Deciding between a miter saw and a chop saw requires some thought. In this article let’s discuss all the differences and similarities between them. By the end of the article you will be able to make a better decision as to which one you will want for your shop.
What’s the difference between a chop saw and a miter saw
A chop saw doesn’t have the same range of motion as the miter saw has. It’s capable of making square, 90 degree cuts and that’s it. They can cut more material types than a miter saw. These saws have a more specific place for their use.
A miter saw is designed to make miter cuts. These are the cuts that can fit two pieces of material together at the proper angles. Think of the corners of a picture frame. These cuts are made at 45-degree angles on each side of the pieces. This allows them to be fastened together to make a 90-degree angle.
| Miter Saw | Chop Saw | |
| Can it make angled cuts | Yes | No |
| Will it cut wood | Yes | Yes |
| Will it cut aluminum | Yes | Yes |
| Can it cut steel | No | Yes |
| Can it cut tile | No | Yes |
| Can it cut stone | No | Yes |
| Does it produce sparks | No | Yes |
| Can it be used for construction | Yes | Yes |
| Size of Blade | 10 – 12 inches | 14 + inches |
What is a chop saw?
A chop saw looks a lot like a miter saw. They are bigger and heavier than their miter cousins. They are designed to cut denser materials like stone and metal. Chop saws use a larger blade, and the blades are a different type of material also.
These saws are typically used by construction workers. They cut building materials like metal rebar and metal studs. You don’t need these to be cut at an angle other than 90 degrees.
Abrasive vs cold cut chop saw
What is a miter saw?
A miter saw is designed to make more intricate and precise cuts. The cutting head of the saw can bevel into different angles. They are perfect for installing molding in a house, or to make furniture.
These saws have a larger variety of uses. Woodworkers will choose this saw for their shop. They are also great for home remodeling where you are installing things like hardwood/vinyl flooring. There are cuts that can’t be square, so the beveling action will help a lot.
Some miter saws have a sliding capability. This is where the cutting head, where the blade and motor are found, can slide forward toward the craftsman. This allows for larger cutting capacity to be made. You will be able to cut make wider cuts than other saws.
The bevel feature will allow the cutting head to bevel left or right. It changes the angle of the cut to be something other than 90-degrees.
There are some saws that have a single or double compound feature. Single compound means the cutting head rotates on a different axis in one direction. Double compound means it can do this in both directions. This feature is great for someone who is installing crown molding. The compound feature coupled with the bevel feature allows for more intricate cuts to be made.
When should you use a chop saw vs a miter saw
Chop saws are perfect for when there needs to be high production of straight cuts. If you are cutting lots of the same pieces it’s easy to set up a jig to keep cutting the pieces you need. It’s also beneficial when there are a lot of metal pieces to be cut.
A miter saw is great for cutting a lot of the same size pieces also. The difference is with this saw you have the option of setting the blade to cut angles as well. This saw is better for cutting wood and plastics like pvc pipe.
The chop saw is suiting for construction workers, as well as some DIYers. If your shop projects are with pieces of metal you might be welding together the chop saw is a great choice. It does weigh more than miter saws, and they also kick up a lot of sparks so keep that in mind.
The miter saw is my personal choice. I like the versatility of the cuts I can make. And I work mostly with wood, so this is ideal for my needs.
Pros and cons
Miter saw:
Pros
- Can make angled cuts
- Is lighter than chop saw
- Doesn’t produce as many sparks
- Can be transported easily
Cons
- Cant cut dense materials like metal and stone
- Not as powerful a motor as a chop saw
- Smaller blade sizes
Chop saw:
Pros
- More powerful
- Can cut more materials
- Larger blade options
- Easy to use
Cons
- Require special cutting discs
- Takes up lots of space
- Heavy to move
- Niche specific
- Poduce lots of sparks
Which saw is right for your needs
Both the chop saw and the miter saw have a place in a workshop. When deciding which one is a good fit for you will be determined by a few questions you need to ask.
What type of materials are you going to be working with? The chop saw has the benefit of being able to cut denser materials like non-ferrous metals. They are also able to cut lumber when needed. Miter saws are limited to softer materials like metal and plastic, as their blades are different from chop saws.
Will you be making angular cuts, or just straight ones? Miter saws are going to be your top pick for projects that require angled cuts. If you are making furniture, or even cabinets the miter saw makes short work for these types of projects. Diy homeowners need a good miter saw for remodels and updates to the home.
Is the saw going to have a designated spot to use it at? A sturdy work surface is crucial for a miter saw. They have a more powerful motor that runs a larger blade. They are also heavier which can be cumbersome to lug around. Miter saws have portable stands that make it easy to bring them to where they are needed.
What blade should I use
Both chop saws and miter saws offer different types of blades. Learning which one to use is as important as picking the right saw for your shop. Lets take a look at some of the blade options for each type of saw.
Chop Saw Blades
The two most common types of blades for a chop saw are “abrasive blades” and “cold-cut blades”. Both blades are designed to cut metal.
Abrasive blades are also known as composite cut off wheels. They are made from a composition that is designed to cut through denser materials. There are no visible teeth on the edge, but rather they have an abrasive edge that makes the cuts. There are also a lot of sparks from the excessive heat produced.
Cold cut blades resemble the typical miter saw blade. They are made of metal and have teeth around the perimeter. The main differences between this blade and abrasive ones is these are a lot cooler after the cut is made. There are less sparks, and the cut happens much quicker.
Miter Saw Blades
Like chop saws, miter saws have different options for blades. The main difference is the number of teeth around the perimeter. Blades with 60 teeth and above are considered fine tooth blades. Blades that are more in the 40 teeth range are considered general purpose blades.
General purpose blades often will have a different shape to the teeth. This allows them to cut different types of materials. But because there are fewer teeth to the blades, they generally will not last as long as a blade that is designed for one type of material, and only cuts that.
Fine tooth blades are designed for finish type work. This is also the blade you would want to use if you are cutting plastics like pvc or abs pipe. Since there are more teeth the cuts are going to be finer, with a smoother finished edge. This is great for cutting trim that needs a precision cut.
If you try cutting plastics or thinner molding with a general-purpose blade the cut edge will be more splintered and chipped up. This can cause pvc pipe to leak because you want a smooth connection when gluing the pieces together. Fine wood pieces like molding and finished edges are going to show chip marks, and will be unsightly.
What are you cutting
The best question you can ask yourself when deciding whether to buy a chop saw or a miter saw is what will you be cutting? Do you do more woodworking and want something more versatile like a miter saw? Or will you be cutting denser metals and want something more powerful like a chop saw?
A miter saw is more versatile because they allow for more angular miter cuts. Some of these saws can make intricate cuts when you have features like single and double compound miters. They are also lighter saws that can be moved around easier.
The main downside is the motor is less powerful than a chop saw. This limits the materials you cut to be softer like wood and smaller pieces of plastic.
Chop saws are beasts of a saw. They can cut through just about anything with a more powerful motor and larger blade diameter.
The biggest downside to the chop saw is they are designed to make square angled cuts. They only chop straight down in a 90 degree direction. This is all that’s needed when it is used for cutting rebar or galvanized pipe for plumbing. The chop saw can cut through wood, but the abrasive blades are not designed for this type of cutting.
Skill level
Miter saws are more beginner friendly. They make a variety of cuts that can be used for more applications. If you are someone who has a woodshop, or plans on doing home remodel projects, this is the saw for you.
You are limited to the materials you can cut with a miter saw. This is okay if you work mainly with wood. If you do light metal work there are tools other than a chop saw that can cut that material. Hack saws and angle grinders are two that are great at cutting metal.
Chop saws are used by professional builders. These saws are great at cutting rebar to set up foundations, or cutting pipes that need to be soldiered together. They are not ideal saws for the average diy homeowner, or woodworker.
These saws have a more powerful motor, and larger blade that can be intimidating to a beginner. There are a lot of sparks that are emitted which can take some getting used to. Wearing the right safety equipment is crucial when using a chop saw.
Top picks for each
Miter saws
| Model | Dewalt DWS715 | Ryobi TSS103 | Ridgid R4113 |
| Speed | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Power | 15 Amps | 15 Amps | 15 Amps |
| Cut Capacity | 8 in | 12 in | 6 in |
| Blade | 12 in | 10 in | 10 in |
| Power Suply | Corded | Corded | Corded |
| Price | < $250 | < $250 | < $250 |
| LED Lazer | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sliding Head | No | Yes | No |
| Bevel | Single | Single | Dual |
Chop Saw
| Model | Evolution R355CPS | Makita LW1401 | DeWalt D28715 |
| Speed | 1550 RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 |
| Power | 15 amp | 15 amp | 15 amp |
| Power Supply | Corded | Corded | corded |
| Cord Length | 6 ft | 8.2 ft | 6ft |
| Warranty | 3 Year | 1 Year | Limited 3 yr |
| Price | > $250 | > $200 | $200 |
| Materials | Aluminum, metal, PVC, Wood | Steel | Metal, Wood |
| Weight | 52.4 lb | 50.4 lb | 39 lb |
| Blade Change | – | No Tool | No Tool |
Conclusion
Miter saws and chop saws are different in many ways. They have specific features that help with what they do best. I want you to pick the right saw for your shop. You need to understand each one to be able to make the right choice. I don’t want you to waste your money on something you only use a hand full of times.
Happy woodworking,
Kevin