This versatile piece of woodworking equipment has the name the miter saw. Cutting materials such as lumber, siding, flooring, and even PVC pipes is possible with these machines.
It is important to know that even though they have the same name, the compound miter saw is an entirely different machine from a standard miter saw. It is much more versatile than its basic counterpart because of an added feature. There is one common question that everyone has: what is a compound miter saw?
Among all the types of saws, the compound miter saw is the most basic. Compound saws have a rotating table for cutting different miter angles, and they tilt in one direction for cutting bevels.
Although the blade head can only be rotated in one direction, this saw can cut miters and bevels of all kinds. When you need to create crown molding, you should consider using the compound miter saw.
The capabilities of a compound miter saw are significantly greater than those of basic miter saws. This article discusses a compound miter saw’s features, uses, as well as the pros, and cons.
What is a Compound Miter Saw
Features
There is a rotating arm on a compound miter saw that can be turned beyond 90 degrees. In other words, the compound miter saw can make cuts for basic miter and bevel angles. Depending on what you need to do, it’s a big deal.
A miter saw works by rotating its blade around a base. The base of the miter saw includes a scale that indicates the miter angle in degrees.
The compound miter cut is achieved by moving the saw on both of its axes simultaneously. Miter cuts and bevel cuts are two different types of cuts. So, a miter cut is meant for joining various pieces of wood together.
The angle corners of a picture frame are made by cutting four pieces of wood into this shape. When a miter cut is made, the wood is angled horizontally, while a bevel cut is angled vertically.
Bevel cuts go from top to bottom, not from side to side, through the face of the material. The versatility of compound miter saws has a lot more to do with their ability to accomplish more tasks than standard miter saws.
Uses
In addition to making basic cuts, compound miter saws are the best way to make bevel cuts. There are dual bevel models and single bevel models available for compound miter saws.
Compound cuts can be made both in the direction the dual bevel is pointed and without having to flip the board around. Compound miter saws may be a bit more expensive due to their advanced features.
Mitering and beveling are two features of a compound miter saw. If you work with crown molding or other trim that gets attached to a wall, you’ll want to make sure you have this feature.
Pros
- Easy to understand
- Strong and precise
- Comparatively less expensive
- Easy to move around
- Suitable for compound cuts and bevel cuts
- Dual-bevel mode is available as well
Cons
- The material may need to be changed frequently
- Reverse cutting carries the risk of error.
References
Dekorne, C. L. A. Y. T. O. N. “Choosing and Using a Miter Saw.” FINE HOMEBUILDING (2002): 54-61.
Manual, Instruction. “Table Top Miter Saw.”