|
Miter Saws
Miter Saws
- Conventional
- Compound
- A compound angle means cutting a bevel and an angle at the same time.
- Sliding compound
. - They can handle 11.5-inch stock and are actually safer to use than radial arm saws since you can push the head through the cut instead of pulling it along.
- Head can be tilted for beveled cuts and angled for miter cuts.
Recommendations
There are not many reviews of miter saws. Taunton's 2006 Tool Guide reviewed 12-in. fixed-head compound miter saws, while Workbench Magazine reviewed 12" sliding compound miter saws. Here are their editors' choices and and best buys.
| Taunton -- Fixed-Head Compound | Workbench -- Sliding Compound | ||
| Editors' Choice | Best Buy | Editors' Choice | Best Buy |
 Bosch 4212 |  Bosch 3912 |  Makita LS1212 |  DeWalt DW708 |
Features
- Positive Stops -- These allow precise cuts on specific angles; more positive stops means less set up time.
- Sliding Fences -- Add support to tall stock during regular miter cuts and slide out of the way for bevel cuts.
- Blade Size -- Generally come in 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch diameters. Larger diameters mean longer cuts, but using them also requires more power.
- Electric Brakes -- Reverse the electricity flow in the motor allowing the blade to stop turning much faster when you release the trigger. It's an important safety feature for a blade to stop spinning in 2-3 seconds as opposed to 10 seconds.
- Easy-to-Read Angle Indicator -- Makes setting the saw quick and accurate.
External Links
- American Wood Worker -- Good information on miter saws.
- About.com -- Top rated sliding compound miter saws.
- Popular Mechanics -- Guide to miter saws.
Related Searches
10 inch miter saw