As any woodworker will tell you, if you need to cut angles, you need a miter saw. Different kinds of miter saws are good for performing different kinds of functions, and likewise, some miter saws are ideal for beginners while others are designed with the pros in mind. This miter saw guide will help you find the right one for you.
Compound Miter Saws - Straight Angles
Compound miter saws are for making straight cuts and horizontal angles, however, thanks to the tilt in the saw, many users also put them to work cutting bevels into wood. This is the different between a compound miter saw and a basic miter saw. The basic saw has no tilt and so no ability to cut the beveled edges. An added bonus is that they are easy to use, so even a novice woodworker can use on, espccially when using a miter saw stand.
Beyond the basic compound saw is the dual power compound saw. These saws, which are also sometimes called double power bevel saws, cut straight and horizontal angles, much like a compound miter saw. However, these saws are even lighter and easier to tilt so it is easier to cut bevels with more control and accuracy with one of these saws in your workshop.
On the other hand, sliding compound miter saws are not about bevels at all. Instead, these saws are for cutting up large quantities of wood, because they can be easily slid along the surface.
The king of the compound saws is the dual compound sliding saw. Tilting, sliding, beveling, these saws do it all, but they come with a price tag to match. These saws are for generally for professional use.
Radial Arm Saw
These versatile saws are a must have bench saw for any woodworking shop. You can do straight cutting and miter cutting with them, although with somewhat less accuracy, so they are a good saw for when you are getting started.
Panel saws on the other hand are the saw of choice of large scale lumber yard operations. Panel saws can dice up a piece of lumber in no time (hence the name - cutting wood panels), making them ideal for churning out large projects. Panel saws don't really have a place in home use, however. Panel saws are for lumber related businesses and building contractors, and home users have no need to shell out the big expense on a large panel saw.
Sliding Compound Miter Saws
You will, at some point in time, need more than one saw in your woodworking shop. Table saws and miter saws are typically the first saws purchased by those new to woodworking. Knowing what to look for in a saw is the best way to ensure you are purchasing saws that will meet your needs in the future also, as your woodworking experience increases. Consider the following when choosing woodworking saws.
Table saws are often the first power tool purchased for a workshop and are, indeed, an important tool. Saws come in 120 or 240 voltage. A saw of 120 voltage will run on normal household current, while a 240 voltage saw requires a dedicated circuit which can be run by an electrician. A saw with 120 voltage is sufficient power for most home workshops. Professionals generally choose the higher power saw. In addition to the power of the motor, you should also consider the direction of the tilt and whether it is left or right. Dust collection is another factor you should consider. Table saws create a lot of dust which is not only a hassle to clean but can be a health hazard. Finally, look for a fence that is easy to use, adjustable and accurate.
Another type of saw is the miter saw, which is important in that it cuts angles quickly and precisely. There are hundreds of miter saws available on the market. Reading reviews can provide you with good information to help you narrow down what miter saw is best for you. They are great saws for larger sized projects, such as replacing the trim on your house or for use with furniture making projects. These saws can be used on a stand or on the ground, but a stand is the better choice when there is a lot of wood to cut.
Woodworking jigs are also an important part of many woodworking projects. They save time while also increasing accuracy. Jigs speed up the process especially when you need to create multiple pieces. In addition, the pieces will be more consistent and professional. The jigs you need depends on the project at hand and the results you desire. Taper jigs are great for tapering legs on chairs or tables, for example. V bock jigs are used for frames and boxes, while dovetail jigs are used for dovetail joints. Jigs can be purchased in any store selling woodworking supplies or on the internet, where they are even less expensive. If money is really an issue, you can save even more by making your own jigs with scrap pieces of plywood. There is also a lot of information online about woodworking jigs. You can find information on the variety of jigs available, their specific uses and guides on using jigs with your projects.
Both Guy Morris & Linden J. Walhard are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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