Single vs Double Bevel Miter Saws – Which Is Better And Why?

Which is better a single bevel miter saw or a double bevel miter saw? Well, isn’t that the question. While both are used for making beveled cuts, they differ in a number of ways. Which brings us to the all-important question, which saw type is right for you?

In this article, we will be analyzing the difference between these two types of saws. But first, let us look at what the term bevel means. It is a term that is popular among woodworkers.

Bevel Definition

Generally speaking, there are four types of cuts you can make on any piece of wood. Crosscut, miter, bevel, and compound. Bevel and miter cuts are very similar and can be confusing at times. Nonetheless, a miter cut and bevel are different.

By definition, a bevel is a horizontal or vertical angle slope usually at a 45-degree angle. In this regard, a bevel cut is a cut at an angle other than 90 degrees. A bevel cut is cut along the thickness of a material.
Bevel cuts are usually measured against a square edge cut.

That being said, a bevel cut is made along the edge or end of a material. Since bevel cuts are made by adjusting the blade of a cutting instrument, they need specialized tools that have adjustable blades.

This brings us to why you need either a single bevel miter saw or a double bevel miter saw. To know which is better, it is important to first understand the differences. In particular the differences between a single bevel and a double bevel.

What Is A Single Bevel?

Now that you understand what a bevel is, let us look at what a single bevel is. A single bevel saw can only make beveled cuts in one direction. This means a single bevel can only be in one direction either left or right. To make another cut on the other side of the wood, you have to flip the board and saw it again.

What Is A Dual Bevel Miter Saw Aka Double Bevel Saw?

On the other hand, a double bevel cut can be made on both directions. Thus, a double bevel saw can be adjusted in both directions. To make bevel cuts in both directions, you do not have to move the wood but rather adjust the blades.

The Differences

Single Bevel Compound Miter Saws and double Bevel Compound Miter Saws have some similarities. For instance, both can be used to make miter and beveled cuts. Also, both using circular spinning blades for cutting.

Despite their similarities, these two types of saws are quite different. The differences between these two saws become apparent when making an angled cut. While the single compound miter saw can only make cuts in one direction, its counterpart can make cuts in both directions.

In essence, with a single bevel compound miter saw you can only make a cut on either the right or left. On the other hand, with a double bevel compound miter saw you can make angled cuts on both directions.

Another difference is the price. As you might have guessed double bevel compound, miter saws are more expensive. However, the difference in price is usually about $50 to $100. Thus, it might be negligible to some people.

The Pros And Cons

As with any other tool, both saws have their pros and cons. Let’s now take a look at some of the pros and cons of each saw type.

Dual Bevel Saw Pros

• When making angled cuts, you do not have to rotate or re-adjust your wood or material to make a cut on the opposing side. All you need to do is tilt the blade.
• Due to its features and functionality, you are able to cut wood or any other material more quickly with a dual bevel saw.
• For making matching cuts on either direction, dual bevel saws offer precision and accuracy

If you want to perform accurate and precise cut then use the best miter saw stand.

Dual Bevel Saw Cons

• On the downside, dual bevel saws are quite expensive compared to single bevel miter saws. Also, single bevel saws can make the same cuts as their dual counterparts only with a little bit more effort and time.

Single bevel saw pros

• The number one benefit of single bevel saws is that they are quite affordable. There are small single bevel saws that are available for less than $100.
• Both amateurs and professionals can easily use this power tool. Meaning it’s a handy tool for domestic and professional use.
• In terms of ease of use, the single bevel saw is better than the dual bevel saw. Since the blade only tilts in one direction, it is easy even for beginners

Single bevel saw Cons

• Since you have to flip the board to making beveled cuts on both sides, single bevel saws are not accurate and precise for such tasks

Single Bevel Saw, Who Is It For?

A single bevel saw will come in handy when you need to make angled, bevel and even miter cuts. For instance, when building a picture frame or crown molding. Thanks to their pivoting function, you can make bevel cuts on either the left or right side of the material.

More often than not, single bevel saws are used for small tasks. Thus, if you do not have a lot of work, a single bevel saw is sufficient. Also, due to them being more comfortable to use, they are perfect for beginners and Do-It-Yourselfers.

Also, these saws are quite affordable and thus appeal more to Do-It-Yourselfers. It is an ideal tool for home use as well as for amateur woodworkers.

Double Bevel Saw, Who Is It For?

On the other hand, a double bevel saw is suited to larger projects with a strict deadline. Thus, these types of saws are preferred by professional contractors. Double bevel saws increase the scope of cutting, making it easier and faster to make angled cuts.

If you are on a strict deadline, then I suggest using a double bevel saw. These saws are ideal for professionals. Due to them being a bit more complicated than single bevel saws, they may not appeal to beginners and amateur woodworkers.

Best Single Bevel Miter Saws

For the title of the best single bevel miter saw, we have gone with the DeWalt DW715 12-Inch Single Bevel Miter Saw. This is the smaller and lighter sibling of the DeWalt DWS780. Here is why we picked this saw.

DeWalt DW715 12-Inch Single Bevel Miter Saw review

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Weighing about 40 pounds, it is much lighter than the DeWalt DWS780. However, it guarantees the same quality we have come to expect from the latter and DeWalt as a brand. It is powered by a 15 amp motor that delivers 4000 RPMs.

Compared to some other single bevel miter saw this 12-inch saw is very fast. The adjustable cam lock miter handle allows you to make accurate and precise miter cuts. The saw can make miter cuts of 45 degrees on boards measuring up to 2×8 inches.

This single bevel miter saw offers portability and power. On top of this, it is super quiet and comes with an easy to read miter scale.

Best Double Bevel Miter Saws

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For the best double bevel miter saw we also went with a DeWalt model. In this case the Best Double Bevel Miter Saw we can can is the DWS780.

This model is the upgrade model of its sibling dws779. Having DWS779 is also great because there’s few difference in between dws779 and dws780. The XPS cutting technology is the prominent feature in dws780. If you want to learn more about the difference between these two model then I would recommend you to read this in depth comparison review about dws779 Vs dws780.

DeWalt DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Miter Saw

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What makes this one of the best double bevel miter saws is its versatility and capacity. The saw can make angled cuts of 90 degrees on 16-inch boards. This is pretty impressive.

This impressive saw features a bright LED lamp at the XPS system that casts a shadow on the blade for miter cuts. This helps you see exactly where the blade is cutting. There are ten positive stops that ease the process of making repeat angled cuts.

It comes with a fence that allows you to see through it for an uninterrupted view. This makes it easier to see where you are cutting. While it is a bulky saw weighing 56 pounds, it is ideal for large projects.

Conclusion

Not everyone will be attracted to a double bevel saw, and the same can be said about single bevel saws. It all depends on the kinds of cuts you want to make. Also, if you are an amateur, it might not make sense to splash money on a double bevel saw.

In a nutshell, both saws have their pros and cons. When choosing between the two always consider their pros and cons. This is in addition to what you want the saw for.