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6 Different Miter Saw Types & Their Uses

By: David S. Miles | Last Updated: January 21, 2024

Miter Saws are a must-have machine for any DYIer or professional worker. They are powerful, they are easy to use and they have very good performance.

There are different miter saw types, and in this article we are going to give you details about these types, so you can make the perfect choice for you and your tasks.

Miter Saw Types

As we mentioned, there are several different types of miter saws that you should take into account before making your final purchase. 

1. Standart Miter Saw


The standard miter saw is the straightforward version. It’s main function is to make angled cuts. It is simple and easy to use, since its blade remains at one position. So, if you are a beginner and you want to make angled cuts this is your best option. It comes with a table or base, and you should only lay the wood on them to make cuts.

Pros:

  • makes good angled cuts
  • beginner friendly
  • includes base/table

Cons:

  • you can’t make different cuts

2. Compound Miter Saw 


The compound miter can make cuts in different angles, since it has the ability of rotating the blade head. You can make cuts beyond 90 degrees. It can make bevel cuts too. You should buy a compound miter saw if you are a DIYer, and  you will make a crosscut on wood. You can also use it with thick plastics too.

Pros:

  • can do miter and bevel cuts
  • cuts beyond 90 degrees
  • very good for wood cutting

Cons:

  • not a good idea to use it with metal
  • only tilts unidirectionally

3. Sliding Compound Miter Saw


This machine includes the features of a compound miter saw, but plus sliding advantages. It can make easy compound cuts with more depth. You should buy this miter saw if you are a professional. It can be used for cutting wider pieces, and it is perfect for metal-cutting. They are more expensive, but every penny is worth it, since the sliding compound miter saws have an astonishing performance

You can also use them for making angular cuts, or delicate cuts. However, it has a disadvantage- you can make longer and larger cuts, but you can’t rip wood or create strip cuts.

Pros:

  • can make deep compound cuts
  • can make delicate cuts
  • great performance

Cons:

  • it is not compact
  • expensive options

4. Dual compound Sliding Miter Saw


The dual compound sliding miter saw usually includes sliding rails and a miter table. So, you can bevel both in right and left without flipping your materials. It can make mitered, beveled and straight cuts on wood. You can buy dual compound sliding miter saw if you are a professional, or a DIYer, this saw will work good for every person.

Even though it can make astonishing cuts on longer pieces, this saw has a disadvantage- it is more expensive than the other models. So, if your budget is not so high, and you do not need to bavel in both right and left, it is a better option to choose a more economic option.

Pros:

  • you can make bevel cuts in right and left
  • precise cuts even on longer pieces
  • cutting wood is easy with this model
  • includes miter table and sliding rails

Cons:

  • very expensive model

5. Corded Miter Saw


The corded miter saw is a powerful machine that works without batteries. It comes with long cables, so you can easily reach different subjects. It is easy to use, and the changing blade mechanism is not difficult. It has a powerful dust extraction system, but it is not a portable option. It is pretty big and it can not be carried around. They are an expensive type of miter saw, so if you are a professional, have a wide budget and you want to place the saw in one room and not move it anymore- the corded miter saw is your best option.

Pros:

  • works plugged in
  • easy to use
  • powerful dust extraction option

Cons:

  • expensive
  • high weight, they can’t be moved around

6. Cordless miter saw


The cordless miter saw is in contrast to the corded saw. This option is better for you if you are not going to use it very often. It is not a heavy saw, so you can easily move it around with you. It is a battery-powered option, but the battery life is not really long, usually around 30 minutes. The cordless miter saw is definitely a cheaper option.

So, if you have a tight budget and you are looking for a miter saw that you can carry around with you, then this may be the best option.

Pros:

  • not a heavy model
  • cheap option
  • can work with different materials

Cons:

  • no long battery life

Which Miter saw is best for me?

We really hope that we have given you enough information to make the right decision about the perfect miter saw for you. We can advise you to focus on your tasks first. Decide how often you are going to use the saw, decide on the tasks you need it for and then, look at their features. Do some research and you will gather enough information to understand which miter saw is best for you.

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What size miter saw that I should buy?

The size is pretty important and it depends on the materials you are going to cut, the portability you are looking for and your budget. We will give you advice on which size is the perfect for you based on your priorities.

  • 12” miter saw- if you are going to cut deeper materials and you are okay with buying a large saw, this is the best size for you. If you are going to make vertical cuts you need a 12”miter saw.
  • 10”miter saw- this size is a combination of portability and good performance. You may be able to complete almost every task with this size.
  • less than 10” miter saw- if your main priority is portability, and you are going to cut smaller pieces then this is your best size option

Now we strongly believe that you already know which is the best miter saw based on your needs. The miter saw is one amazing tool that almost every worker needs. We wish you good luck, and remember- before considering any type of miter saw you should first consider the tasks you are going to accomplish using it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic types of miter saws?

The basic types of miter saws are standard/basic miter saw, sliding miter saw and compound miter saw. Furthermore, there are types as sliding compound miter saw, dual compound miter saw and corded/cordless miter saws that you should consider later on.

What is the difference between a compound and sliding miter saw?

The compound miter saw is a budget option, perfect for cutting small materials with decent thickness, while the sliding miter saw is not a budget option, perfect for effortless cutting a wide range of deep and hard materials.

How do I choose a miter saw?

You should make your choice based on your basic needs. Consider the tasks you need it for, the time you are going to spend using it, the portability you are looking for and then you can make a research and choose the best miter saw type for you.

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