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Inexperienced woodworkers are often unsure about applications of miter and bevel cuts since at first glance it is difficult to spot the difference between them. This miter vs bevel cut comparison will help you learn the difference between them and suggest the tools you can use to make them.
Either of these cuts can be made with cordless miter saws as well as corded miter saws, so for the purposes of this article, we will be comparing the Makita LS1040 and DeWalt DWS780 models that enable their users to make both miter and bevel cuts.
Let’s start with what makes them different.
Makita's LS1040 10-Inch Compund Miter Saw combines power, performance, and ease of use for common miter cuts, including a range of applications in woodworking, cabinetry, deck building, framing, and more. The DEWALT 12" Double Bevel Compound Miter Saw is powered by a 15A 3,600 RPM and offers a new precise miter system and machined base fence support for optimal accuracy. Features a new handle design for maximum portability, cam lock miter, detent override, bevel crown stops and is best in class capacity.
Main Differences Between Miter vs Bevel Cuts
The main differences between Miter vs Bevel cuts are:
- Miter cut is made by angling the blade horizontally at the plane of the stock, whereas a bevel alters the angle at which the blade approaches the material
- Miter cuts are usually used to produce doors, windows, or picture frames, whereas bevel cuts are used for pieces that should fit together
Key Specifications
| Makita LS1040 | DeWalt DWS780 | |
| Motor | 15 amp direct-drive motor | 15 amp belt-drive motor |
| Blade type | 10-inch blade, 5/8-inch arbor | 12-inch blade, 5/8-inch or 1-inch arbor |
| Blade speed | 4600 rpm | 3800 rpm |
| Bevel cuts | 0 to 45 – degrees to the left | 0 to 48- degrees left or right |
| Miter cuts | 0 to 45 – degrees left and 0 to 52 right |
0 to 50 – degrees left
0 to 60 – degrees right |
| Weight | 27.3lbs | 56lbs |
| Latest price | Check latest price here | Check latest price here |
Makita LS1040 and DeWalt DWS780 saws for miter and bevel cuts feature review
Here are some of the most distinctive characteristics of Makita LS1040 and DeWalt DWS780 miter saws
Makita LS1040
All miter saws can perform four types of cuts, so besides the miter and bevel cuts, you can use these woodworking tools to make cross-cuts and compound cuts.
A miter saw like the Makita LS1040 lets you perform bevel cuts from one side of the blade, which is the reason why it is labeled as a single bevel miter saw.
Although you will have to move the workpiece along with the tool to make a bevel cut with this saw, doing so won’t be difficult as this Makita’s model is lightweight.
Also, this saw has 9 positive stops that make it easier to choose an angle for a miter cut, while the high blade speed ensures that you can cut through material quickly. This is a versatile tool that can be utilized for a wide range of applications and allows you to make bevel or miter cuts effortlessly.
Check out our single vs dual bevel saw comparison to learn more about the differences between these two types of miter saws.
Key features
- 15 amp direct-drive motor
- 4600 rpm maximum blade speed
- 2-3/4 x 5-1/8-inch maximum capacity at 90-degrees
- 1-3/8 x 3-5/8-inch maximum cutting capacity at 45-degrees
- 10-inch blade with a 5/8-inch arbor
- Equipped with a work light
- 9 positive miter stops
Motor and blade
The motor and the blade of a miter saw determine how efficient the power tool is at performing bevel and miter cuts. The Makita LS1040 has a 15 amp direct drive motor is designed to maintain the same speed throughout the cut regardless of the load t is taking.
Also, the miter saw’s motor utilizes the slow-start technology to ensure that the blade reaches the desired speed gradually. The direct-drive design of the motor prevents it from slipping or bogging down, which makes it more effective than belt drive motors.
The maximum blade speed the Makita LS1040’s can develop is 4600 rpm, which enables you to cut through hardwood and softwood with the same level of efficiency. This model comes with a 10-inch C.T blade that remains sharp for a long time, and it is compatible with all 10-inch miter saw blades.
Miter and Bevel cutting capacity
As we already noted, Makita LS1040 is a single bevel miter saw that can only perform bevel cuts on the left side of the blade. A bevel cut is any cut made at the thickness of a material, rather than its width or length, and this miter saw enables you to make bevel cuts at acute angles.
The Makita LS1040 has a dual post pivot arm that allows you to set the angle of a bevel cut accurately within the 0 to 45-degree range. The maximum cut depth this tool can offer is limited to 3.7 inches, while the maximum cut width can’t exceed 3.5 inches.
The miter saw enables you to perform miter cuts at 45 and 90-degrees, and it also has positive stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 30, and 45-degrees that allow you to adjust the angle at which the cut is going to be performed quickly.
The limited width and depth cutting capacity makes the Makita LS1040 best suited for light applications, as it may struggle if used in worksite conditions.
Portability
Single bevel miter saws are usually lightweight, and the Makita LS1040 is not an exception. This tool weighs just 27.3lbs, which makes it easy to handle. Also, you won’t need much space to store this miter saw as its dimensions are 20-7/8 x 18-3/4 x 21 inches.
Besides, you can carry the Makita LS1040 with you whenever you want to use It outside of your workshop as it is both compact and lightweight. The sturdy aluminum body keeps the miter saw steady while it is in use, which ensures that all bevel or miter cuts are performed accurately.
Makita's LS1040 10-Inch Compund Miter Saw combines power, performance, and ease of use for common miter cuts, including a range of applications in woodworking, cabinetry, deck building, framing, and more.
Other noteworthy features
The manufacturer includes a number of accessories in the package that comes with the LS1040 model, so you will get a vertical vise that will hold the piece you’re processing firmly in place during the cutting process.
A wrench that lets you change the blade quickly, a dust collection bag, and a triangular ruler are also among the accessories that come with the Makita LS1040 miter saw.
However, you shouldn’t expect stunning dust collection capabilities from the LS1040 as it doesn’t have the capacity to collect a 100% of the sawdust you produce while making a bevel or miter cut. The tool features a fluorescent light that enables you to continue working even under low-light conditions.
Reliability
There is no doubt that the Makita brand produces some of the best power tools on the market, and their LS1040 miter saw is yet another of the company’s products that is capable of excellent performance.
Nonetheless, this miter saw comes with a 1-year warranty that covers all defects of its components, but a short warranty period can be disappointing for such an expensive tool.
The LS1040 is not designed for use in professional contexts, and it is best suited for woodworking enthusiasts that need a miter saw that can perform accurate bevel and miter cuts.
DeWalt DWS780
A dual bevel miter saw like the DeWalt DWS780 enables you to perform bevel cuts from both sides of the blade, while its miter system allows you to make miter cuts on thick materials in one pass.
Although bulkier than single bevel miter saws, this DeWalt’s model is still lightweight when compared with similar models in its category. As a result, this miter saw is a perfect choice for professionals who want to perform bevel, miter, or cross-cuts at construction sites.
Also, the diameter of its blade is two inches wider than the diameter of the 10-inch blade you can find on the Makita LS1040 miter saw.
It is worth noting that you must keep the DeWalt DWS780’s blade sharp to avoid creating burn marks or uneven bevel and miter cuts. Check out our DWS779 vs DWS780 comparison to learn more about the differences between these two DeWalt’s miter saws.
Key features
- 15 amp belt-drive motor
- 12-inch blade and 5/8-inch or 1-inch arbor
- 0 to 48-degrees bevel radius on the left and right side of the blade
- 0 to 50-degree miter radius on the blade’s left side, and 0 to the 60-degree radius on the right side of the blade
- Equipped with a dual-rail sliding system
- 3800 rpm maximum blade speed
Motor and blade
This DeWalt’s miter saw features a 15 amp belt-driven motor that is seemingly less powerful than the direct drive motor featured on the Makita LS1040.
Despite the fact that the DWS780 can’t develop blade speeds higher than 3800 rpm, this miter saw is still powerful enough to cut through different types of stock, as well as plastic or steel.
You can adjust the blade’s speed in accordance with the demands of the task you’re performing or increase it slowly to avoid starting the miter saw at a high speed.
You can use all 12-inch blades with this DeWalt’s model that enables you to make smooth cuts that require almost no sanding afterward.
Our comparison of 10-inch vs 12-inch miter saws can help you determine if a 10-inch model like Makita LS1040 is a better option for you than the 12-inch miter saw like the DeWalt DWS780.
Miter and Bevel cutting capacity
The range of possibilities offered by DWS780’s bevel and miter cutting capacities is remarkably vast. This miter saw allows you to perform bevel cuts from both sides of the blade so that you don’t have to move the material while you’re working with it.
This DeWalt’s model lets you perform bevel cuts within the 0 to 48-degree radius on both the left and right sides of the blade.
The tool is also equipped with the precise miter system that allows you to adjust the angle of a miter cut within the 0 to the 50-degree radius on the left side of the blade or 0 to the 60-degree radius on the right side of the blade.
The maximum depth of a cut you can perform with this tool is 4.3 inches, and you can use the DWS780 to make cuts that are up to 12 inches wide. The DeWalt DWS780 also has an integrated XPS cross-cut positioning system that adds to the tool’s accuracy when performing this type of cut.
Portability
Dual bevel miter saws are heavier than single bevel miter saws, so carrying them from one job site to another can get inconvenient at times.
The DeWalt DWS780 offers a solution to this problem, as it’s considered lightweight for a dual bevel miter saw because it weighs just 56 lbs.
The integrated carrying handle makes it easier to carry this tool, and you won’t need a lot of storage space for the DWS780 since its dimensions are 21.46 x 17.72 x 17.13 inches. So, besides being remarkably powerful, this miter saw is also highly portable.
The DEWALT 12" Double Bevel Compound Miter Saw is powered by a 15A 3,600 RPM and offers a new precise miter system and machined base fence support for optimal accuracy. Features a new handle design for maximum portability, cam lock miter, detent override, bevel crown stops and is best in class capacity.
Other noteworthy features
Safety is a major concern when making bevel, miter, or any other type of cut. The DeWalt DWS780 has a robust base that makes the saw stable when placed on a flat surface, and it prevents it from moving during a cut.
The tool comes with a dust collection bag that can be connected to all standard shop vacs, but you will only be able to collect around 75% of the debris created during the cutting process. The cutting light ensures that you have a clear view of the piece even when there isn’t a lot of ambient light.
Reliability
Like all DeWalt’s tools aimed at professional users, the DWS780 is equipped with high-quality components that are designed to withstand heavy-duty usage. The sturdy and heavy base, as well as sharp 12-inch blade, enable you to use this for both rough and intricate cuts.
The DWS780 miter saw is covered by a three-year warranty that enables you to replace any malfunctioning component for free. Chances are that, with proper maintenance, you’ll be able to use this tool for much longer than three years.
Makita LS1040 vs DeWalt DWS780 bevel and miter cut tools – Pros and Cons
Makita LS1040
Pros
- 9 positive stops for miter cuts
- Performs accurate bevel cuts
- The quick blade change process
- Capable of developing high blade speeds
Cons
- Lacks the dual bevel capacity
- Only suitable for DIY projects
DeWalt DWS780
Pros
- Features a powerful motor
- The excellent cut depth and width capacity
- More portable than most dual bevel miter saws
- Excellent safety features
Cons
- Expensive
- Dust collection system could be more efficient
The best alternative tools for miter and bevel cuts
Finding a tool that enables you to make accurate miter and bevel cuts shouldn’t be too hard since all of the leading power tool manufacturers include miter saws in their offer.
Although their features vary, most miter saw models provide you with enough accuracy to perform the type of cut you want, but you should pay attention to how sharp the tool’s blade is because that is one of the prerequisites for creating a smooth bevel or miter cut.
We’ve selected some of the best alternative tools for miter and bevel cuts, so here’s what they have to offer.
Hitachi C12RSH2
A compact and lightweight dual bevel miter saw like the Hitachi C12RSH2 will provide you with the versatility you need while working with different materials. This tool lets you make miter cuts within the 0 to the 57-degree radius on the right and 0 to the 45-degree radius on the left.
Also, this miter saw comes with a work light that allows you to continue working even when there isn’t enough light at the job site. Read our full Hitachi C12RSH2 review for more information about this powerful dual bevel miter saw.
The Hitachi C12RSH2 Miter Saw is definitely a good choice whether you are a contractor or homeowner. It's great for both finished and rough woodwork it is prepared for most difficult challenges with its 15 amp motor and dual bevel saw.
Bosch GCM12SD
Arguably one of the best 12-inch miter saw models on the market, the Bosch GCM12SD has plenty to offer to seasoned professionals and hobbyists. Aside from the 14-inch horizontal and 6-1/2 vertical cutting capacity, this miter saw features a glide system that extends its cross-cut capacities.
The Bosch GCM12SD lets you perform bevel cuts on both left and right sides of the blade, while its bevel scales feature positive stops at 0, 33.9, and 45 degrees at both sides.
In addition to excellent cutting capabilities, this miter saw also has great safety features that ensure that you can always keep your eyes on the workpiece.
The Bosch 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw is a powerful saw for stationary use wood projects. It is a compact saw with a unique design. It provides smooth and even cuts. This is a sturdy, heavy saw designed for experienced workers.
FAQs
Question: Do I have to use a miter saw to make a bevel cut?
Answer: There are a number of tools, including a handsaw, you can use to make a bevel cut, but making a bevel cut with a miter saw is probably the fastest and easiest way to make this type of cut.
Question: Are miter saws expensive?
Answer: The price of a miter saw depends on its features, so you can spend around $500 on a dual bevel miter saw, while you can get a single bevel model for approximately $250.
Question: Which materials can I cut with a miter saw?
Answer: Miter saws are commonly used to cut wood, but these tools can also cut steel or plastic if fitted with the appropriate blade.
Question: How long does it take to master bevel and miter cuts?
Answer: It won’t take you a lot of time to learn the difference between these cuts, but it will take a lot of practice to feel confident making a bevel or a miter cut at any angle.
The Verdict: How to Get the Tool that Makes Accurate Miter and Bevel Cuts
Bevel and miter cuts can be useful if you want to create a picture frame or if you want to join multiple pieces of wood together. While the miter cuts are made by pressing the piece against the blade at an angle, the bevel cuts are made by adjusting the angle of the blade.
A miter saw like the Makita LS1040 will meet the requirements of most DIY projects, as it offer2s high blade speed and accurate bevel angle adjustments.
A dual bevel miter saw like the DeWalt DWS780 is designed for professionals who need a reliable and accurate saw to make bevel, miter, and other types of cuts.
We hope that this miter vs bevel cut comparison helped you learn the differences between these types of cuts. Let us know in the comments or read our miter saw vs circular saw comparison to get more information about these saws.
Makita's LS1040 10-Inch Compund Miter Saw combines power, performance, and ease of use for common miter cuts, including a range of applications in woodworking, cabinetry, deck building, framing, and more.
The DEWALT 12" Double Bevel Compound Miter Saw is powered by a 15A 3,600 RPM and offers a new precise miter system and machined base fence support for optimal accuracy. Features a new handle design for maximum portability, cam lock miter, detent override, bevel crown stops and is best in class capacity.
