Best Miter Saw Reviews 2018

For such a useful tool, it would be good to consider the quality first, even if you are working on a budget. There are cheap miter saws available, but you might not like their functionality, and you might end up with a shoddy job. Ensure, therefore, that you get your facts right before choosing one.

That said, these tools aren’t that expensive, so getting a quality one won’t set you back that much, considering the service it will give you. You can find a good one from about $100 to $600. You may find some a bit more expensive than this, but they serve more or less the same purpose.

The main aspect that brings about the difference in price, in addition to other features and brand, is the size of the blade. They come in 8, 10 and 12 inches. The larger the blade, the higher its cost. There are also some that come with added features, such as workpiece clamps and lasers. Such saws cost a bit more than those without. When it comes to brand, the more popular a brand is, the more expensive it will be. However, don’t focus too much on the brand. Instead, keep your mind and eyes on functionality, depending on what you want to use it for.

Being a woodworker, you’ll need to cut multiple pieces of wood with speed and accuracy. This requires a sharp, fast and accurate machine. Consider the size of the blade and its teeth to ensure they are the right size for your particular job. There are more features that you’ll also need to factor in.

Here is what you’ll be looking for:

• Check whether the miter is fixed or can slide on a rail.
• Consider the types of angles it can cut. Can it make both cross and bevel cuts?
• Check the miter adjustments. While some move in only one direction, others move in both.
• Consider the positioning and the material of the handle.
• Check the functionality of the power switch.
• Can the saw pivot in either direction or just one?
• Consider additional features, such as laser guide, lights, clamps and extension arms.

Blade

A miter saw is a simple workshop tool with a blade attached to a head. This head swivels up and down and sideways, while the blade, which has serrated teeth, spins at a high speed to cut through your material. If you’re working on a project that requires you to chop multiple pieces of wood, make cross and beveled cuts, then you’ll need a miter saw that cuts with precision and accuracy. Several pertinent features determine the manner in which your saw will perform. To begin with, you may want to check the size of the blade. There are three sizes available – 8, 10 and 12 inches. The 8-inch blade is appropriate for small projects, but if you are going to use it for large projects, then consider going for a 10 or 12-inch blade. Check the number of teeth the blade has, as they determine the precision of your cuts.

Head
The head is attached to a spring that holds it in an upright position. The head to which the blade is attached is fixed to a spring that allows you to move it up and down, as well to the sides. This allows you to position the blade at different angles for acute cuts. It has handles on the side, attached to the head, that you hold to give the head direction. The handle has an on and off switch that you use to start and stop the blade.

Miters

These saws have miters that allow you to measure the angles to which you’ll cut your work pieces. Some saws can swivel in one direction, but there are those that swivel in either direction. If you want beveled cuts in both directions, go for one that can swivel in either direction. Still on movement, the handle is strategically placed to allow you to move the head freely. The switch is placed on the handle to enable you to switch the machine on and off easily. If you want one that you can use to cut across a piece of wood, then consider going for one with a sliding rail.

Blade Guard

When working with such a tool, or any other sharp tool, you need to be extra careful to avoid injuries. A blade guard is usually attached to the top of the blade. This guard retracts automatically every time you lower the blade, and returns to its place when you return the blade to its resting position. The miter, from which this saw derives its name, is positioned just below the head and can adjust either in one or two directions, depending on the type of the saw.

Clamps

For even more precise cuts, consider getting a machine with a clamp to help you hold your pieces in position. Additionally, consider one that has laser guide functionality and a lighting system. When working in a dimly lit room, the light and the laser guide will help you a great deal to get accurate cuts.

Sawdust Bag

Finally, there is the dust bag attached at the rear. The blade spins away from you, pushing wood chips and sawdust back into the bag. So, you don’t have to worry about dust in your work station.