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Deciding on a miter vs. a circular saw requires understanding the difference between ripping and cross-cutting. While a miter saw is more accurate and better at angles, a circular saw is more portable and best for rough-cutting dimensional lumber.
And a miter saw is used for cutting across the grain (cross-cut) only, while a circular saw can do both but with less accuracy.
This makes owning both saws necessary for any serious woodworker (and most homeowners).
But, as with all woodworking tools, once you own one or both saws, there are times and places to use one saw over the other. And because of that, we’ll take some time to run down the most common reasons to pull out the circular saw over the miter saw – and vice versa.
Page Contents
What Is A Miter Saw?
First, woodworkers know that a miter saw is a fixed-base tool used primarily for cutting narrower boards to width.
But for those new to woodworking, the names are sometimes descriptive of the saw. So, while a miter saw has a circular blade, it is not the hand-based saw a circular saw is.
Features of a Miter Saw
Miter saws are indispensable tools for most woodworking shops as they allow for fast and precise cross-cutting of wood up to (usually) 12″ in width with features like:
- Sliding head that allows for cutting wide boards
- Larger blades up to 12″ in diameter for cutting 6×6 lumber in one pass
- Ability to cut precise angles through a left and right-tilting base
- Single or dual bevel head that allows cutting wood at an angle
- Dust collection ports to capture dust
Related Article: The Best Miter Saws for Homeowners and Small Shops
Miter Saw Manufacturers
What Is A Circular Saw?
A circular saw is a handheld saw that can be used for ripping and cross-cutting lumber and plywood. By using a smaller blade that is engaged as the saw is pushed into the wood, this saw can be used to cut straight and angled cuts.
But, what it trades in freedom of cutting, it loses in the precision of cuts. Since a miter saw has a fence to hold the wood and an accurate angle gauge, the miter saw is more precise.
Related Article: Track Saw vs Table Saw and When to Use Each
Features of a Circular Saw
Circular saws are best used for portability when cutting rough lumber or sheet goods with features including:
- Adjustable depth to allow cutting thick or thin material
- Blade guard that conceals the blade while not cutting
- Maximum cut depth to just over 3″ on most saws
- Pairs with a square for cutting square or angled cuts
- Rip guide for trimming long cuts
Lastly, circular cuts upwards through the bottom of the wood. This creates an issue for finer woodworking as these saws almost always splinter the face of the plywood.
This brings us to the alternative to a circular saw: the track saw.
Related Article: The Best Track Saws for Fine Woodworking
Miter Saw vs Circular Saw
Since the saws are built for different uses, the decision to use a miter saw vs. a circular saw comes down to the task.
And since these are one of the dozen or so “must have” woodworking tools, any woodworker will own both saws.
So how do you choose which saw to use and when? Let’s look at the variety of uses for each saw to help your decision-making. And remember, safety is always first, so follow the manufacturer’s safety information and use dust collection whenever possible to reduce airborne hazards.
When To Choose a Miter Saw
When deciding on a miter saw vs. a circular saw, there are a few reasons you’ll want to consider a miter saw:
- Superior in precision for furniture and cabinetry
- Best for, well, mitered angles
- Cutting crown molding or trim
- Repeated cuts with (preferably) a miter saw fence system
- Cross-cutting wood up to 12″ in width
When to Use a Circular Saw
While a miter saw is more precise, it trades that accuracy for portability. And many woodworking projects, indoors and outdoors, require freedom to move the saw to the wood (versus bringing the wood to the saw).
So, with that in mind, choose a circular saw for:
- Rough cutting dimensional lumber (e.g., 2x4s) to length when accuracy is close but not perfect
- Ripping long sheets of plywood
- Cross-cutting boards over 12-inches
- Cutting long angles in plywood or softwoods
If you’d like to have accuracy and portability, look to a track saw that will replace your table saw for cutting larger sheet goods.
Seven uses for These Types of Saws
While experienced woodworkers will head for the right saw for the job, choosing which saw isn’t always easy if you’re new to woodworking. So, to help your decision on choosing a miter saw vs. a circular saw, we’ll look at seven reasons to choose a miter saw, followed by four reasons to use a circular saw.
1. Trim installation
No matter how skilled or steady your hands are, a circular saw is never best for trim.
This is why you’ll want to use a miter saw as a trim installation tool because:
- Trim-work requires angled cuts that only a miter saw can accurately perform
- Paired with a miter saw stand, you’ll be able to make cuts on long trim pieces
- And lastly, for crown molding, only a miter saw can make compound angled cuts
2. Thick Wood Stock Cutting
While a circular saw has a 7-1/2 inch blade, it doesn’t match the larger ten or 12-inch blade size of a miter saw. All of which makes a miter saw better for single-pass wood cutting over 2″ thick.
3. Repeated Length Cuts on a Miter Saw
Fifty yeas ago, most woodworking was centered around the popular (and dangerous) radial arm saw.
But, over the last 20-odd years, most woodworkers have replaced their radial arm saw with a miter saw. And to replace the built-in fence of a radial arm have added fence systems to their miter saw that integrate stop blocks.
Related Article: How to Add a Miter Fence System to Your Miter Saw
4. Cutting Crown Molding With Miter Saw
From cabinet installation to ceiling crown molding, a miter saw is the only tool capable of handling complex angles. Since crown molding requires an angle to match its connecting piece and an angle to retain its vertical position, it is a cut no other saw can do.
Related Article: 20 Cabinet Installation Tools
5. Building Cabinet Doors
Few woodworking projects require more precision than cabinet-making. First, doors and face frames must be cut at precisely 90 degrees, or misaligned and crooked results are a sure bet.
But, more importantly, joint quality rests squarely on the vertical and horizontal position of the blade. When deciding on a miter saw vs. a circular saw, it makes a miter saw is the only tool for making cabinets.
6. Cutting Dimensioned Lumber to Length
For anyone who has spent time on a construction site, you’ll have noticed most framers only use a circular saw. But, for smaller projects with dimensioned lumber, many woodworkers will opt instead for a miter saw as it produces a much cleaner cut.
And, for repeat cuts, it can be set up with a miter fence system.
7. Cutting Metal With a Miter Saw
Surprising to most, a miter saw can be used to cut metal using a specialty saw blade. While aluminum is most popular with a specialty ferrous blade, thin steel can also be cut. Using a circular saw for metal cuts introduces issues like cutting and grabbing that are prevented using a miter saw.
Four uses for a Circular Saw Vs Miter Saw
With a lot of focus on when you should consider a miter saw, there are many good reasons to pick up a circular saw.
Due to the portability of the circular saw, it can make cuts in wood that a miter saw can’t.
1. Rough Cutting Dimensioned Lumber
Millions of homes have been built using a circular saw.
While most wood studs are now pre-cut to the proper length, many cuts must be made for doors, windows, stringers, and other framing tasks. And since framing doesn’t rely on perfect joints, a rough amount from a circular is acceptable.
2. Ripping Plywood Sheets
When it comes to cutting plywood, many woodworkers face a dilemma:
- Do I leave the plywood to a table saw?
- Or, is a circular saw with a guide best for cutting plywood?
Well, a circular saw will be a wise choice for rough-cutting OSB or plywood that needs to be cabinet-grade. However, a track or table saw is usually best for splinter-free cuts.
As you might know or can guess, a circular saw operates by cutting UP through the face of the board. Which leads to splintering on the front of the work surface.
3. Cutting Stair Stringers
One of the best examples of where a circular saw is useful for rough carpentry is on stair stringers. While arguably one of the most challenging tasks in constructing a deck (or house), stringers require precision in cutting AND the ability to change angles quickly.
So, while tedious in layout, a circular saw will make quick work of stringer cuts. Just be sure to have a handsaw or oscillating saw on hand to finish the amount.
4. Trimming a Table Top With a Circular Saw
Before the popularity of track saws, a circular saw with a guide was a great way to trim the ends of doors or even full-size doors.
Why not use a miter saw? With only a 12-inch capacity, a miter saw will force you to flip the panel. As you can guess, this can cause a mismatch in the angles.
Types of Miter Saws
With most woodworking tools, you’ll find a few key features that separate an entry-level device from a professional or contractor-grade tool.
And with miter saws, it is no different.
So, when looking at a miter saw, you’ll want to consider the following:
- Fixed vs. sliding to allow for extra cutting capacity
- Single vs. dual slope to allow for complex angle cutting
- Blade size of 10 or 12″
- Corded vs. cordless miter saws
Related article: The Best Miter Saws for Woodworking
Types of Circular Saws
Similar to a miter saw, there is more than one style and size of a miter saw. As you might guess, the framer saw has a unique build and durability. At the same time, a compact circular saw for homeowner use features smaller blades.
So, when choosing a circular saw, you’ll want to consider the following:
- Blade size for maximum depth of cut
- Left vs. right-handed view of the blade
- Worm drive vs. direct drive
- Dust collection ports
And lastly, a track saw is often a better alternative for any woodworking targeted to fine-grade plywood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a circular saw instead of a miter saw?
While a circular saw can perform accurate cuts, it does not replace a miter saw. The rare exception is rough cutting dimensions lumber, where the accuracy of the amount doesn’t require a miter saw. Because a miter saw can cut perfect angles and leaves a smooth finish, it is widely used for most woodworking cross-cuts.
Should I get a miter saw or circular saw first?
The answer depends on the types of your projects. For most woodworking, a miter and table saw can make almost any project. However, if your project will be primarily rough cuts on dimensioned lumber, a circular saw is an excellent choice to buy first.
How much should I spend on a miter saw?
While woodworkers prefer to buy a tool once and use it for 10+ years, a professional-grade saw of that caliber is often over $600. For entry-level use, spend $300-450 to find a quality miter saw with a sliding head.
Summary
While homeowners can sometimes get by with a miter or circular saw, any serious woodworker will need both. Deciding on a miter vs. a circular saw is a question of which is best for a situation.
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Last update on 2024-11-07 at 13:39 / Images from Amazon
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Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
