Miter Saw

A miter saw is a stationary saw that swings a circular blade down through stock held against a fence, cutting precise crosscuts and angles. It is the accuracy benchmark for trim, framing, and any repeated angle cut.

Models

10–12 in (most common sizes)

Blade diameter

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

How it works

The blade and motor pivot on a hinged arm above a rotating table; the operator sets the miter angle on the table and, on compound saws, tilts the head for a bevel. Sliding models add rails so the head can pull through wide boards. Stock stays fixed against the fence while the blade comes down through it, which is what makes the cuts repeatable.

Types & variants

Compound miter saws: Fixed-head saws cutting miters and bevels for trim and framing.
Sliding compound saws: Rail-mounted heads that extend crosscut capacity for wide boards.
Dual-bevel saws: Heads tilting both directions so crown work needs no flipping.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Blade diameter	10–12 in (most common sizes)	Larger blades cut taller and wider stock in one pass.
Miter range	0–52 degrees	Covers the angles needed for corners, including out-of-square walls.
Bevel range	0–47 degrees	Tilting the blade handles compound cuts for crown and sloped work.

How the industry sizes it

The class bands by blade diameter. 10 in saws handle trim, base, and crosscuts up to about a 2×6, light enough to carry room to room. 12 in saws, usually sliding, crosscut a 2×12 or a 12 in wide board in one pull.

Applications

Baseboard, casing, and crown moulding cuts
Framing lumber crosscuts and repetitive length stops
Deck boards, rails, and fascia
Door, window, and stair trim fitting

Safety & operation

Hands stay outside the marked no-hands zone beside the fence; small offcuts are never plucked while the blade spins.
Let the blade reach full speed before contact and stay down until it stops after the cut on sliding saws.
Long stock must be supported level with the table so it cannot pinch the blade mid-cut.

Standards & certifications

OSHA · 29 CFR 1926.304: Woodworking tool guarding and operating requirements.
UL · UL 62841-3-9: Safety standard for hand-held and transportable motor-operated electric tools, miter saws.

Frequently asked

What blade size covers general trim work?

A 10 in saw handles trim, base, and crosscuts up to about a 2×6. A 12 in saw adds capacity for wide crown and deep base in one pass.

Sliding or fixed head?

Sliding rails roughly double crosscut width for shelving and decking, at more weight and bench depth; fixed heads stay lighter and stiffer for pure trim work.

Why are cuts coming out slightly off square?

Usual suspects are a mis-set detent, debris behind the fence, or stock lifting during the cut. A square check against the fence and blade solves most drift.