Size. This is determined by the blade diameter, and normally varies between 8 and 12 inches. The diameter of the saw’s blade will determine how wide and thick the material you are cutting can be. Action. There are three types of power miter saw: Standard miter saw: The basic, standard miter saw will make a perpendicular cut through a board or other material at angles typically ranging from 45 degrees left (counterclockwise) to 45 degrees right (clockwise). An angle scale and locking device keep the blade correctly aligned. Compound miter saw: Adds the ability to tilt the blade at a specified angle from vertical, to cut a compound angle. Sliding miter saw: The saw slides along a horizontal arm, similar to a radial arm saw. It can be pushed through the material being cut, which allows a much wider piece of stock to be sawed.
