Manufacturers have constantly been surprising users by adding premium features to their miter saws. Laser diodes and LEDs are two of these features that make a miter saw more desirable. But are they really worth the extra money? Which one will win in a battle between laser miter saw vs LED miter saw?
A laser miter saw uses a ray of laser to guide the user to where the cut is going to be. On the other hand, an LED mitre saw uses the blade’s shadow as a guide. While laser miter saws can be convenient, if you are looking for more accuracy, an LED miter saw is the more suitable option.
If you want to know more details about these two options, make sure to stick to the end.
Laser Miter Saw Vs LED Miter Saw
To understand which one is a better option, you need to go through the details about both options. Let’s see what a laser miter saw and an LED miter saw have to offer.
Laser Miter Saw
Miter saws that feature laser diodes project a line on the material to make sure that you can cut the piece with accuracy. It allows the user to see where the blade is going and makes the procedure easier.
When you’re working indoors, a laser miter saw can be just the thing you need. Because miter saw works with meticulous measurements, it can be difficult to see where the cut is going to be with the naked eye. That’s where the laser guidance system comes in.
The drawbacks are noticed when it comes to accuracy and working outdoors. Because the laser is not attached to the blade, the cut can deviate a bit from the actual cut. Moreover, when you’re working outdoors, the light becomes difficult to see because of daylight.
As a solution to this, many manufacturers are now using green diodes instead of red ones. The color green is easier to see even in a bright setting. However, those options can cost more, so you will need a higher budget for them.
Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of laser miter saws at a glance.
Advantages
- Suitable for indoor workshops
- Efficient guidance system
- Makes mass cutting quicker
- Helps with rough cuts
- Can be effective for different types of materials
Disadvantages
- Not as accurate as you want it to be
- Can be difficult to see when working outdoors
- Requires calibration
LED Miter Saw
LED miter saws certainly have a few advantages over laser miter saws. First of all, it’s comparatively more accurate. The light is usually set near the blade, allowing it to create a shadow of the blade on the material’s surface.
Because the blade’s shadow works as a guidance system for the cut, it’s more precise than a laser. In addition, it can prove to be more effective even when you are working outdoors in broad daylight. The LED can still create a shadow strong enough to see outdoors.
Advantages
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- More accurate
- Efficient guidance system
- Effective for all materials
- Saves time
Disadvantages
- Miter saws with LED can be expensive
Laser Miter Saw Vs Led Miter Saw: Verdict
Even though LED miter saws are comparatively less advanced than laser miter saws in terms of technology, they certainly have more perks. When you are working in a low-lit area, the LED can offer better lighting on the whole procedure while ensuring the shadow of the blade as a guidance system.
Moreover, the shadow is strong enough to be functional when you’re working in a well-lit area. It doesn’t require any calibration, making it easier for you to start cutting. The shadow can offer you the precise measurement of the length and the width because it’s the reflection of the blade that’s going to make the cut.
When you change the blade, the shadow changes too. So, regardless of what blade you’re using, you can always expect the same level of accuracy from your miter saw.
As for laser miter saws, they can be effective when you’re cutting indoors. Even then, the laser will need calibration to make sure that the cut is precise. When you change the blade, the laser may need readjusting.
Most miter saw users will blindly suggest you go for an LED miter saw over a laser one. The downside to this aspect is that both miter saws are expensive compared to conventional miter saws. Luckily, there’s a solution to this problem too.
If you don’t have the budget, you can easily upgrade your conventional miter saw to a laser or LED one. You can check out this amazing article on how to create a shadow line on your miter saw. If you want to go with a laser, here’s a video of attaching a laser to a miter saw.
Some Tips To Remember
- Even though LED miter saws can be expensive, it’s certainly worth paying the extra bucks. So, if you can, go for the built-in LED miter saws.
- Built-in laser miter saws will be more accurate than the ones you upgrade. So, keep that in mind before upgrading your miter saw.
- Don’t forget to calibrate and adjust the laser of your miter saw as needed.
- Keep your miter saw unplugged when making any adjustments.
- When using the guidance system for the first time, cut a few experimental pieces before moving to your functional workpieces.
- Never compromise your safety while using your miter saw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth upgrading your conventional miter saw?
If you have a high-quality miter saw that you intend to use for a long time, it’s certainly worth upgrading the miter saw. Adding a shadow line or laser to your conventional miter saw can improve the tool’s efficiency a lot. When working with repeated cuts, the time required for the cuts will be reduced.
The cuts will also get more accurate when you have a reliable guidance system. Besides, you can always undo the feature in case it doesn’t work out for you the way you expected. Nonetheless, if you intend to replace your miter saw anytime soon, it might be a good idea to invest in a laser or LED miter saw than upgrade the existing one.
Is a laser on a miter saw worth it?
Laser beams are a premium feature that you won’t find in all models. If you are about to invest in a new miter saw, it will cost you a fair amount of money to get a model that includes a laser beam. While it can be a fancy feature to have, the accuracy is not always satisfactory.
So, a miter saw with an LED feature will be better suited for you if you are willing to spend that extra money. The shadow line is far more accurate and practical for the miter saw users. Alternatively, you can buy your own LED kit and install it on your existing miter saw if you want. Going for a built-in LED miter saw is a better option if your budget allows it.
Final Verdict
As you can see, both options have their upsides and downsides. So, which one to choose in this laser miter saw vs LED miter saw comparison? Well, if you’re weighing the advantages and disadvantages, an LED miter saw will certainly be a better choice.
The laser beam depends a lot on the user’s preference. Many people simply prefer using a laser miter saw, regardless of their downsides. So, if the laser is something that you prefer, you should consider it over an LED miter saw. But when you are creating a logical argument between the two, an LED miter saw will win over a laser in terms of accuracy, convenience, and functionality.
