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Good to have you back on ReviewBox! This time, you've decided to look into Miter Saws. You're probably thinking about expanding the scope of your work in the workshop, at home, or on a project.
Miter Saws, also known as Circular Miter Saws, are indispensable cutting and precision tools in a woodworker's or metalworker's workshop. Now that you're committed to incorporating them into your endeavours, we want to help you choose among the best.
Contents
Summary
- A mitre saw consists of a motor that rotates at very high speeds, including a blade with very sharp teeth. It should be kept in a safe place, out of reach of small children.
- There are countless varieties of saws, so you will need to make sure that the circular miter saw is the one you really need.
- A delicate piece of equipment like this will need good care and maintenance on your part, but also a warranty that covers manufacturing defects or poor performance from the start.
The best miter saw: Our Picks
Buying guide: what you need to know about miter saw
(Photo: Barbara Reddoch/ 123rf.com)
What is a miter saw? What are its advantages?
As in any other electric tool, the power will indicate the force with which the cut will be made. Later on, we will see the incidence of this value in the general performance of the machine.
The mitre saw differs from the circular saw in its capacity to generate precise cuts at very specific angles. It is used by craftsmen, carpenters, structural steelworkers, and any job requiring precision cutting of material.
What are the parts of a mitre saw?
- Swivel: On which the cutting angle is adjusted.
- Table: on which the material to be cut is placed.
- Guides: to adjust the material and prevent it from moving during the cutting operation.
- Motor: Responsible for generating the revolutions of the blade that will generate the cut.
- Blade: Circular steel blade designed to cut materials, which must be installed depending on the type of material.
Portable or AC Miter Saws - what should you pay attention to?
Here we present the two scenarios so that you can base your purchase decision taking into account each of its features as an option.
Portable | Alternating current |
---|---|
Convenience of use in outdoor spaces without access to mains electricity | Exclusive use connected to the wall or to a power generator |
Low to medium power | Medium to high power |
Greater versatility | Greater robustness, resulting in greater precision |
Additional batteries must be purchased for continuous use | Must only be connected to a power source for continuous use |
Everything will depend on the type of use you have in mind for it. When it comes to spaces where there is no electricity available, the best option will be the portable one, although they imply a higher cost for the additional batteries that will give you continuity. If, on the other hand, you have alternating current or a generator, the second option is the most viable.
(Photo: photovs/ 123rf.com)
Purchasing criteria
Take into account the following details of each machine before making the purchase, they are detailed in their specifications. We explain each of these aspects below.
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
This refers to the number of turns the machine can make the blade rotate to produce the cut when its teeth contact the material. It is a value associated with the power of the motor, which in these machines can range from 1,300W to over 2,000W.
The RPM required for a good cut should exceed 4,000 RPM. Check the manual or the manufacturer's specifications to make sure this is the case.
(Photo: Jozef Polc/ 123rf.com)
Size
It is always important to know the dimensions of the machine before making a purchase decision. Especially when it comes to machinery that will be installed in your workshop or stored in your garage.
Some manufacturers sell special tables to place the equipment on. Keep in mind that a very small miter saw will limit the type of parts you can cut later. Try to maximize the utility of your shop by leaving enough room for the machine to be used properly.
Cut-off wheel dimensions
Each miter saw model is designed for use with specific diameter cut-off wheels.
The industry standard is 10" wheels, although 7 1/4", 12" and 14" cut-off wheels are also readily available in Mexico. Be sure to purchase a saw whose consumables are available in the Mexican market.
(Featured image photo: suricoma/ 123rf.com)