What kinds of cuts can I make with a slide compound miter saw?

When you discover all that you can accomplish with a slide compound miter saw, your mind will go into overdrive! The real excitement comes from being able to cut thicker and wider material (depending on blade size), to make compound miter cuts, and (depending on the tool) to make cuts from either the right- or left-hand side.

Basically, slide compound miter saws make four kinds of cuts: Square Crosscut, Miter, Bevel, and Compound Miter.

In a Square Crosscut, the board is cut 90 degrees to its length and 90 degrees to its width. This mode allows you to cut the maximum height and width of your material. It’s great for cutting dimensional lumber such as framing or decking material.

In a Miter cut, the board is cut at an angle other than 90 degrees to its length and 90 degrees to its width. Depending on your tool, the left or right miter could be greater than 45 degrees. It’s great for making picture frames.

In a Bevel cut, the board is cut 90 degrees to its length and at an angle other than 90 degrees to its width. Normally the cut is made from the left-hand side unless the unit is dual compound (it makes cuts from either the right- or left-hand sides). Also, depending on the tool, your degree of bevel cut could be more or less than 45 degrees. It’s great for cutting fascia boards, trim, etc.

Finally, in a Compound Miter cut, the board is cut at an angle other than 90 degrees to both its length and width. Unless you have a dual compound, the bevel cut will be restricted to the left side only. This cut works great for cutting crown moldings.

Copyright © 1997 & 2008 LAF/C.R.S., Inc. All rights reserved. The previous article,
in whole or in part, appeared in the November 1997 issue of Building & Remodeling News.

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