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Miter Saws
Miter Saws
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Conventional
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Compound
- A compound angle means cutting a bevel and an angle at the same time.
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Sliding compound
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- They can handle 11.5-inch stock and are actually safer to use than radial arm saws since you can push the head through the cut instead of pulling it along.
- Head can be tilted for beveled cuts and angled for miter cuts.
Recommendations
There are not many reviews of miter saws. Taunton's 2006 Tool Guide reviewed 12-in. fixed-head compound miter saws, while Workbench Magazine reviewed 12" sliding compound miter saws. Here are their editors' choices and and best buys.
| Taunton -- Fixed-Head Compound | Workbench -- Sliding Compound | ||
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Editors' Choice
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Best Buy
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Editors' Choice
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Best Buy
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Bosch 4212
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Bosch 3912
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Makita LS1212
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DeWalt DW708
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Features
- Positive Stops -- These allow precise cuts on specific angles; more positive stops means less set up time.
- Sliding Fences -- Add support to tall stock during regular miter cuts and slide out of the way for bevel cuts.
- Blade Size -- Generally come in 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch diameters. Larger diameters mean longer cuts, but using them also requires more power.
- Electric Brakes -- Reverse the electricity flow in the motor allowing the blade to stop turning much faster when you release the trigger. It's an important safety feature for a blade to stop spinning in 2-3 seconds as opposed to 10 seconds.
- Easy-to-Read Angle Indicator -- Makes setting the saw quick and accurate.
External Links
- American Wood Worker -- Good information on miter saws.
- About.com -- Top rated sliding compound miter saws.
- Popular Mechanics -- Guide to miter saws.
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