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Single Bevel Miter Saw vs. Dual Bevel Miter Saw
Miter saws are powerful workshop tools that have been in use since the 1970’s. They are popular among professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts as they enable them to make consistent fine cuts, cross cuts, and miter cuts (angles). The miter saws are widely used in repair and maintenance projects such as cutting planks and pipes. They are also valuable when it comes to designing frames, window casing, and crown molding as they’re excellent at achieving fine cuts.
The market today is saturated with different types of miter saws. As a result, many woodworkers are left scratching their heads when trying to determine the perfect miter saw for their needs. So, in an attempt to help you figure out this daunting task, let’s discuss a little bit about the miter saw and go over which type is right for you – the single bevel miter saw, or the dual bevel miter saw.
Don’t know the purpose of a miter saw? Check out this explanation by Steve Ramsey below:
What is the single bevel miter saw and double bevel miter saw?
As the name suggests, the single bevel miter saw bevels only in one direction. It has a circular blade that spins during the cutting sessions. It only pivots to the left and cannot go beyond 90 degrees vertically. Single bevel miter saws allow both left and right edge cuts as the saw can move back and forth.
On the other hand, double bevel miter saws – also referred to as the dual bevel miter saw, resembles a traditional miter saw. The miter saw is used to make cuts in both directions. This miter saw pivots both right and left and as a result, does not limit the cutting angle or degree of the cut. It is easy to make any kind of cut by lowering the head of the miter saw.
What's the difference?
Cutting angles
The major difference between the single bevel miter saw and the double bevel miter saw is the cutting angle. With the single bevel miter saw, the cuts can be made in one direction only while with a dual bevel miter saw, it goes both ways. The cuts using the single bevel miter saw can either be on the right or left while with the double bevel miter saw the cuts can be done on both left and right.
Functionality
With the single bevel miter saw, you must physically flip the stock over to allow bevel cuts on all the sides. When doing so, you must maintain accuracy when cutting the intended angles to ensure a uniform cut.
The double bevel miter saw does not need flipping when making bevel cuts. With this miter saw, it is possible to make matching cuts on both sides with ease. This is made possible by the fact that it cuts in both directions.
Pivoting
Pivoting is an important aspect to consider when cutting using a miter saw. The single bevel miter saw only pivots on the left. It should be noted that this is when the user is facing the machine. It also cannot go beyond 90 degrees vertical.
On the other hand, the double bevel miter saw pivots in both directions when the user is facing the machine. There is no limitation in cutting angles with this saw. Furthermore, the stock remains in the same position when making opposite bevels.
How are they alike?
While these tools have several key differences in their functionality, they have notable similarities as well. They both:
- Pivot on an axis to enable cutting of the intended angles.
- Are used to make beveled and miter cuts
- Cut at the same depth – which would be the depth of the blade
- Both do the same thing, just in a different fashion
The pros and cons
The pros of single bevel miter saw
- They are affordable and light in weight, therefore easy to carry around.
- The tool can be used for domestic, DIY and professional purposes. It can easily be handled by both amateurs and professionals.
- The miter saw is easy to use since the cuts are done in a single direction. For beginners, this is the optimal choice in terms of user-friendliness.
The cons of single bevel miter saw
- It is hard to make accurate bevel cuts since you must flip the stock to bevel on both sides.
- Using the single bevel miter saw may take longer to achieve the same results as the double bevel miter saw.
The pros of dual bevel miter saw
- It is easy to cut the given stock faster given the functionality and the features of the double bevel miter saw.
- With this miter saw, precision and accuracy are guaranteed when the making matching cuts.
- Flipping, rotating or re-adjusting the workpiece is not an option with this miter saw. Tilting the blade is all that is needed for the user to cut the opposite side.
- Double bevel miter saws are convenient for professional use as they provide large cut ranges.
- Great for projects that require fine and precise cuts such as crown molding and trim.
The cons of dual bevel miter saw
- The double bevel miter saw is more expensive.
- Because of the additional features, miter saws tend to be on the heavier side. Sometimes, they can weigh as much as 80 lbs.
The Best Single Bevel Miter Saw
Hitachi C10FCH2 Single Bevel Miter Saw
The Hitachi C10FCH2 single bevel miter saw is an awesome choice for anyone doing basic to advanced bevels and miters. It contains a 15-amp motor and a 10” blade for cutting. It has a dust collector attachment on the backside of the device and a laser marker for ensured precision. Weighing only 26.5 lbs., this is the best single bevel miter saw for efficiency and portability.
The Best Dual Bevel Miter Saw
Bosch GCM12SD dual bevel miter saw
The Bosch GCM12SD dual bevel miter saw is the king of all miter saws. This is the miter saw for professional carpenters and seasoned woodworkers alike. It has a 15-amp motor and 12” cutting blade. Plus, it has an axial-glide system for flawless adjustability and top-notch performance. Furthermore, it has an excellent dust collection system and extremely user-friendly interface. Whether you’re making crown molding or wood trim, you can count on precision with this device. It is one of the best dual bevel miter saws in the industry.
Conclusion
Trying to decide on your next miter saw may seem like a daunting task. The single bevel miter saw is likely the better choice for beginners, considering the low price and level of portability. If you’re a professional woodworker, you may want to consider the dual bevel miter saw, especially if you primarily work with intricate woodworks such as crown molding or wood trim.
Similar to our article comparing the table saw vs. circular saw, both the single and dual bevel miter saw accomplish the same task. However, the way that task is achieved, and the level of precision is where the difference comes into play.
With that in mind, choose the tool that best suits your needs. Hopefully this information helped you narrow down your decision a little further. As always – Happy Woodworking!
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