Bad Axe 20" Miter Saw

$380.00

Shipping calculated at checkout

Extra Small
Small
Regular
Large
Extra Large

Current lead time:  4-8 weeks depending on customizations. Call or email info@badaxetoolworks.com for more accurate lead times.

While everyone loves the big miter boxes, like the Miller Falls Langdon Acme series or Stanley 358 (as do I), there exists a dearth of information about the utility of the mid-size Stanley No. 150, an incredibly versatile, compact, and easily portable box that maximizes more toothline per ratio than the larger boxes.

I designed the new Bad Axe 20" Miter Saw to work hand in sleeve with this great old tool, though it's not limited to the Stanley No. 150—it will also work with the Millers Falls series and other Stanley boxes. Its compact design optimizes the utility of any saw's toothline, to include panel saws, and offers a precision method with which to make furniture-grade cuts that are spot-on every time.

To illustrate, I own the Millers Falls Langdon Acme Size 2 1/2 No. 75 with a 30” saw; this is the largest box from the Millers Falls Langdon Acme Series. Though the saw is over 30” long, I have maximum utility of only 20” of the toothline, because of the limitations of the elevator guide posts that bracket and carry the saw. In comparison, I’m using a Bad Axe 20” saw in the Stanley No. 150, but this configuration allows me to use 17” of the toothline, for an 85% efficiency.

This saw is light enough compared to vintage 20" miter saws that it doubles as a great tenon saw, particularly when filed hybrid-cut (leaving just as clean a crosscut as a toothline filed dedicated x-cut. Got a wide span to cut, like when you're making a bedframe stretcher five inches wide? Cutting by hand increases your throw up to 24", which dramatically cuts down your strokes while promoting accuracy.

Will I use the big boy for squaring up large 4x and above material? You bet, I love that great old tool, even though it takes up a fair amount of space in the shop. But the takeaway here is that while I love my Millers Falls for robust work, I don’t think one can beat the compact, yet far more efficient Stanley No. 150 for everyday fine to medium-sized requirements in stock up to 3” in width and height.

Tip: For plate protection, use UHMW tape to prevent scratches from your miter box. 


  • 12 ppi (Pitch per Inch)
  • Filed Hybrid
  • Plate Thickness .025"
  • Kerf of .0325"
  • Depth of cut 4 5/8"

Plate: I file my miter saw's toothline at 12 ppi x-cut on a .025 plate, which, when combined with our method of hammer-setting and gently dressing the teeth, gives you a superbly finished cut. With up to 4.5" under the back and 20" in length, the Bad Axe miter saw offers up to 17" of cut throw, given that the Stanley No. 150 incorporates a metal sleeve to guide the cut rather than limiting the toothline to only 2/3rds of its capacity—as typically experienced with the elevator post guides germane to larger boxes. 

Filing Types: Hybrid filing is a term that refers to a filing pattern used to achieve a balance between two primary cutting techniques: rip cuts and crosscuts.

To achieve clean crosscuts, a specific filing pattern is used on the teeth of the saw. This pattern is designed to slice cleanly through the wood fibers, minimizing tearout.

The crosscut pattern is optimized for cutting across the grain and is adept at reducing tearout. However, it may not be the most efficient for ripping cuts along the grain. On the other hand, the rip cut pattern is optimized for ripping along the grain, making it faster for such cuts but not as effective for crosscuts.

Hybrid filing seeks to combine the benefits of both patterns. It's a compromise between the aggressiveness of rip cuts and the cleanliness of crosscuts. The hybrid pattern is designed to provide a good balance, allowing for relatively fast rip cuts while still maintaining cleaner crosscuts compared to pure rip filing.

Folded Sawback: Delve into the craftsmanship behind our traditional folded sawbacks, a hallmark of excellence that sets Bad Axe's saws apart from the rest. Unlike milled static backs commonly found in mainstream offerings, our folded backs embody a heritage of meticulous artistry and functional superiority.

Crafted through time-honored techniques, our folded backs undergo a precise process, resulting in a seamless, robust construction. This method not only enhances the structural integrity of the saw but also allows for dynamic adjustments and retensioning of the toothline, crucial for maintaining optimal cutting performance over time.

In contrast, milled static backs lack the versatility and resilience of our traditional folded backs. Their uniformity limits the ability to adjust tension, rendering them prone to premature wear and diminishing cutting efficiency, especially under rigorous use.

At Bad Axe, we stand by the enduring tradition of folded sawbacks for their unparalleled durability, versatility, and craftsmanship. Each saw embodies a legacy of excellence, meticulously crafted to deliver precision and reliability for generations to come. Experience the difference that traditional folded backs make in the world of woodworking – where precision meets heritage, and craftsmanship knows no compromise.

Handle: Each Bad Axe handle is meticulously crafted from full-heart quartersawn stock in a selection of premium hardwoods including Cherry, White Oak, Hard Maple, and Walnut.

Why choose quartersawn wood? Despite being the priciest option, quartersawn stock offers unparalleled stability, minimizing the effects of seasonal wood movement that can compromise the accuracy of the saw plate alignment. At Bad Axe, we prioritize the use of quartersawn wood to ensure the longevity and reliability of our handles. All handles are dipped in natural Watco Danish oil with the exception of Walnut, which is dipped in black walnut Watco, followed by Tripoli and finish buffed with carnuba wax.

Furthermore, we are committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. All our handle stock is sourced from a trusted family-owned business known for their sustainable lumber harvesting practices. This partnership, established from the inception of Bad Axe, underscores our dedication to supporting North American hardwoods and promoting eco-conscious manufacturing processes.

Check out our hand size chart and measuring graphic in order to get the best fit on your new saw.

Handle Size Length
Extra Small Less than 3 1/8"
Small 3 1/4" - 3 1/2"
Regular 3 5/8" - 3 7/8"
Large 4" - 4 1/4"
Extra Large More than 4-3/8"