A miter saw is a stationary tool with a 90-degree cutting angle, but single- and dual-bevel miter saws let you make bevel cuts.
Some users call these tools compound miter saws because of their ability to make compound cuts.
What is a double bevel miter saw? How is it different from a single-bevel miter saw?
A standard miter saw is an important power tool for cutting a variety of materials like flooring, lumber, PVC pipes, and siding in any woodworking workshop.
You can also achieve other complex angles needed in carpentry and woodworking projects thanks to the precise miter system of the device.
The primary function of its circular saw blade is to make crosscuts by cutting wood across its grain. You can also make bevel cuts by cutting at the thick part of the wood.
Different Types of Cuts for a Miter Saw
Before we go any further, let’s first check the different cuts a miter saw can make.
Bevel Cut
This cut type has sharp edges and is made by adjusting the blade to an opposite angle.
You can use bevel cuts when doing decorative finishing techniques, increasing the surface area of an edge, or providing additional support.
Bevel cuts soften wood edges, making them more resistant to weather and aesthetically pleasing for most users.
Compound Cut
Generally, you make a compound cut for crown molding projects by combining a bevel and a miter cut.
You can cut this by tilting the blade from top to bottom and adjusting it from left to right.
Crosscut
You make a crosscut to shorten the board’s length by setting the miter saw blade to 90 degrees before lowering it to the material.
It is called a crosscut because it cuts across the material’s grain. Some woodworkers use a table saw for this, but the best option is still a miter saw.
Miter Cut
A miter cut is made across the board’s width, with the blade in a vertical position at a specific angle except for 90 degrees.
What Is a Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw?
If you have only started your home improvement journey, you’ll find a single-bevel miter saw an excellent addition to your workshop.
This easy-to-use tool is ideal for a new craftsman looking for a low-maintenance device.
You can adjust its blade position in one direction, allowing you to make bevel cuts on one side of the material.
If the other side of your project also requires a bevel cut, you only need to turn the workpiece around to complete the process.
A single-bevel compound miter saw is more affordable and more accessible to use than the dual-bevel variety, making them ideal for beginners.
The problem is its limited capabilities. In addition to longer work time, the opposing bevel cut may not match the other side.
What Is a Double Bevel Miter Saw?
If you are an advanced woodworker or a professional hobbyist, you will appreciate the versatility of a dual-bevel miter saw.
It can efficiently cut in both directions with accurate miter angles, saving you time while providing identical bevel cuts, especially for complex projects.
Although it is more expensive than single-bevel tools, a dual-bevel miter saw is ideal for larger projects and more advanced users.
One excellent example of a double-bevel miter saw is this one from Evolution Power Tools. It runs on an 18V lithium-ion battery, has a 10-inch blade, and is equipped with a brushless motor.
This machine lets you make accurate 45-degree miter cuts on each side of the board repeatedly without the need to flip the workpiece. In turn, this helps increase your productivity.
With a double-bevel miter saw, you only have to adjust the blade’s angle to make the cut, not the board’s position.
Read also: Table Saw vs Miter Saw
What Is a Sliding Miter Saw?
A sliding miter saw is another variety available in single- or dual-bevel models, allowing them to cut wider boards with increased cutting capabilities.
It is named as such because of the added rails where the blade sits, allowing it to slide from the front to the back easily.
One downside of a sliding miter saw is its limited blade angle adjustment due to the rails where the saw sits.
Also, it is heavier and more expensive than its non-sliding counterpart.
What Is a Non-sliding Miter Saw?
As the name suggests, a non-sliding compound miter saw has a fixed blade you can adjust from zero to a 45-degree angle.
It is an ideal tool for making repetitive cuts with the same angle but not for materials thinner than an inch.
Also, you must remove the entire head of the non-sliding miter saw before adjusting or replacing the blade.
What Factors Affect Different Blade Types?
Whether you choose a single- or a double-bevel saw, fitting it with the right blade is what makes it functional and practical.
There are various blade sizes in the market, giving you plenty of attractive options depending on what needs to be done.
Since miter saws use circular blades, we will look at different types based on their purpose and characteristics.
Blades also come in different sizes, which is why you must ensure you know your machine’s recommended variety.
Another critical factor in the effectiveness of the blade is its tooth count.
Choose a blade with high teeth count if you want cleaner and smoother cuts; use a lower teeth count for cutting thick materials.
Remember that larger blades need higher teeth to count. For example, a 12-inch saw must have 80 to 100 teeth for a smooth cut finish.
Alternatively, a blade measuring 8.5 inches can have at least 60 teeth to be effective.
1. Crosscut Miter Saw Blade
Technically, miter saws are for crosscutting across the board’s grains; thus the need for an excellent crosscut miter saw blade.
It is designed to create a clean and smooth cut on the board without tearing or splintering the workpiece. A crosscutting blade typically comes with 80 teeth.
2. Laminate or Plywood Miter Saw Blade
Plastic laminates are more challenging to cut because the thin covering gets chipped easily.
Similarly, the overlay at the back of the plywood breaks as quickly, making it hard to get a clean and smooth cut.
As such, you must choose a blade with at least 60 triple-chip teeth and a 10-degree hook angle. It’s the perfect blade type for these materials to prevent chipping and breaking.
3. Melamine Miter Saw Blade
Another challenging material to cut and work with is the melamine wood used for making cabinets.
The coating on each side of the material makes it brittle and susceptible to chipping and breaking as you try to cut through it.
Therefore, you need a blade with at least 80 teeth for a cleaner and smoother cut.
4. Non-ferrous Metal Miter Saw Blade
For their versatility, miter saws can cut through non-ferrous metal, including aluminum, brass, and copper.
They usually come with 100-tooth titanium carbide-tipped blades, allowing them to cut through metal and other hard materials.
5. Ripping Miter Saw Blade
You need a ripping miter saw blade if you want smooth and efficient cuts on your hardwood.
It is usually available in a 10-inch blade with 24 teeth to help reduce resistance while feeding it to the machine.
6. Steel Miter Saw Blade
This type of saw blade can cut through steel of any shape, including channel steel sections, pipes, rods, rebar, and studs.
It’s a carbide-grade steel blade that can resist breaking and damage, lasting longer than its ordinary counterpart.
Do I Need a Double-Bevel Miter Saw?
Knowing what is a double bevel miter saw and its wide range of uses play a significant part in your decision-making.
Moreover, deciding becomes easier if you have a clear set of projects you want to accomplish using the device.
Investing in one of these double-bevel miter saws for future use is also an excellent idea, especially if you use long pieces of wood.
With a wide range of options, you can choose the type of miter saw that is right for your needs.
