What is a Compound Miter Saw?

A miter saw is an indispensable part of any workshop. This tool is specially designed for chopping down window casings, crown moulding, picture frames, and door frames. There are various woodworking projects which a miter saw helps you to get through quickly. However, it is equally important to finding the right piece of compound miter saw which justify its price.

With the wide range of miter saws available in the market, each saw comes with the saw blade and pivot axis, allowing cutting different angles. However, there are specific features which one must mainly look for, to comply with particular needs.

So, let us explore what a compound miter saw is and what are the specific features which make it an ideal piece worth considering.

What is a compound miter saw?

A tool which helps you to cut from a variety of angles is termed as a miter saw. A compound miter saw has blades which facilitate pivot right and left angled cuts. It also let the tilt for bevelled cuts to cut in a single direction. You can manipulate both the axis of a compound miter saw at once to get the desired cut.

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

A miter saw can handle material up to a specific width. However, a compound miter saw can handle the pieces with a broad width. By sliding the saw backwards and forward, you can easily rail a compound miter saw to cut. The primary working mechanism of a miter saw and a compound miter saw is the same except one difference – a pivoting arm.

It allows the compound miter saw to tilt to several angles other than 90-degrees. Hence, in addition to miter cuts, you can make bevel cuts. A bevel cut usually goes through the thickness of the required material to be cut.

Miter cuts are used for the projects which require the cuts to join. For example, a picture frame needs to be cut from the corners (horizontal) with a perfect 45-degree miter cut to form an accurate 90-degree angle. But if you need a cut to be angled vertically, you need a compound miter saw. Both of them require a stand and Crustastun has listed the best ones

What are the advantages of a compound miter saw?

With a greater cutting arc, a compound miter saw is better than a simple miter saw. Here are some of the advantages of using compound miter saw:

You can move the compound saw easily at the available height to cut the thicker material easily.

It is compact. So, it does not require much space and can easily fit into tight spaces.

It is economical. Don’t worry about your tight budgets too.

What are the disadvantages of using a compound miter saw?

The only downside of using a compound miter saw is that it is not suitable for wooden pieces. So, if you want to work on the project which primarily has to deal with the wood pieces, a compound miter saw is not an ideal choice.