dual bevel miter saw vs single bevel

Dual-Bevel Miter Saw Vs. Single Bevel – Which One do You Need?

Miter saws are efficient, accurate, easy to maintain, and reliable, making them ideal for a woodworking shop. When it comes to miter saws, there are two main types: Miter saws that cut on a straight line from one side of the blade to the other, and miter saws that cut at an angle, often called bevel miter saws. They are also called single bevel and double bevel options that are making a wide range of applications.

Both tools have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. So it is significantly essential to know which one to buy for your next project. This dual bevel miter saw vs. single bevel guide will help you make a precise decision.

In this blog, I compare and contrast both types of miter saws to help you decide which one is best for you. Continue reading to find out.

What is the bevel in the miter saw?

A bevel is an angle that is cut out of a wood surface by a miter saw. It is measured by the distance between the blade’s centerline and the edge of the blade. The bevel angle is determined by the distance between the blade and the workpiece. If the angle is more than 45 degrees, then it is referred to as a compound bevel.

The angle of the bevel determines whether the cut is 90° or 45°, so there’s no way to use both sides of the blade at once. A dual bevel miter saw has two bevels – one on each side. One side is angled for 45° cuts, while the other is angled for 90° cuts.

What is a Single Bevel Miter Saw?

single bevel miter sawSingle bevel miter saws are the best option for entry-level woodworkers. They are well-known for perfect accuracy and efficiency, similar to their younger brother, dual bevel miter saw.

You can get an idea from the name itself: they can bevel only in a single direction. You might have seen that most single bevel miter saws bevel to your left side.

However, you will find other models of these tools that bevel on the right side as well. They are suitable for creating picture frames, crown molding, and trims. Moreover, they deliver accurate crosscuts, compound cuts, bevel cuts, and miter cuts.

Single bevel miter saws are very convenient tools for any DIY project. They offer a large cutting surface and a miter gauge for precise cuts. They are also very affordable, so you don’t need to spend a fortune on a high-end miter saw.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Accurate and efficient
  • Ideal for home use
  • Effortless to use
  • Inexpensive

Advantages

  • The single bevel design makes miter cuts more accurate, and this can make your project easier and faster.

What is a Dual Bevel Miter Saw?

dual bevel miter sawThe dual bevel miter saws are high-powered miter saws that have a variable bevel angle between 45° and 90°. The dual bevel miter saws are usually more precise than regular miter saws.

It is one of the versatile tools that can tilt in both directions. Professional woodworkers prefer this tool for several reasons like it offers accurate results compared to a single bevel miter saw.

Moreover, when doing bevel cuts on both sides, flipping workpieces is entirely unnecessary. Thus, the accuracy of the cutting operation improves. Furthermore, resetting the angles is not required when making such cuts. In addition, you can finish a cutting project with less effort.

Key Features:

  • Allows you to cut at multiple angles
  • Better accuracy
  • Delivers higher quality work
  • Versatile
  • It cuts wood pieces faster.

Advantage

  • The dual bevel miter saws are great for cutting large boards and long pieces of lumber.
  • The added power of a dual-bevel allows for more precise cuts.
  • Dual-bevel machines are less likely to slip when cutting hard materials.
  • A miter saw with a dual bevel has better balance, meaning that it is more likely to stay upright.
  • A dual bevel will allow you to cut multiple boards at once, while a single bevel one will only be able to cut one board at a time.
  • They are easier to keep clean and will last longer than single bevel models.
  • A dual bevel has better visibility, meaning that you can see what you are doing much better.
  • A dual bevel is less likely to slip or fall, and is, therefore, more stable.

Disadvantage

  • Dual-bevel saws can be difficult to set up and use, but for many DIYers, it’s well worth the hassle.

Difference between single and dual bevel miter saws

Although they are quite similar in some features, they have differences in a few factors as well. Take a look at the comparison chart below for your easy understanding.

Dual bevel compound miter saw vs single bevel: A Quick Chart

Feature Single Bevel Dual-Bevel
Weight Lightweight Bulky
Portability Easy to transport Less portable
Suitable for Beginners Professionals
Efficiency Decent enough More than a single bevel
Pivoting Option Either left or right side Both left and right side
Price Inexpensive Expensive

What is the Difference Between a Single and Dual Bevel Miter Saw – In-Depth Discussion

Find the differences between dual bevel compound miter saw vs. single bevel from the below in-depth discussion.

Project Speed

You can complete woodworking projects efficiently using both miter saw types. But dual bevel miter saw will allow you to achieve the expected result in less time with minimal effort.

Also, you can make bevel cuts on both left and right sides without flipping the workpieces. This means it saves valuable time, making it perfect for compound cuts on crown molding.

On the other hand, a single bevel tilts on either left or right side. For this reason, flipping the workpiece is mandatory, which increases project completion time.

Cutting Accuracy and Precision

In terms of precision and accuracy, both tools offer good results. But dual bevels are much more accurate than single bevels.

As a result, sliding bevels are ideal for premium-quality cuts.

Moreover, professional woodworkers can improve their skills using double bevel compound miter saws. Making compound cuts without flipping the wood piece over becomes effortless with them.

In comparison, a single bevel doesn’t offer these benefits. You can’t make such cuts without reversing the workpiece. Resetting and repositioning the workpiece is unavoidable when working with this type. Finally, it affects the accuracy and precision of the project.

Cutting Angle

When bevel cutting in one direction, a single bevel delivers the best performance. Either you need to make bevel cuts on the left or right side.

On the flip side, making bevel cuts in both directions is easier with a double bevel miter saw.

Pivoting Option

In the bevel cut, more room is necessary for both directions. The dual bevel miter saws can tilt on both left and right sides, offering much room. So, the result will be accurate and perfect according to the project requirement.

While a single bevel miter saw can go not more than 45° in the left or right direction, which means they don’t provide enough room to make an accurate bevel cut.

In this case, the double bevel miter saw is the clear winner.

Portability

Sometimes you may need to carry your miter saw in the working area, regardless of your skill level. For this reason, the miter saw has to be lightweight.

Single bevel miter saws are much lighter than double bevel miter saws. As a result, carrying them in the workplace is a breeze.

Ease of Use and Price

Working with single bevel miter saws is so effortless. Even a beginner or homeowner can work with them without much hassle. They help homeowners to save hundreds of dollars due to their affordable price tag. They are suitable for low-volume work.

In addition, to work with double bevel miter saws, practice is required. These miter saws are designed for professionals and heavy-duty work. Moreover, in terms of price, they are expensive.

Difference of dual bevel miter saw over a single bevel

  • The dual bevel is a more powerful tool than a single bevel.
  • The single bevel is better for fine work, while the dual bevel is better for rough work.
  • A dual bevel is not the right choice if you plan on making lots of cuts (and it’s much more difficult to use).
  • The single bevel miter saw is great for most tasks, while the dual bevel can cut faster and more accurately than even a professional.
  • The dual bevel is a more accurate and smoother cut.
  • Dual bevels are much easier to control than single bevels.
  • Miter saws with single-bevel blades are a great budget option but they won’t give you the precision of a dual-bevel machine.
  • Miter saws with a dual bevel offer better functionality than single bevel ones and provide an easier-to-use design.

Side-by-side comparison between dual bevel miter saw vs single bevel

dual bevel single bevel
The saw blade of the dual bevel miter saw can be used to cut both right angles and miters (45° angles). The saw blade of the single bevel miter saw has a fixed angle and can only cut one type of angle.
The best miter saw for the job because it has a bevel in both directions. Good for rough carpentry and trimming smaller pieces, but not ideal for larger projects.
With the dual bevel, miter saw you can cut a right and left angle at the same time With a single-bevel you have to adjust the blade to make the angled cut
This saw has two sharp blades set at different angles that allow you to cut a wide variety of materials, from plywood to softwoods. These saws are perfect for trimming and cutting large-diameter boards, and can also be used as table saws for smaller pieces.
When cutting at a 45° angle, the dual bevel miter saws cuts much faster than a single bevel miter saw. A single bevel miter saw can also cut at 45° angles, but it does so slower than a dual bevel model.
This is the compound miter saw This is the standard miter saw
A miter saw with a dual bevel is a more versatile tool. A miter saw with a single bevel is more likely to break.

Dual-Bevel Miter Saw Vs. Single Bevel – Which One the Choose?

Choose a single bevel miter saw if,

  • You need to make a few quick cuts at a single angle
  • You are a hobbyist, planning to handle fancy home decoration projects

Buy a dual bevel miter saw if,

  • Your project requires the largest range of cuts at different angles
  • Precision and accuracy is mandatory

Final Words

The Dual Bevel Miter Saw is designed for people who want to make more accurate cuts and cuts that are square all the time. The design is similar to a radial arm saw but it is equipped with a bevel gear drive system which has the same accuracy and power as the power miter saws. This kind of miter saw is perfect for professionals, woodworkers, contractors, and anyone who needs to make precise cuts.

Learning about the difference between dual bevel miter saw vs. single bevel is necessary as it will give you clear insight into which one to choose. The store is full of different miter saws, all you need to do is, make the right decision as per your project needs.

We recommend you invest in a premium-quality miter saw to experience prolonged usage.