A miter saw is used to make accurate crosscuts in wood, plastic or other material. A miter saw’s blade rotates at high speed and can be adjusted to different angles.
Carpenters use a chop saw to cut through large metal pipes and steel beams. It has an adjustable blade that makes straight cuts over long distances.
Both tools are useful, but they can’t be used interchangeably. You will save time and frustration on your projects by choosing the right tool. Let us help you choose which tool best suits your needs!
1: Miter Saw
What Is It?
Miter saws are powerful tools that can be used to cut precise crosscuts in wood, plastic or other materials.
What Does It Mean?
The blade of a standard miter saw typically rotates at 4,000-5,000 rpm and can be adjusted to various angles from 0-52 degrees. This saw is specifically designed to cut small pieces of material precisely.
Is It For You?
A miter saw is a precise tool that can quickly and accurately crosscut a variety materials. This type of saw is not designed to cut through steel beams or metal pipes.
Base Size:
The base of most miter saws is 25 cm. This allows for projects small to medium in size.
Blade Size:
The blade size on a standard miter saw ranges from 8-30 cm. This allows you to cut through many materials.
Plunge Cuts:
Miter saws are not typically used for plunge cuts.
Curved Cuts
Miter saws can also be used to make curved cuts, which come in handy for creating ornate designs.
Cutting Angles:
The angle you place the miter saw blade will determine the angle of your cut.
Capacity For Cutting:
A miter saw is capable of cutting material up to 215 cm in depth and width.
Dust:
Miter saws can produce quite a bit of dust so make sure you wear protective gear whenever you use this tool.
Safety Features:
Many safety features are available on miter saws, including an emergency stop switch as well as blade guards.
A good quality miter saw will cost you between –
Pros:
The pros of owning a miter saw include its precision, versatility, and ease of use.
This saw can quickly crosscut small pieces of material without any guesswork.
Cons:
The main drawback of a miter saw is its lack of power it cannot be used to cut through metal pipes or steel beams.
Also, the depth and breadth of the material that can also be cut are restricted.
2: Chop Saw
What Is It?
A chop saw, a powerful tool, is used to quickly and easily cut metal pipes, steel beams, or other large materials that are not suitable for a tablesaw.
How Does It Work?
A chop saw blade can adjust from 0-45 degrees to rotate at speeds of up to 5,000 rpm.
Is This For You?
A chop saw is an excellent tool to quickly and easily remove metal pipes or steel beams.
Base Size:
The base on a chop saw is typically much smaller than that of a miter saw, making it more suitable for metalworking.
Blade Size:
The blade size on a chop saw is typically 36 cm, making it ideal for cutting through larger materials.
Plunge Cuts:
Plunge cuts are usually not made with chop saws.
Curved Cuts
Curved cuts with a chop saw are not possible. It is designed to make straight 90-degree cuts.
Cutting Angles:
With a chop saw, you can adjust the blade angle from 0-45 degrees.
Capacity For Cutting:
The cutting capacity on a chop saw is typically around 5 cm.
Dust:
Chop saws are made for metalworking and produce a lot dust.
Safety Features:
Chop saws have a range of safety features including blade guards and anti-kickback claws. Triggers must be squeezed before they can operate.
A chop saw typically costs between and
Pros:
A chop saw’s strengths include its ability to cut through steel pipes and beams quickly.
Cons:
A chop saw’s drawbacks include its small size and high dust production.
Which Saw Should You Purchase? Miter Vs Chop Saw.
If youre looking for a saw that can easily make miter cuts, then a miter saw is the right choice for you. But if you need a tool that can quickly cut through metal pipes or steel beams, a chop saw is the better option.
FAQs:
Which Saw Is Best For DIYers?
Both a miter saw and a chop saw are great options for DIYers.
Which Saw Is Best For Beginners?
Because it is simpler to use than a chopsaw, a miter saw is an excellent choice for beginners.
Can I Use A Chop Saw To Make Plunge Cuts?
Plunge cuts are not something that chop saws are used for.
Is It Possible To Make Curved Cuts Using A Chop Saw?
No, curved cuts are not possible with a chop saw.
Which Saw Works Best For Professionals?
A chop saw is a great choice for professionals, as it is powerful and can quickly cut through metal.
Can I Adjust The Cutting Angle On A Chop Saw?
Yes, it is possible to adjust the angle of a chop saw’s blade from 0-45 degrees.
Conclusion:
Conclusion Paragraph: Now you know the difference between a chopsaw and a mitersaw. It is now up to you to choose which one suits your needs. Both tools have their pros and cons, but hopefully, this article has helped you make a more informed decision about what tool is best for your next project.
