The Best Compound Miter Saws for Making Precise, Angled Cuts

The Best Compound Miter Saw Buying Guide

Compound miter saws come in different configurations with different features to meet different needs & requirements; here’s what to look out for before you buy:

Reasons To Invest in a Compound Miter Saw

Compound miter saws are used to make precise and accurate cuts in any material. In most cases, these cuts need to be made at an angle – getting the angle right is something most people struggle with. To that end, compound miter saws offer you the ability to make angled cuts after carefully measuring. The easy-to-read markings on the saw make adjustments stress-free and can increase your productivity. The kinds of angles you need regularly should factor into which saw you purchase. Some different features that help people decide on a compound miter saw are discussed below.

Qualities To Look For in a Good Compound Miter Saw

Compound miter saws come in different configurations, offering different features depending on their intended use. Some of the most important considerations when it comes to these devices are mentioned directly below.

Bevel tilt direction

Most people require angled cuts at a single-sided tilt, meaning they either require a right or a left-angled cut. While the orientation of something being cut can be changed manually, for a different side cut, the better strategy is buying a saw able to make cuts in either direction. If you require angled cuts then getting a saw that can do this on its own is the ideal option. If this is something you know you don’t require, we would recommend that you get a miter saw that is equipped with a single bevel.

Power and Motor

Look for a saw with a powerful motor, typically around 15 amps, to handle tough materials; check the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute); higher RPMs generally provide smoother cuts.

Extension wings

In most cases, the piece that you want to cut is too long to hold without the machine or the piece moving out of place. This is why most manufacturers add extension wings, helping the machine and the piece stay firmly in place. This is helpful in ensuring the angle you want to get is exactly what you get. It’s important that vibrations or movements from the piece don’t ruin the cut that the blade is supposed to make.

Laser pointer

Compound miter saws are high-speed devices with the main component, the blade, revving up to 5000 rpm. This can raise the chances of error by a considerable margin. Eyeing the cut is something some people are able to do, but just one wrong move or miscalculation can lead to a piece being ruined. This is why using a device that comes equipped with a laser projector is something that can really help beginners and ever-experienced professionals.

Bevel and Miter Range

A saw with a wide bevel range (often 0-48 degrees) and miter range (up to 60 degrees) offers more versatility. Dual-bevel capability allows tilting in both directions, saving time and effort.

How to Care For Compound Miter Saws

Compound miter saws are durable machines that operate under intense workloads. They are able to withstand intense vibrations created by the high rpm of the miter blade. This does not mean that the machine does not require care, however. Any fine dust that gets collected in the different parts of the machine needs to be cleaned. Letting dust stay can lead to the failure of the structural integrity of the device.

Moreover, keeping heavy-duty electrical devices away from liquids is something to be vigilant about. For compound miter saws to continue working as intended all safety and care instructions mentioned in the instruction manual should be followed. And, It bears mentioning you should always use goggles and heavy-duty gloves when working with such sharp and powerful equipment.