INSCMagazine: Get Social!

Miter saws are a woodworker’s greatest tool when it comes to getting the best cut. There are a few different types of miter saws, but the most versatile of the miters saws is the sliding compound miter saw as reported by the Miter Saw Buzz review.

While you might think a compound miter with a double bevel is good, these other miter saws offer you a wider range of angles and cross-cutting capacity. But what exactly makes these miter saws so versatile? What should a good sliding compound miter saw have? What makes it different from a standard compound miter saw?

Sliding Compound Miter Saws: Bringing Versatility to Your Workshop and Projects

Unlike regular compound miter saws, sliding compound miter saws can tilt their blades to go either left or right. These saws are great for accommodating to different lengths of wood. The only real drawback to these saws is the need for space behind the saw.

This is due to how the sliding compound miter saw works. These types of saws are able to move the way they do because the blade is on a couple of rails that allow it to move forward and back and from left to right. Not all models of sliding compound miter saws offer this left or right function so you will need to look for it specifically if it is a feature you really desire for your saw.

According to review sites like NowTopReview, while these sliding compound miter saws tend to run on the more expensive side, they are definitely well worth every penny thanks to all the wood cutting power and options it offers you. On top of major features below, there are a few other points to look for in your sliding compound miter saw.

These points are:

  • Does it include a laser-guided system or option?
    This type of system can help you make the most accurate cuts and reap the precision benefits of using these types of miter saws.
  • The type of motor
    If you are only occasionally sawing things then a 10 amp motor is more than enough. But if you are planning to do a lot of woodworking, then you will need to look into more powerful motors and a router table to ensure your saw can handle any project you put under its blade.
  • Does it have a dust collection system?

    Wood dust is an unavoidable factor when it comes to working with a saw, but it doesn’t always have to be a desert of sawdust in your workshop. Find a sliding compound miter saw that has a dust collection system. This will collect all those pesky sawdust particles while you work.

Major Features to Always Look for in a Top of the Line Sliding Compound Miter Saw

1.) Bevel tilt

A bevel tilt is simply changing the angle in which you can cut the wood. Typically, models offer either the left. If you are looking for a very handy saw, then look for sliding compound miter saws that offer both left and right bevel tilt feature. This will let you get the most out of your saw.

2.) The number of stops

Stops are the angles in which you can move the saw and make angled cuts. The best saws will offer at least 0, 15, 30, and 45-degree angle options and will go in both directions.

3.) Blade sizes

Blades, as you may already know, come in three major sizes: 8, 10, and 12 inches. Most miter saws use either a 10 inch or 12-inch blade made out of carbon steel or aluminum. The bigger the blade allows for more deeper cuts while the smaller blades will allow more precise shallow cuts.

4.) Blade guards

When working around sharp object going at 4000 rpm or more it never hurts to err on the side of caution. Blade guards are what protect your hands from accidents and ensure that any teeth from the blade do not fly out as they break off over time.

5.) Type of brakes

Since these saws are rotating at extremely fast speeds to cut wood, you will want something that can slow down the blade just as quickly. Not all miter saws have a braking system but it is a worthwhile safety feature to have for those who want to frequently use their sliding compound miter saws.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.