When planning the manufacture of wooden products, it is worth considering buying a suitable power tool. In the catalogs of many manufacturers, a miter saw for wood with various technical characteristics is presented. We offer you to get acquainted with the features of such equipment and the procedure for choosing it.
Read in the article
- 1 What is a wood miter saw for?
- 2 Design features of miter saws for wood, depending on the type
- 2.1 Miter saw for wood: stationary model
- 2.2 Manual wood trimming: limited options
- 2.3 Combi miter saw: the flexible solution
- 2.4 Sliding miter saw: Ideal for long and wide workpieces
- 3 Criteria for choosing a miter saw for wood
- 3.1 Miter saw power and saw blade size
- 3.2 Cutting parameters and speed
- 3.3 Engine type and transmission type
- 3.4 Rotary system design
- 3.5 Protective and additional options
- 3.6 Miter saw for wood: leading manufacturers
- 4 The best models of miter saws for wood
- 4.1 Miter saw Metabo KGSV 216 M with broach, rating 4.5 / 5
- 4.2 Makita LS1040 miter saw with feed, rating 5/5
- 4.3 Miter saw Dexter Power 2000 W 255 × 30 mm: rating 5/5
- 4.4 Bison ZPT-210-1400 L: rating 4.5 / 5
- 5 Which is the best to buy a miter saw for wood: important points
- 6 Features of making miter saws with your own hands
What is a wood miter saw for?
Before choosing the right model, you should figure out what a miter saw is for. With the help of this tool, you can quite accurately and evenly cut wooden blanks at the required angle. Used primarily for finishing. Copes well with the formation of a butt joint "mustache". It is often used for the formation of door frames, the manufacture of furniture blanks, and other joinery.
The miter saw for wood is in demand when:
- laying parquet boards, parquet, laminate;
- installation of doors;
- performing cross-cutting of blanks for the manufacture of furniture.
Design features of miter saws for wood, depending on the type
The design of miter saws for wood can vary significantly. This affects their scope and functionality. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the main varieties so that you can make a choice in favor of the most suitable option.
Miter saw for wood: stationary model
Given the choice and possibilities, a wood trimming machine is the preferred option. Thanks to the cast frame, such equipment is stable and stable in operation. The bed is used to position the workpieces during machining. It is used for cutting and trimming boards.
During processing, the disc moves in a vertical plane. In this case, the workpiece remains stationary. The bed can be rotated in a horizontal projection, allowing you to cut wood at any given angle.
Manual wood trimming: limited options
It is a highly specialized tool of small size. Manual wood trimming is used to form short cuts. With its help, the corners of the boards are trimmed. Some models are equipped with broaching mechanisms. Such a tool is able to cope with complex operations, but is most often used for cutting wide workpieces.
Attention! The hand-held miter saw is not used for sawing planks.
Combi miter saw: the flexible solution
This type of miter saw is a versatile tool. It allows you to cut at an angle. Able to change the position not only in the vertical plane, but also the angle of inclination of the cutting unit due to the presence of an additional bracket. This corrects the position of the disc. Depending on the design, the angle of rotation can vary in the range of 30-80º. The movable work table significantly expands the capabilities of the power tool.
A comment
Andrey Feofanov
Tool selection specialist "VseInstrumenty.ru"
"When choosing a combination miter saw, consider the thickness of the material to be cut and the configuration of the saw blade."
Most often, a combination saw is used instead of a woodworking machine. The difference is observed in the accuracy of the cut and the duration of the operation.
Sliding miter saw: Ideal for long and wide workpieces
If you need to cut a wide board, a conventional power tool may not be able to cope with this task. In such a situation, the broached miter saw is the best solution. The presence of an additional unit will allow you to shift the saw blade along the width of the workpiece and fix it at the selected level.
The design of the offset assembly may vary. It can accommodate steel pipes or hydraulic cylinders in parallel. In the first type of power tool, the saw unit is moved manually, followed by fixation with mechanical brackets before starting work. Models with hydraulic cylinders allow the tool to be repositioned during operation.
Miter saws for wood with a broach:
- can be used to cut workpieces of various widths;
- do not cause difficulties in operation;
- have a simple design.
Criteria for choosing a miter saw for wood
To purchase a quality woodworking tool, it is worth figuring out how to choose a miter saw with suitable specifications. The assortment offered by manufacturers allows you to make a choice in favor of a miter saw with optimal parameters. A number of criteria deserve attention that affect the performance, usability and durability of the power tool. We invite you to get to know them.
Miter saw power and saw blade size
The power output of such a power tool may vary significantly. Manufacturers offer devices for 0.8-2.5 kW. The best option can be considered a model with a power of 1.5-1.8 kW. Such a miter saw for wood is suitable for home use and work in a small workshop.
Attention! The power of the unit is closely related to the diameter of the disc used: more powerful models are equipped with larger circles.
Depending on the size and configuration, wood miter saws can work with discs of different diameters. This determines the parameters of the kerf to be formed and the area of use of the tool. For professional systems, the disc diameter can be up to half a meter. For domestic purposes, 250 mm is enough.
A comment
Andrey Feofanov
Tool selection specialist "VseInstrumenty.ru"
@ When choosing a suitable option, it is worth paying attention not only to the outer diameter, but also to the landing diameter. "
Cutting parameters and speed
Cutting parameters may vary. The choice is made taking into account personal preferences and the work performed. It is better to refuse a depth less than 50 mm. The width depends on the diameter of the saw blade used. It can vary from 80 to 180 mm. Horizontal movement models are capable of wider kerf. Such devices are also called miter saws for wood with a broach. Their cutting width reaches 270 - 310 mm. This greatly expands the possible range of use of the power tool.
The number of revolutions has a significant impact on the quality of the cut formed. To be able to work with any species of wood, it is worth giving preference to models that give more than 4000 rpm.
Engine type and transmission type
Miter saws for wood can be equipped with different types of motors. The choice can be made in favor of:
- asynchronous. This type is reliable and economical in operation. Does not create noise during operation. Able to serve for several decades. However, manufacturers rarely install asynchronous motors on wood miter saws due to their heavy weight with relatively low power and modest torque;
- collector. In terms of technical characteristics, this type is significantly superior to the previous version. The torque of these devices is much higher than that of the asynchronous type with the same mass. They are more convenient to operate. However, they need regular maintenance and are noisy;
- brushless or, as it is also called, valve. When developing it, modern semiconductor technologies were used. They occupy an intermediate position between the previous two. In such devices, instead of a brush-collector unit, an electronic unit with a low resistance and a high switching speed is installed. They have high efficiency and torque. They do not impose increased requirements on operating conditions. No noise.
To transmit torque in miter saws for wood, two types of gears can be used:
- toothed. They are distinguished by their reliability in the process of work. Eliminates slippage in case of heavy load. However, at the resonant frequency, they create a lot of noise and vibrate;
- belt. They create less noise. Due to the absence of vibration, they provide an even cut. However, due to the sagging of the belt, they need periodic adjustment.
Rotary system design
The design of the slewing system may vary. The rotary table determines the angle of inclination of the cutting line in the vertical plane, and the mechanism for turning the cutting head of the tool - in the horizontal plane. Manufacturers offer models:
- not allowing you to change the position of the saw blade;
- allowing a turn to the right at an angle of 45-50º;
- rotatable in both directions.
The design of the rotary system determines the capabilities of the model.
Protective and additional options
Among the protective functions are:
- auto-lock during disk replacement;
- protection against breakdown of electricity;
- a special cover that is put on the cutting elements during processing.
In an effort to attract the attention of potential buyers, manufacturers are constantly expanding the functionality of their equipment. These include:
- illumination of the cutting area, which allows you to perform work efficiently even in conditions of limited visibility;
- speed maintenance system;
- the presence of cutting depth limiters, thanks to which it becomes possible to form grooves;
- laser level indicator, which helps to check the spatial position of the cutting line;
- the presence of the bed. This option is available on the top of the range wood miter saws. If it is available, you can refuse to use a workbench or make a desktop for placing a power tool;
- smooth start;
- a system of electrodynamic brakes, which ensures a smooth stop of the electric motor after a power outage.
Miter saw for wood: leading manufacturers
With a large assortment of products on the market, products manufactured under the following brands are especially popular:
- Metabo. German manufacturer on the market for about a century: since 1924. Offers quality power tools with various specifications;
- Bosch. The German concern began producing products in 1886. Manufactures miter saws for wood for professional and domestic use;
- Makita. The Japanese manufacturing giant has a wide range of specialized tools;
- DeWALT. A North American company offers professional equipment;
- Hammer. The manufacturer offers a professional power tool with compact dimensions, low noise and high speed;
- Bison. A budget option. Models for simple and complex cutting of canvases are presented;
- Caliber. Quality miter saws for wood, designed for the safe and efficient performance of various operations.
The best models of miter saws for wood
With a large assortment of such equipment, some models are rightfully called the best. They are distinguished by high build quality, wide functionality, and long service life. We offer you to get acquainted with the rating of miter saws, their distinctive features, so that it is easier to choose the appropriate option.
Miter saw Metabo KGSV 216 M with broach, rating 4.5 / 5
Bench-top model for cutting 305 mm wide. Assumes the use of a 21.6 mm disc. Allows changing the position of the table with a rotation angle of 47º in both directions.
Advantages:
- quick disc replacement due to the spindle locking capability;
- the presence of a broach function necessary for processing wide workpieces;
- comfortable handles;
- blocking of the working head for safe operation of the power tool;
- smooth start, the ability to adjust and maintain the speed;
- precise cutting.
Flaws:
- periodic beeping of the power supply;
- even with a special bag, sawdust sometimes falls by.
Feedback on the Metabo KGSV 216 M model:
Metabo KGSV 216 M
Makita LS1040 miter saw with feed, rating 5/5
A quality model with a power of 1.65 kW. Has a fairly rigid structure. It can be used for cutting not only wood, but also plastic, thin-walled aluminum rolled products, like most miter saws. Allows you to form a bevel cut to the left with an angle from 0º to 45º.
Advantages:
- complete with a swivel ruler that supports the bar during processing, and a fluorescent lamp that illuminates the working area;
- in the horizontal plane it can be turned up to 52º to the right and up to 45º to the left;
- an electric engine braking system is provided.
Flaws:
- slight backlash;
- awkward shape of the screw that allows you to adjust the cutting depth.
Feedback on the Makita LS1040 model:
Makita LS1040
Miter saw Dexter Power 2000 W 255 × 30 mm: rating 5/5
Powerful and reliable power tool. Allows you to perform various operations. Equipped with a carbon brush motor. Allows for fixing the saw blade at different angles. Can be used for straight, bevel and inclined cuts. The presence of extensions of the working table facilitates the processing of long products.
Advantages:
- the presence of a built-in dust collector;
- electronic braking system;
- protective cover.
Flaws:
- no laser marker;
- cutting depth 98 mm.
Feedback on the Dexter Power 2000 W model:
Dexter Power 2000 W
Bison ZPT-210-1400 L: rating 4.5 / 5
Compact model suitable for large and small workpieces. Supplied with a table for fixing the device, the position of which can be changed. It is possible to shift by an angle up to 47º to the left and to the right. Cutting thickness up to 60 mm. Laser illumination of the cutting line. Power 1.3 kW.
Advantages:
- minimal noise;
- easy installation;
- convenient transportation;
- no chips when the disc comes out of the tree;
- the possibility of forming cuts at different angles.
Flaw;
- weight 6 kg;
- constant ingress of dust on the laser, impairing the processing due to the loss of the beam;
- scattering sawdust.
Review of the Zubr ZPT-210-1400 L model:
Bison ZPT-210-1400 L
Bison ZPT-210-1400 L
Which is the best to buy a miter saw for wood: important points
To buy a miter saw for wood with suitable parameters, you need to consider:
- purpose of purchase. For home use, a power tool with a minimum set of options from a domestic manufacturer is suitable. For professional use, it is worth purchasing a model with wide functionality and sufficient power;
- the presence of protective functions. It is worth giving preference to a product with reliable fastening and easy movement of the protective cover of the working disk, with a well-thought-out design of the power button;
- weight and dimensions;
- ergonomics;
- depth and width of cut. This characteristic determines the capabilities of the selected device.
Features of making miter saws with your own hands
If you could not choose the right model, you can make a miter saw with your own hands. We suggest watching a video that describes in detail how this can be done:
Share in the comments if you have ever used a miter saw for wood? What model did you prefer?