Sliding Miter Saw: Rating And Review Of The Best Models. How To Choose A Combined And Professional Cross-cut With A Broach?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

When performing carpentry work, it is often necessary to cut the workpieces at the chosen angle, observing a high degree of accuracy. This can only be done using a special device - a miter saw with a broach. This attachment is easy to use and enables fast diagonal cuts.

What it is?

The miter saw with a broach is a highly specialized type of equipment designed for corner cutting. This device is often also called a pendulum saw. The main feature of the tool is the presence of a rotary module in the design, thanks to which the work is simplified. Such stationary machines are capable of sawing timber, boards and slats with pinpoint accuracy at different angles. Sometimes they are also used for processing MDF, laminate, artificial boards and hardboard. The device has also found wide application in cutting profile plastic, decorative stucco molding, and profiled aluminum.

The main advantages of end plates include:

• high cutting speed;
• precision of workpieces processing;
• ease of use.

As for the disadvantages, it is forbidden to put abrasive and diamond wheels on such tools.

The devices are available in various modifications, which differ in technical parameters . So, small-sized machines can cut workpieces up to 60 mm thick, medium-sized ones - from 70 to 80 mm, and professional ones - more than 100 mm. Regardless of the type, all end plates do an excellent job with the tasks set, as they have high performance. They are equipped with a depth stop that allows you to select the desired grooves and cut a certain thickness.

In addition, the equipment is provided with an additional mechanism, due to which the disc has the ability to tilt in both directions at a selected angle to the horizontal plane.

Design features

The miter saw is characterized by a simple structure, which consists of a solid base, including a mechanism, a working disc and an electric motor. In some models, the motors are collector, and in others - asynchronous. The first type is faster, it only requires timely replacement of brushes. The second is durable, works quietly, but costs more.

The saw base is mounted on a special table with a thickness of 305 to 400 mm . Its disk is driven by a belt or gear drive. In this case, the supply of rotations through the belt is considered the best, since the machine is less noisy, slippage on the pulleys is excluded.

If it is necessary to expand the functionality of the tool when processing blanks, the working unit is fixed on two strips placed in parallel with each other. This makes the disc move free.

Additionally, the tool set includes a bed . It looks like a movable round base made of magnesium or aluminum compounds. In the process of cutting, the bed has the ability to move; for this, the angle and stop are pre-set.

An equally important element of the saw is the protective cover, which minimizes the risk of injury while working . For safe sawing, manufacturers also equip the machine with an electrodynamic brake, when the power supply is cut off, it smoothly stops the engine. Semi-professional and professional models are equipped with a soft starter mechanism. Each type of saw has a body protection against power interruptions. Since the miter saw is usually small in size, it is compact and easy to place. A wardrobe for her can be made with your own hands from improvised material, or purchased ready-made.

How to choose?

Today the construction market is represented by a huge assortment of miter saws, which differ not only in design, but also in technical performance. Therefore, it is difficult to make the right choice in favor of a particular model. Experts recommend to study its capabilities before purchasing a tool, as well as to determine the scope of planned work. If the equipment will be used only for domestic purposes or rarely, then the simplest modification, equipped with the usual type of functions, will do. For frequent and high-quality cutting of parts from various materials, you will need a professional saw, a universal option that has a wide range of possibilities.

In addition, when choosing such a device, it is important to pay attention to several important parameters

Safety . It is better to give preference to a tool in the design of which there is an option of blocking against accidental starting and a protective cover. Such products are much more expensive, but they completely eliminate injury when cutting.

• Dimensions and weight . The saw must be ergonomic and mobile. This will ensure a comfortable working experience. Small and lightweight saws are well suited for cutting workpieces at height. Despite their size, they have high productivity and are in no way inferior to large end machines. Professional modifications are always available in size, since they have more power.
• Depth and width of the cut . For high-quality processing of workpieces, you should choose devices with a disc diameter of at least 20 cm. Moreover, the larger it is, the more convenient it will be to work with the equipment.
• Manufacturing material of the bed and the working unit . The service life of the saw depends on this. The right decision is considered to be the purchase of devices, the main parts of which are made of durable metal.
• The number of revolutions and power . Powerful saws are suitable for fast work, as they have a higher number of revolutions of the blade. For simple modifications, the power is equal to 1.6 kW, it is enough to carry out various works. Professional saws have a capacity of over 1.8 kW, but they require good electrical wiring.

• Duration of operation . Household tools are inferior in terms of use to professional ones.
• Manufacturer . Despite the fact that the equipment of different brands may have the same technical characteristics, they differ significantly from each other. This is due to the fact that manufacturers use various materials and assembly technologies in the manufacture of tools.
• Price . Low-cost options for products are usually designed for processing soft wood. The more expensive models are equipped with universal blades that allow you to cut hard wood, metal or plastic. Therefore, it is recommended to buy inexpensive saws as training equipment and for simple work when installing fences or building houses.

It is also important to choose the right saw blades. These elements can differ in the bore, outer diameter and shape of the teeth. The inner diameter and seat are usually 3 cm, while the outer diameter can vary from 21 to 30 mm. In addition, the discs are matched to the power of the motor. Large discs are not recommended for powerful models, because during processing, an inaccurate cut may result.

The larger the outer diameter, the more teeth it has, which reduces the load on them. Such diameters last longer. Discs with a small number of teeth are usually used for rip cuts. When choosing discs for a saw, you need to pay attention to their markings, which are written on the surface. It indicates the direction of rotation of the cutting element, the maximum speed of rotation and compatibility with a particular model of the device.

For work with plastic, you should buy discs with trapezoidal teeth. If you plan to cut hard wood, then discs with a crossbow or tungsten carbide soldering are applied to the teeth.

Rating of the best models

Sliding miter saws are marketed by various brands. They differ in both price and quality. When purchasing such a tool, it is important to pay attention to the technical capabilities and service life. We entered the top 10 and received good reviews from saw buyers from several well-known manufacturers. Let's consider them in more detail.

Makita LS1216

This budget model is one of the highest quality and most popular. It is well-equipped and has a high level of security. The saw provides independent adjustment of the cutting width. Also, the device can perform combined and bevel cutting at an angle up to 45. The motor power is small - 1 kW. The equipment is designed for cutting workpieces up to 3, 63 cm wide and up to 10, 7 cm deep.

The disadvantages of the device include the lack of backlight and laser pointer (they must be purchased additionally). In addition, the design does not have the ability to set the number of revolutions.

Bosch PCM7

These miter saws are available with a frame and a special disc. Their design provides the ability to adjust the cutting angle. Due to the fact that the wheels are made of an alloy of magnesium and aluminum, the tool has a small weight and size, and is easy to use. This model is well suited for inexperienced craftsmen. The motor power is 1.1 kW.

Bosch GCM 8SJL

For large-scale work, it is better to choose this saw. It belongs to the professional series. Compared to household modifications, it easily copes with cutting not only wood, but also metal and plastic. Manufacturers have added many customizations to it, which simplifies the workflow. In addition, the tool is equipped with a powerful motor (1.6 kW). The only drawback is that there is no speed control.

Metabo KGS305

These saws are characterized by a special feature - the ability to rotate the disc and arbitrary tilt. Thanks to these functions, you can work in hard-to-reach places, while maintaining the quality of processing. The design also has a special regulator located near the work stand. The power of the equipment is 2 kW. The saw is equipped with a disc with a diameter of 30.5 cm, which significantly increases its productivity.

The maximum tilt angle is 47 degrees, the swivel angle is 60. Thanks to this device, you can easily cut a wooden beam of 100 × 100 mm. This model belongs to the amateur series. Additionally, the tool is completed with a laser guide and LED. The main advantage of the modification is the affordable price. There are no downsides.

This year's novelties can continue our review of good saws.

DeWalt DWS780

The device is designed to work with both wood and metal. The model is equipped with a modern XPS system, thanks to which it is possible to project the shadow from the disc onto the product, creating conditions for a more accurate cut. The motor power of the installation is 1.65 kW. In addition, there is the possibility of adjusting the speed, they can be independently set depending on the hardness of the material being processed.

Interskol PTK-216

This saw features a user-friendly design, which consists of a sharp blade, base, motor and handle, where the start button is located. To cut at an angle, either the base or the disc must be rotated. In this case, the disc has the function of turning in different directions. Such equipment is characterized by an affordable price and is suitable for processing parts from any material. Since the diameter of the saw blade is 216 mm, the tool can be used to make complex cuts in both directions at angles up to 45 degrees.

The maximum cutting width does not exceed 133 mm, the depth is 58 mm. Since the equipment has a powerful motor (1, 1 kW), and the disc speed reaches 5000 rpm, this device can create a smooth cut. Additionally, the saw is equipped with a braking system, which increases safety during operation.

Hitachi C10FCH2

Unlike other models, such machines have a high accuracy of cutting parts at an angle of up to 47 degrees. The tool is well suited for the installation of skirting boards, wood and plastic trims, for the production of window frames. The main advantage of the modification is that it is capable of simultaneously sawing and facing edges. The manufacturer produces saws with an electronic saw control system and a laser pointer.

During operation, it is possible to carry out not only an angular, oblique, but also a combined cut. Since the disc in this type of saws tilts only to the left, then during the cut you can turn the table in both directions. Despite the good technical performance and reasonable cost, this manufacturer's detachable saws are not suitable for working with metal.

Einhell TC-SM2131 Dual

German engineers introduced this saw recently, but it has already gained popularity due to its quality. Productivity 1, 8 kW, carbide wheel and turnover were appreciated by professionals. The design has two double-sided stops, laser marking and a clamp.

Hyundai M 2500-255S

This equipment is convenient to use, it does not jerk when starting. The circle is large, its diameter is 5.5 cm. The head can be tilted at different angles. The only drawback of the device is that the soft start is triggered with a slight delay.

Scheppach MST254

The main advantages of this model are the high power (1600 W) and the diamond wheel. It can be trimmed both at an angle and at an angle. The only caveat is that it is not suitable for cutting large-sized workpieces.

Utool UMS-12L

This model is designed for cutting any material at the desired angle. It does not make curvatures and gaps. The power of such a saw is 2000 W. The device is equipped with a convenient extension bar, a sturdy base and a dual laser pointer. The minus of the tool is an average quality cutting wheel.

All of the above models of miter saws have proven themselves excellently on the market as a reliable technique. Therefore, choosing one or another modification, one should take into account not only the characteristics of the tool, but also the tasks that it will perform. The performance and service life of the device will depend on this.

Operation and maintenance

Since the end plate is a cutting tool, certain safety rules must be followed when working with it. First, you need to prepare the workplace, excluding the placement of foreign objects. Protective gloves and goggles should also be worn. Before starting the engine, you need to make sure that the disk is working properly. If there are cracks or deformations on its surface, then the element should be replaced with a new one.

During the rotation of the disc, do not touch it with your hands . Any contact with part of the disc can cause serious injury.

When ripping, it is recommended to use stops and special rectangular guides. If the disc is slipping or is jammed, the equipment must be disconnected from the power source as soon as possible. You must first fix the problems, and then continue cutting. To avoid jamming, fit the saw blade with a seat that matches the product model. It is forbidden to cut the material if there are nails in it.

The workpiece that is being sawn must be supported from below with special supports. This will protect large panels from scattering. At the same time, it is undesirable to use ready-made sawn parts of blanks for these purposes. Any material to be cut must be securely anchored to the table surface.

Compliance with the rules for servicing the device also plays a huge role . The tool cord must be protected from oil and water. It must not be allowed to overheat and pull. The protective cover must be stored under the conditions specified in the manufacturer's instructions. It is forbidden to code or tie it up. Periodically, the saw needs to be diagnosed. In case of any malfunctions, it is necessary to send it to the service center for repair.