Nowadays, miter saws have become one of the most essential tools for both DIY enthusiasts and professional woodworkers. There are different types of miter saw according to specification and cutting capacity. According to bevel cuts in the market, you found single bevel and dual bevel miter saws. This article discusses single bevel vs dual bevel miter saw used to make bevel cuts. It will help decide which one to buy for your endeavor.
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What is a Miter Saw?
It's a power saw which can do similar jobs as a standard hand miter saw. But miter saw can do it with more precision. Also, it is easier to use than a standard hand miter saw.
In 1964, Ed Niehaus, the Chief Engineer of the Power Tool Division for Rockwell International, invented the miter saw. Since then, the miter saw had gone through several modifications like radial arc spring action, blade braking, and dust collection system.
A miter saw has a spinning circular blade. The blade pulled down onto a workpiece to make the desired cut. Usually, a fence held the workpiece. The fence enables a precise cutting angle between the plane of the blade and the plane of the longest workpiece edge.
In standard position, 90 degrees is the fixed angle.
Miter index is a primary distinguishing feature of a miter saw. It specifies the angle of the blade to be changed relative to the fence. Miter saws usually allow precise one-degree incremental changes to the miter index.
Cutting Capacity of a Miter Saw
A simple miter saw can usually make two types of cuts.
- Crosscut: It is a straight cut right across the grain of the board.
- Miter Cut: This is an angled cut across the width of the board.
A beveled miter saw is that limited as a simple miter saw. It can make two more complex cuts.
- Bevel cut: It is an angled cut where the angle goes through the thickness of the board, unlike the miter cut, which goes across the width.
- Compound Cut: It is a combination of a miter cut and a bevel cut.
Dual sliding, sliding and non sliding are also different types of miter saw according to cutting capacity. Between sliding vs non sliding miter saw, you can move sliding miter saw head backward to forward direction, which is called sliding feature. Non sliding miter saws haven’t any sliding feature.
What is Bevel in a Miter Saw?
As previously mentioned, they are four ways to cut material. As miter cut and bevel cut, both are angled cuts, and they can easily be confused.
A bevel means a horizontal or vertical angle slope usually at a 45-degree angle. A bevel cut is angled cut where the angle is not 90 degrees, and the cut made along with the thickness of the material or wood. Bevel cuts typically considered against a straight edge cut.
In this regard, for cut along the end or edge of a material, bevel cut is used. As the bevel cut requires adjusting the blade, the cutting instrument needs to contain specialized tools with adjustable blades.
There are two types of miter saw according to bevel cut, one is single bevel miter saw, and another is dual bevel miter saw.
Single Bevel Miter Saw
This type of bevel miter saw can make a bevel cut in a single direction. While facing the machine, it will pivot to your side. It can't flip over 90 degrees vertically. Whenever you need to make a bevel cut in the opposite direction with a single bevel miter saw, you need to flip over the board to cut in an identical direction.
Dual Bevel Miter Saw
Dual bevel miter saw can make bevel cuts in both directions. It can pivot to both left and right sides. So, If you need to make a bevel cut in the opposite direction, you don't have to flip over the board instead of flip over the blade. With this miter saw, you don't need to move the material, and you only have to adjust the blades by rotating it.
Single Bevel vs Dual Bevel Miter Saw Differences
Now, let’s figure out some similarities and differences between the single bevel and dual bevel miter saw. You can use both saws for miter and beveled cuts. Also, both saws have adjustable circular spinning blades, which make the cuts.
As the similarities of these two bevel miter saws are mentioned, let's talk about the differences between them. One can distinguish the main difference by observing how these miter saws make angle cuts. As we mentioned earlier, a dual bevel miter saw can make cuts in both directions. In contrast, a single bevel miter saw can only cut in one direction. The single bevel miter saw has a limited ability to move laterally while making the cuts. On the contrary, a dual bevel miter saw has no limitations to move laterally; you don't have to move the panel, wood, or the material you're working on.
Price is another important difference between them. Logically, dual bevel miter saws cost more than single bevel miter saw. But the cost difference isn't that much if you're considering using the saw for a long time and for more cutting capacity.
Pros and Cons of Single Bevel Miter Saw
Single bevel miter saws are comparatively cheaper than dual bevel miter saw. It has an affordable price range which most people can manage. You can find a single bevel miter saw for less than a hundred dollars. Whenever you want to increase the collection of tools in your workshop, you can always include a single bevel miter saw.
Most DIY enthusiasts use a single bevel miter saw, but a professional woodworker can use it too for simple projects. This saw is very easy to use. It's pretty straightforward and effective to make angled cuts.
As it is much easier to use, beginners usually prefer this saw. Tilting the blade only in one direction seems a steady job and safer on anything you're working. The light weight of a single bevel miter saw is also an advantage if you need to carry it for a long time. If you need to go to a job site with a bevel miter saw, you can take a single bevel miter saw.
When you need to cut wood from both sides, a single bevel miter saw will give you a hard time. But, when your work requires accuracy and precision, you may reconsider using a single bevel miter saw, as it doesn't help with requirements that much. Therefore, if you're a professional and have to do demanding jobs, a single bevel miter saw may waste your time.
Pros and Cons of Dual Bevel Miter Saw
Dual bevel miter saws are more comfortable to use when you have to cut both sides of the material for matching cuts. You only need to flip the blade in the opposite direction. And then move the material in the same direction. You don't need to rotate the entire material as required in using single bevel miter saws. In this regard, you can quickly and easily finish your projects by using dual bevel miter saws. Using a dual bevel miter saw, you can save a lot of time and serves as a quite efficient tool in your toolbox.
Dual bevel miter saws will give more precise and more accurate cuts. If your job or project requires an eye for detail, dual bevels miter saws can help you fulfill that need. Your cuts will be smoother in dual bevel miter saws.
But the cost is an issue for many people. If you are a beginner, this expensive saw may not be the right choice for you. Also, it is heavier than a single bevel miter saw. So, if you are not used to carrying a saw or carrying it for a considerable amount of time, using a dual bevel saw may turn into a hassle.
Deciding Which Type of Miter Saw to Buy
A single bevel miter saw is a clear choice for simple projects and DIY projects. As it is portable, you can easily use it to cut large wood pieces, which are hard to move around. You must start with a single bevel miter saw if you are a beginner.
If you are a professional who has to maintain a busy schedule, you should buy a dual bevel miter saw. It will save a lot of time. Though you have to spend a little extra money for it, this saw is more versatile. This saw allows more angles to make the cuts more precise and more accurate. But it's a little heavier than a single bevel miter saw. So, a beginner should not start with this type of miter saw.
For better performance and high configuration, you can see our blog about sliding compound miter saw reviews.
Conclusion
Here above, we discuss single bevel vs dual bevel miter saw and their pros and cons. Well, a task can influence the preference of your miter saws. Depending on the task, choose your miter saw wisely. After deciding what type of miter saw you will buy, look up prices online. See the features carefully, read the product review if possible.
Finally, if the price range is affordable and the features align with your requirement, buy your preferred miter saw. Have a nice cutting experience with your miter saw in your DIY projects or professional jobs.