When building, doing renovations or finishing woodworking projects, a miter saw comes in handy to cut proper angles and mitered corners. Also known as a "chop saw," a miter saw is a handy tool that easily makes accurate cuts. It is perfect for cutting the proper angle when framing corners for things like crown molding and baseboards. It is also great for making items like picture frames. A miter saw, not to be confused with a miter box, can make life easier for the builder or crafter.

A miter box, on the other hand, is a box constructed from wood or hard plastic that allows one to make accurate angle cuts with a handsaw. It usually works best for 90 degree cuts, which is the most often used angle. A miter saw is a power tool, usually a portable one that makes smooth cuts quickly. The power version is more versatile and able to create accurate angles from 45 to 90 degrees. A compound miter saw is a bit different, because it can rotate to create beveled edges as well.

Typical miter saws have blades from 8" to 12" (20.3 to 30.5 cm) in diameter, although larger blades are available. The type of blade generally included with a miter saw is usually a standard blade for common tasks. It is not the fine-toothed blade necessary for the smooth, precision cuts needed for moldings or picture frames, so you will need to purchase a fine-toothed blade separately for this type of project.

It is also a good idea to practice making a few cuts on scrap wood until you get the feel of the miter saw. You will note that the slower the cut, the smoother and more accurate it will be. If you continue to encounter heavy splintering during cutting, try applying painter's tape to the edges and make your cuts directly through the tape. Also, try to cut more slowly and see if that helps limit splintering.

While generally used for wood, a miter saw can also be used with other materials such as Plexiglas, plastic, vinyl siding or aluminum. It is a must have tool for the woodworker, builder or crafter.