Whenever you are dropping by a hardware store to check for a miter saw, you may have a few questions you want to be answered before you proceed with the purchase. Miter saws actually come in many options. In fact, there is a significant number of miter saws that you may find it hard to determine which one could suit best to your project.
If you simply cannot decide which one to choose between sliding vs compound miter saw, then you have just reached the best place. This article features the common uses of these tools so you will know when to use them. Read on to learn more about sliding and compound miter saw.
Sliding-Type Miter Saw Functionalities
The sliding-type miter saw can help you cut boards up to 12 to 16 inches. It features a blade that tracks backward movements while sliding. Given its sliding flexibility, this miter saw can also be used on bigger boards. Furthermore, you can use this tool when handling complex projects. Many woodworking experts who work with thicker materials regularly opt to use this tool.
When using a sliding type, it is not necessary to do adjustments now and then on the workpiece or the angle of the saw considering its bigger capacity. This particular feature can help you save time when working. This type of miter saw can create all similar cuts which are also noticeable in compound miter saws. Perhaps the only instance that the sliding saw can experience difficulty is with intricate angles. There are times that the extreme angles shall be confined when running with a sliding one.
On the downsides, you should know that sliding-type saws are likely more expensive. However, it can be a good investment as long as you are certain that it is very useful to you. It may also consume more space. Since it has a design of front-to-back movements, this miter saw demand more space to work.
Compound Miter Saw Functionalities
The compound miter saw has a pivoting arm that can be bent to angles aside the 90 degrees. What it implies is that it can create the basic cuts. It is a serious thing depending on the kind of work you are aiming to finish.
A compound miter saw is considered to be the most precise tool when crosscutting woods, regardless if these cuts are beveled, angled, or square. In many scenarios, this kind of miter saw will give you the ability to bevel and angle simultaneously, making accurate but intricate compound cuts. Furthermore, compound miter saws are specifically practical to use when cutting materials that need extremely precise angled cuts.
Since this tool does not have rails, it suggests more height, thus, they can be employed in cutting thicker materials. The typical sizes of its blade are 10 and 12 inches. If you are currently handling a project that uses thicker materials, then you should choose a compound miter saw. In contrast to the sliding type, the compound miter saw consumes lesser space. Therefore, if you do not have plenty of space in your room, you should go for the compound miter saw.
The only thing that you need to consider when using the compound miter saw is when you begin to take projects that will need big pieces of wood. Hence, it will be helpful to determine the nature of your projects before you visit a shop to buy a miter saw.
Which One Suits Best?
It will be difficult to determine which one to use until you learn the nature of your projects. Why? It is because the most significant distinction between sliding vs compound miter saws is the material size they are great for.
You should also check your budget when choosing a miter saw. Choosing a sophisticated sliding saw will cost you more than choosing a compound miter saw of similar quality. Furthermore, you should also think about the space in your room. A sliding saw is heavier and demands more space.
Conclusion
You now have a better idea about the distinctions between sliding vs compound miter saw. Sliding types are therefore ideal for a bigger cutting capacity. Compound miter saws are ideal for smaller works and those that demand long materials. Sliding is pricier than the compound miter saw, so you should know about your budget. If you are not likely to cut broader boards or only require a miter saw once in a while, it would be best if you save your budget and choose the compound miter saw.
Nonetheless, whatever miter saw you choose, do not forget to check the reviews and check for the best miter saw in your current category. Ultimately, you should know about the proper and safe use of the miter saw.
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