If you are in the market looking for power tools, you may have come across various miter saws like a single bevel, compound, sliding, or dual bevel miter saw. While these terms may confuse you at first, it becomes easy to identify the type of miter saw once you understand the terminology.
An ideal option out of these miter saws is a dual bevel miter saw, but what is a dual-bevel miter saw?
Let’s discuss this particular type of miter saw and some other types of miter saws you may find in the market, to help you understand the differences and what each miter saw is made for.
But first…
What Exactly Is a Miter Saw?
A miter saw is a power tool used by professionals, woodworkers, DIYers, and enthusiasts to make accurate crosscuts in materials quickly. However, unlike a typical saw, miter saws are special because they can make very precise angular cuts like bevel cuts and/or miter cuts, hence its name.
This feature makes the miter saw an almost essential power tool for any woodworker who wants to create multiple angular cuts for their project. It allows them to easily make wooden frames or structures that turn 90-degrees at the edge.
That being said, there are various types of miter saws, including dual bevel miter saws.
What is a Dual Bevel Miter Saw?
A dual bevel miter saw, also known as a double bevel miter saw, is a miter saw capable of tilting the blade in both directions, left and right. These tilts allow you to make angled cuts in both directions, saving you time and energy by adding more convenience and flexibility to your project.
It can be very helpful when you need a lot of miter and bevel cuts in a project because it allows you to nearly half the time it would take to make these cuts using a regular single bevel miter saw. Speaking of single bevel miter saws, in comparison, these are miter saws that only tilt in one direction and, therefore, only make bevel cuts in one direction.
While they are also effective, they are the most basic miter saw, starting at a much lower price point than a dual bevel miter saw. Since dual bevel miter saws are more advanced and expensive, they may come with more features and functions than a single bevel miter saw.
Here are a few examples of some of the most highly-rated dual bevel miter saws in the market.
- Evolution Power Tools R255SMSDB 10″ Multi-Material Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Metabo HPT 10-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw, Adjustable Laser Guide, Double Bevel, Electronic Speed Control, 12 Amp Motor, Electric Brake (C10FSHS)
- JET JMS-10X, 10-Inch Sliding Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw (707210)
- BOSCH CM10GD Compact Miter Saw – 15 Amp Corded 10 Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw with 60-Tooth Carbide Saw Blade
You may notice that some of these miter saws are also “sliding” or “compound” miter saws. But what exactly do these terms mean, and what functions do they bring to a miter saw?
Other Terms and Types of Miter Saws
So far, we have covered two types of miter saws, dual bevel, and single bevel miter saws. There are two other types that bring added functionality to a miter saw, and they can both be available in single bevel and dual bevel variants.
“Compound” Miter Saws
Compound miter saws are usually the basic single bevel miter saws, marketed as “single bevel compound miter saws.” However, as mentioned previously, there are also dual bevel compound miter saws.
The term “compound” indicates that the miter saws can make both bevel cuts and miter cuts separately and simultaneously. Single bevel compound miter saws can only cut in one direction, whereas dual bevel compound saws can cut in both.
Here are a few examples of some of the most basic, inexpensive single-bevel compound saws available for sale.
- Metabo HPT 10-Inch Miter Saw | Single Bevel | Compound | 15-Amp Motor | C10FCGS
- Genesis GMS1015LC 15-Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw with Laser Guide and 9 Positive Miter Stops
- DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715)
While these miter saws can be useful, they do not offer the added features and full functionality you would expect from a dual bevel miter saw.
“Sliding” Miter Saws
Sliding miter saws add immense functionality to a miter saw. The term “sliding” indicates that the miter saw comes with a sliding blade, which can be extended to increase the width of the cuts being made to the material on the miter saw.
Sliding miter saws often reduce the need for more expensive power tools like a table saw, because you can cut much wider boards than typical miter saws. However, there will always be wider boards that may require a table saw.
Still, the sliding function offers added versatility to a miter saw. You can find both single bevel and dual bevel sliding miter saws, but because this function increases the price of the miter saw significantly, it is usually offered with the more expensive dual bevel miter saws.
Here are a few examples of the most highly-rated sliding miter saws in the market.
- CRAFTSMAN V20 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Miter Saw Kit, Cordless (CMCS714M1)
- Skil 10″ Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saw – MS6305-00
Sliding miter saws are great for all types of users because they offer a unique function that may save them money on more expensive power tools such as a table saw.
Our Final Thought
By now, you should have a good answer to the question “what is a dual bevel miter saw?” and how it is different from other types of miter saws. When shopping for a miter saw, the mentioned terms and their functions will help you find the right miter saw for your needs.
While single bevel compound miter saws, like the DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715), are great value for money for the average DIYer or enthusiast, they lack the versatility you get from a dual bevel miter saw.
Moreover, having a sliding function can be very useful and cost-effective for the right woodworker. Due to these reasons, we recommend a dual bevel sliding miter saw like the BOSCH CM10GD Compact Miter Saw – 15 Amp Corded 10 Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw with 60-Tooth Carbide Saw Blade.
It may cost you a little more, but the added features, functions, and high-quality performance you get is well worth every penny.
To learn more about dual bevel miter saws, other power tools, or our expert reviews and comparisons of various power tools and power tool brands, visit the rest of our website.
