I'm working on a project that requires making miter cuts on the ends of some 8-foot long boards. The table saw I've borrowed isn't very practical for maneuvering these longer pieces, and I'm hesitant to track down a miter saw or purchase one considering that many discussions claim table saws can handle everything a miter saw can do. Are there any good alternatives for making these cuts? Or is it more accurate to say that a table saw can do almost everything a miter saw can?
3 Answers
You could try using a circular saw with a straight edge. If you're making 45-degree cuts, a speed square is going to be really helpful for that. Just make sure to use a good quality blade for a clean cut!
Totally get your struggle with long boards! Miter saws really shine for tasks like this because they're designed for miter cuts. While some folks argue that table saws can do almost everything, for carpentry and quick projects, miter saws are super efficient. What are you building, by the way?
If you've got the funds and space, I say go for a miter saw. It's always best to use the right tool for the job, and trust me, once you get one, you'll find yourself using it way more than you think!