Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by Barry Gray
A single bevel miter saw can only rotate to the left or the right, while a double bevel miter saw can move in both directions. While that difference may seem simple, the advantages and disadvantages of each are much more complicated.
Single and double bevel miter saws have important differences in weight, ease of use, number of uses, and price. Many people don’t know how to use each kind of saw, and what the key differences are.
What Is a Bevel Cut?
A bevel cut is an angled cut used to make joints and edges. In woodworking, you use bevel cuts to frame out a window, create a picture frame, or build a deck.
To make a bevel cut, you need to turn a blade so that it’s no longer pointing straight up and down. That requires specialized equipment, but it’s something that miter saws do especially well. The range of angles that you can turn your blade to is an important feature for people who plan on making a lot of bevel cuts.
Can Double and Single Bevel Miter Saws Make the Same Cuts?
Yes, in theory, both types of saws can make the same cuts. In reality, they are both better at certain cuts than others. A single bevel saw can only make bevel cuts in one direction. A double bevel saw can make bevel cuts in both directions.
That just means that certain bevel cuts will be easier with a double bevel miter saw than with a single bevel miter saw. If you make a lot of frames or moulding, or do other woodworking that requires many different bevel cuts, a double bevel miter saw might be worth it for you.
But if you only need to make the occasional bevel cut, the double bevel saw might not be worth it for you. That’s because single bevel miter saws can make all the same cuts, so they’re perfectly fine for many people. In fact, some people prefer the simplicity of a single bevel miter saw.
What Is a Single Bevel Miter Saw?
A single bevel miter saw has a head that can only rotate to the left or the right. You can’t move it in both directions. That makes it more difficult to make certain bevel cuts.
A single bevel miter saw can only swing to a left-handed or right-handed bevel. When you select a saw, you must choose which direction you want it to swing towards if that’s important to you.
A single bevel miter saw is ideal for cutting wood, PVC, fiberglass, and non-ferrous metals. It’s good for framing out windows, cutting crown molding, and creating picture frames. A single bevel miter saw is less expensive than a double bevel miter saw. It’s also lighter, easier to use, and takes up less space. A single bevel miter saw is best for occasional use.
How Do You Use a Single Bevel Miter Saw?
Before you start, make sure the saw is unplugged and the blade is off. Make sure the wood you’re cutting is clean and dry. Use a push stick when cutting wood. Make sure the wood is stable when you cut it, and that you’re using the right blade.
Place the wood on the miter saw and line up your cut. When you make your cut, make sure to stabilize the wood as the saw arm goes down. Always make your cuts in a safe area. Make sure the blade doesn’t come in contact with any other object.
You may find that certain bevel cuts are more difficult to make with a single bevel miter saw. Although that may be true, it is ultimately possible to make any bevel cut with a single bevel saw. Make sure to keep track of how many of your cuts are difficult though–if it’s a significant amount, you may want to consider a double bevel saw.
How Expensive Are Single Bevel Miter Saws?
Single bevel miter saws vary widely in price. You can find basic models for less than $100. You can also find high-end saws for more than $800. These saws are usually portable, which means that they can be moved from job site to job site.
Part of what makes them less expensive is their smaller size, which makes them easier to maneuver. They also lack the complicated, pricey equipment that allows single bevel miter saws to move in both directions. Finally, the lower demand for single bevel miter saws also drives the price down.
How Heavy Are Single Bevel Miter Saws?
Single bevel miter saws weigh between 22 and 34 pounds. A single bevel miter saw is somewhere between a table saw and a handheld jigsaw. They are mostly used on jobsites, but can be used as a shop tool as well.
They’re relatively easy to move from place to place, and their simple construction helps make sure they’re as lightweight as possible. However, if you look for an especially portable single bevel miter saw, you may end up making sacrifices on the size of the base and the power of your motor.
What Is a Double Bevel Miter Saw?
Double bevel miter saws can rotate in both directions. This means they can make all the same cuts as single bevel saws, but with much greater convenience. You can use the same saw for both bevel cuts and miter cuts.
Like a single bevel miter saw, a double bevel miter saw can be used for framing out windows, making crown molding, and creating picture frames. A double bevel miter saw is best for carpenters and contractors who cut a lot of materials. It’s especially useful if you find yourself making many different bevel cuts on a day-to-day basis.
How Do You Use a Double Bevel Miter Saw?
As with any other power tool, you should start by making sure the saw is unplugged and the blade is off. Make sure the wood you’re cutting is clean and dry. Make sure you’re using the right blade, and use a push stick to hold your wood when you’re cutting.
Make sure the blade doesn’t come in contact with any other object as you bring the saw arm down. You can use the saw to make bevel cuts in both directions. You can choose whether to make a bevel or miter cut based on what will work best for the job.
How Expensive Are Double Bevel Miter Saws?
Double bevel miter saws vary widely in price, but are generally more expensive then single bevel miter saws. You can find basic models for less than $300. You can also find high-end models for more than $1,000.
These saws are usually larger than single bevel miter saws. They have longer fences, which makes them easier to use. The largest saws are designed for two or three people working together. They are designed to be used in a shop.
Many double bevel miter saws are very powerful. They can cut through a variety of materials, such as steel, wood, and tile. They are ideal for almost any job. They may be overkill for a casual carpenter, but they are a great investment for someone who makes a lot of bevel cuts in both directions.
Conclusion
A bevel cut is a cut made with an angled blade. A single bevel miter saw can only make bevel cuts in one direction because it can only rotate to the left or the right. A double bevel miter saw can make left or right bevel cuts because it can rotate in both directions.
You should consider weight, price, and cutting features when you make your choice between a single bevel miter saw and a double bevel miter saw.
