Tools > Buying Guide > Miter
Saw
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Miter Saws
I find that the compound miter saw is one of the most used tools that
I own. Whether it be in framing, trim work or furniture building,
this tool is always in use. I have even used it to cut PVC plumbing
pipe (although probably not good for the blade).
What type of saw should you buy?
I always recommend buying a 12" compound. This means that it
will swivel and bevel allowing you to cut simple and complex angles.
You can choose to swivel or bevel depending on the stock you are cutting.
More importantly, the 12" blade will almost never leave you hanging.
For those of you that do occasional around the house projects, a 10"
may work fine. It's when you get into cutting some 45° angles
and stock over 2x6 that you will be cut short. Most saws specify the
stock that it will cleanly cut.
For those looking for a bit more, you can get a "slider".
These saws will be more pricy, but will allow you to cut much wider
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How much to spend and which brands to buy?
This is one of those tools that I recommend you spend a good amount
of money on. You want quality and durability, so go with a reputable
brand (below). Some may be advertised cheaper than others, but be
sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some "deals" don't
include the adjustable fences, or the extending stock supports.
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- 10 inch and 12 inch
- Single and Double Bevel
- Sliders and Non-Sliders
- Laser Guides
You will find numerous combinations of the above. Choose the features you desire.
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- DeWalt
- Delta
- Hitachi
- Rigid
- Bosch
- Craftsman
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Basic Framing Miter Saw
Price: $150-$250
- Good for framing, cutting 2x4s, 2x6s, trim,
etc.
- 2x6 45° angles may be a problem, decks, roof truss, etc.
- Versatile and light for taking to the work site.
- Lower fence may cause problems w/ some crown molding.
Also Available:
10" Double Bevel
10" Sliding Compound
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Versatile Framing, Decks and Trim
Price: $280-$400
- Good for cutting most widths of stock and
45's.
- Double bevel good for crown molding, etc.
- A little heavier for toting around to work site.
- Great for everything but really wide stock.
Also Available:
12" Single Bevel Compound
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All of the Above, Good for Very Wide Stock
Price: $500-$700
- Good for cutting wide stock and all in
between.
- Bevel feature necessary for crown molding, etc.
- A little heavier for toting around to work site.
- Will do anything a miter saw can do.
- Usually requires a little more room if against a wall.
Also Available:
12" Double Bevel Sliding
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Recommendations
If you are looking for a miter saw that will do almost anything and won't
break the bank, go with a single bevel 12" compound. It will allow
you to do a number of projects from deck building, framing, crown molding
and trim work with ease. If you think you will be cutting a lot of wider
stock for furniture projects, etc., then highly consider a sliding miter
saw.
Laser guides are becoming very common on most new models. I wouldn't stress
over this feature too much when making your decision.
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