Attention! The current 2024 ranking of the best miter saws is compiled in separate article.
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It is often necessary to cut the metal in a diagonal position with high precision. If there is no special tool, then this is extremely difficult to do. But a miter saw can perform this task - a highly specialized tool capable of cutting boards, slats, bars. Broached cross-cut saws are capable of cutting very wide workpieces. How to choose a suitable unit among the best models of miter saws, we will tell you in this article.
There are three main types of miter saws:
Pendulum trimming - a turntable is attached to it, which is assembled on a horizontal bed. The electric circular saw is attached to the swingarm at the back of the turntable. The direction of the cut angle is selected by turning around the vertical axis.
Combined saws - here, allow the arm to rotate such an addition to the design as the hinge.
Cross-cut horizontal movement - they allow you to cross-cut horizontally.
The structure consists of the following elements:
Asynchronous and collector motors are electric motors. The more durable of them are asynchronous, and the more powerful ones are collector ones. On the right side of the saw blade is an electric motor. They can also be behind the disc. This allows the work element to be tilted.
From the motor to the saw blade, the movement is transmitted through a gearbox. Such a transmission is carried out through a belt or teeth. The gear train works better, even at maximum speeds. The belt helps to reduce vibration. This is important for smooth cutting. But the belt may come off during trimming. Also, it needs to be changed periodically, but this does not happen often. Most reliable direct drive models. True, their power is much lower.
The broaching mechanism was created to increase the saw power. You can cut much thicker planks with a wire than without it. During the sawing process, the cutting wheel presses the part against the stop, which makes the operator comfortable.
A functional unit called a bed is installed on the base. This block consists of a movable round part. Lightweight and strong metals such as aluminum and magnesium alloys are used to make the best beds.
A safety guard is installed to prevent injury when operating the saw. Also, additional safety is provided by an electrodynamic brake.
Only professionals work with a saw that has a broach. You should buy a regular trimmer if the owner will only use it for home purposes. Those saws that combine miter and circular saw elements are viewed with skepticism by professionals. After all, if you use combination saws, one or more of its functions may slow down. Combined saws are recommended to be operated only by amateurs or beginners. Professional saws have the same rotational speed, only they have more power, and accordingly use more energy.
There should also be a protective cover. Based on the fact that trimming is a stationary device, then the weight should be within reasonable limits.
The quality of the cut depends on the quality of the saw blade. Differences for trimming:
You must constantly rotate the table to perform bevel cuts. 45 degrees in each direction is a turning range, so you need to be very careful. Irregularities in the cut sometimes occur if the angle is, for example, 60 degrees. To avoid such mistakes, special latches are used that adjust and fix the position of the saw.
Which clamps to use for a particular cut depends on the diameter of the disc. But usually, the shape of the opening corresponds to the type of tool, so you should not worry about it. The tool head can be tilted if one of the corners is cut. If there is no such cut, then the saw cuts only vertically. The slope is usually 45 degrees, but sometimes there are exceptions in the form of 46-47 degrees. Using these discs may cause unevenness in the walls.
Also, the function of limiting the cutting depth plays a role. This function is required when trimming profiles.
Only some trim models can boast of electronic regulators. Speed regulators are often not available in such devices due to their high cost. Also, there is no urgent need to constantly fix the speed of the device. But such regulators allow you to adjust the facing for a specific material, as well as control the cutting process.
RPM maintenance is a popular option. It contributes to the speed of the saw. After all, the speed of the apparatus can often drop due to the heavy load. And here the electronics automatically correct the cutting speed, and there is no need to restart the unit. Although an experienced sawman does not care about such bells and whistles, he can easily hold the saw so that it does not lose its speed in the process.
Laser - able to indicate the line along which the object needs to be cut. This feature will save a lot of time, especially for inexperienced users.
Some brands come with a laser light for easy cutting. Includes laser diode illumination and centrifugal fan. It looks like a flat washer with a built-in light and battery. The LED helps to project the plane of the disc onto the surrounding objects. The washer is attached to the saw spindle. In addition, there are stationary laser lights. It is convenient to cut curved profiles with it. The use of illumination is not required for sawing beams and planks.
The table extension is the most popular and convenient option. If the owner has long workpieces, then such a function will help him out. It looks like this: in special holes of the bed, an emphasis is attached to two rods.50 centimeters is the standard length of such an addition. Larger sizes can be ordered if necessary.
Each saw leaves a large amount of waste in the form of sawdust, beams and dust. Such elements of debris negatively affect the health of a person who is in the room when the saw is working, or is working with this tool. There are several ways to avoid this kind of pollution.
Dust bags are included in every modern miter saw. You can also connect a hose from a vacuum cleaner to the nozzle instead of a bag.
For safe work you will need:
To make it even safer, you need to equip the system with an electrodynamic brake.
Other security nuances:
Miter cut and saw cut are the main functions of the miter cut. These two functions are often found in one model at once, which is a big plus. In such products, a saw blade is provided, as well as a cover to protect the product.
But despite the fact that such saws have a number of advantages, professionals still believe that it is better to take specialized products than universal ones. After all, universal devices cannot perform the quality of the volume of work that can be done with a specialized saw. This means that a universal facing tool cannot be a complete replacement for a specialized tool. The advantage can be considered that the buyers of such machines save their money and time. Universal units are just the same suitable for home use, where speed is important, not quality.
For those who are professionally engaged in sawing for certain sizes, then they need to pay extra and take the tool that is necessary for their type of work.
In this section, you can find out which saw models are better to choose in terms of price and quality. Everyone can choose from a variety of brands for every taste. Our article will tell you the average price and characteristics of popular devices.
It has a steel base plate and a spindle lock. The vacuum cleaner connects to this model.
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Has steel base plate and spindle lock. Has a laser marker. Specifications:
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The choice of a miter saw should be made based on an assessment of the main criteria. It is important to clearly assess the planned scope of work and the need for individual functions that make the device more expensive.