How to choose a miter saw
When choosing a facing, you need to take into account a number of criteria:
Power. For domestic purposes, a 1-1.5 kW engine is sufficient, for professional work - at least 2-2.5 kW.
Expert opinion
Dmitry Levin
The motor power must match the diameter of the saw blade. A weak engine will not be able to spin a large disc at high revs and will quickly burn out.
Sawing disc
The larger the torch diameter, the higher the power
You should also pay attention to the number, geometry and sharpening of the teeth. For the most productive work with wood, the number of teeth should be as large as possible (about 60-90 pieces)
Rotational speed
(from 3000 to 6000 rpm). The higher the speed, the better and more accurate the cut.
Motor type:
The quality of the case. Lightweight and durable aluminum is considered the best material for the case. The plastic case is cheaper, but not reliable.
Expert opinion
Dmitry Levin
Structural parts of the body must be precisely fitted, without backlash and crevices.
Security system availability:
- Sturdy casing that covers the cutter when not in use.
- Electrodynamic brake that locks the disc after power failure.
- Smooth start of the motor.
- Reliable workpiece locks.
- Protection of the case against breakdown.
Additional features:
- Arbitrary adjustment of the cutting angle from 0 to 90 * (the standard saw is equipped with clamps at 15, 30 and 45 * C).
- Tilting the cutting disc (allows you to make a bevel cut in the horizontal plane).
- Slot depth stop (convenient function for cutting grooves).
- Laser marking (marks the cutting line).
- Dust collector (collects sawdust in a bag, a branch pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner can also be installed).
- The function of maintaining the speed (stabilizes the rotation when pressed).
- Battery powered for stand-alone operation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a professional and an amateur (household) instrument?
From the point of view of the circuit design - none. There are only a number of parameters that determine the price discrepancy:
- Manufacturing material. Amateur models are less reliable, therefore they are not intended for intensive use, including at the limit of capabilities.
- Sample cutting quality. All parts in professional cross-cut saws are fitted with great care and precision. But a household tool sometimes gives big errors in work.
Nevertheless, in skilled hands, an amateur saw behaves just as well as a professional one. And if you treat it carefully, it will last long enough.
Which is better - a regular miter saw or a combination miter saw?
The first option is the quality (accuracy) of the cut is much higher.
The second one has a number of advantages associated with the convenience of work in a wide variety of positions and operating conditions. But if a miter saw is purchased for static use, that is, with a mount on a table (workbench) in a garage, shed, annex, and the like, then all these advantages are leveled. As a rule, such models are bought for work on various objects, as a mobile tool.
Top manufacturers
World-renowned companies take care of the brand image, constantly improve the tool and take into account the wishes of customers.
The most trusted brands in the sawmill production niche are:
- Bosch is a concern from Germany, the first products of which appeared in stores at the beginning of the last century. The Bosch trimming frame is made of magnesium and aluminum alloy, so that the weight of the tool, as a rule, does not exceed 15 kg.
- Hyundai is a Korean company that has conquered the mid-price segment. At the same time, Hyundai equipment is not inferior to the market leaders in terms of functionality.
- Makita is a Japanese manufacturer that began its activities back in 1915. Currently, Makita products are sold in 160 countries around the world and have a reputation for technology for professionals.
- Hammer is a Czech brand that manufactures amateur electrical equipment. Compares favorably with other brands in price.
- Bison is a domestic manufacturer of power tools. Differs in a good combination of low price and average quality.
The purpose of the miter saw
The very name "trimming" serves as an indication of the purpose of this saw - the design of the ends of the workpiece, cutting wood across the fibers. In this it differs from its closest relative, the circular saw, which is usually used for longitudinal cutting of wood.
Modern powerful motors and particularly robust saw blades allow crosscutting to cut not only wood, but also plastic, thin metal profiles and pipes, wood-based composite materials. For these materials, the concepts of "longitudinal" and "transverse" are very arbitrary: if such terms are used, then we are talking not about the structure of the material, but about the shape of a specific workpiece. Of course, the shape of the workpiece can be very diverse, sometimes without a clearly defined longitudinal axis.
The applicability of a miter saw in one case or another is determined solely by the convenience of feeding a particular workpiece. Thus, the name "miter saw" cannot be considered fully reflecting the potential of this tool, just such a name has historically been assigned to stationary circular saws with a movable cutting unit.
A miter saw can cut material not only at a right angle, but also at an arbitrary angle, for which it is sometimes called an electric miter box. Moreover, in many modern devices, it is allowed to change the angle not only in the horizontal, but also in the vertical plane, that is, it can also cut at an angle. With the miter saw, you can even select the grooves if necessary.
As you can see, the capabilities of this tool are much wider than you might have thought at first. It is not surprising that trimming can be found more and more often in small carpentry industries, on construction sites, in home workshops. They are resorted to in the manufacture of window frames and door frames, when laying floors (cutting parquet boards, laminate, skirting boards) and other finishing works (sawing lining, various aluminum and plastic profiles), in the manufacture of wooden furniture.
Bosch PCM 8 S
This "German" is intended for semi-professional use at home and in the carpentry workshop. It weighs relatively light (11.4 kg), making it suitable for on-site transport. For example, it is convenient to use it to carry out commercial orders for the installation of doorways. The cutting depth here is 65 mm and the broach width is 220 mm. Users note the good build quality, reliable construction and high-quality molded outsole (base). In an inclined mode at an angle of 45 °, the bevelling cuts to a depth of 40 mm. A laser marker and LED illumination are responsible for good visualization of the cutting line.
In order to make it easier to cut a long board, the manufacturer has provided the presence of blocks that extend the sole. They are attached on the sides to the sole, 2 pieces on each side. The device also comes with a spacious dust collector and a branded Optiline Wood saw blade. The manufacturer gives a 24-month warranty for the device.
Miter saws rating top-8
Among the varieties of decent angle cutters, supplemented by a broach, the models stand out 8
brands.We've created a rating based on customer reviews we found online. It may be somewhat subjective, but it still reflects general market trends.
Bison - Bison ZPT-255-1800 PL
Increased power 1,8
kW. The speed is limited by the parameter 4800
, but this is quite enough for solving everyday tasks on a personal plot. The outer diameter of the disc is 25,5
cm, and landing - 3
cm.
Dignity
: Clean cut and high precision. Solid build, reasonable cost.
disadvantages
: Large spread of sawdust.
Interskol - Interskol PRR-250/2000
Small-sized, versatile device. Capacities 2
kW and 4800
enough revolutions for flawless, precise cuts, even in hard wood.
Dignity
: quality factor of assembly, strength of the platform, wide range of possibilities, accuracy of cuts.
disadvantages
: Insufficiently informative instruction.
Makita - Makita LS 0714
A tool with small dimensions and a saw blade diameter equal to 19
see the rotor of the motor develops a speed of rotation up to 6000
rpm. The maximum cutting height is 5,2
cm, and width - 30
see the angle of inclination is 45
°, turn - 57
°.
Dignity
: handle with good ergonomics, protective cover on the disc and double electrical insulation. Extendable legs allow you to machine wide workpieces. High precision and cleanliness of cutting.
disadvantages
: The valve in the dust container sometimes gets stuck.
Metabo - Metabo KGS 216 M
Saw blade diameter - 21,6
see the engine accelerates to 5000
revolutions. Sawing depth - 6,5
cm, and width - 30,5
see the angles of inclination and rotation are the same - 47
°. The model is equipped with LED backlight and laser marker.
Dignity
: high-quality disc included, assembly without backlash, low noise level. The brushes are easy to reach and replace.
disadvantages
: Illumination and laser sometimes fail.
DeWalt - DEWALT DWS780
Reliability, quality, clear, not overloaded with unnecessary settings, ease of use - parameters suitable for both a beginner and an experienced joiner. The device copes with cutting wood blanks, lining, aluminum, plastic. Compact dimensions make it convenient to work even in a small workshop.
Dignity
: tuning accuracy, engine reliability, significant (1,675
kW) power, availability of stop adjustment.
disadvantages
: starting and stopping cannot be called smooth (there is a slight jerk), therefore, additional attention is required to ensure the reliability of fixing the blank, there is no vertical marking, as well as backlighting
Jet - Jet JSMS-10L
The best choice in terms of value for money - reliability and power, complemented by a laser guide, adjustable cutting depth and other useful features. Convenient design allows for grooving and trimming operations.
Dignity
: versatility, ease of use, the ability to handle wide workpieces.
disadvantages
: laser sensitivity to mains voltage surges, complete with a disk suitable only for rough work, significant weight (18
kg).
Festul - Kapex Festool KS 60 E-SET
With a modest power in 1,2
kW easily cuts materials up to 30,5
×6
see Maximum number of revolutions per minute - 3500
... Tilt angles - 47
and 46
°. Bevel angles - up to 60
°.
Dignity
: genuine German quality, high resiliency and long service life. Nice package, which includes lighting system, screw clamp, spacer to increase the table height and universal saw blade.
disadvantages
: The only downside is the high cost, which is tied to the rate of the European currency.
Bosch - Bosch PCM 8S
Professional tool with informative instructions for use, accurately and cleanly performs straight and cross cuts in wood of any hardness. High-quality assembly, the presence of a laser marker - these and other characteristics make the device suitable for intensive use.
Dignity
: convenience, simplicity of settings and work, assessment of the quality of assembly - excellent, work at high speeds guarantees clean cuts in many materials.
disadvantages
: limited visibility of the marker (not visible on the street).
Rating is a fickle thing. He is a good beacon in the ocean of information, but it is still recommended to make the final choice based on your own needs, planned work and, of course, financial capabilities.
The Metabo range of miter saws
As we have already mentioned, the company pays considerable attention to the production of woodworking equipment, in particular circular saws. Today, in the model range of the manufacturer, we find about two dozen current models, among which there are both network and cordless miter saws
The manufacturer has not forgotten about those consumers who use workbenches for Metabo miter saws - they are presented in a wide range.
Metabo KGS 315 Plus
Miter saw Metabo KGS 315 Plus
First of all, let us draw your attention to the fact that this professional model is made in Germany and has a high build quality. The miter saw is equipped with a powerful 2,200 watt electric motor and is equipped with a saw blade with replaceable teeth (84 teeth)
The saw does an excellent job of making corner, bevel and bevel cuts, while maintaining high accuracy and cleanliness of the cut. Changing the saw blade is carried out without the use of additional tools, the broaching mechanism allows you to work with long workpieces.
Comfortable conditions for the operator are provided by an efficient dust extraction system, a laser pointer, illumination and conveniently located controls. The promotional cost of the Metabo KGS 315 Plus model is $ 1,100.
Metabo KGS 303 Plus (Metabo KGS 254 Plus)
Miter saw Metabo KGS 303 Plus
The KGS 303 Plus is currently discontinued and was replaced in 2010 by the more powerful KGS 254 Plus. It is a versatile professional grade tool for cross-cutting wood and some other materials. The KGS 254 Plus miter saw is equipped with a two-kilowatt motor, which allows you to use the tool in intensive mode without fear of overheating and overloading.
Miter saw KGS 254 Plus
Metabo KGS 255
Miter saw Metabo KGS 255
Another popular but outdated model. Currently, this saw can only be found on the used machinery market as it has been discontinued. The unit is equipped with an economical 1,300 watt motor, which allows the saw blade to rotate at up to 5,500 rpm. The Metabo KGS 255 miter saw is equipped with a laser pointer and illumination, it is very easy to transport, as it weighs only 14.5 kilograms.
Metabo KGS 18 LTX 216
Cordless miter saw Metabo KGS 18 LTX 216
This cordless miter saw is a great choice for those who have to work in tight spaces where there is no permanent power source. The KGS 18 LTX 216 is the cordless version of the popular Metabo KGS 216 M. The performance is in no way inferior to its network counterpart. The miter saw motor is powered by a 5.2 Ah lithium-ion battery with enough capacity to make up to 400 cuts in laminate and 180 cuts in a 40 mm wide board. The tool comes with a charger and two batteries; in this configuration, the Metabo KGS 18 LTX 216 miter saw costs only $ 670.
Desktop Metabo KSU 401
Desktop Metabo KSU 401
Along with a large selection of miter saws, the company offers several functional stands and tables for miter saws. The work table has a durable, robust design that can withstand loads of up to 250 kg. At the same time, the device is compact in size and light in weight (25 kg), which makes it convenient to transport it for work on different objects. It is also possible to transport with an installed miter saw - there are small wheels on the legs of the stand, thanks to which the tool can be moved around the object without spending much effort. The KSU 401 stand fits the vast majority of Metabo miter saws, starting at $ 230.
How to choose?
To make the right choice, you need to clearly understand what the purpose of using the tool will be. The scope of its application depends on how many functions there should be. For periodic use (for home), you can choose the simplest model that can solve a limited range of tasks. But for those who plan to regularly and actively use a miter saw, it makes sense to choose a professional model that is equipped with a wide range of options.
As for the size of the cutting disc itself, it should not be less than 20 cm in diameter. An important role for both universal and highly specialized devices is played by the width and depth of the cuts.
These two indicators directly determine which materials can be processed using a particular device. Experts recommend not skimping on the size of the disk.
The quality characteristics of the work still depend on:
- the type of material used;
- features of sharpening teeth;
- disk geometry.
Some types of teeth only work quickly when they are cut along the length. Others are able to pierce the material as cleanly and smoothly as possible. There is another type that works well exclusively with transverse cuts. These circumstances must be taken into account both when choosing a tool and in its practical use. Proper use of the miter saw according to the type of its teeth is a sure guarantee of a long service life and excellent performance.
If you do not know in advance what specific materials will have to be processed, you need to choose products with speed control. A variety of saws can work on aluminum. The main thing is that there is enough power and that a suitable disk is installed. As already mentioned, belt-driven saws are needed for those people who plan to process hard materials and large workpieces. In this case, it turns out to significantly speed up the work.
A very useful feature is the automatic shutdown when the disk is stuck. Top models can provide smooth starting or automatic locking when changing discs. Protection against current breakdown and material clamps help to improve the quality of work. It is advisable to focus on versions that are equipped with electrodynamic brakes. Such systems as quickly as possible and, moreover, smoothly stop the motor as soon as the power is turned off.
It is advisable to go to a special site (reference or posted by the manufacturer) before buying. Do not give up on consultation when buying in a store. The design aspects are not too important - it is still purely practical equipment.
It's important to decide right away whether the miter saw should be expensive or whether you can save money by purchasing a more affordable version. One should not give preference to more functional devices compared to those made of solid material: many home craftsmen have already faced serious problems due to such a choice.
The feed-through miter saw helps you cut more efficiently. It can make a larger cut than a conventional counterpart (no broach). But the total cost of such devices is much higher. The tilt cut function is not very relevant for domestic use. Of course, the products of well-known companies are always preferable.
It is useful to imagine exactly how the work will take place. It is very good if you can do a test run. In any case, it is worth looking at the workmanship of the bed and the swivel element. It is best if the bed is made of aluminum or magnesium-based alloys. Such structures are both strong, lightweight and mobile at the same time. Saws that can expand the table usually have a pair of rods to mount the working unit. However, if you plan to machine very large parts, it is advisable to choose tools with additional pivot points.
Among the models of the DeWalt brand, it is worth paying attention to those equipped with the XPS system (the projection of the shadow of the blade allows you to increase the cutting accuracy)
Where to start when choosing a miter saw?
- rounded plane;
- swing frame;
- metal base.
On the back there is a swivel mechanism, which is responsible for the mobility of the structure in an upright state. A motor, a gearbox and a disc for operation are fixed to the upper lug of the rack.
Naturally, different models have their own specifics in the structure. Moreover, this applies to protective covers, which, taking into account the design, can be opened when the control lever is pressed or lowered when the saw blade is raised. Some stands have a spring mechanism that lifts the device when it is released.
Answering the popular question, which is the best miter saw to choose, professional or amateur, it should be noted that they are created for the same purpose. The only difference is that each structure is made of a different material, which affects the performance of the saw.
So, an amateur miter saw is less durable than a professional one. In addition, all the elements in this saw do not fit together very accurately than in the case of the professional model. The amateur type of tool is not designed for daily and long-term work, but the second type of tool does an excellent job with it - that's all the difference.
During the selection, you need to pay attention to the engine, if the purchase of electrical equipment is considered, we will talk about this a little later. A small motor will heat up quickly, making frequent use of the device difficult
But the price of these saws is lower, which explains their popularity. But the high cost of the equipment, if it is of good quality, will pay for itself very quickly.
Miter saw functionality
there should be no gaps
An important element will be the rapid braking of the saw, which makes it possible, if necessary or in the appearance of an emergency, to instantly stop the working process. The system is needed not only with fast braking, but also with a smooth stop so that the equipment does not deteriorate.
This also applies to the quick start of the device. The device must have protection that allows you to protect the saw from accidental activation. It is useful to have protection against overheating and overvoltage. We must not forget that some miter saws have cut depth stops, it makes it possible to produce parts of a given thickness.
You need to decide on the purpose of the selected tool. There are two main constructs:
- stationary;
- portable.
For a stationary structure, certain preparatory work is required, which consists in installing a platform for a miter saw
In this case, it is still necessary to pay attention to which hand the operator is using at the machine. For the right-handed part of the equipment on the left must exceed the right one by 3 times
As for left-handers, the situation is the opposite.
If you need to operate the miter saw in different areas, then you need to choose a portable view. These devices can be lightweight, about 12 kg, but this will not affect their direct function in any way.
In this case, you need to pay attention to the engine of the device.
Hand tool
This does not mean that these tools should be avoided. If a hand saw was originally bought for small work, as an auxiliary tool, this is exactly what you need. Its price is much less, but you do not need to rely on voluminous work.
At the same time, another advantage of this design is the ability to use it not only for working with wood, but also with other materials, for example, with soft types of metals, plastic, etc.
The saw device is quite complex and has two main components.
- Bed, at the same time with which there is a rotary table.They are constantly walking together and cannot be. There is a guide on the bed, which makes it possible to ensure the fixation of the part. The table can be rotated within 90 degrees relative to the installed guide. This makes it possible to ensure the cutting of the part, while not moving it.
- Head for carving. It is located on the table, and during its turn it changes its position simultaneously with it. On the bed, on the side of the table, there is a scale, which is quite convenient, since you can combine the required value with the scale on the table, this will make it possible to make a thread at a given degree.
In addition, the cutting part of the head can be tilted to the left and right, which makes it possible to set the cutting angle. Some models have a feed mechanism. These devices have great functionality and make it possible to work with large parts, as opposed to simple options.