Woodworking and craftsmanship have come a long way. Miter saws are the most widely used tool today to make cuts and style the workpiece. Miter saws are there to serve one purpose of cutting material at an angle accurately.
You can do frame molding, architectural molding for home finishing, furniture molding, and much more.
Today miter saws are used to cut other building materials like siding, lumber, PVC pipes, or flooring. These saws are made to cut across the grain of the material.
Most of them are stationary saws with circular saw blades that you pull downwards to cut the piece. Miter saws come in different styles and variety to choose from.
In this article, we will compare different types of miter saws. The best miter saws in each category are also discussed.
Differences Between Single Bevel and Double Bevel Miter Saw
The single bevel miter saw enables the user to make one-direction cuts. This is because it adjusts its position in one direction, either left or right.
On the other hand, the double bevel miter saw makes dual cuts. The blade angles can adjust to both right and left and make cuts in any direction.
If you are using a single version and need to make cuts on both sides, you can turn the workpiece to achieve bevel cuts on each side. In a dual bevel, miter saw, you don’t need to turn your material around. It makes identical bevel cuts on either side.
Single bevel miter saws have fewer uniform cuts since they cannot make double cuts at once. In the process of turning your material, you lose uniformity. Dual-bevel miter saw offer uniform cuts as they are done at once.
Purchasing the single version will cost you less than buying the double counterpart of the same brand. Consider the returns of your investments.
It is easy for one to use the single version since its usability is straightforward. They are perfect for beginners or professionals. The double ones are more complicated to use hence not suitable for beginners.
You can handle more work with dual bevel miter saws since you are making double cuts at once hence saving time. Single bevel miter saw handle’s less work since it makes a single bevel cut at a go.
Single bevel miter saws have fewer capabilities making it difficult when installing crown molding. However, dual bevel miter saws have extensive capabilities which help in installing different types of trim.
Why Do I Need A Single Bevel Miter Saw?
As mentioned earlier, a single bevel miter saw is the best choice for beginners since they are easy to use. You can make bevel, miter, and angled cuts and picture frames with it.
In case you are making cuts of a certain angle and have time to work on your project, this is the miter saw for you. It is a great tool to have around the house as it does most DIY jobs.
Why Do I Need a Double Bevel Miter Saw?
If you are a craftsman or a professional, the dual machine will be the right choice for you. The double bevel miter saw is more versatile, enabling you to make more precise and accurate cuts on both sides from any angle.
If you love details on your workpiece dual-bevel miter saw will offer that. A dual machine can enable you to make various cuts to allow a variety of compound angles.
Use the saw to make expert craft molding, handcrafted trims, and custom woodworking items among other things. If you have different types of projects to work on, choose the dual bevel miter saw.
Single Bevel or Double Bevel: Which One is Better?
Each one of these minter saws has its best application areas. To know which one is better than the other will heavily depend on the type of project on the table.
The following tips will help you determine which are the best options.
What is a Single Bevel Miter Saw?
A single bevel miter saw will make cuts in one direction. Mostly the saw pivots on the left as the beveling is on the right.
You can turn the workpiece to make cuts on both sides. Most of the single bevel miter saws do not make cuts past 90 degrees vertically. However, a single bevel miter saw will make both types of cuts together or separately.
Top 3 Best Single Bevel Miter Saws Reviews
1. DEWALT DWS715 12-Inch Miter Saw
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 26.77 x 21.85 x 18.9 inches
- Weight: 42.8 pounds
- Motor: 15 Amp
- Speed: 4,000 RPM
- Warranty: 3 years
The DEWALT DWS715 12-Inch Miter Saw is a single miter saw that features machined base fence support and a precise miter system to maximize your cutting accuracy.
It is equipped with an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate and cam miter lock with fourteen positive stops to enable accuracy and productivity.
The sliding fence support up to 5 ½ inches of crown molding vertically nested and 5 ½ inches of base molding vertically.
Bevels 0 degrees to 48 degrees to the left for greater versatility. 0 degrees to 3 degrees to the right for increased cutting capacity.
It has a 2 x 8-inch lumber crosscut capacity at 90 degrees and 45 degrees dimensional lumber of 2 x 6 inches. It works at an extended power of 15 Amp motor with 4000 RPM.
The kit comes with a dust bag, vertical clamp, and 12-inch carbide-tipped blade.
2. Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 20.4 x 15.4 x 14.4 inches
- Weight: 24.5 pounds
- Motor: 15 Amp
- Speed: 5,000 RPM
- Warranty: 5 years
The Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw features a 15 Amp motor to offer high power to make the hardest cuts at a speed of 5000 RPM. Such a speed ensures your crosscuts and miter cuts are smooth, easy, and quick.
The miter saw blades measure 10 inches for deep and tough cutting. The angle range of the miter saw is 0-52 degrees to the left and right for high flexibility. Bevel angle range forms 0-45 degrees to the left and has adjustable bevel stops for accurate cuts.
There is enough space to place your material as the miter saw has a large table with a vice clamping system to support and secure the workpiece. You can make quick miter adjustments using the thumb-actuated positive stops.
It is a perfect tool for woodworkers who demand reliability, versatility, and precision on the job. You can move around with the tool due to its lightweight design.
The package comes with a 10 inch 24T TCT saw blade, vice assembly, dust bag, bar wrench 5 mm holder, and a hex.
3. WEN MM1011 10-Inch Single Bevel Miter Saw
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 20.7 x 20.6 x 16 inches
- Weight: 37.8 pounds
- Motor: 15 Amp
- Speed: 4,500 RPM
- Warranty: 2 years
Enjoy making cuts at any angle with the WEN MM1011 10-Inch Single Bevel Miter Saw. It is equipped with a powerful 15 Amp motor to cut through the toughest woods and rotating the blades 4500 times per minute.
It can cut workpieces of 3 ½ inches thick and 12 inches wide or compound cuts. It is versatile as it can saw miters up to 45 degrees in both directions and bevels at a maximum of 45 degrees to the left.
The tool features nine positive miter stops to help you adjust to the preferred cutting angle. You can also make locks between the given angles.
The working board is spacious as it features a 7 ½ crown molding nested capacity and 6 ¾ inch baseboard vertical capacity. Onboard class ii laser guide illuminates your line of cut for accuracy purposes.
You can easily transport the miter saw due to its compact design. The package also includes a dust bag, dust port adapter, two table extensions, laser guide, 10’’ 40-tooth carbide-tipped blade, and a clamp assembly.
What is a Double Bevel Miter Saw?
Double bevel miter saws have their blade angles adjust to both right and left. This enables it to make cuts in any direction. You can make similar cuts on both sides without turning your workpiece around.
Uniformity and precision cuts are evident while using a double bevel miter saw. Its workability is detailed and needs the experience to do the job.
This tool is suitable for professionals, contractors, or committed hobbyists. You will improve efficiency and workflow with a dual bevel miter saw as it saves time and makes continuous cuts quicker.
Top 3 Best Double Bevel Miter Saws Reviews
1. DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Miter Saw
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 9.45 x 3.54 x 18.9 inches
- Weight: 56 pounds
- Motor: 15 Amp
- Speed: 3,800 RPM
- Warranty: 3 years
The DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Miter Saw comes with a CUTLINE Blade positioning system that offers a free-cut line leading to more accurate cuts and visibility. It is a powerful machine with a 15 Amp and 3,800 RPM motor.
The powerful motor can deliver extended power and durability for this miter saw. This double bevel miter saw can collect about seventy-five percent of the dust it generates.
It also features some tall sliding fences that support base molding for up to 6.75 inches vertically and crown molding for up to 7.5 inches nested against the fence, while sliding out of the way for bevel cuts with ease.
Its exclusive back fence design can cut up to 2 x 14-dimensional lumber and a ninety-degree angle and 2 x 10 at a forty-five-degree angle.
It also features an adjustable stainless-steel miter detent plate that has ten positive stops that improves productivity while at the same time ensuring cutting accuracy.
The miter will move fifty degrees to the left and sixty degrees to the right providing increased capacity. It comes with a three-year limited warranty.
2. Metabo HPT 12-Inch Double Bevel Miter Saw
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 26.9 x 22.2 x 21.3 inches
- Weight: 59.7 pounds
- Motor: 15 Amp
- Warranty: 5 years
The Metabo HPT 12-Inch Double Bevel Miter Saw comes with a powerful 15 amp motor that has 1,950 W of output power. It can power through hardwoods with a lot of ease.
It has a miter scale that ranges from 0-52 degrees but from left and right making border range cuts easy.
It comes with a tall pivoting aluminum fence of 5-1/8 inch height thus ensuring crown molding is cut vertically with perfection.
Once the angle is achieved, micro-adjustment knob to dial-in to a precise angle. It allows the user to alter the miter angles with ease. It comes with a five-year warranty.
3. Evolution Power Tools R255SMSDB+ 10-Inch Double Bevel Miter Saw
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 21.5 x 15.2 inches
- Weight: 45.1 pounds
- Motor: 15 Amp
- Speed: 2,600 RPM
The Evolution Power Tools R255SMSDB+ 10-Inch Double Bevel Miter Saw comes with a very powerful 15 Amp Motor optimized gearbox and blade system that increases blade and motor life.
It enables it to effectively cut through various materials with ease. Its blade is made of multiple materials that make it sturdy.
It gives it the capacity to cut through a variety of materials. It provides accurate cuts guided by the laser enabling it to cut through all the angles with ease.
It comes with a large 11-13/16” x 3-1/2” cutting capacity, ergonomic horizontal trigger that has a very comfortable grip. It comes with handles that make it easy to carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Buy a 10 or 12 Miter Saw?
10-inch spin faster, while the 12-inch miter saw, is slower and heavier. The price difference is also significant due to the fact that 10-inch has a clear-cut blade while 12-inch miter saws blades have teeth that increase their value.
If you need more power, better precision, etc. 12 inch will be a great choice. But if you need to save money, just go for the 10 inch one.
Can a 10 Inch Miter Saw Cut a 4×4?
A 10 inch miter saw will cut through a 4×4 piece of wood with ease. However, you should be aware that it is impossible to cut all the way through in one pass.
If you’re using a miter saw and want to cut through the wood on the same side, it would be wise to clamp a stop block at the appropriate length and complete the rest of the cuts from there.
Will a 10 Inch Miter Saw Cut a 2×6?
A 10-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 6 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 4 at 45 degrees. A 12-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 8 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 6 at 45 degrees.
What is The Difference Between a Bevel And a Miter Cut?
A bevel cut is simple because it is simply taking your hand saw or circular saw and cutting at an angle from the surface of the board to the other side.
A bevel cut produces a sloping effect or face on two pieces of wood that are going to be put together. This is an effect that you can get really only from using a bevel saw.
This is done by putting the two pieces together and cutting them into the edge of the board. This type of cut can be used for intricate products and can also be used for doorstops.
The miter cut is when two pieces of wood are cut at an angle. A miter cut is similar to a bevel in that it cuts on an angle to the other side of the board.
A miter cut happens when you are cutting right at or at a 90-degree angle to the surface of a board. This cuts the product on both sides with one slice of the saw allowing for a cleaner and simpler type of cut. Miter cuts are most commonly used for frames and crown molding.
Do You Need a Table For a Miter Saw?
If you plan on cutting whole sheets into boards or plywood, you’ll need a miter saw table that is at least four feet wide in order to give you adequate support when cutting these long pieces.
And when cutting full sheets like 4′ x 8′ sheet of plywood, the wider the table, the more stability it will have under the weight of the sheet.
If you work in high volumes of plywood, then it’s best to consider an even wider miter saw table to accommodate your needs.
Can You Use a Miter Saw on The Ground?
Your miter saw can be used on the floor, but it’s not recommended. You will have a hard time to hold the board you are cutting level and in place.
You’ll spend too much time trying to secure your work and hold it steady while the blade cuts through.
It is much more difficult to work with your miter saw on the ground than working at a table or stand.
Why Does My Miter Saw Kickback?
Kickback occurs when the saw kerf “grabs” the board during the cut. The result is a violent reaction with splintering on both sides of the board.
Kickback can occur when using the wrong blade depth or tooth pitch for your project. That means it’s very important to choose the right miter saw for your project and to know how to set up your saw properly.
Conclusion
There are a variety of different miter saws that offer different features, sizes, and price points. Trying to figure out the best miter saw for your needs can be challenging with so many choices.
This article gives us an in-depth review of the single bevel vs double bevel miter saw. The difference has been well spelled out, and one can make an informed decision out of it.
If you are looking for a single or double bevel miter saw, you can choose any of the products discussed above.
