How to Choose the Best Miter Saw Blade. Mitre saw blade sizes

How to Choose the Best Miter Saw Blade

If you’re searching for miter saw blades, you’re in luck – the market has such a vast range of options for you to choose from. Knowing how to pick the right one out of all the possibilities, however, can turn into a challenge. There are so many things to consider. What materials are you likely to be working on? Ferrous and non-ferrous metals, veneer plywoods, other woods or plastics? Then there are the blades themselves. General purpose blades, specialty blades, carbide blades, kerf blades, crosscut blades, carbide-tipped blades. the list is seemingly endless.

Increasing the longevity of your miter saw and ensuring the quality of the cuts will both be dependent on the type of circular saw blade that you opt for. This is why you have to consider the most important selection criteria and compare products side by side before making a purchase. The following guide will take you through the process.

Size Considerations

Before moving on to more complex aspects of saw blade selection, you’ll have to take a look at the size.

Take a look at your machine or the manual that it came with. You should have some information about the size of the bore. This way, you’ll make sure that the miter saw blade you’re buying is the right one for your machine.

The next measurement to take a look at is the diameter of the blade. Make sure that the diameter is compatible with the guard that your saw has. For safety purposes, it’s very important to stick to the diameter recommended by the manufacturer.

Finally, you may want to take a look at the thickness of the blade. This metric will determine the width of the cut. If you’re about to do very fine and precise cutting, you’ll have to look for the narrowest blade out there.

Manufacturers should provide information about all three of these metrics. The information will have to be printed or etched on the blade itself, as well.

Tooth Count

The number of teeth that a saw blade has is another important characteristic. Taking a look at the readings may get somewhat confusing so here’s the breakdown. A general rule of thumb is that a bigger number of blade teeth will result in a smoother cut.

The smallest number of blade teeth is 24 and this count is typical for a ripping blade. Thus, the type of job you’re intending to do will determine the appropriate number of miter saw blade teeth. The ripping blade is most suitable for doing natural wood rip cutting. Having a smaller number of teeth will allow for the effortless cutting of a large volume of wood.

Blades that have anywhere between 60 and 80 teeth are called cross-cutting blades. Once again, this type of blade is ideal for cutting natural wood. The main difference between a cross cutting and a ripping blade is that the first one offers a finer cut.

A cross cutting blade is an ideal pick for plywood, chipboards and medium-density fiberboard. Some of these blades could also be suitable for cutting through aluminum.

The final possibility is a combination blade and it usually has between 40 and 50 teeth. As the name suggests, the combination blade can be used either as a ripping or a cross-cutting blade. The only problem with this product is that it’s not going to deliver the same high-quality as a ripping or a cross-cutting blade. If you want the best possible outcome, it will be best to get both of these options rather than relying on a combined one that can be expected to do a mediocre job.

Other Specifications

While the tooth count is one of the most important specifications, there are several other crucial blade parameters to examine.

The design of the teeth is the next technical spec to take a look at. There are approximately five types of tooth cuts and while experts find it difficult to reach a consensus about the best one, triple-chip grind (TCG) is considered a wonderful possibility.

TCG tooth geometry is among the ones that can guarantee the smoothest cut possible. The design is particularly suitable for working with hardwood and aluminum.

What is the Best 10” Saw Blade for Miter and Table Saws?

Other common tooth designs include flat-top grind (mostly used on rip blades for fast and efficient cutting), alternating top bevel (ensures excellent cutting quality without splinters or chipping), alternating top alternating face bevel (sharper cutting and a more pointed edge, ideal for working on brittle materials) and high or steep alternating top bevel.

Stamped or Laser Cut Blade?

The manufacturing processes used to make miter saw blades vary. The most common approaches include stamping and laser cutting.

Stamped blades feature metal that is molded and then stamped out of the circular mold. Such blades are suitable for coarse cutting and large work volumes. If you want to get a fine cut out of your miter saw, a stamped blade is not going to be the best pick.

Laser cut blades obviously involve the use of laser light for the cutting of the circular blades. The laser cut can produce a much finer cut than the stamped blade and it’s usually characterized by smaller thickness than the first blade variety.

Additional Characteristics

On top of the base features, some blades may have additional features that increase their practical appeal and lifespan.

Take a look at the blade’s expansion slots. These allow the metal to expand during the execution of the project without warping because of the heat that’s generated. Expansion slots are pretty much a standard thing in the world of miter saw blades.

Some of the blades may also feature some kind of coating. It will typically serve a protective role and protect the blade from friction and corrosion. While they tend to be a bit more expensive, coated miter saw blades also have a longer lifespan.

Finally, if you need to do specialized jobs, you may want to consider the acquisition of a few additional blades. A fine-tooth finish blade is perfect for very fine and precise jobs. Dry-diamond blades can be used for cutting tile. Abrasive wheels are also available and these can cut through different types of metal, as well as through masonry.

How Wide Cuts You Can Make With 10-Inch Miter Saw? A Practical Handbook Of A Standard 10-Inch Miter Saw

Portable and conveniently functional, a miter saw gives a professional touch to any of your carpentry job. Whether you are a DIY or expert carpenter, a miter saw is a must-have tool that can make accurate angle cuts in all types of woodworks and many of your masonry or metal jobs. Just because miter saws are available in different shapes and sizes, choosing one that can provide exacting results in a powerful yet simple way is always crucial.

Understanding the word “size”

When it comes to a miter saw, the size originally indicates the diameter of the blade mounted on the saw. The size of the blade usually ranges from 7.25″ to 12″. How wide of a board a blade can cut typically depends on the size of the blade. The larger the size of the blade the wider portion of a board it should cut. In the market that sells miter saws, a debate over the supremacy and suitability of 10-inch and 12-inch saws is ongoing. So, common woodworkers as well as professionals often ask which one to buy: a 10-inch or a 12-inch miter saw?

What size board a 10-inch miter saw can cut?

A miter saw that uses a 10-inch blade can deliver right-angle cuts off a board that is 5.5″ wide, which should be sufficient for a piece of two-by-six lumber. The 10-inch saw can also cut a piece of two-by-four lumber at a 45° angle. A 10-inch saw can cut lumber or plywood up to 1.25-inch thick without causing disturbance to users.

Your guide to make the cut

A standard miter saw is typically a circular saw installed firmly on a hinged frame, so users can make precise vertical cuts repetitively either on angle or straight in lumber or small boards. With a standard 10-inch miter saw, the repetitive mode of action should be the key so that you can save time during your woodworking project. You have to put the saw up in a specific location wherein you want to work. If you need considerably longer material cutting, it is recommended that you choose to work on a floor. However, an improvised work table or work bench can help you operate the saw quite comfortably.

Now, you should release the saw and place the stock on your saw bench so the blade can travel. If you are just a beginner, you can raise and lower your saw a few times before you turn it on. This way, you will be able to get familiar with how the blade will take its path when sawing through the stock. By doing so, you can avert accidents during the tedious hours of woodworking.

You can make perpendicular cuts through boards at angles which range from 45 degrees counterclockwise to 45 degrees clockwise. Do not worry about the alignment of the blade as the locking device and an angle scale will keep it as it should be.

Make sure you have clamps in place so that you can cut short pieces of stock safely. Try to cut near the end of a piece of lumber. This action makes it possible for the already cut pieces to be thrown. You should cut different angles on scrap material. Then, you can fit them nicely, so you can determine how the angles fit. Cutting at various angles will help you figure out basic shapes.

If you want to join a couple of stock pieces at a certain angle, the angle on the stock’s end should be half the joint’s angle. For instance, if you want to make a 90° corner, you must cut the ends of a couple of stock pieces at opposite 45° angles.

Making sufficient cuts using scrap material is a good practice that may help you avert unnecessary mistakes. If you are not working with a wide piece of stock, you may see the blade starts cutting the piece on its front edge. So, make sure you make measurement marks on the front edge of the piece. Alternatively, you can use an angle square to make marks on the piece.

Warnings to follow

• Consider using eye and hearing protection tools.
• Keep the workspace clear and electric cords in working condition.
• Keep your hands away from parts that are on the move.
• Avoid breathing in sawdust and try to disallow the accumulation of dust.

Should you use a 10-inch saw for your woodworking project?

Well, that depends on the requirements of your carpentry project, and of course, your own craftsmanship. If you are a Do-It-Yourself carpenter or just an average woodworker, a 10-inch miter saw will work well enough. Before you finalize your decision, go through the following benefits the saw can yield.

• Both local and large hardware stores have large selections of 10-inch blades.
• As physics suggests a 12-inch blade is likely to deflect and wobble more easily than a 10-inch blade. For little or no wobbles or deflection, a 10-inch blade is, in most cases, a good choice.
• It is possible to achieve a high cut quality with a 10-inch blade that comes at a cheaper price than a 12-inch saw.
• The cost of sharpening the teeth of the blade is another distinct matter. If you find that the teeth of your saw blade need frequent sharpening, a 10-inch is the more suitable of the two.
• Being lighter than its larger counterpart, a 10-inch saw takes up little space.
• The majority of these saws run on 110 power supply, indicating that you can easily plug it in wherever you need.
• These saws are ideal for small cabinet shop or individual consumers.

When a 12-inch miter saw is more suitable?

As with any working tool or equipment, one thing is common that an average woodworker’s favorite saw may not be the desired tool for a professional carpenter. While a 10-inch miter saw is oftentimes a common carpenter’s favorite working tool, a 12-inch saw may prove to be more effective when it comes to wider and thick cuts. When an individual needs to use a miter saw for tasks or residential projects similar to industrial workshops, these saws are more convenient than their 10-inch counterparts.

Some instances showing when to use a 12-inch miter saw

• If you want to force certain material over the 12-inch blade, it will not bog down like a 10-inch.
• When you wish to rip into a piece of laminated lumber up to 2 inches of thickness, these saws will not disappoint you.
• 12-inch saws are effective if a consumer wants a miter saw that is stable with an increased size and weight.
• This saw can cut large sheets of plywood without requiring woodworkers to undergo much labor.
• With added stability and increased number of teeth, 12-inch saws can cut more smoothly.
• These saws are preferable when you expect both dependability and longevity.

What to expect from a 12-inch version?

If you need to have a cut of at least 6 inches, this version should do the job as you can expect to have a maximum cut of 7.5 inches which can be wide enough for a two-by-eight lumber. Larger and arguably more powerful, this saw can achieve a maximum thickness of 3.5 inches which can be good enough to cut through a four-by-four piece of lumber. Once you feel comfortable with working, keeping the above discussion in mind; you can succeed in working with a 10-inch miter saw for your woodworking projects.

Miter Saw vs Circular Saw (Differences Which to Choose)

Unsure whether to get a miter or circular saw? Learn the differences, when to use each, and which is best for your needs in this comprehensive guide. Two of the most common power saws on the market are the miter saw and the circular saw. But what’s the difference between them, and which is the right tool for your DIY projects? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which saw is best for you. Let’s get started! This tutorial contains affiliate links to supplies and tools. Purchases made using these links help support the Saws on Skates website and allows me to share more projects and tips with you. There is no cost to you for using these links. Visit my site policies for more information.

Table of Contents

• What is a Miter Saw Used For?
• Types of Miter Saws
• What are the Pros and Cons of a Miter Saw?

• What is a Circular Saw Used For?
• Types of Circular Saws
• What are the Pros and Cons of a Circular Saw?

What is a Miter Saw?

A miter saw, also known as a compound miter saw, is used to cut precise crosscuts and complicated angles. It has a pivoting arm with a circular blade that can be turned left or right and tilted from top to bottom. The workpiece is supported against a fence while it’s being cut.

To make a cut, you set the miter saw to the required angle, position the workpiece against the fence, and lower the spinning blade into the material.

Miter saws range in size and weight and are designed to be used on a worktable or workbench. Smaller, lightweight models are portable, while larger, heavier ones are more challenging to transport and are better suited for use on a dedicated miter saw station.

What is a Miter Saw Used For?

Miter saws are essential for installing trim work like baseboards and crown molding, as well as carpentry and woodworking tasks, such as making accurate miter cuts, bevel cuts, and compound miter cuts.

Crosscut

Crosscuts are made at 90 degrees across the wood grain and are often used to cut boards to length.

Miter Cut

Miter cuts are made by setting the blade from left to right at an angle other than 90 degrees. For example, you might set the angle to 45 degrees to cut parts for picture frames.

Bevel Cut

Bevel cuts are made by tilting the blade from top to bottom to change the profile of a board.

Compound Miter Cut

A compound miter is made up of a miter cut and a bevel cut, setting the blade at an angle from side to side and tilting it from top to bottom. Compound miters are needed to cut crown molding, which is used to finish the tops of walls and cabinets.

One drawback to a miter saw is that it lacks the ability to make rip cuts, which are made parallel to the grain of the wood. For ripping, you’ll need a different tool, such as a circular saw or table saw.

Related: Table Saw vs Miter Saw (Differences Which to Use)

What are the Different Types of Miter Saws?

Miter saws are available in different types and blade sizes, and understanding the features of each will help you choose the right one for your project.

Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw

A single bevel miter saw, sometimes called a standard miter saw, is the most basic type available. Its blade may be rotated from left to right and tilted from top to bottom in one direction, usually to the left.

If you are a beginner or only need to make basic crosscuts, bevels, and miters, such as corners for trim work, then a single bevel saw is an excellent, budget-friendly option. They are ideal for those DIYers who don’t frequently need to cut crown molding or other complex angles.

Related: Single vs Double Bevel Miter Saw (Which to Buy Why)

Double Bevel Compound Miter Saw

A double bevel miter saw’s blade may be rotated from left to right and tilted from top to bottom in two directions, left and right.

For those who frequently install crown molding and make cuts for other woodworking tasks, a double bevel saw is the go-to choice for professionals, advanced DIYers, and those with bigger budgets.

Sliding Compound Miter Saw

A sliding miter saw performs the same operations as a compound saw, but the blade is mounted to a rail allowing it to slide back and forth, giving it a greater cutting capacity than a standard miter saw.

Blade Size

The diameter of a miter saw’s blade and whether it’s a compound miter saw or a sliding compound miter saw determine its cutting capacity, which is the maximum width or height of a board the saw can cut.

Most miter saw blades are 10 or 12 inches, while 7-¼ and 8-½ inch blades are used on smaller saws.

Cutting Width

10-inch compound miter saws can crosscut boards up to 5-½ inches wide in one pass, while 12-inch blade can crosscut boards up to 7-½ inches wide in one pass.

Depending on the manufacturer, a sliding compound miter saw may increase the width of these cuts to 12-15 inches.

Related: How to Use a Tape Measure Correctly (Tips for Success)

Depth of Cut

A 10-inch miter saw can cut through wood up to about 3-½ inches thick, while a 12-inch miter saw can cut through even thicker material.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Miter Saw?

What is a Circular Saw?

A circular saw, also called Skilsaw, is a handheld power tool with a saw blade mounted above a base plate. The blade protrudes through a slot beneath the plate, which may be raised and lowered to adjust the depth of the cut. The blade also tilts to adjust the angle of the cut.

To make a cut with a circular saw, you stand behind the tool with the plate positioned on top of the workpiece. Then you push the saw across the workpiece, guiding the blade along the line you want to cut.

Because a circular saw’s blade is exposed, it’s generally more dangerous to use than a miter saw. However, both are dangerous if not used properly. Always protect your eyes, ears, and lungs, keep your fingers away from the blade, and follow all safety guidelines included with your tool.

What is a Circular Saw Used For?

Circular saws are versatile tools that may be used for cutting materials such as lumber, plywood, and MDF. They can also be used to cut concrete and metal.

Types of Cuts

A circular saw can be used for the same operations as a miter saw, such as making crosscuts, miters, bevels, and compound cuts, but with less accuracy.

My Top 2.10″ Sliding Miter Saw Blades and How To 2X Their Lifespan

One advantage of a circular saw over a miter saw is its ability to make rip cuts. Rip cuts are long, straight cuts made along the length of a workpiece. They are often used to reduce a board’s width or break down plywood sheets to their required size for building cabinets or furniture.

Rip cuts are generally made with the circular saw set at 90 degrees, but they can also be made with the blade tilted to create bevel cuts.

Related: How to Make DIY Cabinet Doors (Without Special Tools)

A circular saw may also be used for making long and steep angled cuts, such as roof rafters that are nearly impossible to cut with a miter saw.

Kickback

One drawback of a circular saw is some cutting operations may cause kickback. Kickback is a dangerous situation in which the blade binds in the workpiece, forcing the workpiece or tool back toward you at a high rate of speed.

Circular saws bind most often when the workpiece is not adequately supported. When cutting a large plywood sheet, for example, be sure to support the sheet on both sides and along the cut line.

I’ve mistakenly set up a pair of saw horses and put a plywood sheet on top. When I tried to cut the board in half, gravity caused each half to fall inward towards the blade, which will almost certainly cause the blade to bind every time.

A better option would be to use four saw horses, one on each end and one on either side of the cut line. If you don’t have four sawhorses, you could do something similar on the ground by supporting the sheet with four pieces of 2×4.

Use Freehand or with a Straightedge

Circular saws may be used either freehand or with a straightedge. Freehand cuts allow you to cut nearly anywhere, but the tradeoff is they are not as accurate as cuts made with a straightedge.

Freehand

When making a freehand cut, mark a cut line on the workpiece, position the plate on top of the workpiece and align the blade with the cut line. Then you must use hand-eye coordination to guide the saw along the line.

From experience, it takes practice to make a straight freehand cuts with a circular saw. Even still, it won’t be as precise as using a straightedge.

Straightedge

Cutting with a straightedge is much easier and more accurate than making a freehand cut. A speed square, circular saw guide, or even a level or a long board can be used as a straightedge.

When cutting with a straightedge, such as a speed square, the square acts as a fence for the saw’s base plate. The square is placed on the workpiece, and the plate is pressed against the square guiding the blade in a straight line to make the cut.

You can also use accessories to cut a straight line with a circular saw, such as the Kreg Rip Cut, Kreg Accu Cut, Kreg Straight Edge Guide, or the Kreg Crosscut Station.

Types of Circular Saws

Standard

The standard or sidewinder is the most common type of circular saw. The blade is mounted on the side of the motor, and blades range in diameter from 6-½ inches to 7-¼ inches.

Standard saws are versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, such as cutting plywood and construction lumber. They are also relatively affordable making them a good choice for beginners and budget-minded DIYers.

Worm Drive

Worm drive circular saws have their motors positioned at a right angle to the blade. This configuration makes the saw more powerful than a standard saw, but it’s also much larger, heavier, and more expensive.

If you’re a professional carpenter or a do-it-yourselfer who does a lot of heavy-duty cutting, then a worm drive saw might be the best choice for you.

Compact or Miniature

Compact or miniature circular saws have blades ranging in diameter from 3-¼ to 4-¼ inches, making them smaller and lighter than standard saws.

Their compact size is ideal for small-scale projects or projects that require maneuvering in tight spaces. However, they have less power and a smaller cutting capacity than a traditional saw, so you won’t be able to cut thick lumber.

Track Saw

A track saw is a circular saw mounted on a track. Track saws are used to make long, accurate straight cuts in plywood, MDF, and other materials.

If you frequently need to rip wood or want an alternative to a table saw, then a track saw might be the right tool for you.

Choosing the Right Circular Saw

When buying a circular saw, be sure to select the right model for the job you need to do.

A standard or worm drive saw will be more than sufficient for general-purpose cutting. If you need a compact tool for maneuvering in tight spaces or making cuts in small pieces of lumber, then a compact or miniature saw might be your best bet. And if you need to make long, accurate, straight cuts, then a track saw might be your best option.

There are more considerations beyond power and size. You’ll want to consider the blade size and if you need a corded or cordless saw.

Blade Size

Circular saws are available in blade sizes ranging from about 4 inches to 7-¼ inches, while the most common blade size is 6-½ inches.

The blade’s size determines the maximum cutting capacity of the circular saw. The depth of cut is measured from the blade’s tip to the bottom of the plate, and determines how deep of a cut you can make with the saw.

The blade size you need depends on the material you will be cutting and the thickness of the material. For most general-purpose cutting, a circular saw with a blade size between 6-½ and 7-¼ inches will be more than sufficient. While smaller blades can be used to cut thinner materials, they will not be able to cut thicker materials.

Related: How to Change a Circular Saw Blade ( Blade Direction)

Corded or Cordless

Circular saws come in both corded and cordless models. Corded saws offer more power than cordless saws, but they are also connected to an outlet limiting their mobility.

Cordless circular saws are powered by batteries instead of plugged into an outlet. They offer the advantage of moving around freely, but they may not have enough power for some tasks.

Pros and Cons of a Circular Saw

Pros

• Compact and portable
• Versatile, can make a variety of cuts
• Ideal for making long, straight cuts needed for breaking down plywood
• Can make long, angled cuts needed for making roof rafters, etc.

Cons

• Doesn’t make crosscuts, miters, bevels, and compound cuts as accurately as a miter saw
• Requires practice and hand-eye coordination to make straight freehand cuts

What are the Differences Between a Miter Saw and a Circular Saw?

Miter saws and circular saws are both power tools you can use to make various cuts in lumber. Both saws have unique advantages and disadvantages that you’ll want to consider before choosing which is best for your next DIY project.

Rip Cuts

The most significant difference between a circular saw and a miter saw is making rip cuts.

The stand-out feature of a circular saw is its ability to make long, straight rip cuts, such as those required for breaking down plywood. A miter saw is not capable of making rip cuts.

Crosscuts, Miters, Bevels, and Compound Cuts

A miter saw is designed specifically for making crosscuts, miters, bevels, and compound cuts in lumber. These cuts are needed for trim work, framing, and other woodworking projects.

A circular saw also can make these cuts, but not with the same level of accuracy as a miter saw. However, a circular saw can make steep angled cuts, such as those needed when cutting roof rafters, that are nearly impossible to make with a miter saw.

Size

Miter saws are heavier and have a larger footprint than circular saws, which are smaller, lighter, more portable, and take up less storage space.

Versatility

Circular saws are more versatile than miter saws but their drawback is they are not as precise as a miter saw.

Safety

Another thing to consider is safety. Because miter saws have a fixed blade with a blade guard, it is less likely that you will accidentally cut yourself while using one.

With a circular saw, there is a greater risk of injury because the blade is exposed and can cause serious injuries if you’re not careful.

Cost

Miter saws are generally more expensive than circular saws.

Should I Buy a Miter Saw or a Circular Saw?

The answer to this question depends on the you need to make and how often you’ll use the saw.

If you need to make a lot of crosscuts, miters, bevels, and compound cuts, then a miter saw is the better choice.

However, a circular saw will be your best choice if you need to make straight rip cuts, such as breaking down plywood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you use a miter saw for?

A miter saw is used to make crosscuts, miters, bevels, and compound cuts, commonly used to cut trim, molding, and construction lumber.

Is a miter saw safer than a circular saw?

Yes, miter saws are generally considered safer than circular saws because the blade is fixed in place, and there is less chance of accidentally cutting yourself. Circular saws have exposed blades which can cause serious injuries if you’re not careful.

Can a circular saw do miter cuts?

Yes, a circular saw can make miter cuts but not with the same level of accuracy as a miter saw.

Final Thoughts

Miter saws and circular saws both tools have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.

The type of saw you need depends on the types of cuts you need to make. If you need to make a lot of crosscuts, miters, bevels, and compound cuts, then a miter saw is the better choice. However, a circular saw will be your best choice if you need to make straight rip cuts.

When it comes to safety, miter saws are generally considered safer than circular saws because the blade is fixed in place.

When deciding between a miter saw or a circular saw, the best thing to do is evaluate the type of cuts you’ll need to make most often and choose the saw best suited to make those cuts.

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Miter Saw Vs Circular Saw – Find the Difference?

Also called a chop saw, a miter saw can be perfect for making cross-grain cuts. This type of saw can be ideal for miter cuts or angled cuts. You can even use a miter saw for making bevel cuts. In a way, we can say that a miter saw is used for chopping wood at different angles.

It features a circular blade that helps to make precise and quick cuts. It is accompanied by a small fence and a workstation. You can find miter blades of different sizes and is mounted on the arm for making angles. Here are the features of a miter saw.

Easy to Use: They are more precise enabling you to have a hassle-free operation. With it, there will be a reduced risk of injury even when you get into precise edges.

Precision Cuts: You can use a miter saw for making miters, crosscuts, bevels, and compound cuts. Miter cuts can range from 0 to 90 degrees to the grain. Crosscuts are perpendicular to the wood grain. Bevel cuts on the other hand are on the angle of the wood height. A compound cut is a combination of a bevel and a miter cut.

When Should You Use a Miter Saw?

You can use a miter saw for different purposes including cutting dowels, trim, or deck planks. It can be perfect for cutting any thin and long wood. It will also work great while making multiple cuts on standard lumber. Utilizing a miter saw lets you cut dozens of identical pieces without needing to measure each one. As stated, a miter saw lets you make four different types of cuts. You can easily use it for miter cuts, cross cuts, bevel cuts, and compound cuts.

What Are The Types of Miter Saws?

• Single bevel:As the name implies, a single bevel miter saw lets you make my miter cuts or bevel cuts in one direction.
• Double bevel miter saw:contrary to the single bevel, a double bevel miter saw can make bevel cuts in two different directions. It can be perfect for increasing the speed while making angled cuts.
• Compound miter saw:If you are looking to make compound cuts, a compound miter saw serves the purpose. It lets you make both bevel and miter cuts simultaneously.
• Sliding miter saw:A sliding miter saw slides on a bar that makes the blade move forward. You can use this type of saw for cutting wider boards.

Miter Saw Blade Size

While cutting the appropriate size of the board, you will have to look for the right size blade. Do note that a small miter saw lets you have easy portability and storage.

A small miter saw of 7.25-inch can be an ideal choice for a DIYer. The types of blades have limited cutting capacity.

The most common miter saw blade size is 10-inch. It lets you use it for a variety of purposes.

If you are looking to have increased cutting capacity, you can look for a 12-inch blade. However, these types of blades are expensive.

What is a Circular Saw?

A circular saw comes in a handheld design and is usually powered with electricity or batteries. You can use it for making bevel cuts, rip cuts, and crosscuts. Many consider it to be a table saw. In a table saw, you don’t push the saw but the material. However, in a circular saw, the push is on the saw.

A circular saw comes in a versatile design making it ideal for different professionals. There are models that can accommodate other blades. With the motorized blade, it can make long straight cuts. The blade size of a circular saw ranges from 3.025 to 16 inches. These are some of the features of a circular saw.

Versatility: A circular saw can handle different types of cuts. You will be able to make crosscuts, rip cuts, bevel, miter, and compound cuts. These types of saws are also suitable for making plunge cuts and dado rabbet.

Portability: The lightweight design of a circular saw makes it very portable. You can easily take it to your job site.

Affordability: A circular saw comes at a low price. They are much lower in price than a miter saw.

When Should You Use a Circular Saw?

The versatile design of a circular saw makes it ideal for professionals and DIYers. It can make a wide range of cuts making it a perfect choice for woodworkers. Another advantage of using a circular saw is that it is very portable. Some even use it for cutting large boards.

What Are The Types of Circular Saws?

• Miniature circular saws:In a miniature circular saw, you will find a handle that extends behind the motor. The blade size is under 5 inches in diameter which makes them offer limited cutting depth. However, it can be great for occasional DIYers as well as for home improvement.
• Standard size circular saws:Standard size circular saws feature blades of 7.25 to 10 inches in diameter. You can easily use it for all types of cutting tasks making it a perfect choice for woodworkers.
• Track saws:A track saw lets you run it on a dedicated track system for making accurate cuts. Even though they are able to deliver fine-quality cuts, they are more expensive.

Circular Saw Blade Size

The most commonly available circular saw blade size is 7.25 inches. However, there are blades of small size so that there will be easy handling. It is important to note that the blades are not interchangeable.

Often the blades feature high or low tooth count. For rough and fast cuts, a lower tooth count serves great. On the contrary, a higher tooth count makes sure there will be fewer splinters while working. The tooth blades can be 24, 60, and 120.

Comparison Table: Circular Saw Vs Miter Saw

Miter Saw	Circular Saw
Ease of Use	Easy to Use	Can take time to learn
Portability	Needs a workbench or table	Lightweight for easy storage and carrying
Accuracy	Very high	Average
Versatility	Mostly for crosscuts	Allows different types of cutting
Cuts Plywood	No	Yes
Crosscuts	Yes	Yes
Rip cuts	No	Yes
Rabbet Dado	Needs sliding miter saw	Yes
Price	Expensive	Affordable

What Are The Differences Between Miter Saw and Circular Saw?

The mode of operation of the miter saw and a circular saw is completely different. A miter saw works by dropping the cutting blade from above the workpiece. A circular saw has a blade set against the work in a straight path. It also features a bed for holding the wood in place.

A miter saw is a specialty tool. You will be able to make angled cuts by using a miter saw. However, a circular saw is a versatile tool and can make different types of cuts. Whether it is bevel or miter cuts, a miter saw serves the right purpose. It can make fast and accurate angled cuts. Without experience, there can be a lot of errors.

The compact design of a circular saw makes it easy to store. However, a miter saw is with a miter saw stand or table. Circular saws are also very lightweight for easy portability. Even though miter saws are not difficult to move, they are less mobile than circular saws.

Conclusion

From the above, we have known about the features of a miter saw and a circular saw. We can make it out that a miter saw is a specialty tool and a circular saw has increased versatility. It all depends upon the type of project you are handling. You can choose the right one as you know the functionality of both. For now, they both seem to be useful tools for woodworkers.