Best Miter Saw Reviews
From inventions of cutting tools, to the manual saws, chainsaws, and table saws, there is something wanting about having the best miter saw to complete a wood worker’s workshop. With rising demand in the quality of clean-cut miters and crosscuts for framing purposes, nothing has stood up to the occasion like the miter saw. This device, also known as a drop saw, is used mainly in activities of cutting molding and making frame pieces.
If you have been searching for the miter saw that suits your needs, whether hobbyist or a professional woodworker, you are in safe hands. We will walk you through the different types of miter saws and highlight their general features. Eventually, we will outline a selection of our most preferred models.
Types of Miter Saws
Basic
Even though they typically don’t feature any bevel options, these saws are just as effective in making precise miter and crosscuts. What you get with one of these is better ease of work because it is light and will be more accurate than a manual miter or that backup handsaw.
Their smaller size and a few missing options will mean that you can fetch one at a relatively low price tag.
Compound
These will feature not just single, but dual bevel capabilities for better flexibility on bevel cuts as together with crosscuts and miter cuts. They will also have provisions to make compound cuts, that is both bevel and miter cuts, and with the cutting element tilting up to 50 degrees, sometimes more.
The thing with dual bevel options means you can still make compound cuts on your wood piece in both directions, without the need to turn the wood over. Bevel capabilities will typically range 50 degrees in both directions. Therefore compound miter saws will be a little costlier than their basic counterparts.
Cordless
Essentially, these models will use batteries to power the equipment. It is most convenient for work sites away from continuous power supply. They are made with portability in mind. Thus you can be sure you are getting a device that you can place in your car trunk while moving about.
Key pluses to these miter saws are that you won’t need to hook them to generators or use lengthy cables that often tangle.
Sliding Compound
With these models, you can count on solid crosscuts, bevel and miter cuts as well as the ability to pull off compound cuts. They are chunkier pieces of equipment, but they carry the deserved versatility; able to make compound cuts and bevel cuts bi-directionally.
Probably the most distinguishing feature is that they have a sliding element or head that will move through wider wood pieces. Not only will you be able to get more work done with fewer movements and changeovers, but the resulting quality will also be maintained throughout.
Now for the best part.
Top 8 Best Miter Saw Reviews
[productbox_general asin=”B000V5Z6RG” affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”1. Hitachi C10FCE2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Hijqitv3L._SX500_.jpg” productsummary=”Mighty Motor – Tilting Range – Portable – Sturdy Build”]Not only does this corded miter saw boast of high power delivery, but it also maintains precision with every cut. It comes equipped with a dust bag attached for easier saw dust collection as well as keep the saw’s internals relatively clean. The ergonomics of this saw aren’t left behind; it has an elastomer grip which effectively absorbs vibrations during machine operation, leading to a more comfortable cutting experience.
Mighty Motor & Tilting Range
This Hitachi Table Saw comes with a 15 amp motor capable of coughing up 5,000-RPM, under the supply of 120 volts of electricity.
As far as tilting ranges of the cutting element, you can get up to 52 degrees in both cutting directions. For a closer, more precise bevel cut, there is a tilting range of 0 – 45 degrees both left and right.
[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]- Sturdy build
- Portable
- A powerful motor capable of handling a wide range of materials
- Comes with a good warranty
- Dust removal unit could be better
- The laser on board will need aligning once in a while
- Cumbersome blade changing process
[checkon_general asin=”B000V5Z6RG” affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B000ASBCK4″ affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”2. DEWALT DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51sL-KnayUL.jpg” productsummary=”Swiveling All the Way – Great Versatility – Ease of Use”]
With a punchy 15 amp motor revving 4,000-RPM, the DEWALT DW715 is a rugged power tool with compound functionality. It has a 12-inch compound cutting element that will serve various tasks including crown molding, cutting frames and baseboards, among others.
Swiveling All the Way
Not only is it a compact size, but this miter detent plate also provides a possible 11 positive stop positions to enable more productivity while working on a piece. The plate is constructed from robust stainless steel. Thus you can count on it for durability.
[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]- Relatively light at 42 pounds
- Great versatility on a range on crosscuts and miter cutting tasks
- Both bevel and miter settings are precise once set
- Easy to control the cuts with superb accuracy
- Material of dust collection bag isn’t durable
- Doesn’t feature a laser light for guided cutting
[checkon_general asin=”B000ASBCK4″ affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B00540JS7C” affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”3. DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71c0mhscNhL._SX500_.jpg” productsummary=”XPS Light Technology – Durability – Easy to Control”]
Another product from DEWALT, this one is a stray beast straight out of the box. Weighing 56 pounds, it comes paired with a 12-inch double bevel head. The 15 amp motor does surprisingly well handling the rather chunky saw.
We felt like the design of this machine is very durable and will take a beating without needing serious professional attention. It also was relatively quiet during operations, adding to the reasons why we liked it even more.
Something more than Laser
This miter saw is fitted with an XPS light to help guide cuts on your work-piece. This innovative lighting technology is more accurate than laser light.
[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]- Durable build quality
- Unbox and use straight away
- Sophisticated and accurate XPS light
- Blade quality is a little wanting
- Slide mechanism could be improved
- Dust collection bag seems cheap
[checkon_general asin=”B00540JS7C” affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B004323NNC” affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”4. Bosch GCM12SD 120-Volt 12-Inch DB Glide Miter Saw” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81WiOvvBPdL._SX500_.jpg” productsummary=”Design Galore – Superb Blade – Axial Sliding Mechanism”]
This miter saw from Bosch has a wonderful compact construction for use in relatively small workspaces.
Design Galore
Well, some of the noticeable design features include elastomer based grips for easy carrying and holding. For carrying, there are two grip handles to help you steadily hold the equipment from one place to another.
Other operational conveniences of this miter saw feature a Squarelock fence that will allow you to lock to a table easily. Not that alone, there is also a spindle-lock, primarily for making the process of changing cutting blades a lot easier. With the provided inbuilt bench extensions, you will be able to make adjustments without the use of additional tools.
[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]- Superb blade alignment for superior cuts
- The axial sliding mechanism is extremely smooth
- The 1800 Watt motor works on almost all available materials
- Clever hinge design to prevent dust accumulation
- The cost might not be for everyone
- The weight makes it hard to move around the workplace
[checkon_general asin=”B004323NNC” affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B003DQO7IY” affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”5. Bosch 5312 12-Inch Dual Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/810Mytk80KL._SX522_.jpg” productsummary=”Safety & Quality – Dual-bevel Provision – Electric Brake – Durable Blade”]
Whether undertaking molding tasks or framing, this 12-inch miter saw promises the versatility you need. It comes with a powerful 15 amp motor. When it comes to operational provisions, the base of the miter saw is 25.5 inches, as well as extensions that are built-in for easy adjustment.
Take note of the cutting saw’s tilting angles; up to 60 degrees clockwise and up to 52 degrees anticlockwise.
Safety & Quality in one
The 12-inch cutting element on this equipment is constructed from stainless steel, and the all the blade’s teeth are coated with carbide. Bosch has added an electric brake for rapid halts while working or even when accidents occur.
[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]- Cut precision and quality are among the best in the market
- Dual-bevel provision makes it applicable to many materials
- Electric brake is handy for quick stoppages
- Durable blade construction
- Its large size will take a sizable portion of your workspace
- Sometimes the cut quality can be a little shoddy
[checkon_general asin=”B003DQO7IY” affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B00LHUWAFA” affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”6. Homecraft H26-260L 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw by Delta Power Tools” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51p0wLWzSIL.jpg” productsummary=”Accurate Laser – Lightweight – Ease of Use”]
Coupled with a 14 amp motor that easily manages a no-load speed of 5,500-RPM, you can be sure of having a smooth work session on both wet, dry, rough and even tough wood pieces. This machine manages to retain great precision cuts operating both perpendicularly or at any of the enabled angles, 45 degrees right and left.
The working angles are incorporated with stops at 0, 15, 22.5 and 45 degrees for adaptation to various work specifications.
An Accurate Laser
The makers of this miter saw sought to eliminate the human errors that lead to most of the poor cuts as well as injuries resulting from the same.
And alas! The Delta Homecraft H26-260L comes with a laser light that’s powered by a battery. This light is essentially an assistant to help you guide the cutting element, especially for jobs that require precision jobs.
[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]- Relatively light at only 55 pounds
- Has an easy-to-understand quick start guide
- Can be unboxed and set up in 10 minutes
- A good warranty pegged to it
- The bolt holding the cutting blade could be too tight that it affects the shaft lock
- The provided clamp can’t handle materials bigger than its 2” by 6” size
[checkon_general asin=”B00LHUWAFA” affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B0028Y4Q2O” affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”7. Makita LS1016L 10-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KCq4dMvhL.jpg” productsummary=”Powerful Blade – Laser Light – Four-rail Guard System – Soft-start Mechanism”]
If you have been looking for something a little over the edge when it comes to the miter saw’s performance, high quality and consistent crosscuts and bevel cuts, then look no further.
Makita has been curating its professional art of designing and fabricating motor systems for a wide array of power tools. The Makita LS1016L is just but one of the many wonderfully built machinery that will revolutionize your woodworking experience. All parts used in the machine construction undergo several performance tests to uphold their product quality and integrity.
Gear to Fear
Under the hood, this miter saw packs a punchy 15 amp motor that drives a 10-inch dual sliding compound blade head. The built-in three-stage reduction gear unit allows you to vary the operating blade speeds depending on your workpiece. The result is that the saw can make cuts for crown molding of up to 6.4 inches in height. For baseboards, the figure is a little lower at 4.75 inches.
What separates this tool from most others is its clever four rail design that can produce the same woodcut quality as a 12-inch blade head.
[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]- Powerful 10-inch blade that can slice through pieces up to 6 5/8 inches thick
- Can easily achieve 12-inch cross cuts at perpendicular position (90 degrees)
- Laser light guiding system present
- A four-rail guard system for various cutting regimes
- Soft-start mechanism which puts less strain during machine start
- The user manual might not be the easiest thing to understand
- It is chunky and relatively heavy
[checkon_general asin=”B0028Y4Q2O” affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B00RF3JXNK” affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”8. Factory-Reconditioned Ryobi ZRTS1345L 10 in. Compound Miter Saw with Laser Line” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41klo%2BLfZ6L.jpg” productsummary=”High Accuracy – Ease of Use – Lightweight”]
This relatively small-sized miter saw is the best bargain for those looking for a low-budget, but a well-performing piece of machinery. Though small the table size is a whopping 18 inches by 6 inches. The blade can get down eight crosscuts (450) and twelve crosscuts (900).
Accuracy Accuracy Accuracy!
The blade head on this device is 10 inches in diameter. Straight out the box; you can start using it in a matter of minutes. Whether working on bevel cuts or miter cuts in a 4 x 4, the level of accuracy plays to the tune of a tenth of a degree.
The main factors aiding this high accuracy is the well-visible scale that can be seen from both sides of the blade head. On top of that, there is an integrated laser light together with an easy-to-grip ergonomic handle to help guide the saw. This Ryobi ZRTS1345L is still able to pack a raging 14 amp motor capable of churning out 5,000-RPM from the rotating blade. Not only will this trio of features lead to smoother edges, but the cut quality will also remain in the tip-top state every time.
[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]- Nine positive stop at the most common angles
- Very light equipment
- Power cord length of ~6 feet
- Comes with a dust collection bag
- Start-up torque can result in an uncomfortable jerk of the miter saw
- The sliding mechanism can get a little sloppy
- Laser light is easily affected when working on wet timber or gummy woods
[checkon_general asin=”B00RF3JXNK” affid=”pennind05-20″]
Conclusion
From the selection we have provided you with, you should have an easier time deciding on the best miter saw that suits your needs. It is imperative that once you buy one, and before using it, you should:
- Read the instruction manual carefully
- Carefully assemble the equipment
- Visually inspect it before use
- Wear protective attire, for instance, goggles and work gloves, whenever operating this category of power tools
- Refer to more miter saw reviews online to see how other people go about making the most of the saw
I think the Bosch GCM12SD 120-Volt 12-Inch DB Glide Miter Saw is one of the best. Eventhough it is heavy to put somewhere else, what matters is that it works perfectly.
I never thought that there are different kinds of saws. This is informative as the pros and cons are also included. Those who are looking for saws can make decision easily through the help of this article.
Wow! This is a very informative article. I learned so much about the different types of miter saw.
I agree entirely that you should read the reviews before purchasing a miter saw. I’d prefer one that was light and durable opposed to a heavier one or one that requires constant maintenance. I’d like to see how this machinery gets assembled. All the blades and motor capabilities look very complex.
I was looking for the right tool to help set up a carpenter’s workshop (as charity). Now, I know to buy him a Bosch GCM12SD 120-Volt 12-Inch DB Glide Miter Saw. It might be heavy and expensive but at least, it will help him work on all types of material and deliver a better quality of work. Thanks for guidance!
My husband would love one of these! He’s the DIY kind of man and would never hesitate to make small tables or cabinets if he sees the need for one. Will bookmark this page! Thanks!
I like the Makita LS1016L 10-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser. It has a laser so it will be very accurate when it comes to cutting. Another product that I like is the Bosch GCM12SD 120-Volt 12-Inch DB Glide Miter Saw but they say it’s a little bit pricey.
Thanks for the thorough article! Now I know exactly which miter saw to purchase!