Miter saw with broach: how to choose a high-quality and durable tool

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Very often, when performing finishing work, it is necessary to carry out diagonal cutting of the material with high precision. A special tool should be used for these purposes. It is a miter saw with a broach that can accurately and quickly cut a product at any inclination and angle. The features of choosing a tool and its main advantages are described in detail in this article.

Using a miter saw, you can make diagonal cuts of material with high cutting accuracy

What is a wood miter saw? Purpose of the tool

A miter saw, pendulum saw for wood and metal, or angle cutter is a stationary cutting-off highly specialized tool that is used for cutting materials at a certain angle. This possibility is provided by a rotating platform and a movable working part with a disk above the bed. A miter saw can process narrow wood products in the form of slats, bars and boards. Can also be used for cutting hardboard, laminate and OSB. The tool copes well with cutting plastic, aluminum profiles and polyurethane moldings.

A wood miter saw is used to cut material at a specific angle.

Thanks to its high speed, precision and ease of operation, the miter saw has a wide range of applications. It is used for carpentry, installation and finishing work related to the use of wooden products. The tool is indispensable in furniture manufacturing workshops where it is necessary to perform precise and high-quality cutting of products.

There are universal tools that perform metal trimming. Thanks to a special disk, the tool cuts metal products made of steel, iron and cast profiles. Such miter saws for metal are widely used in enterprises that manufacture window frames from metal-plastic profiles.

Important! Do not install a diamond or abrasive wheel on the tool instead of a saw blade.

The technical documentation for each specific model indicates the maximum parameters of the product that the tool can handle. Small miter saws cut products up to 60 mm thick. A medium-sized tool can handle workpieces with a thickness of 70-80 mm. Large saws are used for processing products with a thickness of 100 mm or more.

Modern models of broached miter saws meet high safety standards

Important! Miter saws cannot be used for processing stone, ceramics and ferrous metals.

Purpose and characteristics

In order to choose the right model of a wood trimmer, you first need to understand how it functions, as well as what types of tools are used in construction.

Let's begin our acquaintance with the purpose of these devices, which are used for cutting and trimming a wide variety of materials, namely:

• construction laminate;
• aluminum billets;
• plastic products.

Another area where trimming is commonly chosen is in furniture shops, where most prefabricated pieces require straightening and edge filing.

The main characteristics of a cross-cutting machine include such technical parameters as the rotation speed of the cutting attachment, the total mass of the tool and the declared cutting accuracy. Often, when choosing this device, users pay attention to the power consumed from the network.

Miter saw with broach: design features of the tool

A miter saw for wood has a fairly simple design, which includes a saw blade, a motor with a gearbox, a base and a handle with a start button. The saw motor can be commutator or asynchronous. The first option carries out a greater number of revolutions, does not require regular maintenance, and only requires periodic replacement of brushes. And the second one is much quieter and more durable. In the classic design of the device, the engine is located to the right relative to the disk. However, there are improved models where it is placed at the back, which increases the viewing angle during cutting, thereby making it more convenient to use.

The rotation of the saw blade is carried out by the operation of a motor, which transmits a gear or belt drive through a gearbox. When operating in first gear, the possibility of the product slipping is eliminated even at high engine loads. Second gear provides less noise and reduces disc vibration. And this has a positive effect on the quality of work and the service life of the tool. However, in such devices the belt wears out quickly, which can also come off during a sudden change in speed. There are more reliable and durable models that feature direct transmission. However, their torque is significantly lower than their analogues.

Miter saw device with broach

To expand the capabilities of a conventional miter saw, a broaching mechanism can be built into it. In this case, a regular saw turns into a wood miter saw. In such models, the functional module is installed on two rails, which are located parallel to each other. This design allows the saw blade to move freely during cutting, which allows you to cut wider products.

The functional module is fixed to the frame. This base is a movable round part that can move when the angle and stop are set. The miter saw bed is usually made of magnesium or aluminum alloys. The design of the saw includes a protective cover, which is put on the wheel when the device is not in use to avoid injury.

Stand, saw table and additional stops

One of the main and complex elements of a wood angle cutter is the saw table. On one side, a stand is attached to it, on the other side, a disc moves over the bar. Saws with broaching have a much longer neck. At the end of the device there is a clamping handle, which serves to fix the table relative to the base, and a push lock, used to quickly adjust the most common angles.

A table for a miter saw can be purchased at a specialized store or made by yourself

On the table and stand there are angular scales on which the angles of rotation and tilt are indicated. The table can be rotated in both directions from 0 to 45 degrees. And securely fixed in the chosen direction using a special groove with a latch.

The stand can be stationary or tilted to the left by 45 degrees. A tool with a stand tilted to the right is extremely rare, which is explained by the need to significantly complicate the design of the saw. In addition to the main graduations, several special ones may be provided, which make it possible to select the optimal angle for cutting baseboards and moldings.

To securely fix workpieces of any size, built-in clamps and various stops are used. When working with long products, using folding or retractable stands, which are located on both sides of the frame, you can expand the dimensions of the base. These additional stops are usually included with the miter saw. They are represented by U-shaped steel rods, bent upward to table level.

Clamps and stops are used to securely hold the material while the saw is running.

There are more complex designs of bases with cast stands, which are fixed relative to the support with thumbscrews. Many manufacturers equip miter saws, the price of which will not be much higher than classic tools, with separate stands or special tables. They can be placed at a certain distance from the tool depending on the length of the products.

Ryobi EMS 254L

A miter saw that stands out with its compact design. The device is complex and suitable for use in various areas of home and professional cutting.

• This saw has almost pinpoint precision. The controls are easy to use and their layout is extremely intuitive.
• It has 2 LEDs to illuminate the work area, adjustable speed for maximum use when working with different materials.

The forward movement system allows the machine to be close to the wall (space saving), the wide side table extension is convenient for long beams, the turntable can be adjusted 50° on both sides.

Basic and additional trimming options

All devices are equipped with a soft start, which allows you to block the mechanism during wheel replacement and stop the engine accordingly. All models of miter saws are protected against electrical breakdown of the body.

The classic design of miter saws does not include electronic elements. However, there are models, usually metal miter saws, that are equipped with electronic speed control. Thanks to this function, more precise control over the work process is provided. It also becomes possible to configure the equipment for cutting various materials.

A miter saw with a specific saw blade can be used for cutting baseboards and laminate

Helpful advice! For cutting hardwood, it is advisable to use a saw with electronic engine speed control.

New models are being released in which it is possible to set a certain stable speed. This is advisable when it is necessary to complete several workpieces in a short period of time. After all, with strong pressure, the speed of the device decreases. At this time, thanks to the electronic controller, a certain speed range is set, which allows you to get an even and fast cut.

Another useful but expensive feature that increases the cost of the tool is laser aiming. It can be powered from the mains or from a battery. In the first case, a switch is located next to the handle on the tool body. The beam creates a cutting line, which is especially valuable for an inexperienced craftsman who has not developed intuitive cutting skills with a miter saw. The trimmer can also be equipped with powerful LED lighting, which is placed behind the disc. When it is turned on, the shadow from the disk falls on the workpiece, forming a kind of illumination.

Some miter saw models are equipped with a laser pointer for precise cutting of material

When using the tool, a large amount of wood dust and sawdust is generated. To prevent them from spreading throughout the room, some models are equipped with a connection pipe for a vacuum cleaner, through which debris is removed directly from the place of its formation. Modern models provide for the expansion of the tabletop by 50 cm or more, which allows you to work with long products such as laminate.

Einhell TH-MS 2112

Compared to most miter saws from other manufacturers, the price of the Einhell TH-MS 2112 saw is very attractive. Due to its compactness and low weight, the saw is especially suitable for home use. Screw clamps guarantee high stability during operation.

A minor minus is a small dust bag and the sudden start of the saw. Finding the ideal saw blade setting can take some time.

The main criteria for choosing a miter saw for wood with a broach

Before choosing a miter saw, you should study its basic parameters. The main criterion is the purpose of the tool. If you plan to use the saw in fairly rare cases for domestic purposes, then it is enough to buy a miter saw with a standard set of functions. For frequent use of the tool for cutting workpieces of various widths, it is advisable to purchase a universal miter saw with a broach, which expands the range of capabilities of the tool. It is the broaching function that is used to work with material of fairly large thickness and allows you to increase the cutting width, which in conventional models is not very large, which in turn expands the functional range of the tool.

Helpful advice! In the case of a one-time or rare use of the tool, you can make a mobile and collapsible miter saw with your own hands from an ordinary grinder and available tools and materials.

The saw table can be purchased complete with a miter saw, which not only allows you to work conveniently with the tool, but also increases the level of safety, since the fasteners are specially designed and adjusted to a specific model

The next criterion is the security of the device. Despite the cost of the tool, its design must include a protective casing and an option to block accidental startup of the device. When choosing a tool, you need to consider its dimensions and weight. It must be mobile and ergonomic so that working with the saw is as comfortable and easy as possible in certain conditions. For work at height, it is advisable to use a small and lightweight tool, which will not necessarily have less power than a large, heavy miter saw.

Important! Professional models are more powerful, which is reflected in the weight and dimensions of the device.

The width and depth of the cut determines the purpose of the tool, namely, it indicates what can be processed with it. For high-quality work, you should choose a saw blade with a diameter of at least 20 cm. The larger this figure, the easier it is to work with the tool. When choosing a specific model, you should take into account the quality of the material from which the rotary block and frame are made.

For permanent and industrial use, you should choose professional miter saws

BISON ZPT-255-1800 PL

Next in our TOP is a miter saw with a broach - ZUBR ZPT-255-1800 PL. This is a powerful tool with a movable head and laser illumination of the cutting line, which allows you to very accurately cut wood and plastic, and when using special discs, even thin-walled aluminum. The BISON saw is suitable for all types of sawing: straight, oblique, inclined and combined. Among the advantages of this model, it is worth noting the rather large sawing width due to the sliding disk head and the ability to install large-diameter disks. The maximum cutting depth for which this tool is designed is 90 millimeters, and the width is 305 millimeters. So such a saw will find wide application in various workshops and specialized workshops, not to mention use in private households. This unit is made of a special alloy, which is very durable, but at the same time lightweight. So the assembled saw weighs only 13 kilograms, which makes it much easier to move. Well, as for safety, this saw has extension table supports that prevent the sawn workpiece from tipping over, as well as an automatic closing guard that prevents injury and damage to the operator. Those who have already purchased such a saw speak extremely positively about it, noting its high power, cutting accuracy and reliability. By the way, the manufacturer gives a 5-year warranty on its power tools.

So, if you need a powerful and durable miter saw, then you should pay attention to this model

• Power: 1800 W.
• 5000 rpm
• Cut size 90⁰: 305x90 mm.
• Cut size 45⁰: 210x55 mm.
• Cable length: 2 m.
• Dimensions: 790 x 480 x 400 mm.
• Weight: 13 kg.

Choosing a saw blade for a miter saw

The quality of the cut depends on the characteristics of the miter saw and the cutting part. Saw blades are distinguished:

• according to the shape of the teeth;
• along the outer diameter;
• along the mounting hole.

The mounting hole or internal diameter of the disk is usually 3 cm. The external diameter can be 21, 25 or 30 mm. This indicator is indicated in the characteristics of the tool and on the front surface of the disk. When choosing the parameters of a cutting product, you should pay attention to the engine for which a specific disk size is selected. For powerful engines it is not advisable to use large discs. As a result, you can get a poor-quality and sloppy cut.

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The larger the outer diameter, the more teeth there are on it, and therefore, the less the load on each of them. This suggests that larger disks have a longer service life. It is advisable to use discs with a small number of teeth for longitudinal cutting, and with a maximum number for transverse cutting. The surface of any disk indicates its marking, maximum rotation speed, direction of rotation and compatibility with the tool.

The saw blade must be selected based on the power of the tool

Helpful advice! For high-quality and durable operation of the disk, the proportionality of its size and thickness must be observed. Otherwise, frequent breakdowns of the part are inevitable.

Blade teeth design for a wood miter saw

The quality of product processing is influenced by the size, sharpening, geometry and material of the disk teeth. The smaller the size of the teeth, the better and more accurate the cut. This is especially important for laminate and varnished or painted wood. For rough processing, discs with a small number of large teeth can be used. They are used for cutting plywood and softwood.

Recommendations for its use can be found on the saw blade.

For processing plastics and composites, it is better to choose disks with trapezoidal teeth or triple-chip brazing. For hard wood, it is advisable to use products with carbide-tipped teeth made of tungsten carbide or cobalt alloy. For cutting chipboard, plywood and veneer, ATV-tipped discs are preferable.

Helpful advice! To obtain a high-quality cut in products made from valuable wood, you should use combined discs, where several beveled teeth alternate with one stripped one.

The geometry of the teeth indicates the nature of the cut. Depending on this, discs are distinguished for longitudinal, transverse cuts or for finishing and neat processing. Some discs for long-term operation have thin slots and smooth lines, thanks to which the thermal deformation of the wheel is compensated and the noise level during operation of the tool is reduced. The surface of the teeth should be smooth, without jagged edges, and the edge should be sharp enough. The discs are made of heat-treated steel with composite surfacing.

Saw wheels for cutting must be selected based on the thickness and type of material

Power and number of revolutions

When choosing a saw, you should pay attention to its power and the speed of rotation of the cutting part of the tool. These parameters are closely related to each other. The greater the power of the device, the higher the rotation speed of the dusty disk.

The service life of more powerful devices is slightly longer than that of analogues with a lower rating. The standard power value is 1.6 kW. This value is quite sufficient to perform any kind of task. However, many modern models have a power of 1.8 kW. But this directly increases the weight of the unit and complicates the work with the tool. In addition, powerful models require proper wiring so that there are no short circuits and no interruptions in the power supply when the saw is operating.

The number of revolutions the blade makes affects the quality of the cut. The higher this value, the neater and cleaner it will be. Modern models have a built-in function for adjusting the number of revolutions, which is convenient for processing a specific type of material.

The service life of professional models of miter saws is slightly longer than that of household devices.

Rating of miter saws from famous manufacturers

One of the important parameters when choosing a miter saw is the brand. Units from different manufacturers may have the same characteristics but differ significantly from each other. This is due to the fact that each manufacturer uses different materials, its own technologies and assembly options. Depending on this, the price of trimming may vary significantly.

The cost of the instrument is also influenced by the fame and calling of the manufacturer. It happens that professional models from little-known brands will cost the same as simple equipment from a famous brand. Also, the price of a saw blade from a well-known manufacturer can be equal to the cost of an inexpensive miter saw.

When choosing a tool, you should keep in mind that budget models usually have a simple disc designed for working with soft wood. Universal disks are installed on high-end devices. Discs for working with hardwood, plastic and metal are usually purchased separately. Budget models can be used as training devices for work where high precision and cutting quality are not required. They are suitable for building a house or erecting a fence.

Miter saws from internationally recognized brands are more expensive than products from little-known companies

When the device is tasked with a serious task that requires high precision and level of performance, then it is better to purchase a more expensive miter saw. For continuous use, preference should be given to high-quality professional equipment.

Among the well-known manufacturers of miter saws are the following brands:

• Bosch;
• Makita;
• Metabo;
• Hitachi;
• DeWalt.

Makita crosscutters: overview of tools of different classes

The first company in the ranking of manufacturers of miter saws is Makita. Construction tools from a world-famous manufacturer are characterized by an increased degree of safety and high quality workmanship in every detail. Thanks to the presence of a traction function in most models of the brand, it is now possible to independently select the cutting width.

Console type miter saw Makita LS1216

At the base of the tool there are two rods on which the surface for placing the working unit is installed. An example of such a small table with basic equipment is the budget model Makita LS 0714. The tool can carry out oblique, inclined and combined cuts at an angle of up to 45 degrees. to the right. The engine power is 1 kW. The cost of a miter saw is about 25 thousand rubles.

Among the professional miter saws, we can highlight the Makita LS 1216 model. This is the best tool for carpentry workshops, which is designed for working on wood and plastic, where high quality cuts are required. This is achieved thanks to double guides that allow the saw to move evenly, ensuring an even cut. The engine power is 1.65 kW. The tool is capable of cutting with a depth of up to 107 mm and a width of up to 363 mm, which is the maximum for devices of this class. The cost of installation is on average 45 thousand rubles.

The disadvantages of a miter saw include its fairly large weight, which makes it difficult to use the tool as a portable one. It is better to use it as a stationary machine. The saw does not include a laser pointer or backlight, but they can be purchased additionally. There is also no way to regulate the number of revolutions.

Professional model of miter saw with table Makita LF 1000

Among the best universal miter saws we can highlight the professional model Makita LF 1000. Its design is complemented by special folding stands that greatly simplify the work with the tool and expand the range of its capabilities. This tool is used for longitudinal, transverse, inclined and angular cuts of wood, aluminum and plastic workpieces. The engine power is 1.65 kW. It creates a high torque, which allows you to process hard materials. The model is also equipped with a speed control function, which allows high-quality cutting of material of any hardness. The price of the tool is on average 53 thousand rubles.

Bosch miter saws

The Bosch company has established itself as one of the leaders in the production of high-quality specialized tools. Miter saws from a global brand are equipped with a special wheel and a stand, thanks to which you can adjust the cutting angle yourself. The most reliable and durable are frames made of pure aluminum and magnesium alloy. Such circles not only provide a safe and convenient cut, but are also lightweight, which makes the saw mobile and easy to use.

The best Bosch cross-cut saw in the budget tool category is considered to be the Bosch PCM 7 model. This is a good option for a beginner or for infrequently performing simple tasks. The working unit can be fixed on the table, which makes work easier, making the cut more accurate and precise. The engine power is 1.1 kW. The model is equipped with a laser for more precise cutting. The miter saw has a small diameter blade, which limits its range of capabilities. You can buy a crosscut for only 11.5 thousand rubles.

The Bosch PCM miter saw model belongs to the household series, but at the same time has quite high power

As a professional device, you can choose the Bosch GCM 8 SJL Professional miter saw. The model is equipped with a large number of settings, which allows you to set the required parameters for fast and high-quality cutting of wood and plastic products that have a decorative coating applied. The engine power is 1.6 kW. There is no speed control function. To make precise cuts, the design includes a laser pointer. The tool is equipped with a reliable dust collection system. The cost of the saw is 32 thousand rubles.

Metabo miter saws

Metabo miter saws have a unique feature. Here it is possible to arbitrarily tilt and rotate the disk. This allows you to perform work in hard-to-reach places without worrying about the quality of its execution. This possibility is achieved thanks to a special regulator, which is located near the desktop. Some models of this brand are equipped with special projectors that create a shadow from the disk. This feature allows you to make cuts as accurately as possible.

One of the most popular models from the German manufacturer is the Metabo KGS 305 miter saw. The tool is equipped with a broach, a reliable support platform, a powerful 2 kW motor, and convenient levers for adjustment. A disk with a diameter of 305 mm ensures high performance of the device. The maximum tilt angle reaches 47 degrees, the rotation angle is 60 degrees. The tool is capable of performing high-quality and accurate cuts of products of any hardness. It can even cope with wooden beams 100x100 mm. You can buy a miter saw with a broach for 26 thousand rubles.

Miter saws from the Metabo company have the ability to arbitrarily tilt and rotate the disk

Another equally popular model with broaching is the Metabo KGS 216 M miter saw. The tool is ideal for a novice craftsman and belongs to the category of amateur devices. The miter saw is equipped with a bright LED and a laser guide. The power of the brush motor is 1.2 kW. The maximum cutting width is achieved at an angle of 45 degrees. and is equal to 205 mm. The price of the device is 19 thousand rubles.

DeWalt Metal and Wood Miter Saws

A professional range of miter saws is produced by DeWalt. Models of this brand are characterized by the presence of a unique XPC system, which allows the shadow of the disk to be projected onto the product, thereby ensuring accurate and high-quality cutting of any material.

One of the popular models is the professional cutting saw for wood and metal DeWalt DWS 780. The rigid and stable design makes work convenient and safe. Thanks to the presence of a large disk with a diameter of 305 mm, it is possible to work with wide workpieces. The engine power is 1.65 kW. The belt drive ensures quieter operation of the saw. The device has a speed control function, which allows for high-quality cutting of products of any hardness. Maximum cutting accuracy is ensured by the built-in backlight, which, compared to a laser pointer, does not become clogged with dust. The cost of the tool is 53 thousand rubles.

The DeWalt DWS 780 wood and metal miter saw is a quieter device, unlike other brands of saws

Another combination saw for metal and wood is the DeWalt DW 717 XPS. The design of the instrument is thought out to the smallest detail. Here you can adjust not only the cutting angle, but also set the required depth to the nearest millimeter. This is especially important for furniture makers and construction workers, where precision work is required on products. The motor power is 1.65 kW, which is most suitable for cutting hardwood, plastic and aluminum. To create a better quality cut, the device has a rotation speed control system. The model is equipped with a cooling function that affects the entire power unit. The price of a miter saw is 52 thousand rubles.

Circular cutting

When it is difficult to purchase such an instrument due to lack of money, you can make it yourself.

• Thickened sheet of metal.
• Steel corners for pressing (use an old bed).

The welder is used to cut holes in a steel sheet, and its ends are treated with ratfil.

A particularly powerful electric motor is not required to use the tool; 0.9 kW is enough. It is mounted on the base with an additional spring that performs a stabilizing task. To rotate the unit, you need to attach a handle; in the end, you will be able to achieve gradual movement of the saw. The following properties:

• 0.2 m – diameter of the cutting disc;
• 1500 rpm – rotation speed.

This will allow you to easily process wood up to 0.07 m wide using a homemade tool. Take care of customizable stands and supports. For pendulum risers, take a channel attached to a metal base. As a result, our tool will become stronger and heavier, but thanks to it, cross-cutting work will be performed with ease. You can take a three-phase electric motor (2.3 kW) and a plate swinging on hinges.

Place the belt on the motor pulley. The pendulum can be fixed to the base of the frame material. For comfortable work with wood, the diameter of the saw should be 0.42 m, and the rotation speed should be from 2800 rpm. We cut a slot for the disk.

As we see, a high-quality instrument can not only be purchased, but also made with your own hands. Here's what we got: