Can a 10 Inch Miter Saw Cut a 4×4? [In-depth Discussion]

If you are a DIY worker, then very often you have to deal with a 4×4 post. Again, you must have a 10-inch miter saw as one of your cutting tools and like some other workers, this question may also come across your mind that ‘can a 10 inch miter saw cut a 4×4’?

Well, most probably it is the most common yet the most perplexing question ever that is asked many times before. Still, the answer does not come with a clear ‘yes’ or a clear ‘no’. But surely the answer is simple with some described words.

We have featured the article on this very topic offering you a concise guide over the capability of a 10-inch miter saw. You will get to know that not only the blade size that matters in this case but the saw and its functionality also matter.

Which One to Go for, a Circular Saw or a Miter Saw?

Well, you can cut a 4×4 with a 10-inch blade. But according to the saw you may struggle with different troubles if it is not efficient enough. If you are up to cut a 4×4 with a circular saw, then you may end up having a not so good experience. Also, it requires a lot of work and a lot of time. Again, the work remains sketchy and imperfect.

But a 10 inches miter saw will do this job just perfect. With way clearer and squarer chop, this tool will offer just the right cutting you want. Then again, if the miter saw does not possess enough efficiency, the cut will not be possible in one single pass.

Can a 10 Inch Miter Saw Cut a 4×4 in One Very Stroke?

The answer to your question depends on the type of the miter saw. A normal stationary miter saw does not empower the capability of cutting a 4×4 in one go. The cutting material needs to be flipped over to cut again from the opposite side.

But if you are the owner of the sliding type saw then cutting of a 4×4 in a single pass is very much possible. The forward and backward tilting feature of the cutting saw makes the process easier compared to other stationery saws.

Then again, though the sliding type 10-inch miter saw is offering you the cutting capacity, you do not get the desired motor torque. Gradually you have to push your machine against the material to get the job done which is not an easy task to accomplish quickly. Moreover, the cutting tool may lose its durability and the blade may lose its strength in the whole process.

Hence, you need to be careful if you want it to be done in one stroke and give the work some time and let the saw does all the job. Pushing or forcing over may ruin the perfection of the task.

How about a 12 Inch Blade? Will It Do a Lot Better?

Well, in this case, the 12 inch blade will be a beast to slay the job. Even the thinker, wider and longer stocks also can be cut with a 12 inch blade saw. It is needless to say that even the stationary type of saw with a 12 inch blade can do a 4×4 easier than the 10 inch slide-type miter saw.

Surely, it is because the 12-inch blade empowers higher TPI and sharper teeth than the 10 inch blade, thus, it can cut a 4×4 very smoothly and clearly. With a very single stroke, the blade passes the 4×4 without creating any obstacle, hassle, or kickback.

Yet, for your smaller DIY tasks like a smaller kitchen or room repair jobs, a 10 inch blade miter saw stays on top. According to the portability, a 10 inch saw is superior to a heavy 12 inch blade miter saw. The 10 inch blade miter saws are generally very compact size and also they are easier to handle.

In restricted or congested places, the 10-inch blade machines will be more advantageous. Again, they can be taken anywhere anytime for their extreme portability. Hence, as you can feel, the 12 inch blade will undoubtedly do better to cut a 4×4 but if you are a mediocre homeowner then a 10-inch blade has always some extra to offer you.

How Will You Cut a 4×4 with a 10 Inch Miter Saw – Processes in Details

Most of the time, the cutting quality of a 10 inch blade on a 4×4, depends on the blade guard quality and the saw design. Yet, maintaining safety, the job can be done by following the below process.

Firstly, mark up your 4×4 stock: This is the first and foremost thing you need to do is marking up the 4×4 stock where you want the cut. You can take the help of a pencil or a marker to get this simple job done. But make sure the marking should be straight and accurate.

Secondly, set-up your saw: It is the next thing you need to confirm after marking up the 4×4. Get a miter saw ready on a workbench. After that, set the blade angle. The angle of the blade should be positioned on exactly 90-degrees. Take the help of a square. This way, you will get a more accurate cut.

Start the cutting: When you put the marked spot under the blade, turn on the miter saw and proceed gently. Try to avoid all the kickbacks by approaching slowly and carefully without forcing the process. When you are half the way done, you have to turn back the 4×4 stock to complete the process from another side as in this process, a 10 inch blade is being used.

The whole action requires much time and patience. When you try to push the blade over the method, damaging of the tool and rough cuts take place.

Conclusion

Long story short, it is easily predictable that cutting a 4×4 with a 10 inch miter saw requires a whole lot of practice. If you are not a professional carpenter, then most probably you don’t even dare to try on. Then again, a 10-inch miter saw is highly recommended to a mediocre householder for his smaller DIY projects.

But a 10 inch blade saw can never be an ideal choice for a pro carpenter while a 12 inch sliding miter saw does it smoothly in only one stroke. So, from the practical point of view, a 10 inch blade miter saw to cut a 4×4 is not the right decision to take.

Also Read: Ideal Saw for Cutting Pallets