You never realize how loud miter saws are unless you operate one for the first time. You’ll be using hearing protection, which is a separate topic to talk about. But the question is, why are miter saws so loud?
Miter saws are loud for several reasons. The motor of such a saw is capable of drawing power from both AC and DC sources, which makes it loud. Cutting through different types of materials also makes the tool sound noisy. Last but not least, if the saw is made from cheap materials, it will sound a lot noisier than the others.
Let’s see what you are doing is making the saw louder and how you can help quiet the procedure.
Why Are Miter Saws So Loud And What Makes Them Louder?
A miter saw itself is a loud tool without you doing anything wrong. However, there are a few points that you should consider adjusting if you’re experiencing more noise than usual. Let’s see what they are.
1) Loose Materials
If you don’t hold the materials tight enough, they’ll vibrate when you cut through them. The usual sound will then combine with the vibration, making the process noisier than usual. So, if you want to ensure a quieter operation, hold the materials tightly in place.
2) Material Mismatch
If you have purchased a DIY miter saw, you can’t use it for hard and rough materials. After getting the product, make sure to go through the instruction manual. It will dictate what you can and can’t cut using the machine.
Complying with those instructions will not only facilitate using the miter saw but also make the machine last longer. When investing in a miter saw, make sure to outline what you’ll be doing with it and then set the budget accordingly.
3) Size Of The Tool
Generally, the noise will increase with size. That means you will experience louder noise if you shift from a small miter saw to a larger one. It’s essential to use hearing protection if you’re operating a tool that emits sound at a dangerous level.
How Loud Is A Miter Saw?
A miter saw will be around 102 decibels. If you don’t know how loud it is, let’s create a comparison for you to understand it better. North Morgan Creek created a comparison between different sound levels to help you understand the sound level of a miter saw better.
- Silence – 0 dB
- Belt Sander 93 dB
- Router 95 dB
- Hand Drill 98 dB
- Impact Wrench 102 dB
- Chop Saw 106 dB
- Hammer Drill 114 dB
- Gunshot – 140 dB
Sudden Change In Loudness
Many users experience a sudden change in sound level. If your miter saw was not loud before but is emitting unexpected sounds now, there can be some other reason behind it. For instance, if the brake is damaged or getting damaged, it can make the machine sound louder than usual.
When the blade gets dull, it also sounds louder when it comes in contact with the material. Loud noise can be used as a sign of the blade not being sharp enough.
Natural wear and tear is another reason why a machine gets louder. You will notice that the same miter saw will run quieter in the beginning compared to when it’s been some time since you started using it. In simpler words, the miter saw will get louder with time.
Ways To Make Your Miter Saw Quieter
When your machine is louder than usual, it’s normal to wonder whether you can do something to reduce the sound or not. The good news is, there are a few things you can try that’ll keep the sound as minimal as possible while operating the saw.
1. Clamp The Materials
Clamping the materials, you’re cutting can make a significant difference. Many people don’t bother to take the time to clamp the materials and think that holding them with their hands will be enough. However, you will notice the difference when trying both methods.
If you clamp the material tightly in place before cutting, it will prevent any shaking and vibration, resulting in a quieter procedure.
2. Use Separate Miter Blades
Not all blades are suitable for all types of material. Make sure that you’re using the right type of blade for the right type of materials. For instance, the blade you use to cut through metal is not the same as the blade you will need to cut through wood.
This ensures that the blade stays sharp for longer. In addition, because blades are intended for specific types of material, they run comparatively quieter than when you use the wrong blade.
3. Check For Issues
In case of sudden changes in sound, check the miter saw for damages. It can be caused by a blunt blade, the brake, or any other part of the machine. If you’re highlighting the brake for noise, check how does a miter saw brake work.
Fortunately, most parts of a miter saw are replaceable and fixable. So, if you can identify what’s wrong with the machine, you can fix that part and get rid of the loud noise.
In extreme cases, where the machine itself is broken, you will have to replace it with a new one.
Things To Do Before Purchasing A Miter Saw
If you’re replacing your old miter saw or getting a new one, you should keep a few things in mind. Let’s see what they are.
a) Check The Labels
All power tools will have a label with specifications. You can also check them online by searching for the specific model you’re considering. If the noise level is something that matters to you a lot, check the noise label before investing in the machine.
Compare the decibel levels of different models and see which one is the quietest. Note that you may have to invest more money if you want the machine to be less noisy. No products found. is an option if you want a comparatively quieter option.
b) Invest In A Good-Quality Miter Saw
There are many cheap options available. However, cheaper units are usually made from cheap materials that cause the machine to sound louder than it should. If you go for a low-quality miter saw, you will be investing in another miter saw soon enough.
So, if you’re looking for a durable and quiet miter saw, take your time and compare your option.
c) Specify Your Needs
Before jumping onto buying any miter saw that you come across, make sure you know what you want. If you want a miter saw for DIY chores, you won’t need to get a professional unit. On the contrary, a DIY machine won’t cut it for professional use.
So, it’s essential that you determine what you will be doing with your miter saw before buying.
d) Check The Reviews
If you can’t find information about the sound level of a product on the website, one rich resource to check is the reviews. Go through as many reviews as possible and find out what other users are experiencing in this aspect.
Hearing Protection
One of the most important issues relating to this topic is hearing protection. According to CDC, You must protect your ears when the noise level is more than 85 dB. As most miter saws sound around 102 dB, it’s mandatory that you protect your ears.
Failure to do so can lead to permanent damage to your hearing ability. There are a lot of options you can choose to protect your ears when operating a loud power tool. You can find upgraded ear covers that you can use according to your preference.
No matter what type of product you’re using, ensure that you’re protecting your ears. The product can be something as simple as a set of earplugs or an entire helmet that features ear protection.
Final Words
This article covers everything you need to know about why are miter saws so loud. It’s important to learn whether the sound is normal or something else is making it louder than usual. Once you find out the issue, you can get it fixed and enjoy a bit quieter operation.
Or, you can simply invest in a quieter miter saw.Comparing the features before buying a miter saw is better than regretting later. Nonetheless, as long as you’re using ear protection when the sound level is above the safety bar, any miter saw will be fine.
