Having the right tools as a woodworker is always the most significant achievement toward having a successful job. You need to ensure that you purchase one of the best tools that will last for long and can do vast of your job requirements. Though it is always easier in woodworking to know the best tool to purchase, it becomes difficult to differentiate between a chop saw and a miter saw. The two are powerful but slightly different in terms of functions. It would help if you learned what each can do and why you should choose one over the other to have a fantastic tool for the job. It may not be an easy decision, but in one way or another, you will have to choose either. In this article, we have highlighted the difference between the two and why one is better off the other.
What is the Difference Between a Chop Saw and a Miter Saw
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What is a Chop Saw
A chop saw is one of the most potent saws that is highly designed to cut even large amounts of metals. It was one kind of saw that is highly used in most of the largest industrial sectors and institutions. The saw has a round blade that is very sharp and has a base aimed at supporting the material that you are working on.
A chop saw is almost similar to a miter saw in terms of how they look and operate. If you are conversant with using a miter saw, it will be too easier to adapt the use of a chop saw as they are handled in the same manner. What differentiates the two is the chop saws criteria to cut the large metal size in a 90 degree. This is the most significant feature that makes it high in demand by a vast number of people.
Chop saw is also a powerful tool that always requires a pro to operate it correctly. If you decide to use it with no skills, it may easily be of negative impact to you. It can be used in a vast of places based on what you intend to cut. Be it metals or even firm wood designed to be used for various functions.
Chop saws come in various types allowing one to choose the best for their task. In most cases, chop saws are best in industrial since there is a need to cut metals in large sizes. With the miter saw, it can be used for commercial purposes and in any other place that requires a small amount of cutting.
Pros
- A massive power cut huge metals- If you are one of the woodworkers involved in cutting a considerable amount of metals or materials, chop saw is the best tool. It is the most efficient tool to cut metals into the desired shape and size. It is very sharp hence guarantees a high-quality result of the cuttings.
- They are speedy- Having one of the best blades, chop saw are very fast while cutting your materials. You need to consider purchasing this saw while you need urgent cuts.
- Cuts hard materials – In industrial sectors that cut hard materials, more so the metals and hardwoods chop saw is the best to use.
- Easy lumber feed- Unlike other saws, chop saw comes with a lumber feed that enables one to feed the machine efficiently. The lumber makes one’s hand free to feed the machine in the right way and work with the fast cuts with no risk involved.
Cons
- Very dangerous for unprofessional operators– With the chop saw, you are required to have a vast skill before you can think of operating the machine. Since it is compelling, any slight mistake can be fatal and can lead to injuries.
- Risky to use both hands- since the machine requires feeding the materials, it may be challenging to use both of your hands as you are putting them in a risky situation. You only need to use one of the hands to do the feeding.
- Hard to control while cutting angles- A chop saw is very powerful; hence it is challenging to cut angles as you will have to keep on twisting it. Its blades are very sharp and only allows you to cut on straight edges rather than angles. If you want to cut multiple angles, you should consider purchasing other types of saws.
What is a Miter Saw
A miter saw is a powerful machine that is much used to cut your materials and make them presentable to any client. It is designed to make several cuts in the woods based on every client’s requirements. You can cut an angle that will amaze you and it will be impeccable due to its sharpness. It also has a round blade that makes it suitable to cut angles on your materials.
With the miter saw, you can easily adjust it to make straight cuts like the chop saw, you can lock your blades at 90 degrees and it will work efficiently. A chop saw cannot be used as a miter saw since it is compelling and can overdo the miter saw tasks.
For all the small cuts in your commercial business, you should consider using the miter saw to ensure neatness in everything. If you want to make a renovation or improvement of your stationery, a miter saw is the best fit to do the job.
When you decide to buy a miter saw, you have to consider their types. There are several types of miter saw i.e: single bevel and dual bevel. So, Single vs Dual Bevel Miter Saw– which is the best? Don’t forget to check it.
Pros
- Best to cuts woods – with a miter saw, all your woods will be neat and presentable. Most woods need to be roughly cut to enhance their appearance, which miter saw has taken into place.
- Excellent cutting – if you are longing for one of the cleanest cuts, miter saw should be in the first line to ensure that your desire is addressed. Miter saw will give your cut one of the best looks.
- Low risk- unlike the chop saw, a miter saw is very safe to use as you will only need to hold it toward the fence where only the head will move. It can be used by any person, even those not profession in the job.
- Cut woods from different angles – with the miter saw you can easily make any angle cuts as the blades swivel. Purchase miter saw for all angles cuts that are neat.
Cons
- Unlike the chop saw, a miter saw is not suitable for a large amount of woods to cut a small amount of woods and aluminum.
- Not suitable for cutting metals- if your industry heavily depends on metals, a miter saw will not be the best to purchase. It would be best if you had the chop saw for the job.
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Which One is Better
The best saw among these two will depend on the functionality of both. You need to know what you aim to achieve to pick the best saw to fit your need.
If you aim to cut a considerable amount of metals for your industry, you should always have that the chop saw is the best for the job. It will be fast in cutting the metals and ensure that it is straight.
If you believe you want to cut a neat wood, then miter saw is the best fit for you. For the best straight cut, you need to use the miter saw as the best fit. Miter saw is the best to use on any finishing and also when there is a need for consistency.
Whatmore, do you have an idea how to cut baseboard inside corners with miter saw? Don’t forget to check it here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a chop saw and a miter saw the same thing?
No, they are two different saws with almost similar functions. The only difference is that chop saw is best for metals while miter saw is excellent for cutting of woods.
What is a chop saw well for?
Chop saw is best for cutting metals. It is also the best for cutting a considerable amount of materials for woodworking.
Can I use a miter saw as a chop saw?
Yes, a miter saw can perform some of the chop saw’s functions since it also has a sharp blade for cutting. With the chop saw, you can never use it as a miter saw since it is hazardous to the cutting of some materials.
What does a chop saw look like?
A chop saw has a sharp blade and appears like a grinding wheel. It resembles a huge cutting machine. It also has a motor and a cutting wheel with no cutting edge on it.
The Bottom Line
Purchasing the right saw is always the best decision to have the right work done on time. It would help if you considered what you are cutting before you can decide and purchase any saw. If you have been in the woodworking for long and knows how to use both, it will be upon you to decide the work you need to do. It is always advisable for the beginners to start with the miter saw to gain some experience in using saws.
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