Difference between compound and double bevel miter saw

If you have a workshop, then you will most likely need a miter saw. They are designed to create items such as window casings, door frames, crown molding, picture frames, and the like. There are different types of miter saws which include the compound and double bevel.

Difference Between Compound and Double Bevel Miter Saw

Difference between compound and double bevel miter saw

The main difference between a compound vs double bevel miter saw is that the blade head of the compound type can be tilted only to one side whereas on the latter you can pivot the blade to either left or right to cut bevels. The advantage of a double bevel miter saw is that you can cut bevels at whatever angle you desire without having to remove the piece.

Before getting to the details, it pays to understand what the terms miter and bevel cuts mean. Basically, this type of saw can make what is known as a miter cut, which is an angled cut across the width of the material. You see this type of cut when you see two pieces of wood or material with a 45-degree angle that allows them to join up, such as with a picture frame.

A bevel cut goes through the thickness of the board at an angle. If you see a doorstop, then you will see a bevel cut. The miter and bevel cuts can be combined which is known as a compound cut.

Difference between compound and double bevel miter saw

Refer to our miter saw guide to see the different types of cuts you can do with this power saw.
Miter saws despite their similarities do have differences. Knowing what each one does will help you make the best-informed decision about which is right for your needs.

Compound Miter Saw

This is the most basic type of saw. A compound saw has a rotating table that lets you cut different miter angles, and it will tilt in a single direction which allows it to cut a bevel.

You can cut all sorts of miter and bevel cuts with this saw. The only limitation is that the blade head tilts only in one direction.

Difference between compound and double bevel miter saw

If you need to cut two different angles along width and thickness, such as if you are creating crown molding, then a compound mitre saw is a good choice.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Simplicity
  • More robust and precise
  • Affordable. Comparatively cheaper

Cons

  • Less versatile.
  • May need to turn over the material frequently.
  • Chances of error when cut from reverse side.

Double Bevel Miter Saw

A dual or double bevel miter saw is a compound miter saw that can tilt its blade head in both directions. That means the blade will tilt either left or right to do the bevel cuts.

Difference between compound and double bevel miter saw

Above: Metabo 12 -inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw – Click to See Price

Advantages of Double Bevel Saw: The double bevel miter saw blade offers the advantage of cutting bevels at any angle desired while keeping the work in place. While the compound miter saw is more limited, requiring you to remove and replace the work if you want to cut bevels at angles that otherwise cannot be accomplished.

Pros

  • Very versatile tool
  • Ability to cut bevels without reversing the work
  • Saves time

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Require more space.

There is also the sliding compound miter saw, which allows you to move your work either forwards or backward along the track. The result is that you can cut wider pieces of wood compared to standard saws.

Single Vs Double Bevel Miter Saw

First, a single bevel miter saw and a compound miter saw are the same power tool. It has a swivel base that can be rotated in both directions. But the blade can be tilted only in one direction; usually towards your left-hand side.

As you can see the key difference between the two types of saws lies in the ability to tilt the blade head.

Difference between compound and double bevel miter saw

Ability to Cut from the Same Side

On a single bevel miter saw, when you want to cut different bevel angles on both ends of a workpiece, you may need to flip the workpiece.

Certain materials such as plywood can have splinter problems at the bottom of the cut especially if the blade is dull. In such cases, you might want to make all the cuts from the same side of the sheet or board to keep the visible side clean. The dual bevel miter saw enables you to make compound cuts without turning over the workpiece.

The differences do not stop with the different angles for creating bevels. There are other differences that you should know as well.

Mobility

The single version is easier to move around because it weighs less and tends to be less bulky. If you are working on a job site, then the single version is probably the best bet since its lower weight and greater mobility make it simpler to transport.

Ease of Use

As expected, the single version requires less training to learn and use. The process is straightforward and quite intuitive when you want to make repeated cuts of the same angles.

However, it gets complicated when you want to cut different compound angles on both ends of the work. In such cases, the double bevel version makes it easy. This means that for the type of work it performs compared to the single bevel, it is a more complicated power saw.

Working Space

Imagine you are working indoor in tight spaces. The long crown molding needs bevels to be cut on both ends. With a single bevel model, you need sufficient working space on both sides of the saw to accommodate the length of the workpiece.

The double bevel saw, on the other hand, gives you the freedom to work with space only on one side to accommodate workpiece length.

Price

The single version is considerably less in cost. This makes it an attractive option, especially for those who are just getting started. The calculations will be different for those doing professional work.

Is a Double Bevel Miter Saw Worth the Cost?

Probably not for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners. Unless you are dedicated to your workshop and create items or serve your community, it is difficult to understand why spending the additional money will be worth obtaining a double bevel miter saw. Yes, it does make the work go somewhat faster, but not in a significant way if woodworking is a hobby.

The bottom line, it’s your money. If you are just getting started, then stay away from the double bevel version. Once your shop starts developing the need, then you can invest in a good double bevel type saw.

Miter Saw Buying Tips

If you are making the decision to purchase a miter saw but are unsure of which type of best for you, here are a few tips that will help you better make a decision when it comes to the right type of saw.

On the Cheap: If you only need to make a few cuts at a 45 or 90-degree angle and are quite limited in the cash department, then purchase a miter box instead and cut with a handsaw. Miter boxes are light, convenient, and do not require electricity to use. A typical miter box and saw set costs around $15 and is well worth it when you only need to make a few cuts.

10” or Less: Unless you are running a professional workshop, you should stick to a miter saw that is 10” or less depending on your needs. This is because the 12” versions are simply too large and expensive compared to the relatively small gain of the extra two inches. 10” is about right and offers better attributes when working with smaller items.
Additionally most table saws use 10-inch blades. So you can you the same blade on your miter saw and table saw to save money.

Portability: If you need to carry your miter saw and can live with a smaller size than 10”, there are cordless versions of 7 ½” that are available. They are small and limited, but for those who need to be on the move, you can use them in areas where larger versions are more difficult to set up.

Plus, because they are battery-powered, you do not have to worry about having a steady electrical supply. Simply charge up the battery and keep a spare or two on hand for extended work. Many of these portable versions use batteries that power other tools of their brand as well, making them even more versatile and convenient.

Compound or Double Bevel? Which Miter Saw is Best?

If price is no issue, then a dual compound sliding miter saw offers the greatest versatility. You can make longer cuts with fewer issues compared to any other type of miter saws.

A dual compound miter saw is the way to go if you want to cut wide boards, 4x4s, fence boards, etc.

It is more expensive, and you need more working space, but the results will be worth it if the money you spend is not that important.

Contents

  • Difference Between Compound and Double Bevel Miter Saw
  • Compound Miter Saw
    • Pros and Cons
  • Double Bevel Miter Saw
  • Single Vs Double Bevel Miter Saw
    • Ability to Cut from the Same Side
      • Mobility
      • Ease of Use
      • Working Space
      • Price
    • Is a Double Bevel Miter Saw Worth the Cost?
  • Miter Saw Buying Tips
    • Compound or Double Bevel? Which Miter Saw is Best?

Home » Power Saws

Is compound miter saw the same as double bevel?

The difference between a single and dual bevel miter saw is that a single bevel saw can only cut a bevel in one orientation, usually to the left. A dual bevel miter saw can swivel to the left or right, making it possible to cut a bevel in both orientations without the need to reposition the workpiece.

What is the difference between a miter saw and a compound miter saw?

Compound cuts include both a bevel and miter. A compound miter saw adds the ability to make bevel cuts in addition to its mitering ability. You'll want to make sure you have this feature anytime you work with crown molding or other trim that gets installed on a wall.

What is the advantage of a double bevel miter saw?

Double bevel miter saws can tilt to cut a bevel cut both to the right and left of the 90 degree position. You can make a bevel cut and then flip the saw to the other side to make a bevel cut in the opposite direction. With a double bevel miter saw, you flip the saw. With a single bevel miter saw, you flip the wood.