It looks like you’ll need to cut some 4x4s for your next job. This is a typical question that even I occasionally wonder when I plan and ponder my next employment. Is a 44 too big for a mitre saw?
A mitre saw has the strength and capacity to cut through a 44. If the blade is 12 inches in diameter, you can cut it in a single motion. A 10-inch blade does not have adequate depth capacity to cut through in one cut. To create a secondary cut, you will need to roll the 4×4 over.
How quickly and easily you are able to cut through the wood depends on two factors: the size of the mitre saw and the type of wood you are working with. If you need to make frequent cuts to 4-by-4s, a 12-inch mitre saw is your best bet; but, a 10-inch saw will enough for most other tasks.
Even though a smaller mitre saw might already be in your workshop, that doesn’t mean it’s the ideal tool for the job. In this article, I’ll address this subject and provide a detailed explanation of the many varieties of mitre saws available, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.
By the time you are done reading, you will have a firm grasp of whether or not you might need to invest in a larger saw.
Cutting 4×4’s With a Miter Saw
Although they can be used to create straight cuts, mitre saws are primarily employed for cutting precise angles. They work if you have only a few larger pieces of wood but may not be the perfect instrument if you have a project that is going to demand precision cuts through a huge number of 4×4’s or bigger pieces.
Why Use a Miter Saw?
To answer the question “can a mitre saw cut a 4×4”, the majority of people would say “yes.” want to find out because that’s all they have on hand right now. Reusing an already-installed machine is cost-effective and time-saving.
Nonetheless, not every mitre saw is created equal, and only few of them will function adequately while cutting 4x4s. There are a variety of blade sizes that can accomplish the process of cutting through anything that thick, so be sure to have one that is up to the challenge.
Does the blade of your saw turn in the correct direction? Check out my piece where I prove my point.
What Size of Saw Should You Use?
A 12-inch blade is best for cutting 4×4’s.
In the world of mitre saws, you can pick from a wide variety of blade sizes. The most popular are 8-inches, 10-inches, and 12-inches. Saw blades with a greater diameter have more power and can make more substantial cuts. An 8-inch would be inadequate for sawing through a 4×4, but it might be made do in an emergency.
Can a Miter Saw Cut a 4×4 in a Single Pass?
If the depth capability of your mitre saw is 12 inches, you can make quick work of chopping through a 44. A 44 can’t be sawed in half with a 10-inch saw. You can use smaller saws for cutting 4x4s, but you may need to rotate the wood and make a second cut.
To get a clean cut with an 8-inch mitre saw, you might need to make three separate cuts, rotating the saw between each. The work can be done with these smaller saws; it may simply take a little longer.
If you have a smaller mitre saw, you can still get the job
a four-wheel drive vehicle, albeit the trip could be longer and you might not be as comfortable.
The Final Product May Not Be As Silky
See the saws I favour and advocate for!
10-inch Vs. 12-inch Miter Saws
These are the only two sizes that can easily penetrate a 44, so you’ll need to have one of them. We will now discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both of these options.
10-inch Standard Miter Saw
Adjusting the blade guard or switching to a sliding mitre saw will be required to make a single pass through a 44 with a 10-inch mitre saw. If you already have a 10-inch saw, you might be tempted to use it instead of investing in a larger blade designed to slice through thicker lumber. A 10-inch blade is plenty if you are pressed for space or cash.
Pros:
Less expensive if you typically work on smaller pieces of wood.
The 10-inch blade’s quicker rotation ensures cleaner cuts.
They won’t take up as much room, which is especially important if your store is on the smaller side.
Cons:
It will be a slow process if you plan on cutting numerous 4x4s.
As a result, more time is needed to saw through the wood.
When employing all necessary safety measures, cutting through a 4×4 takes more than one attempt.
12-inch Standard Miter Saw
So, it’s clear that the 10-inch isn’t made for towing a heavy 4×4. When compared to a 6-inch blade, a 12-inch blade can slice through thicker, longer, and wider planks of wood with a single stroke.
Pros:
Savings in time, effort, and resources spent maintaining a smaller saw and constantly purchasing replacement blades come from the increased power and efficiency with which it cuts wood.
A 12-inch saw offers greater flexibility.
The cutting capacity of this massive saw allows it to take on a wide variety of other, more substantial tasks.
Cons:
Greater investment is required for blades with more teeth.
Because of the slower blade rotation, some cuts may not be as clean as usual.
Using a mitre saw to cut a 6×6 timber
The Different Types of Miter Saws
Some jobs call for lots of 44 cuts, and some mitre saws are better suited for that than others. The sort of saw you have will make a difference, but I’ve already covered how the blade diameter affects the saw’s ability to cut wood.
Compound mitre, sliding mitre, and dual-bevel compound sliding mitre are three of the most common. While each of these tools is capable of cutting angles at right angles to one another, for the sake of this discussion, we will focus on the basic compound mitre and the dual-bevel compound sliding mitre.
Compound Miter Saw
The blade of a regular mitre saw is attached to an arm, and the base is where the wood is held in place during the cutting process. You can tilt it and turn it to the left or right. Although these machines are most often used to make angled cuts, they can also be used to make crosscuts at right angles. If you want to cut through a 44, a typical 12-inch mitre saw has everything you need.
Dual-Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw
Like a compound saw, a sliding mitre saw may extend its reach and tilt in either direction to make longer cuts with a single pass. If your blade is on the shorter side, you can gain a few inches of cutting space by using a dual-bevel sliding mite.
If you have a 10-inch dual-bevel compound sliding mitre saw, you might be able to saw right through a 44 on the first try. Brand and available security features are major factors in this consideration. In my experience, most 10-inch saws need more than one pass to finish the job.
Keep Your Safety in Mind
Cutting a larger piece of wood than you’re used to working with will strain the capabilities of your saw. Take cautious not to sacrifice quality for speed. It’s possible that the time saved won’t be worthwhile.
Blade Guard
If you already have a 10-inch mitre saw, you might think twice about dropping more cash on a more expensive tool just to make a few simple cuts. If the blade guard isn’t adjusted, though, cutting through a 4×4 will need numerous passes. Not only is this not safe, but you should exercise extreme caution if you decide to relocate your blade guard to gain those extra inches of clearance.
Avoid Dull Blades
If you have to force the blade through the wood when sawing, it is likely that the blade is dull. Blades that are too dull or too worn may cause the cut to wander and may even burn the end grain of the wood.
Smoke may also be produced at the point of cut if the wood is particularly hard. Please change your blade right away; this is extremely risky.
What to Look for When Buying a Miter Saw
Is it possible to use a mitre saw on a 4×4? You undoubtedly read the lists of features and specifications that come with each product while you explored the different shapes, sizes, and other alternatives. Every make and model is specialised in some way. You can focus your search for a product that can readily cut through 4x4s by keeping the following in mind.
The following features are necessary for any mitre saw that will be used on 44 lumber.
Look at the amp ratings on the manufacturer’s website or the product page to see how much cutting power you may expect.
With an articulated blade guard, you can see what you’re cutting without obstruction.
Electric brakes are beneficial since the blade can be stopped much more quickly, which is safer and can aid in preventing mistakes.
When working with longer pieces of wood, having an extended table will help keep them stable for better cuts.
Accurate cuts can also be made with the help of a laser guide.
Can a Table Saw Cut a 4×4?
A 44 may be cut easily using a table saw. If the blade is at least 12 inches in diameter, it can also cut through it in a single motion.
A table saw, like a mitre saw, can be used to cut a 4×4, but the difference in size will affect how easily the two tools can interact. The job can be done using a 10-inch standard table saw, but it will require numerous passes to cut through, whereas a 12-inch saw only needs a single pass.
The mitre saw and the table saw are both capable of cutting 4x4s, but the table saw is more suited to the task. When working with thicker materials like plywood and wood, the machine’s weight will be to your favour.
The Differences Between Miter and Table Saws
Both of these saws have the capability of cutting 44 lumber, and they are standard equipment in most woodworking businesses. Below, I’ll compare and contrast the two saws’ best features and worst flaws.
Miter Saw:
Superior for beveling and angular cutting.
Simpler to relocate and transport, making it ideal for outdoor or off-site tasks.
Slightly Imprecise, yet Capable of Making Clean Slices
Less expensive than larger tools like table saws
Saving room is an advantage.
Table Saw:
Easyer to use while slicing through dense wood
Provides additional versatility in what materials it can cut
There are several accessories for this machine, making it capable of more intricate cuts
There is an option for acquiring portable table saws
An extended m
How To Cut a 4×4 With a Miter Saw
Cutting a 4×4 with a mitre saw is simple and only requires a few steps. If you are a visual learner, there are a tonne of video guides available online that will walk you through the steps.
Cutting a 4×4 With a 10-inch Blade
If you want to cut a 4×4, you should mark off the area you plan to cut it on all four sides.
Ensure the blade is set up for a 90-degree cut by checking it with a square.
First, make sure your saw is firmly fastened to the work surface.
Make sure the 4×4 is securely fastened to the bench and the cut lines are directly beneath the blade.
Use a gradual but forceful motion to lower the saw.
After you’ve made your initial cut, gradually speed it up to where it was before.
Follow steps 4-6 while rotating the wood.
Cutting a 4×4 With a 12-inch Blade
If you want to cut a 4×4, you should mark off the area you plan to cut it on all four sides.
Ensure the blade is set up for a 90-degree cut by checking it with a square.
First, make sure your saw is firmly fastened to the work surface.
Make sure the 4×4 is securely fastened to the bench and the cut lines are directly beneath the blade.
Bring the saw down slowly but with a strong grip until you have cut through the wood.
The saw can be stopped and the arm raised at your convenience.
You may also use the same technique demonstrated in the video to cut a 44 in half.
My Recommendation For Which Miter Saw To Use
If you need to cut 4x4s frequently, you should invest in a 12-inch mitre saw since it is the most efficient tool for the job, reduces the risk of injury, and extends the life of the saw’s blade. These industrial grade tools are made to handle solid timber. The longer blade will allow you to make one clean cut through the post or board. Cuts needing more accuracy should be made with a tool like a table saw, which allows for more precise manoeuvring and cleaner cuts.
You can get by with the 10-inch saw you already have if you only need to cut a few 4x4s for a single, quick project and otherwise work with smaller materials. Changing the position of the blade guard is not something you should do. A safer cut can be achieved by taking many passes.
