Blog Post

Woodshop Musings

1 Essential Tool Everyone Should Own

Brian Muse
November 1, 2021
Whether you want to get into woodworking or just a homeowner, a miter saw is a perfect tool to have around. It might seem like you need a full woodshop to get into woodworking, but you really don’t. When I started woodworking, the only tool I had to cut boards was a miter saw. This is one of the best basic tools to have in your garage. I have the 12” Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (DWS779). I would recommend this saw, if you’re looking to buy one. 

There are 3 main things you can do using this tool:
  1. Straight Cross-Cut
  2. Angled cut
  3. Beveled cut
1. Straight Cross-Cut
Miter saw cross-cut

One of the easiest things you can do with a miter saw is cut a board to a specific length. Boards are typically available in 8 foot lengths, so you'll need to cut it down to the sizes you need.


2. Angled Cut

Miter saw angled cut

An angled cut (mitered cut) is where this tool gets its name. A miter is an angled cut made across the width of a board. A 45 degree angle is one of the most popular angles to cut, but the miter angle can go up to 60 degrees on the right side and 50 degrees on the left. The desired angle can be easily set using the Miter Gauge on the tool.


3. Beveled Cut

Miter saw beveled cut

A beveled cut is performed by angling the blade in the vertical direction. I don't use this feature much on my miter saw, but it's a good way to make decorative and functional cuts for moldings, picture frames, etc. Setting the horizontal angle (miter) and the vertical angle (bevel) is considered a compound cut. I typically use the table saw for beveled cuts.




There are other features this tool has, but I won't get into them now. These 3 basic features of this tool are great to have whether you're a homeowner, DIYer, or beginner woodworker.

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1 Essential Tool Everyone Should Own

1 Essential Tool Everyone Should Own

By Brian Muse • 01 Nov, 2021
Whether you want to get into woodworking or just a homeowner, a miter saw is a perfect tool to have around. It might seem like you need a full woodshop to get into woodworking, but you really don’t. When I started woodworking, the only tool I had to cut boards was a miter saw. This is one of the best basic tools to have in your garage. I have the 12” Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (DWS779) . I would recommend this saw, if you’re looking to buy one. There are 3 main things you can do using this tool: Straight Cross-Cut Angled cut Beveled cut 1. Straight Cross-Cut
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Quality built custom furniture with traditional joinery.

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