Miter saws for wood: features and tips for choosing

The miter saw for wood has a wide range of applications in joinery. There are enough models on the market today that differ in their functions, so every craftsman, from beginner to professional, will be able to choose the most suitable home or professional option.

A miter saw for wood is usually used to cut small parts that require cutting at a specific angle. For example, this can be the creation of openings for windows and doors, laying floorboards, creating furniture, or assembling the roof of a building. The device can be used to work with laminate, plastic, and aluminum. A miter saw usually has four main parts: base, saw blade, motor, handle, and is secured to the casting bench with fasteners. Since the disc takes all the load, it is usually made from the most durable materials. It starts to work after pressing the button located on the handle.

The miter saw motor can be of several varieties and be collector or asynchronous. The asynchronous engine is responsible for quiet operation and extended service life, but the collector drive does not require much maintenance and is quite easy to repair. The motor is located either to the right of the disc or to the back. The principle of operation of trimming is to transfer a rotational impulse from the engine to the cutting blade, that is, the disk. The speed of rotation as well as the power are determined depending on the material used and other factors.

The power of the unit is a very important indicator, since the more powerful the saw, the larger the diameter of the saw blades is, which means that it will be possible to process larger workpieces. Alternatively, such a device can even be suitable for cutting logs. However, it should be borne in mind that both the weight, and the size, and the price in this case increase. Experts recommend choosing devices with a power of 1.6 kilowatts and a speed of revolutions equal to 6000 per minute. The disc diameter ranges from 4 to 13 centimeters.

Miter saws, as a rule, are subdivided depending on what method the wooden surface is processed by. Traditionally, there is a saw with a broach, a saw without a broach and a combination device. The device with a broach has a special mechanism for moving the disc horizontally and is used to cut wide workpieces. It is mounted on two parallel rails, making it easy to move within boundaries.

A simple saw does not have this function. The combined unit can be used both for trimming and as a sawing machine. These hybrid models are equipped with both a disc and a riving knife, in addition, they are immediately completed with a special table. Nevertheless, despite the greater functionality of the devices, the accuracy and reliability of its individual components suffers.

Another classification subdivides miter saws depending on the gear drive, which can be either toothed or belt. The first prevents slippage of the drive during woodworking, which often happens when trimming is done at full power. In the second case, slight slippage occurs, but the soundtrack is completely absent. In addition, the belt drive is characterized by the absence of disc vibrations, which leads to a longer service life.

Universal saw, also called stationary, suitable for unblocking boards, and for processing the ends. Typically, this type of saw blade has a diameter of 25 centimeters. The very compact device is fixed on the workbench using special elements. The pendulum miter saw is often supplemented with a laser cut line indicator. This device is characterized by high power and sufficient processing depth.

The miter saw can be both professional and household. The device for the home has a simplified design, a power ranging from 1000 to 1200 watts and an average resistance in relation to intensive use. Household saws cannot be used continuously, since the unit constantly needs to pause and cool the engine. Nevertheless, household trimmers are ideal for simple household tasks.

Additional options are, in principle, the same for models from different manufacturers. Usually they are aimed at simplifying the operation process, making it safer and of higher quality. For example, this can be the illumination of the zone in which the processing is carried out, the depth limiter, the laser marker device, the adjustment of the number of revolutions of the cutting blade, as well as the bed, which allows the device to be immobilized. Thanks to the function of manual speed control, it will be possible to process aluminum or plastic without any problems.

Many models are enhanced with an automatic shutdown function. Its essence is that if the blade gets stuck, the miter saw motor will stop working. Some models also have electrical breakdown protection, as well as an electrodynamic braking system. The latter will quickly but calmly stop the engine when the plug is removed from the socket. In addition, the trimming device can have a smooth start, automatic blocking during the replacement of the cutting blade, or a reinforced system for fixing the surfaces to be machined.

When choosing a miter saw, the first step is to think about how often it will be used and for what purpose. The required number of device functions will depend on this. For example, if the saw will only be used occasionally at home, the purchase of a mini-unit will be sufficient. Regular use for carpentry work, for example in a workshop, means purchasing a professional model. Then you should evaluate how safe this or that model is and whether it has a protective cover.

Parameters such as the weight of the trim and its dimensions, as well as the quality of the material, are important. If they are too redundant, the work will be difficult. Particular attention is paid to the saw blade - its diameter cannot be less than 20 centimeters. Typically, the outer disc diameter ranges from 200 to 305 mm and the seating disc diameter is 3 centimeters.In addition, the width and depth of the saw cut are found out - they will determine what material can be cut. For rough work, you will need saws equipped with large teeth, and for finishing ones that require special accuracy, fine-toothed saws. You should also pay attention to the speed at which the disc rotates.

The important indicators of the trimming device are the speed of work, weight and processing accuracy. In addition, it is necessary to assess whether the selected unit is suitable for the materials that will need to be cut. The combination saw will be the ideal solution for equipping the home workshop, but the versatile saw will be suitable for professional furniture production. The optimal purchase price is determined depending on the required functionality. You will have to study the market thoroughly, since some models are cheap, but have the required functions, and some, on the contrary, are expensive, but highly specialized.

The characteristics that must be checked are the diameter of the cutting blade, the maximum depth and width of the cut. Preference, of course, should be given to well-known, time-tested brands. Domestic saws, as a rule, are not much inferior to their foreign competitors in terms of reliability and functionality, but are more affordable. An expensive professional unit should be purchased if it is necessary to use it for everyday work.

Such models have an increased accuracy of cuts, as well as the ability to be used without respite throughout the entire working period. By the way, when studying the selected sample, you need to make sure that there are no backlashes in the joints, and all parts are securely fixed in the working position. The angles of deflection must correspond to real indicators, and all equipment must be in stock.

A market overview of miter saw manufacturers suggests that the most popular are Japanese brands Makita and Hitachi, German Bosch and Metaboas well as Russian company "Corvette"... If we compare the reliability of the models, then in the first place are devices, the frame of which is made of aluminum or magnesium alloy, but the weight of the device does not exceed 15 kilograms, like that of Bosch. In general, the devices of this German company are distinguished by their mobility and durability. Makita saws are distinguished by the presence of an additional support from the rods, which greatly increases the convenience of using it. The tool is characterized by precise and accurate cuts, as well as a long service life without the slightest damage. The units are equipped with a protective cover made of transparent plastic to protect the master.

Metabo models the tilt of the saw blade can be changedmoreover, the device provides for turns. Devices of this brand are very easy to use. "Corvette" is characterized by the presence of a laser pointer, longitudinal broach and the ability to increase the size of the cut up to 43 centimeters. When a small desktop design with small parameters is required without additional functions, the Chinese brand MAC Allister or Hammer is quite suitable.

For how to use the miter saw correctly, see the following video.