Woodworking can be a profession or hobby, but whichever the case, it is always important that you have the right miter saw if you want to enjoy working with wood. There's a variety of options; however, it is always wise to ensure that you don’t just settle on a particular one because its brand is reputable. You also need to learn how to choose a saw for the everyday tasks that you run in your workshop.
The most critical decision, but not the only one, that you have to make is deciding which in the 10 inch vs 12 inch miter saw debate is ideal for your needs. Each one is good for specific woodworking tasks, although both are equally helpful.
The main differences between the two are blade sizes and depth of cut, but there are other aspects that will also come into play that will influence the one you choose.
10 Inch Miter Saws
These saws are much smaller than 12 inch miter saws, which makes them lighter, and faster. Typically, a 10 inch blade spins at an RPM of 5,000 while 12 inch miter saws average an RPM of 4,000. As such, 10 inch miter saws is what you would typically use if you want a smooth cut.
Because they spin faster, the quality of cut is smoother than that of 12 inch miter saws.
Also, since 10 inch miter saws are smaller, they produce very exact cuts. Plus, unlike their larger counterpart, they are not prone to deflecting, and will not wobble noticeably while in use.
So, if you are doing a job that requires you to make very exact cuts, such as when making interior trim cuts, use a 10 inch saw.
Pros of a 10 Inch Miter Saw
Availability
A 10 inch miter saw is easily available compared to 12 inch miter saw, so it will be an easy task for you to find a replacement. Many stores stock a variety of 10 inch miter saws, so you are guaranteed that you will always find a blade for the specific miter saw needs.
This is good for professionals and hobbyists alike because it means that your project will never be on hold because you can’t locate a replacement blade.
Affordable
Other than being available almost everywhere, 10 inch saws are less expensive compared to a 12 inch blade. While there are a few of these blades that are quite expensive, generally, they are less pricey than their bigger counterpart, thus easy to own.
Additionally, they are not as expensive to sharpen as a 12 inch saw, and they make much more sense when you have a woodworking task that you have to accomplish under financial constraints. If you're after equipment that offers smoother cuts and is an inexpensive saw, the 10 inch is what you need.
Portable and Versatile
A 10 inch miter saw is smaller in size than a 12 inch one, which makes them easily portable. They are great to use in different places and do not occupy a lot of space. It is for this reason that many table saws are fitted with a 10-inch saw blade.
This makes it possible for you to switch the blade between machines, or simply have one that can work with both.
Cons
Cutting capacity
A disadvantage of the 10-inch miter saw is that it has a limited cutting capacity. Because of its size, it can cut through up to 6 inches of wood. This is good for most projects, but if you have to do a project such as replacing your deck, it won’t be the best tool as you will have to keep turning your wood to accomplish a cut.
12 Inch Miter Saw
A 12 inch miter saw is 2 inches larger than a 10 inch one. The 12 inch miter saws come with a 15 amp motor, powerful enough to make cuts through large wood pieces. This capability ensures that you cut makes cuts through thick materials, such as 6 inches of wood, with a lot of ease.
This tool can make cuts that you would typically accomplish with a 10 inch miter saw, but the reverse isn’t possible. This makes it an ideal miter saw to have at home for your specific project requirements.
Most 12 inch saws are equipped with the capacity to accommodate a 10 inch saw blade, where the need arises, and this makes them incredibly useful. This also implies that you will get more RMP with a 10 inch cutting blade installed and the cutting power of a 12 inch one, all in a single saw.
Pros
Durable
As stated before, this saw packs a 15 amp motor, which means it will not work too hard to make cuts as a 10 inch one would. If your saw has an easy time making cuts, it will not require resharpening every other week.
Capacity
This saw is better placed to handle huge projects because it cuts through very thick or dense materials with ease. The 12 inch miter saw can work through 12 inches of wood in at most two passes, which it can chew through a 4 by 6 in one pass. Essentially, this saw is ideal for those projects that you need to finish fast.
Power
Many of the 12 inch miter saw blades pack a powerful motor. Coupled with a large cutting blade, they can generate incredibly high tooth speeds. This means that you will have more teeth in contact with your material at any one time.
Because the saw is powerful, you also get a high level of efficiency and you can complete large projects faster than when using 10-inch blades.
Cons
Cost
A 12 inch miter saw is expensive, generally, compared to its smaller counterpart. Buying this saw is not the only cost you will incur. You may need frequent replacements, depending on how you use the blade. Replacing a 12 inch blade is expensive, so its ownership cost is quite high.
Energy use
12 inch miter saws is equipped with blades attached to a 15 amp motor, which isn’t exactly the most efficient in terms of energy use.
Yes, they work faster, are incredibly useful for larger projects that a 10 inch may not be able to handle. They draw in a lot of current to do that, but they make up for this shortfall by cutting very fast.
FAQs
Is a 10 miter saw big enough?
This question is quite common when it comes to 10 inch vs 12 inch miter comparisons. The choice between 10 inch blades and a 12 inch blades will be dictated by the task at hand. What type of job are you looking to accomplish? If you want to make deep yet wide cuts, 12 inch blades are sufficient.
However, if your project is small, then you are better of with 10 inch blades. While it is not advisable for a beginner to start off with a miter saw that has many features, they do have their advantages.
What size wood can a 10 inch miter saw cut?
With 10 inch blades, you can easily make cuts into a 2 by 4 and a 2 by 6 at 45 and 90 degrees. The blade size influences the cutting depth of a miter saw. A bigger blade easily cuts wide and deep.
Most saws are able to cut in both directions at either 45 or 90 degrees, although there are some that can achieve 55 degrees with ease.
Can a 10 inch miter saw cut a 4x4?
While it has a smaller blade, a 10 inch miter saw can easily cut a 4 inch by 4 inches wide material. However, if you are looking to acquire a cutting blade, the best power tool to go for is the 12 miter saw.
This blade is highly durable of the two power tools; you will get a lot of use from it before you have to replace it.
Additionally, it is fast, owing to a very powerful motor, and thus can achieve really clean cuts. This equipment is the best choice if your project requires you to move around a lot at your worksite.
Can you use 10 inch blade on 12 inch miter saw?
This blade can be used on a 12 inch miter saw, but the reverse isn’t possible. For this reason, it is best to acquire a 12 inch miter saw because you can use it in many different projects including laminate floors and crown molding.
Conclusion
For most people, deciding between the 10 inch or 12 inch is a tough task, especially those who are new to these saws and do not yet know what the blades can do. Whenever you come across a 10 inch vs 12 inch miter saw review, understand that the tool you intend to buy will be influenced by the project you intend to use it in; is it finishing work, framing, or occasional deck repairs?
If your projects are small in scope, a 10 inch blade miter saw is the right equipment. For one, a 10 inch miter saw is cheap, has a smaller blade, occupies little space, and achieves smoother cuts.
You can easily find a piece of equipment that has features such as set table saw angles, dual adjustment, and even motor brakes.
But, if you are running huge, heavy duty projects, what you need is 12 inch saw blades. The advantage of this equipment is that it has a larger blade, can also accommodate a 10 inch blade. Also, this saw can make cuts through huge tough material – it easily accommodates heavy duty usage.
Note that a 12 inch saw is quite expensive, takes up more space, is heavier and its blades tend to deflect, which is an issue when you are framing furniture or cutting framing for a deck.
That said, it should not be a problem for you to find a miter saw for your needs. With this 10 inch vs 12 inch miter saw review, we hope that you now have a sense of what you would like, between a 10 inch and 12 inch, for your current and upcoming woodworking needs.