniture building. Its the most basic cut, but its also coined as the weakest form of cut.
: Angled/Miter Cuts
For angled cuts, particularly those for joining, miter saws, such as a regularmiter or compound saw, are the best. For woodworking projects that need seamless joins, angles are crucial, and the best way to form an angle cut is through miter saws.
Run the miter cuts in the opposite direction to join two pieces of wood at an angle of 180 degrees. If youre opting for a corner cut, oppose the angle cuts and youll end up with 90-degree angled cuts. If you are using a specific brand like Ryobi, you can always checkRyobi users manualto get a more accurate angled/miter cuts.
: Bevel Cuts
Miter saws are made to cut wood at desired length and angles. A power tool can offer many advantages when making bevel cuts. Because of the precision and pressure required for bevel cuts, regular hand saws can’t be used. For making geometric shapes and installing weatherstrippings, bevel cuts are the best choice.
: Compound Cuts
One of the most intimidating and frustrating cuts to make is the compound cut or the mix of bevel and angled cuts. These complicated cuts are used when making intricate pieces like trays and cradles. Getting both cuts precisely with a hand saw is complicated and accident-prone .
Other Benefits Of A Miter Saw
Repeated And Consistent Cuts
Power tools such as miter saws from top brands like Ryobi and Ridgid have one advantage: consistency. With hand saws, its not possible to make consistent pressure because theres no metric to assess the pressure gauge.
Compact miter saws allow you to make consistent and repeated cuts by simply laying the first piece of wood and then using that pattern as a guide for the next. A stop block is another option to make repeatable, more precise cuts. This technique leaves little room for error.
Workbench
Locking a miter saw in a workbench makes it easier for a woodworker or a DIY enthusiast to fold and roll their power tools for organization. However, some would keep it intact in a table to make it more accessible. But either way, the miter saw can be as functional as it is.
Remember to plan the sides of your workbench so that the blade or piece doesn’t fall.
Sliding Saw
A non-sliding mitersaw is better suited for longer cuts, such as cutting lumbers or woods larger than 1×12. The blade moves along the rails, making it ideal for compound angles.
FAQ
What is the alternative to a mitersaw?
As long as the miter box is in place, hand saws can be replaced by miter saws. There are also other options such as table saws, with a miter fence or a circular saw with a jig.
What is the life expectancy of miter saws?
A miter saw, whether it isfrom DeWalt or Craftsman brand, can last for about 6 months with actual woodworkers on average. However, it entirely depends on the machines quality and how often you use it. It can last about 6 years for casual woodworkers if it is properly maintained.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, getting a powerful but handy miter saw is a decision you wont regret especially if youre into bevel and angled cuts. Knowing what a miter saw is used for allows you to maximize its efficiency.
No other power tool can give the versatility and precision. This machine is the perfect tool to have in your shop for any wood project you may have in mind.
