A miter saw for metal is of great assistance when it comes to certain tasks since miter cutting allows you to set the angles precisely according to what you’re cutting.
Higher-level models with quality features, such as motorized miter saws, have safer movement systems and an electric saw that enables you to cut materials much faster. Keep reading to discover all the types of miter saws for metal that are available.
Best Miter Saws for Metal
- Virutex TM33w Miter Saw: The best professional miter saw of 2018.
- Einhell TH-SM 2131 Dual Miter Saw.
- Einhell TC-SM 2131 Dual Miter Saw: The best telescopic miter saw of 2019.
- Makita LH1040F Miter Saw.
- Makita LH1040F Miter Saw: The best miter saw with a table of 2019.
What Is a Miter Saw for Metal?
It’s a tool that belongs to the saw family. Its use is associated with cutting, and you can find more generic tools like the miter saw for metal or more specific ones depending on the type of alloy you want to cut, such as the miter saw for aluminum.
The precision of this type of saw is its hallmark. It doesn’t vary with your hand’s steadiness, making it essential for perfect and fine finishes.
What Are the Parts of a Miter Saw for Metal?
There are different models, but all share some common elements:
- Handle: Allows you to work safely and comfortably. Its mechanism enables you to raise and lower the cutting blade.
- Arm Release Button: Located on the arm, this button must be activated, in addition to squeezing the trigger on the handle, for the machine to operate.
- Protective Housing: The metal cutting miter saw is protected by a fixed housing on top and a movable one that opens as you cut the material.
- Fence: Pieces rest against it to hold them securely before making a cut. They can be adjustable or not.
- Cutting Table: The material is placed here to cut large pieces. The table’s capacity and the cutting capacity are directly proportional.
- Cutting Blade: The metal cutting blade for a miter saw must match the saw’s diameter and be properly maintained to ensure good work.
- Miter Adjustment: This device functions to set the cutting angle for miter cuts.
- Bevel Adjustment: Almost all miter saws allow you to cut bevels along with miters.
- Chip Extraction: It’s a hole where you can attach a bag or a vacuum cleaner to remove chips or sawdust.
- Support Stands: Extremely useful for supporting long pieces. They are usually removable based on your needs.
Types of Miter Saws for Metal
Depending on how they are used, metal cutting miter saws can be classified as manual or motorized:
Motorized Miter Saws An electric motor spins the blade and makes cuts with minimal effort. They are the most common in the market, and based on their technology, we can differentiate four types:
- Basic: The simplest model that allows you to work under the tool. It requires the piece you’re cutting to fit well.
- Telescopic: Allows you to cut wider materials.
- With Table: Incorporates a small table for working both above and below the tool.
- Telescopic with Table: Ideal for precision work, such as cutting skirting boards or trim. It combines the best features of each model.
Manual Miter Saws This is the traditional model, preceding the popular motorized miter saws and is hardly found in the market anymore. Only those doing small jobs that don’t require a significant investment opt for them.
They work similarly to a common saw, with the difference that the miter saw is attached to a base to hold the workpiece. Even though it’s cut manually, the base’s support ensures a better and more precise finish than a saw blade without a base.
Models of Miter Saws for Metal
If you’re thinking about buying a miter saw for metal, we’ll show you the ones most highly rated by users so you can purchase one with good references that suits your needs:
According to user ratings, the favorite model is the Makita LH1200FL. It has a power of 1650 watts, can cut any type of material, and offers high-quality angle cuts. The only drawback you might encounter is the initial investment, but the quality of work it delivers makes it a worthwhile and satisfying investment.
The Einhell TE-SM 2131 also allows you to cut various materials and has a power of 1600 watts, along with a good cutting angle. It’s another excellent option if you’re considering purchasing a miter saw for metal.
Differences Between Miter Saws for Metal and Miter Saws for Wood
The main difference lies in the cutting blade. Abrasive blades are used to cut metal, and their shape and shaft are different from those for wood.
In both cases, it’s essential to ensure the mechanism is locked for safety when necessary, and a laser guide helps make precise and straight cuts.
A metal miter saw must have protection against sparks generated when metal bodies rub against each other, while for a wood miter saw, it’s advisable to get a dust vacuum.
To work with both wood and metal, the best recommendation is to purchase a miter saw that allows you to work with both materials safely and precisely. In some models, you can use the same blade, while in others, you can swap them.
You might then wonder, “Can I use a wood miter saw with a metal cutting blade?” Many people ask themselves this question.
The truth is that some tools have multiple uses and can be adapted for each of them. However, in the end, a machine specialized in one material will be much more reliable than one that serves very different materials.
Most miter saws are specific, designed and calculated by industrial engineers and technicians to withstand the stresses of proper use, depending on the materials they are intended for. Each one has different calculations for motor power and speed, different designs and materials, etc.
So, if you’re looking to work with metal, it’s best to buy a miter saw for metal directly to avoid issues like damaging the machine through improper use and putting yourself in danger.
But if you still want to buy a miter saw for both metal and wood, make sure the blade you purchase is specific to each material and securely fits the machine.
Safety When Using a Miter Saw for Metal
Regardless of the type of miter saw you’re working with, it’s essential to take some basic safety measures:
- Use basic protection such as goggles, masks, earplugs, or gloves to minimize the impact of dust generated during cutting.
- Wear appropriate work clothing with narrow sleeves and pay attention to necklaces, bracelets, or watches to avoid potential entanglements.
- Ensure the work surface is firm and well-lit.
- Unplug the machine before handling any part of it or the cutting blade.
- Adjust the blade for the material you’re cutting.
- Do not remove the blade guards, as they are crucial.
Conclusion
We hope the information we’ve provided has been useful in clarifying the types and models of miter saws for metal that exist, as well as the differences compared to miter saws for wood.