Buying a 10" (and smaller) Miter Saw Print E-mail
Buying Guides - Power Tools


A Miter saw is a tool generally used to cut miters joints which are wooden pieces cut at 45 degrees, and then joined together to make a right angle. The edges are often beveled and rounded. Miters joints are used in photo frame-like applications. Miter saws also enable a user to make smooth crosscuts, which are cuts on a wooden piece approximately perpendicular to the direction of the wood grain. These saws are further used to fit crown molding, and cut multiple boards evenly. In addition to making perfect right angular cuts, a miter saw can also make predetermined accurate angle cuts. Some saws are capable of steady tilting to produce compound angle cuts. It can be used to cut wood, plastic, and metal as well. Even mitered pipes can be cut with a miter saw. This saw can perform a cut at almost any angle between 45 and 90 degrees. This versatile tool is used by carpenters, building contractors, masons, and plumbers and it is also a handy tool to have at home. Some common applications of miter saws include woodworking, cabinetry, framing, deck building, furniture making, bevel cutting, ripping and tapering.

Features and working of a miter saw 10” and under

A miter saw consists of a metal frame on which the replaceable saw blade rolls across the guide and over the surface to be cut. The movement of the blade is controlled by a motor. Generally, the workpiece is affixed to a Fence that determines the cutting angle. A measurement called the miter index represents the change in the angle of the blade relative to the fence. Most miter saws enable the miter index to be incremented or decreased by around one degree moves. However, some tools have automated fixes at commonly used angles, such as 15, 30, or 45 degrees. Since the body is rigidly constructed and the blade arm is sturdy, the saw offers accuracy and stability. A dual rail design increases the accuracy even further.

A miter saw is powered by an approximately 15 amp motor, churning out a speed of around 4600 revolutions per minute. Many of these tools have a precision machined aluminum base to provide a stable footing to absorb any vibrations and enhance precise cutting.

The quality of the cut depends on the material, the speed of the cut, and the sharpness of the blade. Usually, the 60-tooth carbide tipped blade is popular for sharper and smoother cutting. A wedge-and-slot miter detent system enables steady and precise miter angles, while a miter detent override feature facilitates setting for a closer angle.

The Compound miter saw is capable of both vertical and horizontal cuts, while the sliding compound saw is suitable when the width of the board to be cut is larger. The sliding feature allows the blade to slide further along the cutting plane, enabling cuts longer than the diameter of the blade to be made. Thus, a compound saw can cut bevels too.

What to look for in a miter saw 10” and under

When making miter cuts, where accuracy is paramount, a clear view of the cutting area will be a great benefit. Some saws have a built-in laser guide that offers the user a precise indication of where the cut is to be carried out on the workpiece. A fluorescent lamp in the tool illuminates the entire work area. Another important feature is a safety clamp that holds the workpiece rigidly during cutting. This is especially applicable for smaller sized workpieces.

Some saws have an intrinsic dust bag that helps to collect the wood shavings which are a byproduct of the sawing action. This keeps the environment clean for the user and also prevents the internal components of the tool from getting clogged. As with any motorized tool having so many moving parts, there is bound to be a certain amount of noise emitted. A noise muffling system would be kind to the user’s ears when using the saw over long periods. A lock to prevent the tool from starting automatically would be an added advantage.

Many miter saws have blade guards that retract when the blade is lowered onto the workpiece and then again cover the blade when the saw is raised. The handle of the saw should be ergonomically contoured to enhance user comfort and the various controls need to be easily accessible.

Some reputed manufacturers of jigsaws include Bosch, Dewalt, Delta, HTC, Makita, Porter Cable, Ryobi, Systimatic, and TD Industrial.


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