What is the main advantage of using a compound miter saw?

The main advantage of using a compound miter saw is its ability to make bevel and miter cuts simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for complex projects where precise angles and slopes are required, such as in crown molding or other detailed woodworking tasks. The compound action allows the saw blade to tilt on one side while also pivoting to create the necessary angle for the cut, enabling one to achieve more intricate designs efficiently and accurately. This capability saves time and effort as you can produce more complex cuts in one operation rather than needing to adjust the saw multiple times for different cuts.

The other options do not convey the unique advantages of a compound miter saw. While it's true that some saws only cut wood, that characteristic does not set the compound miter saw apart. Additionally, while some users may find that compound miter saws are more affordable than other types of specialized saws, this is not universally true, as it can vary based on brand and features. Lastly, while many compound miter saws are user-friendly and can have minimal setup time, there are factors which may affect setup based on the specific tasks or materials being used. Therefore, the combined cutting capability of making both bevel and miter cuts simultaneously stands out as the key