What makes a compound miter saw "compound"?
Question:I am considering buying a miter saw but I'm not sure that I understand what a "compound" miter saw is. Does compound mean that the blade tilts left to right as well as moving left to right on the base?
If so, does that mean that a "miter saw" does not tilt?
I am looking at the Delta Shopmaster MS-265. On one listing it is stated as being a miter saw, and on another listing it is called a compound saw - hence my confusion.
Answers:
A compound miter saw will cut angle and bevel at the same time. But does not bevel left or right. Only left. A double bevel compound miter saw will however bevel in either direction. If you plan on using this saw (the delta) only in "DIY", you will be ok. If you plan on using it daily you will be badly disappointed. It is not user friendly, the trigger is designed for right handed use only. I have had and used many different miter saws, My choice is "Dewalt 12" double bevel" a little more pricey but well worth the extra. FYI You do not need a compound miter saw for crown, as stated in the 1st persons answer.
A compound saw cuts on 2 angles simultaneously, such as you would need for installing crown moldings.
'compound' refers to the ability to adjust the 'bevel' AND the miter.
The blade will only tilt to the left, unless it is a 'dual-bevel' compound miter saw.
Ideally, if you are going to be using it often, I would recommend a 'dual-bevel, sliding, compound miter saw'
The sliding allows you to cut wider pieces.
Top pick: Hitachi 10" or 12" dual bevel sliding compound miter saw. (I think the model # is C110FSH)
(Has a laser which is indispensable, once you get used to it)
a compound saw allows you to angle the blade. Basically the head tilts from side to side to allow you to make bevel type cuts. , kinda like / \ that. A miter saw only cuts stright up and down, the degree of angle can be changed, but its a "straight" cut.
For one thing a regular miter saw, like those cheesy box style miter saws, can cut on predefined angles only. Over time, this angle is no longer as accurate as it was originally. Furthermore, the saw loosely fits in the slot so there is play so the angle is not precise.
On a compound miter saw you do not have to cut on predefined angles only - you have every angle from 0 degrees to 180 degree available to you. Additionally, the saw can tilt to make a straight cut across the board, but with a 45 degree tilt, for example.
So yes, you can turn the saw to any angle on the circle and tilt it to any angle upto a 45 degree tilt I would think ( I may be wrong on how far it tilts).
So compound means not just one angle can be cut but two angles at the same time Example, I can cut molding at a 45 degree angle with a 45 degree tilt - all in one cut.
It is furthermore a very precise cut since you are locked on the angle and the blade cannot move, no filling in gaps afterwards.
I would always choose the compound saw over the conventional miter saw. Even setting up a jig for a saber saw is a better cut than a conventional box style miter saw.
Back in the day, I had a Ryobi miter saw with a 15 inch 120 tooth carbide blade. It cut 8x8 as well as doing compound angles for up to 7 inch crown moldings. The trick on the crown molding was that you could use a screw adjusted jig to hold the molding at a precise angle against the fence.
For smooth cuts, always use as many teeth as you can afford.
I agree with the gent about consumer level gear for daily use. Avoid it like the plague. They are not tough enough to take a beating in transport, plus the time you spend fiddling with adjustments lowers your productivity a lot.
I prefer 12 inch over 10 and Bosch marginally over DeWalt. But Makita make a fine saw too. Compound both ways, sliding is the deluxe package.
If you are going to do crown, baseboard and general construction a lot - even think factory remanufactured in these brands. Nothing wrong with the warranty. Avoid used. Possibly stolen, or someone's problem tool.
Yes, a compound miter saw cuts both on the bevel and miter. Left or right angle with the blade tilted off 90 degrees.
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