If you’re a wood professional in the market for a miter saw, read this short guide to know a few things before making a purchase.
A miter saw is a power tool used for cutting boards, trim, and other materials at a variety of angles. It consists of a rotating circular blade with teeth along its edge that can be adjusted to make precise angled cuts. The material is placed on the saw’s table and pushed against the spinning blade. A fence or miter gauge helps to ensure accuracy when making repetitive angle cuts. The angle of the cut is set using a miter adjustment knob which rotates the blade up to 45 degrees left or right. Bevel adjustments enable users to tilt the blade up to 45 degrees in either direction for even more precise angled cuts. This makes it ideal for creating trim pieces with complex angles and shapes such as crown molding, door frames, and window casings.
Your choice between corded or cordless depends largely on your project needs and personal preference. Cordless models offer portability and convenience since they require no cords or cords running from wall outlets to the work area, but they tend to be more expensive. Corded models provide consistently powerful performance but lack mobility due to always needing access to an outlet.
Look for models with higher-quality blades as this is where precision primarily comes from. While investing in laser guides might also help improve accuracy by aligning material during cutting with extra precision points outside of just one in the middle which standard blades provide alone.
It is crucial to note that some saws come with better dust collection capabilities than others depending on the number of ports present on the units themselves. Some basic units come with only one port which means utilizing more than one vacuum simultaneously could minimize suction power.
Laser guide systems allow users not only to target specific areas during cutting but also to get precise results. The illuminated dot feature shows exactly where the material will be cut leading to less room for human error by clearly indicating desired cut line before proceeding forward. Most laser guides come integrated within the miter box itself but there are certain adapters available.
The price of Makita miter saws varies depending on the features, power source, brand, and size. Generally speaking, the cost of a miter saw ranges from $200 to $1000. If you plan on using your saw heavily and often, consider investing in a higher-end model with better features such as lasers, dust collection, and blade control adjustments, as these will help improve accuracy and save time. But, if you’re working with a budget— it’s better to look at other reasonable products.
The most common blade sizes are 10, 12, 7, and 8 inches. It is crucial to select the right saw blade size to avoid any inconveniences. If you’re into making furniture or completing finishing touches to cabinets, then opting for a larger blade (12 inches or more) might be right for your needs. Sizes 10 to 12 inches are for general use. 12-inch blades are used to make bigger cuts due to the bigger size. On the other hand, if cutting trim and molding is your primary focus— then choosing a smaller blade (7 ½ to 10 inches) could be best.