Miter saws are an efficient power tool designed to cut through different kinds of materials. The Miter saw is the go-to tool for part-time and professional woodworkers alike.
It is specially designed for precise and smooth cutting for your workpiece. There are two different types of miter saws, single bevel miter saws, and double bevel miter saws.
You can perform different types of tasks with it, but it requires more practice and skill to operate
Quick Summary
In this article, we will be discussing
- How to use a double bevel miter saw
- The technical details of a dual bevel miter saw
- Some of the queries related to dual bevel miter saws
Let’s start
How to Use a Double Bevel Miter Saw
As discussed earlier, dual bevel miter saws are quite different from single bevel miter saws in terms of their functionality. Bevel refers to the pivot of the saw.
Dual-bevel miter saws have more functionality than single bevel ones. However, they are more complex to operate and get used to.
Whereas, single bevel miter saws only pivot on the left side while double bevel miter saws pivot in both directions.
Here is a method that makes woodworking with a double bevel miter saw easier.
Step # 1 – Ensure safety
Before undertaking any type of woodworking project, you must first ensure your safety. We recommend that you wear protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses.
We also strongly recommend that you ensure that there is nothing that might come between the blade or the workpiece. This includes metal objects as well dust. You can remove nails from the wood by using a claw hammer.
Remember, you are protecting yourself rather than the saw.
Also, ensure that the dust collection system of your saw is working perfectly.
Step # 2 – Take measurements
Taking measurements of your workpiece is an important step. Taking good measurements will result in an accurate cut and an overall satisfying experience.
We recommend that you use a lead pencil and measuring tape. You must keep these tools with you at all times.
For making precise angled cuts, we recommend using a protractor or a T bevel. The sliding compound miter saw comes with a detent plate that has tally marks for angles.
Following the above guidelines is the difference between a good cut and a bad cut.
Step # 3 – Secure the wood
After you have made measurements, the next step is to secure the wood. We recommend using the miter clamp for wood to secure it to the fence. Never use your hands for holding down the workpiece.
You should also place square blocks between the screw and the blade. This will help the clamp tightly secure the wood and also won’t damage your workpiece.
If you are working with large pieces of wood or PVC pipes, we recommend that you use a table.
Wood pieces also rarely come smooth and have rough edges. You can smooth out the rough edges with sandpaper or a knife.
Step # 4 – Adjust the saw blade
Afterward, adjust the blade of your miter saw. The blade of a double bevel miter saw can be adjusted in both directions.
To adjust the blade you need to:
- Loosen the bevel handle. It will be behind the blade or on the side.
- Adjust the blade until it meets the square.
- Adjust the stop bolt until it meets the stop.
- Lastly, adjust the indicator until it goes to zero
Using this method, you can adjust the blade at any angle that is required. Blades of double bevel miter saws can be adjusted in both directions and
Step # 5 – Make the cut
After you have adjusted the blade, you can cut. Simply power up the motor and let the blade reach its full speed. Make sure that there is nothing between the blade and the workpiece.
Pull the handle downwards towards the piece and start cutting. Proceed slowly for maximum smoothness. When you have completed the cut, let the blade stop and pull up the handle.
What do I do after the cut?
After cutting, we recommend that you check the workpiece. You can measure the angle using a protractor or a T-bevel. If there is a slight difference, you can use sandpaper to adjust the angle.
We also recommend that you sand out any roughness in or around the edges. Cutting PVC pipes can produce brrs. You can remove them with a knife.
By following the above-mentioned steps, we guarantee that you will end up with high-quality projects.
Technical Details of Dual-Bevel Miter Saw
Double bevel miter saws also have more features than single bevel miter saws. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Working angles
dual bevel miter saws, as the name suggests, pivot or bevel in both left and right directions. This gives the blade the ability to cut at more angles than a single bevel miter saw.
You can cut your wood perpendicularly, that is make a 90-degree cut. You can also cut the wood at angles between 0 and 45 degrees.
To facilitate the operator, the miter saw also features a table that has positive stops. You can lock the blade at common angles using the stops and make cuts.
The double bevel also removes the need to flip the workpiece after you’ve cut it in one direction.
Cutting Capacity
When it comes to cutting capacity, dual bevel miter saws fare better. However, it also depends on the kind of miter saw being used.
Simple dual bevel miter saw
This type of dual bevel miter saw can cut 4 x 12-inch lumber easily at a 90-degree angle. When cutting between 0-degree angle and 45-degree angle, the miter saw can go through 2 x 8-inch wood.
Sliding dual bevel miter saw
Sliding miter saws have greater cutting capacity. They can also cut wide boards. The sliding feature is that the saw has a track that allows you to swing the blade forwards and backward.
A sliding dual bevel miter saw can cut 2 x 12-inch wood at 90 degrees. By using larger blades, some saws can cut up to 2 x 16 wood. You can cut 2 x 10-inch wood at bevel angles.
Accuracy of the cuts
Double bevel miter saws can cut more precisely vs single bevel miter saws.
Firstly, when making angled cuts, you don’t have to flip the wood after making the first cut. You can just change the bevel angle to the opposite direction.
Unlike a single bevel, miter saw, you can make matching cuts.
Secondly, the saw comes with either a laser guidance system or an LED shadow line. The laser guide illuminates a laser light on the material you are going to cut.
The LED shadow line casts a shadow at exactly where the blade will cut.
How do I increase my chances of an accurate cut?
As discussed above, you can utilize the accuracy features of the saw. As the miter saw is a power tool, it has many moving parts and hence, it requires regular maintenance.
We recommend that you regularly clean the miter saw, and use a manufacturer-recommended lubricant for the moving parts such as the gears or the bevel assembly.
The blade might also require adjustments after use. Out of adjustment blades will cut at the wrong angle or might damage the wood.
Hence, for precise cuts, we recommend that you consider the above-mentioned guidelines.
Versatility
The double bevel miter saw is highly versatile in terms of usability as compared to using a single bevel saw. You can make different kinds of cuts as well as cut wider boards.
Crown Moldings
Crown moldings are a regular type of cut you will make during your project. These are decorative. We recommend that you use a double bevel miter saw for this purpose.
Cutting crown moldings can be a hassle when using a single bevel miter saw. You can make bevel cuts but they are only in a single direction. This means that you would have to flip the workpiece after making the first cut.
When cutting with a dual bevel miter saw, you can cut crown moldings quickly. You will only have to switch the bevel angle to the opposite direction. This ability makes the saw much more versatile.
When do I use a dual bevel miter saw?
Keeping in mind the above recommendations, miter saws are useful when you are looking for a versatile tool.
They can cut a variety of materials as well as wide boards. The accuracy of the saw is unmatched because of the many features.
Dual bevel miter saws are also high quality and more durable than a single bevel miter saw. However, they are more expensive and not recommended for part-time woodworking.
If you have plenty of projects and are looking for a saw that does the job in half the time, we recommend a double bevel miter saw.
Types of Cuts that can be made with a miter saw
Miter saws are designed for various types of cuts. You can position your workpiece and make bevel cuts or miter cuts quite easily. However, many people can’t distinguish the different types of cuts because of the jargon.
Let’s discuss the different types of cuts in detail
Miter Cuts
These are angled cuts made along either the length or width of the lumber. To make miter cuts, you first need to measure the angle you are cutting at. Then you adjust the angle of the saw and cut.
These kinds of cuts are helpful when you are cutting crown moldings.
Rip Cuts
Rip is made along the length of the wood piece. These kinds of cuts are ripping through the fibers of the board. For rip cutting, you need blades with fewer teeth. These are made perpendicular to the board.
Bevel Cuts
Bevel cuts, like miter cuts, are also angled. Bevel cuts are useful for joining two planks of wood together. To make these cuts, you need to set your miter saw at the desired angle and then make the cut.
Crosscuts
Crosscuts, like rip cuts, are also made perpendicular to the workpiece. These kinds of cuts are made along the width of your board. To make this cut, we recommend that you use a blade with a high tooth count.
Wrapping things up
We assure you that this article will help you with all the details you need to know about a double bevel miter saw.
A double bevel miter saw has a lot of functionality compared to a single bevel miter saw or even compound miter saws.
Using a dual bevel miter saw can be both fun and a bit of a challenge for beginners. However, it has greater functionality and versatility. You can perform different tasks in quick succession with this tool.
With this, we reach the end of our article on “what is a dual bevel miter saw”.
Do reach out to us and tell us about your experience.