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Chop saws and miters saws belong in the same toolbox and it can be quite hard to determine which is which as they both look similar. Both of these types of saws are tabletop or stand-alone tools that have a vertically-oriented spinning saw.
These kinds of saws will be used when you pull down on the pivoting arm so the blade can cut through a range of different materials. In some cases, it is possible to use a chop saw and a miter saw interchangeably. However, there are some significant differences between the two that you need to be aware of.
Chop Saw and Miter Saw Differences
About Chop Saws
Chop saws are incredibly powerful tools, and they can be used to cut through just about anything. These kinds of saws tend to be larger and have more power than a miter saw, so they will be better suited to tougher jobs. They can be used to cut through a range of tough materials, including pipe, steel, and various other metals. As they are incredibly powerful, chop saws are also highly versatile and can be used for multiple different needs.
However, it is essential to note that chop saws can also be very dangerous because they are so powerful. They are not suitable for beginners and those who have no experience in power tools. They will also require some protective equipment before use. Chop saws have a powerful, abrasive disc rather than a blade with teeth that it uses to cut through materials. This disc is high-speed and precise, which is why it is an excellent option for a range of different jobs.
These kinds of saw typically generate a lot of sparks because they are so powerful. They will not burn your skin or clothes, but you still need to wear protective clothing during use. It is very important that you do not use a chop saw near anything flammable. A significant difference between chop saws and miter saws is the fact that chop saws will only cut in 90-degree angles.
About Miter Saws
Although they might seem similar to an untrained eye, there are actually a lot of differences between a miter saw and a chop saw. Miter saws use a blade with teeth to cut, which is very different from the disc that is used on chop saws. Miter saws are also able to cut at angles. They can cut at 90-degree just like a chop saw, but they can also do other angles, bevels, and compound cuts depending on your needs.
These kinds of saws are ideal for smaller tasks, such as cutting out picture frames, trimming out windows or doors, and putting in moldings. This is because they can cut at precise angles and bevels, but they can only be used on wood. Miter saws are ideal for detailed and controlled work as long as you are using wood. They do not produce a lot of sparks as a chop saw, so they can be used in more locations.
You still need to keep yourself protected when using a miter saw as they can be dangerous. But chop saws are considerably more powerful and therefore more of a threat. Essentially, a miter saw is a specialized power tool as it can only be used for specific chores.
What’s The Difference?
As you can see, a chop saw is significantly more powerful and versatile than a miter saw. This is because chop saws use a powerful rotating disc that can cut through a range of materials, including metals. However, chop saws can only cut at 90-degree angles so it can be hard to do any precise work with them. Miter saws can be used for various different angles and bevels, making them ideal for detail work. This is only the case if you are using wood.
These are some significant differences between chop saws and miter saws that are important to understand.
