It is commonly used for cutting of molding and trim. Most miter saws are relatively small and portable, with common blade sizes ranging from 200 to 300 mm (8 to 12 in). The power miter saw was invented by Ed Niehaus, the Chief Engineer in the Power Tool Division for Rockwell International, in 1964.

Why was the miter saw invented?

Essentially, the company claimed that they were looking for a tool that could effectively crosscut and miter a 3×4 object. It was also required to be able to miter a piece of standard crown molding efficiently. Niehaus said that he saw an idea sketch, in which he was shown the movement of the saw.

Where was the first miter saw made?

Designed the first power miter saw for Rockwell in 1964.

Early in 1964, Rockwell Manufacturing Co. gave one of its tool design engineers a unique challenge: create a whole new tool category. The project fell to Ed Niehaus, who worked in the company's Pittsburgh facility.

When was the chop saw invented?

Invented by Raymond DeWalt in 1922, the radial arm saw was the primary tool used for cutting long pieces of stock to length until the introduction of the power miter saw in the 1970s.

What is the difference between a Mitre saw and a circular saw?

In case of a miter saw the cutting blade is dropped from above the work-piece to make the cut, whereas on a circular saw the blade is fed against the work along a straight path. Likewise, they have a bed that is used to hold the wood (or whatever else is being cut) in place.

What is a Miter Saw used for?

36 related questions found

Can you use a miter saw to cut plywood?

Cutting Plywood With a Handsaw

A miter handsaw has a stiffer blade and will help if you're making smaller cuts. For longer cuts that need to be straight, consider using a stiff board as a jig to guide your saw blade. ... For straighter cuts, only cut on the push motion of the saw and don't cut on the pull motion.

Can you cut a 2x4 with a miter saw?

The bigger the blade, the deeper and wider its maximum cut. Typically, a 10-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 6 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 4 at 45 degrees; a 12-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 8 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 6 at 45 degrees. ... The sliding action can cut even wider boards.

Can miter saws cut straight?

Power miter saws are designed to make angled cuts for moulding, trim work, rafters and other general carpentry applications. The saws also make straight crosscuts and, when equipped with the right blade, the versatility of a miter saw is an important part of a tool arsenal for professional carpenters as well as DIYers.

Who makes Craftsman radial saws?

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Emerson Tool Co. is recalling about 3.7 million Craftsman radial arm saws for repair.

Are radial arm saws still made?

There is but a single U.S. company still making the radial arm saw: the Original Saw Co. of Britt, Iowa. Two Italian-made models, manufactured by Maggi and Omga, are imported by U.S. distributors, but annual sales are measured in the hundreds, not the thousands.

What are the three basic types of miter saws?

Table of contents

• Sliding Miter Saw.
• Compound Miter Saw.
• Compound Sliding Miter Saw.
• Dual Compound Sliding Miter Saw.

How much does a miter saw cost?

A basic compound miter saw starts at $100, while miter saws with sliding blades start at $125. Dual-bevel miter saws start at $200, and professional-level miter saws with special features can cost as much as $800.

What is the purpose of a miter saw?

A miter saw is a specialized tool that lets you make cuts at a variety of angles. The saw has a blade mounted on a swing arm that pivots left or right to produce angled cuts. You can use a miter saw to quickly make cuts for crown moulding, picture frames, door frames, window casings and more.

What is the backstop of the miter saw called?

A miter saw in its earliest form was composed of a back saw in a miter box, but in modern implementation consists of a powered circular saw that can be positioned at a variety of angles and lowered onto a board positioned against a backstop called the fence.

When did Craftsman stop making radial arm saws?

The brand name “Craftsman” and the store name “Sears” are written on the saws. Sears stores and catalogs sold the 8-, 9- and 10-inch saws from 1958 through 1992. The 8 1/4-inch saws were sold from 1990 through 1995.

What has replaced the radial-arm saw?

In short, sliding compound miter saws (the bigger cousins of the chop saw) have taken the place of the radial-arm saw. With a blade diameter as large as 12 in., big cross-cut capacities, and an ever-growing number of do-dads and whiz-bang features, these tools have many benefits over their predecessors.

What saw to buy first?

A jigsaw is great for cutting curves and shapes, and it can also be used with a guide to make straight cuts, which is why this is the first power saw you should own. Unless you plan to rip long sheets of plywood, a jigsaw is preferable over a circular saw.

Can I use a circular saw as a miter saw?

You can make crisp, accurate bevel or miter cuts with a circular saw but it's tricky. The blade guard can stick, making it tough to get started. And because the blade is angled, it's more difficult to follow a line accurately without twisting the saw and possibly binding the blade.

Are miter saws worth it?

Miter saws are a valuable tool for the DIYer, and a must-have tool for a fully functioning workshop. They are designed to quickly cut crown molding, door frames, window casings, and picture frames. Miter saws can also make straight cuts for general do-it-yourself woodworking projects.

Can a miter saw cut a 6x6?

The geometry that makes it a wide, flat cutter works against it with a taller block. No saw could cut through a 4x4 at a 45-degree bevel angle, nor could any cross-cut a 6x6. The capacities in the specs (page 36) are based on the widest and thickest pieces that could be cut laying flat.

How thick of wood can a 10 miter saw cut?

A saw with a 10-inch blade makes right-angle cuts across a board 5 1/2 inches wide, sufficient for two-by-six lumber. The same 10-inch saw will cut a two-by-four at a 45-degree angle. Manufacturers also make 12-inch versions, which have a maximum cut of about 7 1/2 inches, wide enough for two-by-eights.

How deep can Mitre saws cut?

Specification: Maximum cutting width 90°/45°: 305 mm/205 mm. Maximum cutting depth at 90°/45°: 65 mm/36 mm. Saw blade tilt left/right: 47°/2°