Any home renovation project requires that one assembles the best tools and equipment. Apart from the right tools making work easier, they also help to save on time and resources when work is done within the set timelines. Here are some top tips on how one can choose the right miter saw, one of the tools needed for most home renovation tasks.
Choosing the Right Miter Saw
The key considerations to make while choosing your desired saw include:
The Design
Miter saws come in two different models. You can select a separate version for each project that you have depending on its needs and your preferences.
Here, you can decide to let it slide or not. A sliding miter saw is designed with a motor and blade that slides forward and back and also arcs up and down. If it is a sliding option, the benefits include increased cutting and may be ideal for cutting through wider stair treads, baseboards, and shelves.
If you decide to go for a non-sliding miter saw, you can enjoy such benefits as a reduced buying price and low tool weight for ease of portability. It is also a more robust and sturdy tool compared to its sliding counterpart.
Also, on designs, there is a cordless or corded saw option. A corded one uses electric power while a cordless one could be powered by battery power. Whichever the case that you choose to go with, it should fit your project’s needs and your operating budget.
Cutting Capacity
Another consideration to make is the cutting capacity. The capacity is usually based on how deep the saw’s blade goes into a workpiece horizontally and vertically. You should, therefore, based on the materials you are working on be in a position to make a better and informed choice of a saw.
Cutting Angles
When it comes to deciding on a miter saw based on cutting angles, there are two options, that is, single-bevel and dual-bevel that you can settle for. A single-bevel saw makes cuts by tilting in just one direction while the dual-bevel one makes its cuts by tilting right and left. Again, here your choice is dependent on how you want your cuts made as well as the size of materials you are working on.
Motor Power and Speeds
The motor power of a saw determines how fast the blade runs, that is, the rotations per minute. This, in return, determines how fast and precise the blade can make a cut. The stronger the motor, the faster the saw will be, and your work will be done within a record of your intended time.
Portability
How easy it is to move with your tools from one workplace to the other also makes a big difference when shopping for the tools. The same applies to a miter saw. If your workplace has limited space or keep moving with it on and off-site, you may want to go for a highly portable saw, for example, one that folds vertically or upright.
Blade Size and Type
Another key consideration is how big or small the blade is as well as its type. Most miter saws can work with 10″, or 12″ blades but some sliding saws can also accommodate 7.5 or 8.5” blades. The choice of the blade is highly dependent on your desired cutting capacity and should better advise your choice.
A saw blade’s type, as well as the number of teeth, also determine the results of each project you work one.
Pricing
Your working budget is also of top concern while doing your shopping. In some stores, you may get extremely lowly cost miter saws, and you may be tempted to go for such options. However, you should bear in mind that what you pay for is what you get.
Nevertheless, that idea does not mean that the costlier a saw is, the better it is. It also does not mean that every lowly-priced saw is of low quality. The key point to remember is to never compromise on quality because of a price tag. You can check here the best budget miter saws.
Accessories
The accessories that a miter saw can have include add-ons that make working with the tool easier and safer. The accessories you may want to place more weight on include an On/Off switch, laser guide, electric brake switch, ergonomic and slip-resistant handles, saw blade guard, and dust collection systems.
Summary
The key considerations when buying the right miter saw are your needs and preferences. If the project you are working on demands more precise cuts and the miter saw you select fits all your other needs precisely, you may then go ahead with the purchase. However, you must consider each model and version well against your home renovation project’s needs.
Also Read: How to Prepare for a Home Renovation
