The Miter Saw is an indispensable tool in many workshops. They really can speed up the work of professionals or do-it-yourselfers with large plans. They can make miter cuts, bevel cuts, compound cuts, and crosscuts?they are truly versatile. If you take stock of what you need and which cuts will be necessary for you to make, you can make an educated decision when you choose a Miter Saw. Here are tips on how to do that.

First think about which cuts you’ll need to make with your saw. If you just want a saw that does simple miter and crosscuts, then a more basic model will be good for you. They also tend to be more lightweight than some more complex models.

If you want to make bevel cuts or even compound cuts (which is the combination of a miter and bevel cut), you will want a Compound Miter Saw. What makes a Compound Saw special is that the blade can tilt, so it makes more versatile cuts. If you want to avoid having to flip materials over as you cut them, get a Dual-Level model of this saw that allows you to tilt the blade in both left and right.

Next, you need to think about the size of material you plan to cut. Larger blade sizes allow you to cut larger materials. Most people are just fine with a ten inch model. Smaller blades might be good for more precise cutting, but will really limit the size of boards you can cut. The twelve-inch model can be convenient, especially for cutting larger materials, but they do cost significantly more than the smaller models.

Finally, you should consider if you would rather have a corded or cordless model. Plug-in saws are generally going to run forever, of course, but they lack the convenience of being able to easily carry your saw around without worrying about plugs. If you plan to be working on a site or a project for a long period at one time, even the models with larger batteries might run out. You could consider buying extra batteries or foregoing the cordless models altogether if you don’t want to bother worrying about a battery.

After you decide the type of saw you need, there are other considerations and optional features to consider when selecting a saw. First of all, look at the saw and make sure the indexes and guides are easy to see during operation. If you are getting a Compound Miter Saw, you also may want to consider a sliding version. The sliding head on these models are better for cutting wide material.

If you plan to exchange blades often, you will want a model where installing and removing them isn’t such a hassle. Some models also come with an electric brake, which is a safety feature that insures the blade stops moments after you release the trigger. Finally, for the neat people out there, some come with a dust port which help you collect all the sawdust you make while you work.

These are some things to consider when you are wondering how to chose a Miter Saw. If you think about what you need before you buy, you will less likely be unhappy with your purchase.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 at 7:45 am and is filed under Hobbies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.