As a novice, it may be a challenging hurdle when deciding on which type of miter saw to go for.
You might be asking what is the most suitable between a sliding miter saw and a non-sliding miter saw.
What are the advantages of a sliding miter saw?
The two types of miter saws have many similarities. However, the sliding mitre saws tend to be more superior due to their large cutting capacity suitable for enhanced productivity.
These robust sliding miter saws are categorized as the kings of power miter saws and are highly recognized by renowned woodwork experts, contractors, and those who indulge in large scale woodworking duties.
For accurate and precise bevel crosscuts, sliding mitre saws are ideal for professional frames and cabinet making.
Although they are extremely expensive compared to the conventional miter saws, they will definitely give you value for money due to their robust features and enlarged cutting ability; thus, you will be able to do many tasks with less hassle time.
Sliding miter saws are ideal for longer pieces of wood thanks to their blade traveling in a sliding motion.
What makes the sliding miter saw to stand out is its sliding versatility making it perfect for accurate cutting of larger boards, which may be challenging to do with their non-sliding counterparts.
The seamless backward and forward sliding of the blades on the rail makes it possible to cut wooden boards ranging from 12 inches to 16 inches.
If you work on tough and challenging woodwork projects, you should consider purchasing this robust power tool.
This piece will give you deeper insight of a sliding miter saw.
Let’s dive in
Sliding Miter Saw FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about sliding miter saws.
What is the difference between a miter saw and sliding miter saw?
A standard miter saw cuts in a downward motion, only. A sliding miter saw also does this but has rails that allow the blade to come down, then pushed through the material. This add capacity to the size of material you can cut.
Are sliding miter saws less accruate?
Typically no, a sliding miter saw is not less accurate that a non-sliding model. Though if the sliding rail develop an issue it could cause a problem that might decrease accuracy, this would be hard to notice.
Is it worth getting a sliding miter saw?
Sliding miter saws have more functionality, but come at a higher cost. Weight and size might also play into consideration. If you know you’ll need to cut wide boards, you’ll need a sliding miter saw.
Do I need a sliding miter saw if I have a table saw?
No, with a table saw, you will be able to make all cuts a miter saw (sliding or non-sliding) is able to. Miter saws are simply more convenient and faster for certain cuts.
Benefits of Sliding Miter Saws over Non-Sliding Saws
Using the non-sliding conventional miter saw may be a challenging task when working on tough carpentry projects especially that which requires precise cutting of thick and large pieces of boards.
However, working with an advanced sliding mitre saw with enhanced technological features, your task will be simplified. These robust power tools have been craftily engineered to be durable, strong, and efficient, enabling you to make accurate cuts for a clean and tidy job.
One of the convenient and impressive aspects of using a sliding miter saw for your woodwork duties is that you won’t need to constantly adjust the board or the saw angle, thanks to these power tools’ large capacity.
If you have a bigger working station and you are in the financial position to afford this miter saw type, then you should go for one.
Efficiency and high productivity is what you attain by the use of a sliding miter saw.
Unlike its non-sliding counterparts, this miter saw is designed for commercial and large scale woodwork projects. Its powerful features make it perfect for cutting wide and thick lumbers.
You will reap the great benefit of using these power tools instead of the non-sliding, which may be inefficient and time-consuming.
Most of the sliding mitre saws are equipped with a laser guide for more accurate and precise cuts. The laser beam acts as a direction that the carpenters follow to avoid errors and cut perfect cuts as intended.
Here’s a great video explaining the differences between sliding and non-sliding saws, and the many variations of both:
What should I look for when buying a sliding Mitre saw?
When buying a mitre saw, you should make sure that it is equipped with features that will yield maximum benefits and productivity. You can never go wrong with the sliding miter saws due to their superior features, which makes them the best in the market. To help you make a better decision between the sliding and non-sliding miter saws, here is more elaborate insight on what you gain using the sliding miter saw, which you may not achieve with the non-sliding miter saw.
- Accurate and Precise Cutting of Boards and Woods with Longer Widthes
Woodwork experts globally recognize the special sliding miter saw due to its powerful features, making it perfect for cutting long lengths of lumber, boards, and ideal on thick woods. Its wide blade makes it possible to cut a wide range of woods with lengths ranging from 12 inches to 16 inches.
A sliding miter saw is perfect for all types of woods, unlike its non-sliding counterparts. No one would like to go for a miter saw with inferior features and capabilities, which is why the popularity of state of the art sliding miter saws keeps rising.
- The Rails or Sliding Element
One of the features that make a sliding miter saw stand out is its gliding element. The blade of this durable power tool is designed so it can slide back and forth along a rail. This feature greatly improves this tool’s versatility, making it perfect for precise cutting of woods with long lengths, unlike the non-sliding miter saws.
The sliding miter saw’s gliding element makes it ideal for tough woodworking projects as much work can be done within a short period with less manpower. It may be hard to undertake heavy woodwork duties with the conventional non-sliding miter saw as they have a limited cutting capacity making it impossible to cut woods lengthwise.
- Bevel Adjustment Features
For carpenters and woodwork professionals who make a lot of bevel style cuts, the sliding mitre saw will certainly help. A sliding miter saw is ideal for making angle cuts.
They are designed so that they are easy to adjust depending on the angle cut you want to make; thus, they are ideal for making door frames and angling of pergola rafters, among many other important carpentry works. Such tasks may be difficult to accomplish with the standard non-sliding miter saw.
- Easy and Efficient to Use
The sliding miter saw has been built to increase efficiency while working on your woodwork duties due to its improved features. Although this power tool is complex, it is relatively easy to use thanks to its gliding element, which makes it efficient for cutting woods with various lengths.
The sliding miter saw is ideal for both beginners and experts.
- Value for Money
Although sliding miter saws are relatively expensive compared to their non-sliding counterparts, they are worth every penny. These vital power tools are equipped with modern technological features for faster and accurate cutting of woods, thus increasing productivity. A sliding compound miter saw is built for those who go for quality over cost.
Having highlighted the benefits of the sliding miter saw, the ultimate decision for which saw to purchase depends on whether you want it for domestic or commercial purposes. The sliding miter saw is ideal for wood professionals who undertake large scale and tough woodwork duties.
Although it is costly, it will give you value for your money due to its advanced specifications, designed to offer your maximum productivity. On the other hand, it would not be a good idea to purchase when for once in a while home improvement projects.
However, if you do not mind the cost and you have sufficient space, why not? Go for the sliding one.
