Miter saw with broach: how to choose a quality tool
Miter saw with broach: how to choose a high-quality and durable tool
Very often, when performing finishing work, it is necessary to carry out diagonal cutting of the material with high accuracy. A special tool should be used for these purposes. It is the miter saw with a broach that is able to accurately and quickly cut the product at any tilt and angle. The features of the tool selection and its main advantages are described in detail in this article.
With the help of a miter saw, it is possible to perform diagonal cutting of the material with high cut accuracy
What is a miter saw on wood. Purpose of the tool
A miter saw, a pendulum saw for wood and metal, or a corner cutter is a stationary cutting highly specialized tool that is used to cut materials at a certain angle. This possibility is provided by a turntable and a movable working part with a disk above the bed. The miter saw can process narrow wooden products in the form of slats, bars and boards. It can also be used for cutting hardboard, laminate and OSB. The tool copes well with cutting plastic, aluminum profile and molded polyurethane decor.
A wood miter saw is used to cut the material at a certain angle
Due to the high speed, accuracy and ease of operation, the end saw has a wide range of applications. It is used for carpentry, installation and finishing works related to the use of wooden products. The tool is indispensable in furniture workshops, where it is necessary to perform accurate and high-quality cutting of products.
There are universal tools that perform metal cutting. Thanks to a special disk, metal products made of steel, iron and cast profiles are cut using the tool. Such metal end saws are widely used in enterprises that manufacture window frames from a metal-plastic profile.
Important! You cannot install a diamond or abrasive wheel on the tool instead of a saw blade.
The technical documentation of each specific model specifies the maximum parameters of the product that the tool can handle. Miter saws of small sizes carry out cutting of products up to 60 mm thick. A medium-sized tool will cope with workpieces with a thickness of 70-80 mm. Large-sized saws are used for processing products with a thickness of 100 mm or more.
Modern models of end saws with a broach meet high safety standards
Important! End saws cannot be used for processing products made of stone, ceramics and ferrous metals.
Miter saw with broach: design features of the tool
The end saw for wood has a fairly simple design, which includes a saw blade, a motor with a gearbox, a base and a handle with a start button. The motor for the saw can be collector or asynchronous. The first option carries out a larger number of revolutions, does not require regular maintenance, but requires only periodic brush changes. And the second one works much quieter and is more durable. In the classic version of the device, the motor is located to the right relative to the disk. However, there are improved models where it is placed at the back, which increases the viewing angle during cutting, thereby being more convenient to work with.
The rotation of the saw blade is carried out due to the operation of the motor, which transmits a gear or belt drive through a gearbox. During operation in first gear, the possibility of slipping of the product is eliminated even at high engine loads. The second gear provides less noise and reduces disc vibration. And this has a positive effect on the quality of work and on the service life of the tool. However, in such devices, the belt quickly wears out, which can also slip off with a sharp change of speed. There are more reliable and durable models that differ in direct transmission. However, their torque is significantly lower than analogues.
The device of an end saw with a broach
To expand the capabilities of a conventional end saw, a broaching mechanism can be built into it. In this case, an ordinary saw turns into a wood-cutting machine. In such models, the functional module is mounted on two rails that are located parallel to each other. This design allows the saw blade to move freely during cutting, which allows you to cut wider products.
The functional module is fixed on the frame. This base is a movable round part that can move when the angle and stop are set. The frame for the miter saw is usually made of magnesium or aluminum alloys. The design of the saw includes a protective casing, which is put on the circle during the downtime of the device to avoid injury.
Rack, saw table and additional stops
One of the main and complex elements of the angle cutter on wood is a saw table. On the one hand, a rack is attached to it, on the other hand, a disk moves above the neck. Saws with a broach have a much longer neck. At the end of the device there is a clamping handle, which serves to fix the table relative to the base, and a pressure lock used to quickly adjust the most running angles.
A table for an end saw can be purchased at a specialized store or made with your own hand
On the table and the rack there are angle scales on which the angles of rotation and inclination are indicated. The table can be rotated in both directions from 0 to 45 degrees. And it can be securely fixed in the selected direction using a special slot with a latch.
The rack can be immovable or with a 45 degree tilt to the left. A tool with a tilt of the rack to the right is extremely rare, which is explained by the need to significantly complicate the design of the saw. In addition to the basic graduations, several special ones can be provided, which make it possible to choose the optimal angle for cutting skirting boards and moldings.
For reliable fixation of workpieces of any size, built-in clamps and various stops are used. When working with long products with the help of folding or extendable stands, which are located on both sides of the frame, it is possible to expand the dimensions of the base. Such additional stops are usually included in the kit of the miter saw. They are represented by U-shaped steel rods bent up to the level of the table.
Clamps and stops are used to securely fix the material during the operation of the saw
There are more complex designs of bases with cast supports, which are fixed relative to the support with wing screws. Many manufacturers equip miter saws, the price of which will not be much higher than classical tools, with separate racks or special tables. They can be placed at a certain distance from the tool, depending on the length of the products.
Basic and additional options of the miter
All devices are equipped with a smooth start, which allows you to lock the mechanism during the replacement of the circle, and accordingly stop the engine. All models of miter saws have protection against the breakdown of the housing by electricity.
The classical design of the miter saws does not provide for the presence of electronic elements. However, there are models, usually miter saws for metal, which are equipped with an electronic speed control function. Thanks to this function, more precise control over the process of work is provided. It also becomes possible to set up equipment for cutting various materials.
A miter saw with a certain saw wheel can be used for cutting skirting boards and laminate
Useful advice! For cutting hard wood, it is advisable to use a saw with electronic engine speed control.
New models are being produced in which it is possible to set a certain stable number of revolutions. This is advisable when it is necessary to perform several blanks in a short time. After all, with a strong pressure, the speed of the device decreases. At this time, thanks to the electronic controller, a certain speed range is set, which allows you to get a smooth and fast cut.
Another useful but expensive feature that increases the cost of the tool is laser aiming. It can be powered from the mains or from a battery. In the first case, a switch is located next to the handle on the tool body. The beam lays a cutting line, which is especially valuable for an inexperienced craftsman who has not developed intuitive cutting skills with a miter saw. The end face can also be equipped with a powerful LED backlight, which is placed behind the disc. When it is turned on, the shadow from the disk falls on the workpiece, forming a kind of illumination.
Some models of miter saws are equipped with a laser pointer for precise cutting of the material
When the tool is working, a large amount of wood dust and sawdust is formed. To prevent their spread throughout the room, some models are equipped with a nozzle for connecting a vacuum cleaner, through which garbage is removed directly from the place of its formation. Modern models provide for the expansion of the countertop by 50 cm or more, which allows you to work with long products, such as laminate.
The main criteria for choosing a miter saw for wood with a broach
Before choosing a miter saw, you should study its basic parameters. The main criterion is the purpose of the tool. If the use of the saw is planned in fairly rare cases for domestic purposes, then it is enough to buy an end saw with a standard set of functions. For frequent use of the tool for cutting blanks of various widths, it is advisable to purchase a universal miter saw with a broach, which expands the range of possibilities of the tool. It is the broaching function that is used to work with a material of a fairly large thickness and allows you to increase the width of the cut, the indicator of which is not very large for conventional models, which in turn expands the functional range of the tool.
Useful advice! In the case of a single or rare use of the tool, you can make a mobile and collapsible miter saw with your own hands from a conventional grinder and improvised tools and materials.
The saw table can be purchased complete with a miter saw, which not only makes it convenient to work with the tool, but also increases the level of safety, since the fasteners are specially designed and tailored to a specific model
The next criterion is the security of the device. Despite the cost of the tool in its design, a protective casing and an option to block the accidental start of the device must be provided. When choosing a tool, it is necessary to take into account its dimensions and weight. It should be mobile and ergonomic so that working with the saw is as comfortable and easy as possible in certain conditions. To work at height, it is advisable to use a small and lightweight tool, which will not necessarily have less power than a large-sized heavy end saw.
Important! Professional models are more powerful, which is reflected in the weight and dimensions of the device.
The width and depth of the cut determines the purpose of the tool, namely, indicates that it can be processed. For high-quality work, you should choose a saw blade with a diameter of at least 20 cm. The higher this indicator is, the easier it is to work with the tool. When choosing a specific model, the quality of the material from which the rotary block and the bed are made should be taken into account.
For permanent and industrial use, professional end saws should be chosen
Choosing a saw blade for a miter saw
The quality of the cut depends on the characteristics of the end saw and the cutting part. Saw blades are distinguished:
- according to the shape of the teeth;
- along the outer diameter;
- by the landing hole.
The landing hole or inner diameter of the disc is usually 3 cm. The value of the outer diameter can be 21, 25 or 30 mm. This indicator is indicated in the characteristics of the tool and on the front surface of the disc. When choosing the parameters of the cutting product, you should pay attention to the engine for which a specific disc size is selected. For powerful engines, it is impractical to use large disks. As a result, you can get a poor-quality and sloppy slice.
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The greater the value of the outer diameter, the more teeth are located on it, and therefore, the load on each of them is less. This suggests that larger disks have a longer period of operation. Discs with a small number of teeth should be used for longitudinal cutting, with a maximum – for transverse. On the surface of any disc, its marking, maximum rotation speed, direction of rotation and compatibility with the tool are indicated.
The saw blade must be selected coming from the power of the tool
Useful advice! For high-quality and long-lasting operation of the disk, the proportionality of its size and thickness must be observed. Otherwise, frequent breakdowns of the part are inevitable.
The design of the teeth of the disk for the end saw on wood
The quality of the processing of products is affected by the size, sharpening, geometry and material of the teeth of the disc. The smaller the size of the teeth, the better and neater the cut is obtained. This is especially important for laminate and varnished or painted wood. For rough processing, discs with a small number of large teeth can be used. They are used for cutting plywood and softwood.
On the saw blade you can find recommendations for its use
For the processing of plastic and composites, it is better to choose discs with trapezoidal teeth or with “triple chip” soldering. For hardwoods, it is advisable to use products with teeth with carbide solders made of tungsten carbide or cobalt alloy. For cutting chipboard, plywood and veneer, disks with ATV soldering are considered preferable.
Useful advice! To obtain a high-quality cut in valuable wood products, combined discs should be used, where several beveled teeth alternate with one stripped.
The geometry of the teeth indicates the nature of the cut. Depending on this, discs are distinguished for longitudinal, transverse cuts or for finishing and accurate processing. Some discs for long-term operation have thin slots and smooth lines, thanks to which the temperature deformation of the circle is compensated and the noise level during tool operation is reduced. The surface of the teeth should be smooth, without notches, and the edge should be sharp enough. The discs are made of heat-treated steel with composite surfacing.
Saw wheels for cutting must be selected based on the thickness and type of material
Power and number of revolutions
When choosing a saw, you should pay attention to its power and the speed of rotation of the cutting part of the tool. These parameters are closely related. The greater the power of the device, the higher the speed of the dust disk.
The service life of more powerful devices is slightly higher than that of analogues with a lower indicator. The standard power value is 1.6 kW. This value is quite enough to perform any kind of tasks. However, many modern models have a power of 1.8 kW. But this directly increases the weight of the unit and complicates the work with the tool. In addition, powerful models require proper wiring so that when the saw is working, there are no short circuits and there are no power outages.
The number of revolutions that the disk makes affects the quality of the cut. The higher this value, the neater and cleaner it will turn out. Modern models have a built-in function of adjusting the number of revolutions, which is convenient for processing a specific type of material.
The service life of professional models of miter saws is slightly higher than that of household devices
Rating of miter saws from well-known manufacturers
One of the important parameters when choosing an end saw is the trademark. Aggregates from different manufacturers may have the same characteristics while significantly differing from each other. This is due to the fact that each manufacturer uses different materials, its own technologies and assembly options. Depending on this, the price of the miter can vary significantly.
Also, the cost of the tool is affected by the fame and vocation of the manufacturer. It happens that professional models of little-known brands will cost on a par with the simple execution of equipment by a famous brand. Also, the price of a saw blade from a well-known manufacturer may be equal to the cost of an inexpensive end saw.
When choosing a tool, it should be borne in mind that budget models usually have a simple disk designed to work with soft wood. Universal disks are installed on high-level devices. Discs for working with solid wood, plastic and metal are usually purchased separately. Budget models can be used as training devices for work where high precision and cutting quality are not required. They are suitable for building a house or erecting a fence.
Miter saws from internationally recognized brands are more expensive than products of little-known firms
When a serious task is set before the device, which requires high accuracy and a level of performance, then it is better to purchase a more expensive miter saw. For continuous operation, preference should be given to high-quality professional equipment.
Among the well – known manufacturers of miter saws , the following brands can be distinguished:
- Bosch;
- Makita;
- Metabo;
- Hitachi;
- DeWalt.
Makita endings: an overview of tools of different classes
The first in the rating of manufacturers of miter saws is the company Makita. Construction tools from a world-famous manufacturer are characterized by an increased degree of safety and high quality of execution of each part. Due to the presence of the traction function in most models of the brand, it became possible to independently select the width of the cut.
The miter saw of the console type Makita LS1216
At the base of the tool there are two rods on which the surface is installed to accommodate the working unit. An example of such a small table with the basic equipment is the budget model of the Makita LS 0714. The tool can carry out oblique, inclined and combined cuts at an angle of up to 45 degrees. to the right. The engine power is 1 kW. The cost of a miter saw is about 25 thousand rubles.
Among professional miter saws, the model of the Makita LS 1216 can be distinguished. This is the best tool for carpentry workshops, which is designed for wood and plastic work, where high quality cutting is required. This is achieved thanks to the double guides that allow the saw to move evenly, ensuring a smooth cut. The engine power is 1.65 kW. The tool is capable of cutting with a depth of up to 107 mm and a width of up to 363 mm, which is the maximum for devices of this class. The cost of installation is on average 45 thousand rubles.
The disadvantages of a miter saw include a sufficiently large weight, which complicates the use of the tool as a portable one. It is better to use it as a stationary machine. The complete set of the saw does not include a laser pointer and backlight, but they can be purchased additionally. There is also no way to adjust the number of revolutions.
Professional model of a miter saw with a Makita LF 1000 table
Among the best universal miter saws, one can single out the professional model of the Makita LF 1000. Its design is complemented by special folding stands, which greatly simplify the work with the tool and expand the range of its capabilities. This tool is used for longitudinal, transverse, inclined and angular cutting of workpieces made of wood, aluminum and plastic. The engine power is 1.65 kW. It creates a high torque, which allows you to process solid materials. The model is also equipped with a speed adjustment function, which allows for high-quality cutting of material of any hardness. The price of the instrument averages 53 thousand rubles.
Bosch Miter Saws
Bosch has established itself as one of the leaders in the production of high-quality specialized tools. The miter saws of the world brand are equipped with a special circle, a bed, thanks to which you can adjust the cutting angle yourself. The most reliable and durable are the frames made of pure aluminum and magnesium alloy. Such circles not only provide a safe and convenient cut, but also have a small weight, which makes the saw mobile and convenient to work with.
The best Bosch miter in the category of budget tools is the Bosch PCM 7 model. This is a good option for a novice master or for infrequent performance of simple tasks. The working unit can be fixed on the table, which facilitates the work, making the cut more accurate and precise. The engine power is 1.1 kW. The model is equipped with a laser for more precise cutting. The miter saw has a small diameter disk, which limits the range of its capabilities. You can buy a miter for only 11.5 thousand rubles.
The model of the Bosch PCM miter saw belongs to the household series, but at the same time has a fairly high power
As a professional device, you can choose the Bosch GCM 8 SJL Professional miter saw. The model is equipped with a large number of settings, which allows you to set the required parameters for fast and high-quality cutting of wood and plastic products that have a decorative coating. The engine power is 1.6 kW. There is no rev adjustment function. A laser pointer is provided in the design for precise cutting. The tool is equipped with a reliable dust collecting system. The cost of the saw is 32 thousand rubles.
Metabo Miter Saws
Metabo end saws have a unique property. Here there is a possibility of arbitrary tilt and rotation of the disk. This allows you to perform work in hard-to-reach places without worrying about the quality of its performance. This possibility is carried out thanks to a special regulator, which is located near the desktop. Some models of this brand are equipped with special projectors that create a shadow from the disk. This function allows you to perform the cutting as accurately as possible.
One of the most popular models from the German manufacturer is the Metabo KGS 305 miter saw. The tool is equipped with a broach, a reliable support platform, a powerful 2 kW motor, convenient levers for adjustment. A disk with a diameter of 305 mm ensures high performance of the device. The maximum angle of inclination reaches 47 degrees, the angle of rotation is 60 degrees. The tool is able to perform a high-quality and accurate cut of products of any hardness. It is able to cope even with a wooden beam of 100×100 mm. You can buy a miter saw with a broach for 26 thousand rubles.
The end saws from the Metabo company have the possibility of arbitrary tilt and rotation of the disk
Another equally popular model with a broach is the miter saw Metabo KGS 216 M. The tool is ideal for a novice craftsman and belongs to the category of amateur devices. The miter saw is equipped with a bright LED and a laser guide. The power of the brush motor is 1.2 kW. The maximum cutting width is achieved at an angle of 45 degrees. and is equal to 205 mm . The price of the device is 19 thousand rubles.
Miter saws for metal and wood DeWalt
A professional range of miter saws is produced by DeWalt. The models of this brand are characterized by the presence of a unique XPC system, which allows projecting a disc shadow onto the product, thereby ensuring accurate and high-quality cutting of any material.
One of the popular models is a professional cutting saw for wood and metal DeWalt DWS 780. Rigid and stable construction makes the work convenient and safe. Due to the presence of a large disk with a diameter of 305 mm, it is possible to work with wide workpieces. The engine power is 1.65 kW. Thanks to the belt drive, a quieter operation of the saw is ensured. The device has the function of adjusting the speed, which allows for high-quality cutting of products of any hardness. Maximum cutting accuracy is provided by the built-in illumination, which, in comparison with a laser pointer, is not clogged with dust. The cost of the instrument is 53 thousand rubles.
The DeWalt DWS 780 wood and metal miter saw is a quieter device, unlike other brands of saws
Another combined metal and wood cutting saw is the DeWalt DW 717 XPS model. The design of the tool is thought out to the smallest detail. Here you can adjust not only the angle of the cut, but also set the required depth with an accuracy of up to a millimeter. This is especially important for furniture manufacturers and builders, where precise work on the processing of products is required. The engine power is 1.65 kW, which is the most acceptable when cutting solid wood, plastic and aluminum. To create a better cut, a rotation speed control system has been created in the device. The model is equipped with a cooling function that acts on the entire power unit. The price of a miter saw is 52 thousand rubles.
Other manufacturers of wood and metal endings
Interskol miter saws from a Russian manufacturer are characterized by a simple design, which consists of a base, a saw blade, an engine and a handle with a start button. To cut at a certain angle, you just need to turn the disk or table. The disk can be rotated both to the right and to the left.
A popular budget model is the Interskol PTK-216/1100 P miter saw, which is designed for efficient processing of workpieces made of different materials. Thanks to the saw blade with a diameter of 216 mm, it is possible to perform complex cuts at an angle of up to 45 degrees. both ways. The maximum cutting depth is 58 mm, the width is 133 mm. Thanks to the engine power of 1.1 kW and the disk rotation speed of 5000 rpm, a smooth and neat cut is created. For additional safety, the device is equipped with a braking system. The price of the saw is about 11 thousand rubles.
The Interskol PTK-216/1100 P miter saw model is capable of performing complex cuts at an angle of up to 45 degrees. both ways
Another popular electric saw for metal and wood is the universal model Interskol PTK 250/1500 with a power of 1.7 kW and a saw blade size of 255 mm. Thanks to the wide upper working table, the tool can be converted into a circular saw for cutting products up to 40 mm thick. The tool can perform not only through, but also blind cuts. The cost of the saw is 16.5 thousand rubles.
Miter saws from the Chinese manufacturer Hitachi are characterized by high accuracy of cross-cutting of wooden products at a given angle up to 45-47 degrees. The tool is widely used in the production of window frames, the installation of platbands and baseboards.
The most popular classic model is the Hitachi C10FCH2 miter saw. When cutting panels, skirting boards and profiles, it simultaneously performs the cutting of the edges of the products. The saw is equipped with a laser pointer and an electronic system for adjusting the cutting speed, which allows you to get a neat and even cut. To perform inclined, combined and angular cutting, the saw blade can only tilt to the left up to 48 degrees. the table can be rotated in both directions up to 52 degrees. You can buy a tool for 12 thousand rubles.
Important! This model is not used for working with metal.
The Hitachi C10FCH2 miter saw is used in the manufacture of window structures, as well as the installation of platbands and baseboards
Another budget option is the PIT miter saw. The tool has a fairly simple design and is characterized by easy operation. When making presets, the saw will cut the same type of parts at an angle of up to 45 degrees. in a matter of minutes. The cost of the instrument usually does not exceed 9 thousand rubles.
The choice of a miter saw is a very serious and responsible event. To choose a high-quality tool at an affordable price, you first need to decide what tasks it will perform. After that, you should carefully study the characteristics of the selected option and only then make a final decision.
