What Exactly is a Miter Saw?
The miter saw is one of those all important tools for craftsmanship. Professionals and DIYers alike know how powerful these tools are, and that they require respect and skill to use. They can make the most accurate cuts on a lot of different materials and can work different angles.
The Different Types of Miter Saws
The first thing you should know that not all miter saws are the same. There are different sorts of miter saws, which are basically the standard, compound and sliding miter saws. Likewise, there are different users for these saws to match to, as different levels of work require different functions (as well as different budgets).
The Standard Miter Saw
The standard miter saw is one that many of those who work at home use. It is by far the least expensive of the bunch, and it only has the basic functions, which are probably enough for those who are not carpenters by profession. A locking device and an angle scale keep the blade aligned while cutting at 90 through 45 degrees to the left and to the right.
The Sliding Miter Saw
A sliding miter saw is one that is mostly used by professionals. It has extension rods that allow the blade to cut much deeper and further than the stock length, allowing you to cover much wider surface areas in one go, which is why it is used for bigger projects. If you are looking for the best sliding miter saw for the money then there are several good options available to buy.
The Compound Miter Saw
Right in the middle is the compound miter saw, which is used by both homeowners and home builders. As the name suggests, it can make compound cuts by being able to tilt the blade at specific angles. It’s more versatile than the standard miter saw, yet less encompassing than a sliding miter saw.
What else differentiates miter saws?
Power
All types of saws are powerful and can do as much as damage as it can create beautiful projects. However, different saws also have different ranges of amps and volts that should be taken into consideration, as not all types of work require monstrous strength. Standard miter saws usually run on 120 volts which is enough for some small scale cutting. However, if you will be working on really large projects as professionals are usually apt to do, you may need to go for a bigger machine and more powerful machine.
Price
Just like there are different types of miter saws and a wide range of different features, budgets are also not set in stone. It really depends on what you will be doing with your power tool, because you shouldn’t have to spend thousands of dollars when you will simply be cutting a couple of planks in your garage. Of course, if you are using it professionally you should consider a large investment, as it should pay for itself as you complete more jobs. A miter saw could range from a hundred dollars to a few thousand.