Miter saws are one of the most popular tools in every workshop. Not only are they one of the most useful tools in woodworking, but they are also very reliable and easy to maintain. However, the single bevel vs double bevel miter saw battle still remains one of the most popular topics of discussion amongst woodworkers.
Although both tools have their own set of pros and cons, it is important to understand that there is no “best” tool for every situation. Rather, the best miter saw would be one that is ideal for the project at hand.
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What is Single Bevel Miter Saw?
The single bevel miter saw has been the most popular saw among woodworkers for many years due to its ease of use and simplicity of design. It is the most basic model on the market and can be found in almost every workshop around the world.
A single bevel model is a type of miter saw which has the ability to cut only one side of the material. Most bevel miter saws can cut angles from 0 to 45 degrees and bevel angles from -1 to 47 degrees.
While the single bevel saw has been the go-to miter saw for years, the double bevel model has been gaining popularity among woodworkers as well.
- Less expensive;
- They are generally cheaper and lighter;
- Can take a wider variety of blade sizes without having to change the shoe;
- Easier to use on narrow pieces because it can be tilted up or down.
- It only cuts on one side;
- Slower to change bevel angle;
- Takes more time to make a cut.
What is Dual Bevel Miter Saw?
This model is the most versatile on the market. It can be used for 90° and bevel cuts, allowing the woodworker to achieve a wider range of cuts. However, due to its versatility, this type is also more complicated to use and can be more expensive than the single bevel model.
As the name indicates, the dual bevel miter saw is used for cutting materials with two different angles. It can cut both the side and bevel both at the same time. It is considered one of the most versatile tools in carpentry.
- It is one of the most advantageous tools that you can ever get because the design is such that you can cut at different angles.
- Better accuracy in cutting at true angles.
- Higher quality cuts with less tear-out.
- More versatile (can cut bevels and miter cuts at the same time).
- Dual bevel miter saws are generally more expensive than single bevel ones.
Single vs Dual Bevel Miter Saw Comparison
The main difference between single and dual bevel miter saws is the design of the frame. Single bevel saws have a frame that is wider than the blade to accommodate the motor. Dual bevel saws have a frame that is the same width as the blade. This means dual bevel saws can have narrower width frames, which makes them lighter and easier to carry.
While double beves are great for bevel cuts, single bevels are more suitable for crosscuts. Single bevel miter saws are also ideal for cutting materials that are wider and longer as compared to deeper materials. Also, single bevel miter saws are more suitable for cutting moldings and trim.
A dual bevel model is more expensive than its single bevel counterpart. This is so because the first one has more features than the second one. Dual bevel miter saws are also more versatile than single bevel miter saws.
When to Use
For most applications, a single bevel miter saw will suffice. In the event that you are doing custom woodworking on a regular basis, a dual bevel model will be more convenient.
If you plan on making a lot of cross cuts, a single bevel saw may also be better as it can cut from both sides of the saw. A dual bevel saw can only be used to make cross cuts from the right side of the saw.
When choosing your tool, think about how you are going to use it, and make sure to choose the model that best meets your needs. And remember to follow the safety rules while operating the tool.
FAQ
In this section, I will try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about miter saws. If you don’t see a question and answer here that you need, please feel free to use the comments section to ask me.
Related Posts:
- Cordless Miter Saws
- Dewalt Miter Saws
- How to Cut Trim with a Miter Saw
- How to Change a Miter Saw Blade
- What Size Miter Saw to Cut 4×4
- How to Cut a 22.5 Degree Angle on a Miter Saw
- How to Cut Baseboards With a Miter Saw
- 10 vs 12 Miter Saw
What is a miter saw?
A miter saw is a woodworking power tool used to make accurate crosscuts and miter cuts in a variety of materials. The saw consists of a miter saw blade which rotates on a base that can be moved to the left and right. The stock is pushed through the blade to make the desired cut. The base can be tilted to adjust the angle of the blade.
Why would you need a dual bevel miter saw?
If you are installing crown molding in your house, a dual bevel miter saw is more flexible than a single bevel model because it makes cross-cuts at angles other than 90 degrees to the wall.
What is the difference between a compound miter saw and a double bevel miter saw?
A compound saw is a type of miter saw that has both a vertical and horizontal arm and has a pivoting fence at both the left and right ends of the arm. It’s called ‘compound’ because it can be turned both vertically and horizontally.
A double bevel model is just like a compound miter saw, except it can make cuts at an angle on both sides of the blade. The double bevel means that you can make an angled cut on both the left and right sides of the blade.
What is a bevel and miter angle?
A bevel is an angle that is cut on the edge of a board. It is also known as a tilt. Miter angle is the angle that the saw blade is tilted at when cutting a miter joint.
Concluding
So, a dual bevel saw is a saw that can be adjusted to make both left and right bevel cuts, and a single bevel saw can make only one. Bevels are added to the blade of the saw at an angle to cut a piece of wood at the desired angle. If you want to give the frame of your furniture project a certain slant, then a bevel will do the job.
“A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”
