How to Make a Wedge Jig. Mitre saw jig

Miter Saw Vs. Jigsaw (Two Tools Designed For Different Jobs)

The problem with so many different types of saws is knowing which one you should use for any particular purpose. Now, this is something that clearly becomes easier the more experienced you become with woodworking, but I know it’s tough at the start.

So, this is really for those beginner DIY’ers who are still trying to get to grips with what they need to do to get the desired results.

However, I’m going to make it even easier for you. Rather than talking about all of the different types of saws out there, I’m going to FOCUS on just two: the miter saw and a jigsaw.

By the end of this, I promise you will have a much better understanding of what both saws can do and how to get the best possible results out of them.

Should You Choose Miter Saw or Jigsaw?

You should realize that it all depends on the job in question, as both the miter saw and jigsaw have two distinctly different reasons why you should set them up.

If you plan on making straight or angle cuts, I would only use a miter saw. It gives you that complete precision, and you can absolutely trust your cuts when you go to make them. However, if you need to make any curved cut, and not only delicate and intricate cuts, then a miter saw cannot cope. At that point, the jigsaw comes into play and will not let you down.

But this is part of the fun of working with wood. You end up requiring different tools for various jobs to get to the end of what you plan on doing.

Sure, I could have tried to really push the qualities of the miter saw over the jigsaw, but when you have two tools designed to carry out two different jobs, then what’s the point?

The Basic Concept of the Miter Saw

So first, let’s look at the miter saw, as I believe that most people will have just that bit more experience with a jigsaw than a miter saw.

A miter saw is fantastic for making short, accurate, exceptionally straight cuts. Also, it can be used to produce cuts with precise angles with no need to worry about making a hash of things.

A miter saw must also be mounted on a solid surface such as a table or workbench. It comes with a plate allowing you to line up the piece of wood you need to cut by incorporating a fence into the equation to keep everything straight.

Once ready, you switch on the miter saw and pull the blade down and through the wood. However, a miter saw does offer you the opportunity to carry out more than one type of cut, as you are about to see.

When You Need to Use a Miter Saw

There are three different areas where a miter saw offers you the best option for making specific cuts.

Angle Cuts

One thing I love about a miter saw is the way in which you can move the base to create angle cuts. Now, it starts off at a 90-degree angle, which leads to those straight cuts, but you can change the angle to make cuts at various degrees down to 45 degrees.

Of course, you still get that same precision with those angle cuts, and most miter saws remain straightforward to use even when working on those angles.

Bevel Cuts

A miter saw is actually a pretty unique tool in that it can create bevel cuts to both the left and right.

They can do this to 45 degrees making life so much easier when you need to make that bevel.

This is the perfect tool if you find yourself cutting wood for door frames or even moldings.

Compound Cuts

A compound cut is really an amalgamation between an angle cut and a bevel.

Once again, the miter saw can be a highly effective tool, but be aware that not every miter saw on the market offers this ability.

When you take these three different cuts into consideration, you can see why a miter saw can prove to be a handy tool.

Also, it’s worth pointing out that a jigsaw cannot offer this, but that’s something I will get into later.

The Advantages of a Miter Saw

So let’s go through the different advantages of a miter saw. Don’t worry, I’m also going to discuss the disadvantages shortly.

After all, I need to be fair in what I do here to give you the best possible insight into both a miter saw and a jigsaw.

Precision

The first advantage, and it’s an obvious one, is the precision you can achieve with a miter saw. The hardest part is ensuring you line up the cut before firing up the miter saw.

However, rest assured that the blade of the miter saw will come down on whatever line you tell it to, and it will then make a clean cut.

Speed

Another considerable advantage is the speed aspect.

Miter saws will cut through material in seconds, allowing you to really press on with your projects.

All you do is line up the cut, bring the blade down, and the job is done.

Cutting Those Angles

I also love how a miter saw makes life so much easier for you to cut angles.

Miter saws help when it comes to lining up the angle itself, and you do at least then know the miter saw will cut where you want.

Safer to Use

A miter saw will also prove to be safer to use as you only bring the saw blade down when everything is lined up, and your hands are out of the way.

With a jigsaw, you need to physically move the saw, which means you get closer to the blade.

Dust Collection

One thing I love about a miter saw is the way it deals with dust.

Most models have a built-in vacuum option, and that does make it a whole lot easier to use.

Some jigsaws also have a vacuum option, but it’s rarely built into the jigsaw.

Ease of Use

The final advantage is really just how easy a miter saw is to use.

Even making those bevel cuts is not difficult since you simply need to line everything up using the gauges that appear on the saws themselves.

I find it tough to mess things up to such an extent that you need to start again.

As you can see, a miter saw has several advantages, and it should be evident how this type of saw could potentially transform your entire project.

The Disadvantages of a Miter Saw

But while I’m sure you can see where a miter saw would prove helpful, it’s not all plain sailing.

Instead, there are times when a miter saw just cannot do the job you want or need.

The Model Itself Can Be a Disadvantage

However, the major disadvantage of a miter saw will vary depending on the model you purchase.

Remember I mentioned above how a miter saw can make bevel cuts, angle cuts, and compound cuts? Well, some models just will not have all those capabilities.

That means you need to be aware of the limitations that come with the saw. It’s not a case that every miter saw can do the same things. Even the angles they can work to may vary.

The Cutting Depth

Another disadvantage is the cutting depth with the miter saw. People see this large blade and think the size of the blade means it can cut material the same size, but that’s not true.

The problem is that miter saw blades come in three sizes: 8”, 10”, and 12”. The depth of material they can cut does increase as the blade size increases, but you are still looking at some limitations.

For example, a 12” blade can cut a 2×8 at 90 degrees, but this drops to a 2×6 at a 45-degree angle. A 10” blade can cut a 2×6 at 90 degrees with a drop to a 2×4 at 45 degrees.

That does mean it can only cut thinner material than most people realize.

I know some miter saws can prove to be expensive, but that’s not always the case. So, I don’t see cost as a disadvantage.

It’s very easy to get your hands on a budget version that can undoubtedly achieve some of the above cuts, even if they come with some limitations.

The Basic Concept of the Jigsaw

If I now move on to discuss the jigsaw because this tool is entirely different from the miter saw.

First of all, the jigsaw is a hand-held tool. You don’t set it up on your workbench and then operate from there.

Instead, you are free to move around with it and carry out the different cut options that come with this tool.

The blade with a jigsaw only ever sits at a 90-degree angle. The jigsaw comes with a trigger, and you look down on the saw looking through the shoe to watch the line you are cutting.

Blades are quick and easy to change, and while they do appear thin, different blades exist for working with various materials.

A jigsaw is certainly very distinctive in both how it looks and what it can do, and that’s what I’m going to look at next.

When You Need to Use a Jigsaw

I find a jigsaw works best with its own set of specific cuts.

Curved Cuts

First, if I need to make some curved cuts, I find a jigsaw the best option.

You have so much control over your actions, and the freedom to use a jigsaw is undeniable.

You just have the ability to move the jigsaw as and when required leading to the opportunity to create some pretty cool shapes.

Notches

I also love how easy it is to cut out notches with a jigsaw.

Once again, it comes down to the control aspect, and you have the ability to stop whenever you need to, even if it’s just ½” into a board.

A Crosscut Sled for Your Miter Saw // Woodworking

A miter saw simply does not offer that same option.

Detailed Cuts

Some DIY’ers see a jigsaw as being the saw equivalent of a scalpel, and for a good reason.

The way in which you can move a jigsaw around while following intricate lines is impressive.

I admit it does take some work to get used to achieving the more delicate cuts, but it’s worth it all in the end.

The Advantages of a Jigsaw

Obviously, a jigsaw offers many clear advantages should this be your tool of choice.

Also, it does lead to a few problems, but I’ll get to those in a few minutes.

Versatility

For me, the first advantage has to be the versatility of a jigsaw.

It does offer so much control over your cuts when it comes to making those curves.

If you need to cut out any sort of shape, then this would be my tool of choice.

Ease of Use

I also find a jigsaw to be very easy to use.

Installing blades takes seconds, as does setting up the jigsaw, so it’s ready to go without it being that complicated.

It tends to do pretty much one job and one style of cut, so you don’t have too many knobs or dials to mess around with to get it working, and I love this about the jigsaw.

Affordability

I think affordability is another massive advantage because your typical jigsaw will not cost you the earth.

Also, blades are inexpensive to purchase as well, so even when one breaks, you don’t have to worry too much.

I’m talking about expensive brands as well. I see the jigsaw as one of the least expensive saws out there.

The Blades

Jigsaw blades are not only inexpensive, but it’s also very easy to swap one blade in for another.

Also, you can buy blades designed to cope with certain materials, so you should never feel as if your jigsaw is struggling to get to grips with whatever it is you need to cut.

You really can pick up several blades for almost nothing at all. As a result, it does increase the versatility of the jigsaw, which is another huge advantage for it.

Portability

Keep in mind that a miter saw sits there on your workbench and doesn’t move.

However, that’s not the same with a jigsaw. Of course, your ability to move around will depend on whether you have purchased a cordless version or one you need to plug into the mains.

But even then, you have the freedom to move the saw as and when required, and that’s just not something that happens with a miter saw.

Overall, I feel the advantages associated with a jigsaw are quite impressive.

The Disadvantages of a Jigsaw

But a jigsaw cannot do everything you could ever want when cutting wood.

However, just because it does come with some disadvantages doesn’t mean you should then consider avoiding using the tool in general.

It’s Not the Fastest of Tools

A jigsaw is not the fastest of tools at making cuts.

Woodworking tip: Wedge Jig for the Miter Saw #shorts

The blade is small and thin, which works to its advantage at times, but don’t expect to finish the task in a matter of seconds.

A miter saw will slice through the material in seconds. That is what it’s designed to do. Yet a jigsaw does take its time.

This time is further increased when you have to go ahead and cut out those intricate patterns, as you can hardly rush through that type of thing.

The Blades are Not Rigid

I do see this as a considerable disadvantage, but the blades you get with a jigsaw are not exactly rigid.

Honestly, they come across as pretty flimsy, and that hardly inspires confidence that you will be able to rip through hard material in next to no time.

The problem with the blades is that they can bend. That means your cut will end up not being straight through the material, and you will sometimes get some angle appearing.

If you use a jigsaw, I would always double-check the status of the blade before using the jigsaw. See that it has not become bent through use, or you will make life harder for yourself.

Now, I know just listing two disadvantages won’t come across as a lot, but they are pretty important issues that I had to highlight.

However, I have no doubt that the pros heavily outweigh the cons here, and I still suggest you ensure you have a jigsaw in your arsenal of tools.

Overall Conclusion

And that’s everything you need to know about both the miter saw and the jigsaw. The one you choose depends on the job in question, but that applies to any power tool, not just to these saws.

Honestly, if you work with wood regularly and dive into different projects, I would advise investing in a miter saw and a jigsaw. They should not really cross when it comes to their capabilities, so it’s advisable to have both in your arsenal.

But no matter which one you have to use in your project, just know that it will always be faster and more accurate than attempting to make the cuts by hand. Ultimately, there’s no winner between the tools. The only winner is if you own the correct tool for your needs.

Hi, I’m Barry. I’ve loved woodworking and bringing things back to life for more years than I care to remember. I hope my passion for tools comes across loud and clear in everything you read here on The Tool Square.

How to Make a Wedge Jig

This is definitely a chicken before the egg situation. While embarking on the wood star project I quickly realized I needed a wedge jig in order to make a steep miter cut so I made one and I’m sharing the how-to with you.

Let’s make a wedge jig for your miter saw. A DIY tutorial to create a wedge jig for making steep cuts on a miter saw plus a wood star project.

And you quickly thought ‘I can DIY that surely!’. However after much trial and error I consulted fellow buildy blogger Jamison at Rogue Engineer who quickly informed me I needed a 54 degree angle in order to make the five pointed star shape.

Never fear I have the solution. If you want to make a five pointed wood star you are going to need a wedge jig and I’m going to show you how to make one because I googled it to death and couldn’t find a tutorial :). PS – I have a new fancy miter saw set up that makes a 60 degree cut!! But this tutorial below is still great for make a wedge jig if you need any steep cut beyond the capacity of your miter saw.

This jig is made using wood scraps from around the shop, no need to buy any supplies just use what you have on hand. It’s a jig after all and although extremely useful it’s not decorative so don’t worry about being fancy here.

• 3/4″ scrap plywood
• 1×2 pine board scrap
• 2″ wood screws
• wood glue
• protractor
• pencil
• miter saw
• drill drill bits

The wedge jig can be used for most miter cuts that exceed your saw’s settings. In this case we are making a jig for 54 degrees but you can make this jig to fit your necessary miter cut.

Below is the tutorial to make a wedge jig for your miter saw. Please read through all the steps before beginning to understand the process. Also this is what worked for me and maybe you have a better version or an update, please feel free to add your notes in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев. It’s very helpful to others when the can see your insights – thank you!

Step 1: Set your miter saw for a 30 degree miter cut. I choose 30 degrees because it seemed like good middle ground, not too steep.

Step 3: Go old school and use a protractor to mark a 36 degree angle off of the fresh miter cut. The goal is to get up to a 54 degree miter cut so 90 – 54 = 36.

Step 5: Glue and attach the 1×2 pine board on the narrow side flush up to the line you just drew (in red above). Predrill and countersink 2″ wood screws down into the 1×2 board. Don’t worry if the 1×2 extends off the plywood at this point.

Step 6: Reset the miter back to 0 degrees and cut the excess 1×2 flush to the plywood. Do this for both ends of the 1×2.

Also be sure to use a clamp to keep the jig secure. If you want additional security consider adding a perpendicular wood fence to the plywood (where it meets the saw fence) then you can clamp the wood fence to the saw fence as well.

Now place the board to be cut in front of the wedge – here I used about an 8″ piece of 1×3 pine. Be sure to clamp the board to the wedge fence and cut away.

Reader Interactions

Комментарии и мнения владельцев

So clever! I never could’ve even dreamed this up! I’ve had to do a few cuts that weren’t ‘set’ on my miter saw and ended up using a protractor and probably a very dangerous cutting method…you’ve single-handedly saved me time and possibly a few fingers!!

We made these! My husband figured out to change the angle of the wedge jig slightly so that he wouldn’t have to keep resetting the miter saw angle after each cut. Instead of 30 degrees he put the miter saw at 36 and made the wedge jig to accommodate the difference. Then the miter saw is all set for the 36 degree cut. Thanks for the instructions!

I am trying my hardest to understand your comment so it makes life easier, but what angle did he put the wedge jig at to compensate? I am so lost in math it’s infuriating. I know it’s a very old comment, but perhaps you’ll see it

The angle from the edge of the jig needs to be 36 degrees no matter what angle you decided use for the edge of the jig.

Thanks for the tutorial. Always battled with angles larger than 45 degrees. Going to improve the jig though and will share with all. I have thought of a way the jig can be fully adjustable from 45 to 90 degrees so that you don’t have to reset the machine all the time. Thanks for the foundation.

Ugh….I’m not doing something right. It says to nail the short piece to the long piece. Shouldn’t they all be the same size? Each piece 6” ? So, you use the jig and cut at 30 degrees. Then remove jig and flip board……so that your just using the mitre saw. Change to 36 degrees and make the second cut?

The one thing I’m not following is why you cut the plywood on an angle. Couldn’t it have stayed squared off, and make your 36 degree jig from the edge?

Hi Greg, the reason for the initial cut on the plywood at an angle is so that your 36 degree fence is not so steep. Yes you could probably leave the plywood square and attach the fence no problem. For some reason that’s just how I did it. Thanks for chiming in, always good to hear other’s ideas.

Although I am not a fan of miter saws, ( I have never figured out what I could do with one that I couldn’t do quicker, or easier with a table saw, or radial arm saw), I do like this jig for this application. One thing which could possibly improve it, would be to make it adjustable, so it could be used for other angles on the same jig.

I still don’t understand how the 56 degree cut will happen with a 36 jig and the mitter setting left at 30. Do I need to move the mitter setting to Be able to cut the 56 degree? Example 54-36=18?

Hi David, For this project we need a 54 degree angle. 90-54 = 36. The 30 degree cut is arbitrary, you can make the jig using any angle you like. I picked 30 because it seemed good middle ground. Make the 36 degree mark off of that cut angle and then keep your saw at that angle (30 or whatever you choose) to make the steeper cuts using the jig. Hope that helps.

make a 18 degree jig instead, set your miter saw to 36 degree to make 54 degree angle. then remove jig for 36 degree angle. would it be easier?

Hi Kj, Yes you could definitely go this route. 18 is pretty shallow – I just choose 30/36 because it seemed good middle ground.

Question, why not just make a right angle out of wood and just use that. All you have to do is set the miter saw to 36 degrees and never move it again. Make your 36 degree cut (board is on its skinny side, body against the fence of the miter saw) Then put the right angle on the left side of the board you just cut, basically like an upside down, backwards L (uncut end of board towards saw blade, still laying on its skinny side, small uncut end against miter saw fence) then that will give you your 54 degree cut. Clamp the board to the right angle jig for stability if needed.

Hi Joshua, Depends on how wide your miter saw will cut. Technically no you don’t need a slider but your base piece of plywood will be shorter because the stationary saw can’t make as long a cut as a slider.

Hi – love the idea of using the jig – just curious why you chose not to use an 18 degree angle for the star points? Is it easier to build this way? Am I right in thinking the 2 angles you are aiming for are 54 degrees and 36?

Hi Jamie, I don’t know if you are still monitoring your posts but if you are I could really use your help. I followed your instructions precisely and the angle of the where I affixed the 1X2 is exactly 36 degrees (per my nifty new birthday digital gauge that my wife bought me.) Now for the dumb question. I understand the first 36 degree cut using the jig, but how do you make the 54 degree angled cut? I know this is the whole point of the jig so clearly I am missing something. (It could also be that I am not getting enough fresh air through my mask and depriving my brain of much needed oxygen)! (-: Thank you for your help and kind assistance.

Hi Bruce, to make the 54 degree cut we are moving the fence forward (making it steeper) with the jig. Check the last process step photo – see how the new fence pushes the lumber forward (towards you) and is capable of making a steeper cut safely. Be sure your miter is set to 30 degrees first, clamp the jig in place and then clamp the board to the jig fence. I hope that helps.

You don’t need a jig at all. Just set your saw to 36 and make your cut. 0 on the saw is actually a 90 cut. 10 is actually 80. 20=70 30=60 36=54 cut.

My angles are not matching up and the lengths are different than stated. Made the jig per instructions but. Don’t know what I am doing wrong.

Miter Saw Vs. Jigsaw

Miter saws and jigsaws are must-have power tools for woodworking projects and tasks.

Miter saws and jigsaws are must-have power tools for woodworking projects and tasks. These tools provide many benefits, allowing you to complete jobs with efficiency, accuracy, and precision ensuring quality results. Continue reading to identify the similarities and differences between miter saws and jigsaws.

Miter Saw

Miter saws are power tools often referred to as circular saws that are attached to a sturdy frame, usually consisting of a table or workbench. Miter saws allow you to cut through various materials in a controlled manner resulting in straight and angled cuts with precision and smooth finishes. They’re better than jigsaws at making long, fast, and straight cuts without requiring a guide. One of the frequent complaints about miter saws is that they often produce cuts with rough or splintery edges. However, you can combat this issue by moving the saw slower or switching your circular blade with a less jagged one.

Jigsaw

Jigsaws are portable handheld power tools with vertical reciprocating blades that are easy to change, affordable, and helpful in cutting various shapes and designs. Jigsaws are extremely versatile and provide quality and smooth cuts ranging from straight, curved, and beveled. When fitted with a proper blade, jigsaws can cut through materials with varying thickness and density, including steel, fiberglass, wood, and drywall. Because of its versatility, jigsaws are often used for various woodworking tasks and projects.

Miter Saw Vs. Jigsaw

Listed below are some distinguishing features between miter saws and jigsaws:

• Circular blade
• It has to be mounted to a sturdy frame, usually consisting of a workbench or table
• Great for cutting pieces at straight and precise angles
• Blades can range in size, determining the depth of cuts
• Has a dust collection system
• Can cut through wood and aluminum
• Vertical reciprocating blade
• Handheld tool
• Easier to store
• Lightweight and slim
• Great for cutting shapes and intricate designs
• No dust collection system
• Can cut through ceramic tiles, wood, metal, and plastics
• Extremely versatile

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Table Saw vs Miter Saw (Differences Which to Use)

Unsure if a table saw or miter saw is right for you? I’ll break down the differences, what each is used for, and why you might choose one over the other. Table saws and miter saws are two popular woodworking tools, and each has its own unique purposes, benefits, and drawbacks. In this article, I’ll explain what each is used for, the differences between them, the pros and cons, and which one to choose for your project.

Originally published January 14, 2020, updated May 30, 2022. This tutorial contains affiliate links to supplies and tools. Purchases made using these links help support the Saws on Skates website and allows me to share more projects and tips with you. There is no cost to you for using these links. Visit my site policies for more information.

Table of Contents

• What is a Table Saw Used For?
• Table Saw Cutting Capacity
• What are the Pros and Cons of a Table Saw?

• What is a Miter Saw Used For?
• Miter Saw Cutting Capacity
• What are the Pros and Cons of a Miter Saw?

What is a Table Saw?

Table saws have a circular saw blade mounted underneath a flat table driven by an electric motor. The stationary blade protrudes through a slit or throat plate in the table top and may be raised and lowered to control the depth of the cut. The blade may also be tilted to adjust the angle of the cut.

Table saws are frequently used with a rip fence which is used to guide the material as it is being cut. The operator stands in front of the machine and pushes the wood against the fence towards the spinning blade to make the cut. The large work surface allows table saws to handle large workpieces such as plywood sheets.

Table saws are bulky, which makes them difficult to transport. They are usually mounted on a stand with wheels so they can be moved more easily.

What is a Table Saw Used For?

A table saw is a multipurpose tool used for making a wide range of cuts. Where it stands out is making rip cuts. While it may be used for other tasks such as crosscuts, these are not as accurate as its ability to make precise rip cuts.

Rip Cut

Ripping lumber means making a long, straight cut along the length of the wood. This is done by setting the blade at 90 degrees and feeding the wood into it. The rip fence is used to keep the wood in a straight line as it’s being cut.

Ripping is often used to reduce a board’s width or cut plywood sheets to their desired size for building cabinets or furniture.

Bevel Cut

The blade may also be tilted to rip a beveled edge along the length of a workpiece.

Crosscut

Table saws can also be used to make crosscuts, which are cuts made across the grain of the wood. Crosscuts are made by setting the blade at 90 degrees and feeding the workpiece into it using either a miter gauge or table saw sled.

A miter gauge is a tool that consists of a metal bar with a handle that attaches to the miter gauge slot in the table saw’s table top.

The workpiece is placed against the gauge, which helps guide the workpiece as it’s being cut. You can adjust the angle of the gauge to make miter cuts which is useful for cutting 45-degree angles for picture frames, etc.

A table saw sled is a jig that is also used to make crosscuts. It consists of a base with a fence attached to it. The workpiece is placed against the fence on the sled, which guides and supports the workpiece as it’s being pushed across the blade.

Dados, Grooves, and Rabbets

Table saws may also be equipped with a dado blade, which is a wide blade that can be used to make dados, grooves, and rabbets.

• Dados are cuts made across the grain (across the width) of a workpiece.
• Grooves are cuts made with the grain (along the length) of a workpiece.
• Rabbets are cuts made along the edge of a workpiece.

Table Saw Cutting Capacity

Rip Capacity

A table saw’s rip capacity is the maximum width that may be cut when making a rip cut.

Most table saws have a rip capacity of around 24″, which means that the maximum width that can be cut in one pass is 24″.

Depth of Cut

The depth of cut is the distance from the table to the top of the blade. The cutting depth determines the maximum thickness that may be cut in one pass.

Most table saws have a depth of cut around three to four inches, which means that the maximum thickness that can be cut in one pass is about three to four inches.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Table Saw?

Pros

• Can easily make long, straight, precise cuts
• Can also make crosscuts, dados, grooves, and rabbets
• Table saws have a large cutting surface that can handle large pieces of wood

What is a Miter Saw?

A miter saw is a power tool used for making precise crosscuts and cutting complex angles. It has a circular saw blade mounted on a pivot arm that can be rotated to the left or right and tilted from top to bottom. The workpiece is held against a fence that supports it as it’s being cut.

Miter saws are smaller and lighter than table saws, making them easier to transport.

You may also mount a miter saw to a fixed table or a portable stand with wheels so they can be moved more easily.

Miter saws are relatively safe compared to table saws. However, they can still be dangerous if not used properly. Be sure to follow the safety precautions listed in the manual. Always protect your eyes, ears, and lungs, and keep your fingers away from the blade.

What is a Miter Saw Used For?

Miter saws are used for a variety of carpentry and woodworking tasks like making accurate miter cuts, bevel cuts, and compound miter cuts, which are necessary for installing trim work such as baseboards and crown molding.

Crosscut

Crosscuts are made by setting the blade at 90-degree angle, positioning the workpiece against the fence, and lowering the spinning blade to make the cut.

Miter Cut

Miter cuts are made by adjusting the blade from side to side using the miter adjustment in the table of the saw. For example, you may adjust the angle to 45 degrees to cut a miter to make picture frames.

Bevel Cut

Bevel cuts are made by tilting the blade from top to bottom using the bevel adjustment at the back of the saw.

Compound Miter Cut

A compound miter cut combines a miter cut and a bevel cut, in other words adjusting the blade from side to side and tilting it from top to bottom. Compound miter cuts are often used to cut crown molding.

Miter Saw Cutting Capacity

A miter saw’s cutting capacity is determined by the diameter of its blade and whether it’s a compound miter saw, or a sliding compound miter saw.

• Blade Size: The most popular miter saw blade sizes are 10″ and 12″, while 7-¼” and 8-½” blades are used on some smaller miter saws.
• Compound Miter Saw: A compound miter saw has the ability to rotate the blade from left to right as well as tilt the blade from top to bottom.
• Sliding Compound Miter Saw: A sliding compound miter saw performs the same functions as a compound miter saw, but it also has the ability to slide the blade back and forth on a rail. This gives the saw a greater cutting capacity than a standard miter saw.

Cutting Width

In one pass, a 10-inch compound miter saw can crosscut boards up to about 5-½ inches wide, while a 12-inch compound miter saw can crosscut boards up to 7-½ inches wide.

A sliding compound miter saw will usually increase the width of these cuts up to 12-15 inches, depending on the manufacturer.

Related: How to Use a Tape Measure Correctly (Tips for Success)

Depth of Cut

A 10-inch miter saw can cut up to a few inches thick, while a 12-inch miter saw can cut up to 3-½ inches thick.

In other words, a 12-inch miter saw will cut a 4×4 post in one pass, but with a 10-inch miter saw, you would need to make a cut on one side, flip the post, then complete the cut from the other side.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Miter Saw?

Pros

• Makes accurate crosscuts and angle cuts for trim work, picture frames, crown molding, etc.
• Relatively small and lightweight
• Portable and easy to transport to a job site

What’s the Difference Between a Table Saw and a Miter Saw?

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of each saw let’s compare and contrast them.

Function

A table saw has a stationary blade mounted below the workpiece, and the user pushes the workpiece into the blade to make the cut.

On the other hand, a miter saw has a movable blade mounted on a swing arm above the workpiece, and the user lowers the blade into the workpiece to make the cut.

Portability

Table saws are difficult to transport because many of them are large, heavy, and bulky. Miter saws are easier to transport because they are smaller and lighter.

Table saws are usually used in woodworking shops, while miter saws can be used in a woodshop or easily carried to a job site.

Cutting Capacity

Miter saws are only capable of making 6-12″ wide crosscuts, whereas table saws can cut nearly any length. Because of their greater cutting capacity, table saws are ideal for cutting sheet goods like plywood, MDF, hardboard, etc. A miter saw’s smaller cutting capacity is better suited for cutting trim pieces, molding, and boards to length.

Precision and Accuracy

Table saws are more versatile and cable of making a wider variety of cuts than miter saws. Unlike a miter saw, a table saw requires additional accessories such as a miter gauge or sled to make miter cuts and crosscuts. The drawback to making these cuts with a table saw is it does so with less precision than a miter saw

Instead, table saws are known for their accuracy when making rip cuts that are used to reduce the width of a board or break down sheets of plywood.

Miter saws, on the other hand, are primarily used to make precise miter, bevel, and compound miter cuts which are necessary for cutting material such as trim and molding to length.

Should I Buy a Miter Saw or a Table Saw?

So, which one should you choose? It really depends on your project and what you need to cut.

If you’re doing a lot of trim work, installing crown molding, or building a deck, then a miter saw is the better choice.

A table saw is the way to go if you need to make long, accurate rip cuts to reduce the width of wide boards or if you’re working with sheet goods, like plywood, to build cabinets.

For many projects, it’s handy to have both a miter saw and a table saw. That way, you can make all the cuts you need for your project with just one trip to the woodshop.

But if you’re just starting out or on a budget, then choose the saw that will enable you to complete the majority of the cuts needed for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you crosscut with a table saw?

Yes, you can crosscut with a table saw by using either a table saw sled or a miter gauge.

First, place the workpiece against the sled’s fence or the gauge. Then, align the workpiece with the blade and hold it firmly in place. Finally, push the workpiece through the blade to make the cut.

Should I use a 10-inch or 12-inch miter saw?

The advantage of a 12-inch blade is that it has a larger cutting capacity than a 10-inch blade.

A 12-inch compound miter saw can crosscut boards up to 7-½ inches wide, whereas a 10-inch compound miter saw can only crosscut boards up to about 5-½ inches wide.

A 12-inch miter saw can cut up to 3-½ inches thick, while A 10-inch miter saw can only cut up to a few inches thick.

If your budget allows, a 12-inch miter saw is the way to go. It will give you the extra cutting capacity that you need for many projects.

Can I use a table saw for miter cuts?

Yes, a table saw can make degree miter cuts using either a miter gauge or a table saw sled. Each will help support the workpiece as it’s being cut.

Miter gauges are small, so if you’re cutting a large workpiece, you may want to use a sled that will better support the workpiece.

To make a miter cut with a table saw’s miter gauge, first set the miter gauge to the desired angle. Then, align the workpiece with the blade and hold it firmly in place. Finally, push the workpiece through the blade to make the cut.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the differences between a table saw, and a miter saw, as well as the pros and cons of each, you can make an informed decision about which saw is right for your next project.

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