Best Miter Saws for the Money: 2024 Review & Buying Guide

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In a hurry? DeWALT DWS779 is the best miter saw you can buy. Keep reading to find out why.

On Sale DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch...

A miter saw is a tool often associated with the work site. Hobbyist woodworkers may be surprised to discover that they also have a lot of useful applications in a woodworking workshop.

This article will teach you how to buy the best miter saw for your needs. We will take a look at six products found on the market to determine what the best miter saw might be for you.

Quick Comparison:

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Best Overall
DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch...
The Runner-Up
BOSCH GCM12SD 15 Amp 12 Inch Corded Dual-Bevel...
Best 10-Inch Miter Saw
Makita LS1040 10" Compound Miter Saw
Budget Option
Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw, 10" Miter Saw with...
Weight
56 lbs
65 lbs
27.3 lbs
24.5 lbs
Blade Size
12-inch
12-inch
10-inch
10-inch
Sliding
Dual-Bevel
Reviews
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Client Rating
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Prime
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Amazon Prime
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Amazon Prime
Best Overall
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DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch...
Weight
56 lbs
Blade Size
12-inch
Sliding
Dual-Bevel
Reviews
-
Client Rating
-
Prime
-
Learn More
The Runner-Up
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BOSCH GCM12SD 15 Amp 12 Inch Corded Dual-Bevel...
Weight
65 lbs
Blade Size
12-inch
Sliding
Dual-Bevel
Reviews
-
Client Rating
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Learn More
Best 10-Inch Miter Saw
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Makita LS1040 10" Compound Miter Saw
Weight
27.3 lbs
Blade Size
10-inch
Sliding
Dual-Bevel
Reviews
-
Client Rating
-
Prime
-
Learn More
Budget Option
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Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw, 10" Miter Saw with...
Weight
24.5 lbs
Blade Size
10-inch
Sliding
Dual-Bevel
Reviews
-
Client Rating
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Learn More

Miter Saw Buying Guide

Miter Saw Types

Your first consideration when looking for the best miter saw will be the type of saw design, which can be:

  • Standard Miter Saws – These were the first miter saws to flood the power tool market in the early 1970s. A standard design locks at a predetermined angle to make straight crosscuts. Most of today’s models can angle to the left or right of the saw blade, but there are some designs that you can only adjust on one side of the cut line.
    These products are the most affordable and require the fewest adjustments to use. The standard miter saw has a limited cutting width on lumber, though.
  • Compound Miter Saw – An added feature to the standard design is the ability to tilt the circular saw blade. The tilt allows you to make a beveled cut on the edge of your board. Combining a miter cut and a beveled edge makes a compound cut that is more difficult and time-consuming to cut without a compound miter saw.
    The design has been the most popular until recently for amateurs and professionals alike. It costs more than the standard miter saw but less than the sliding design. This is because you have an additional angle to work with, but the maximum cutting width is similar to a regular miter saw.
  • Dual Compound Miter Saw – This is the same design as a standard compound miter saw, except that it allows you to tilt the blade in two directions instead of just one. That will allow you to make bevel cuts in both directions, saving you time as you won’t need to continuously flip the wood over.
    Some may feel that this design is redundant. I believe that it is valuable for those with limited time (and patience) to enjoy their hobby. It’s also handy for those intermediate woodworkers who may be doing projects that require large amounts of compound cuts.
  • Sliding Compound Miter Saws – In recent years, this design has become the favorite of miter saw users. It uses an arm that provides extra reach beyond the width of the circular saw blade. That allows you to cut wide pieces of timber in one pass that a non-sliding miter saw can not.
    You will pay more for this design than any other. However, sliding compound miter saws offer a wide cutting width that may justify the added expense once you start working with materials not used for framing a home.

Important considerations

Today’s market is filled with products that offer an endless array of features. While some are nice to have, the important ones I’d look at include:

Blade Size

Outside of the miter saw design, the most critical feature is the size of the saw blade. It determines the maximum depth and length of cut you can make with the miter saw.

The most popular saw blade sizes are 8, 10, and 12 inches. You can mount a smaller saw blade on a miter saw than what it is rated, but you should never try to use a larger saw blade than the recommended size.

10-inch miter saws are the most popular amongst DIY enthusiasts since their blades will be interchangeable with a table saw. Having a 10-inch miter saw, and a table saw means that you can save on blades, as long as you have the patience of going through the hassle of swapping blades between the two tools.

Power

A minimum electric motor size will be at least 15 amps for the best miter saws. Higher is better, of course, but 15 amps will cut through lumber without bogging down in the middle of a cut.

Dust collection

Your miter saw will create plenty of sawdust. Good dust collection is an important feature that will keep your work area clean. Good dust collection will offer the removal of debris with a minimal amount of blockage in the port area.

Also, look for connection points that will fit your current shop vac or the workshop collection venting. This will help keep the debris moving through the hose once it is out of your miter saw.

Laser guides

An LED guide can project a line where the blade will cut, allowing you to line up the workpiece quickly. Laser guides are a premium feature that doesn’t come included with all miter saws. If you value accuracy, consider paying extra for a miter saw with a laser guide.

With that said, keep in mind that there are aftermarket solutions that you can use to add a laser guide to a miter saw:

Positive stops

Positive stops, or detents, allow you to quickly position the saw blade at the desired angle without having to check the marking gauge closely. The feature may prove more beneficial in the field, but it can save time in the shop when switching cut angles from one side of the saw blade to the other.

They are often placed at popular angles, such as 0 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 33.9 degrees, and 45 degrees. Dual compound saws will come with detents in a wider range of angles like 48 degrees both to the left and right. Positive stops allow you to make fast angle settings that can save you a lot of time.

Safety features

Safety locks prevent accidental startups, and electric brakes stop spinning blades in an instant. A working blade guard and proper operator safety are your best injury prevention, though.

Best Miter Saws: The Reviews

1. DEWALT DWS779 – Best for the Money

On Sale
DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch...
  • Stainless steel miter detent plate of the 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 10 positive stops
  • The mitre saw has a precise miter system and machined base fence support
  • Precise miter system and machined base fence support Cam-lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles for DEWALT miter saw

Full Review: DEWALT DWS779 Review

OVERVIEW

This 12-inch model from DeWalt uses a 15-amp electric motor. A 110-volt outlet is all it needs to provide plenty of cutting power.

There are 10 positive stops located on the pivoting plate of this model. Those positive stops are located at the most popular angles and can be bypassed should you need to make adjustments close to the stops themselves.

PROS

  • DeWalt offers a three-year warranty on this miter saw. The manufacturer is known to make durable equipment that allows them to offer extended warranties without concern.
  • This product uses a cam lock to hold the saw in place once adjustments are set. This setup also includes a detent override that can make micro-adjustments near the detents difficult.
  • A cutline laser pointer is located in the handle. This location allows for quick adjustments without blocking the light as you manipulate the workpiece.

CONS

  • This miter saw does not make use of adjustable bearings. That can lead to shorter work-life than found on miter saws that use the bearings in their design.
  • This unit uses a slider system that helps to maintain accuracy. One side effect is that the miter saw may stick a bit from time to time during a cut.

More Options: Best 12-Inch Miter Saw Review

2. Bosch GCM12SD – Best Dual Bevel Miter Saw

BOSCH GCM12SD 15 Amp 12 Inch Corded Dual-Bevel...
  • AXIAL GLIDE SYSTEM: patented glide system allows wider cross cuts and better alignment while also being compact, saving you 12 inches of valuable work space
  • CAPACITY: expanded cutting capacity, 14 inch horizontal capacity nominal 6 1/2 inch vertical capacity against the fence base 6 1/2 inch crown capacity against the fence 45 spring
  • ADJUSTABLE: provides easy adjustments with a large, easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales with marked detentes and roof pitch angles; Bevel detents: 0, 33.9 degree, 45 degree...

OVERVIEW

The Bosch design takes up less room than similar-sized sliding miter saws thanks to its axial-glide system. It can save up to 12 inches of space, giving this model dimensions about 31 inches L x 23.8 inches W x 22.5 inches H. It is rather heavy, though, at 65 pounds.

A 15 amp electric motor generates up to 3,800 RPMs under no load, and that rotational speed is maintainable through most cutting conditions. A feature I like about Bosch’s miter saw is the ergonomic handle that absorbs vibration and provides comfort.

The manufacturer’s one-year limited warranty is underwhelming, but the build quality does not indicate shortcuts or inferior parts. Also, the 14-inch cutting capacity and extendable material support that reaches 40 inches are impressive.

PROS

  • The multiple hinges on the arm allow the miter saw to take up less room while still providing plenty of cutting width.
  • Sliding material supports on the left and right sides of the miter saw help to stabilize longer boards as you make cuts.
  • Its bevel lock is located on the front of the saw. Locating it on the left portion of the angle plate allows you to operate it without having to reach behind the saw.
  • A miter detent override allows you to more precisely align the saw blade angle in the positive stop locations.

CONS

  • The extension pieces are made from a less durable metal than used on other parts of this miter saw. That can make them prone to becoming loose with extended use.
  • It weighs about 65 pounds, making it more difficult to move around your shop by yourself than other miter saws would be.
  • A vacuum adaptor doubles as the dust chute on this model. This design can clog up easier and faster than dust collection, which makes use of chamber space.

Learn More: Single vs. Double Bevel Miter Saws

3. Makita LS1040 – Best 10-Inch Miter Saw

On Sale
Makita LS1040 10' Compound Miter Saw
  • Powerful 15 AMP direct drive motor for improved performance; 4,600 RPM
  • Dual post compound pivoting arm
  • Miter cuts 0°-45° left and 0°-52° right

OVERVIEW

The standard design of the LS1040 produces a smaller footprint than compound, or sliding miter saw designs. It is only 20 inches L x 10 inches W x 21 inches H. A weight of only 27.3 pounds makes it easy to carry around your shop or transport around the job site.

It uses a 15 amp direct-drive electric motor. That should provide greater motor longevity and consistent output. In addition, you should be able to maintain up to 4,600 RPMs through most materials.

It uses a soft start technology, and a lack of belts means fewer parts to wear down or replace over time. You can cut up to 45 degrees to the left of the blade and 52 degrees to the right. The simple design also provides up to 45 degrees of beveling to the left of the saw blade.

PROS

  • A dual post-pivoting arm is used in the design. The extra post keeps the saw in a position more securely once it is set. That also helps to provide a more consistent and accurate cut.
  • Makita uses more lightweight material in the build of this product. That makes this miter saw weigh only 27.3 pounds.
  • It has positive stops at nine setting points. This includes popular angles such as 15, 30, and 45 degrees. A positive stop at 90 degrees gets users quickly set for straight cuts, too.
  • A shaft lock aids during saw blade changes and helps to prevent potential accidents.

CONS

  • Some of the miter saw adjustments on this model are located on the side or backside of the saw. These locations are less convenient to reach. The locations will also require you to move around the saw to read the scales used.
  • A small dust collection bag is included. The bag itself fills quickly. The fast filling time will cause the dust collection shoot to clog sooner than on other miter saws.
  • Heat build-up can make this design hot to the touch, and an overheated motor can wear out early

4. Metabo HPT C10FCGS – Best Budget Option

Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw, 10' Miter Saw with...
  • LARGE TABLE SAW 10 INCH : Metabo HPT's compound miter saw offers better material support with its vice clamping system to secure the workpiece. This single-bevel table saw 10 inch is your ticket to...
  • PORTABLE DESIGN: The compound miter saw from Metabo HPT is lightweight, at only 24.2lbs. Our portable miter saw is easy to maneuver. The thumb-actuated positive stops allow for quick miter...
  • POWER SAW FOR PRECISE WOODWORKING: this durable woodworking tool is equipped with a 15 Amp motor to deliver high power for the toughest of cuts, generating a no-load speed of up to 5,000 RPM.

OVERVIEW

The 10-inch miter saw by Metabo measures approximately 23 inches L x 18.5 inches W x 21.5 inches H. It weighs 24.5 pounds due to the cheaper materials used in its construction. You will pay far less for this model than for other miter saw designs, making it a great way to introduce a specialty power tool into your workshop.

Its 10-inch saw blade spins on a 5/8-inch arbor. A maximum RPM range of 5,000 is higher than many other products but is well within range for a 10-inch blade.

Those familiar with Hitachi’s version of this model will know the pros and cons for the most part, with the biggest difference in the price tag.

PROS

  • It comes at half (or more) the price of other miter saws, making it an excellent option for woodworkers unsure of buying a dedicated power tool for lots of money.
  • The table on this particular model is larger than those found on many other 10-inch miter saw setups. That larger table is easier to work with. It can also hold large projects more readily than other tables can.
  • All adjustable and locking components appear to be made of quality materials. This allows these parts to be adjusted more accurately. They will also hold their position better and offer less play during alignments and cuts.
  • A maximum rotation per Minute of 5,000 is nice to have on a 10-inch circular saw blade.
  • You can activate miter angles to positive stops using one hand, followed up with thumb-actuated locking on the handle’s lever.

CONS

  • The manufacturer has elected to use cheaper building materials for this product. While it does help to keep the price point on this miter saw down, it is also reflected in the overall quality. You may find that the components of this saw are more prone to breakage.
  • This model shares almost all the characteristics of the Metabo that Hitachi rebranded. That makes this a miter saw that can be found with higher-quality components from Hitachi.
  • The dust collection system on the miter saw lacks suction power, and you will be lucky to gather more than 50 percent of the debris generated during a cut

More Options: Best Budget Miter Saw Review

5. DEWALT DWS716

On Sale
DEWALT Miter Saw, Double-Bevel, Compound, 12-Inch,...
  • Stainless steel miter detent plate with 14 positive stops delivers repeatable accuracy and worksite durability for the 12-inch miter saw blade
  • Tall sliding fences of the mitre saw support crown molding up to 6-5/8-inch nested and base molding up to 6-1/2-inch vertically against fence
  • Double-bevel design of DEWALT miter saw allows saw to bevel 0 degree - 48 degree to the left and right with positive stops at 0 degree, 22.5 degree, 33.9 degree, and 45 degree

OVERVIEW

DeWalt has made the footprint of the DWS716 smaller than that of its DWS779. The 12-inch miter saw measures about 27.17 inches L x 22.44 inches W x 19.88 inches H. It weighs only 41 pounds, making it easy to carry to the table and back to storage.

The saw blade attaches to either a 5/8 or 1-inch arbor and can reach up to 3,800 Rotations Per Minute (RPMs) under no-load conditions. The 15 amp electric motor will maintain those speeds in all but the thickest boards or tight wood grains.

Its sliding fence is tall, capable of supporting base molding 6.5 inches tall.

PROS

  • You are provided with 14 positive stops spread across the most used miter angles on both sides of the saw blade, setting up double-beveled cuts quickly.
  • A wide range of bevel adjustments (0 to 48 degrees) and miter adjustments (0 to 50 degrees) to the left and right of the saw blade
  • Its cam-lock miter handle is easy to move, and it can be secured with one hand instead of requiring you to use both.

CONS

  • It does not include a laser guide for quick alignment between the saw blade and cut line, which is surprising to me at this price point.
  • The saw blade size, cutting angle capability, and compact design come at a higher price point than other miter saws in this power range.

6. Skil MS6305-00 10 Inch Miter Saw

Skil 10' Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw -...
  • POWERFUL 15 AMP MOTOR - Delivers 4,800 RPM for quick, detailed cuts
  • DUAL BEVEL – Perform cuts in four positive stop positions at 48° & 45° left, 0°, and 45° right
  • LED SHADOW LINE - Provides high precision cuts with greater accuracy than lasers

OVERVIEW

While I had difficulty located exact measurements for the 10-inch Skil miter saw, it does ship in a container measuring 35.5 inches x 22.5 inches x 14.35 inches and weighs 48.8 pounds in the box. Surprisingly, a subsidiary of Chevron lacks this critical information in a market where these details matter.

One thing that stands out for me on this 10-inch sliding design is the LED cutting guide. It casts a shadow line on your workpiece and offers accurate alignment that most LED laser guides can not. You will need this guide during the cut as the blade guard is hard to see through.

PROS

  • An LED shadow line is used to indicate the point of cut on the workpiece and is more accurate than traditional LED guides.
  • A maximum cutting width of 12 inches at 90 degrees is a substantial reach for the blade size.
  • The safety trigger is located in the center of the handle, making it easy to use for either left or right-handed operators.

CONS

  • A ribbed texture and darker plastic make the blade guard harder to see through, which can partially obstruct your view during the cut
  • The plastic used on the material hold-down clamp is not ideal and may flex or break with enough clamping pressure applied to it

7. Makita XSL06PT Cordless 10 Inch Miter Saw

Makita XSL06PT 18V x2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36V)...
  • Powered by two LXT batteries; x2 LXT technology delivers more power, speed and run time without the hassles of a cord
  • Makita built electronically controlled BL motor delivers 4, 400 RPM for faster and smoother cutting
  • The BL Brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life

OVERVIEW

Makita is world-renowned for its innovations in the cordless power tool market, so I wanted to add this 10-inch sliding miter saw that uses two 18 volt batteries to create 36 volts of cutting power.

The power tool measures 22.44 inches L x 32.69 inches W x 21.65 inches H. It weighs 60 pounds with batteries installed, which compares to some corded models.

You can get up to 4,400 RPMs from the brushless electric motor. A brushless design is less likely to overheat and has fewer parts that can break.

PROS

  • A cordless design that can take advantage of the brushless motor to create about 334 cuts for every charge on the battery packs.
  • Makita uses LXT battery packs with 5.0 amp hours, which should provide consistent cutting capabilities as the charge wears down over the day.
  • The sliding system uses two steel rails that provide smooth movement up to 12-inch cutting width.

CONS

  • It comes at an extremely high price point, which will likely put it out of range of beginning and intermediate woodworking shops.
  • The design requires two 18-volt LXT Lithium-Ion battery packs, which makes it a more expensive power system to charge and replace

8. Craftsman CMCS714M1 7.25 Inch Miter Saw

CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Sliding Miter Saw, 7-1/4...
  • POWERFUL MOTOR: 3,800 RPM motor of CRAFTSMAN miter saw is made for cutting 2X dimensional lumber, hardwoods, baseboard and trim with ease
  • SLIDE CAPABILITIES: The mitre saw has 8-inch cross cut at 90-degree and 5-1/2-inch cross cut at 45 degree
  • ADDED CAPACITY: The sliding miter saw cuts 3-5/8-inch nested crowns and 3-1/2-inch baseboards vertically

OVERVIEW

If you need only light workloads done and work with framing lumber or smaller items, the 7.25 inch saw blade on this cordless Craftsman is worth considering. It measures 23.0 inches W x 21.25 inches L x 12.0 inches H. The miter saw weighs 21 pounds, which is understandable with a smaller product.

A maximum 8.0-inch crosscut and a 3.5-inch verticle cut allow you to work with two x framing lumber and several molding designs. Its battery should provide near the 3,800 RPM no-load speed in most woods, and you can get up to 585 cuts per charge on the battery pack.

PROS

  • A smaller cordless design that can still handle various crosscuts on two x lumber as well as light-duty projects.
  • It is powered by a 20 V MAX battery platform that has up to 20 volts of storage capacity and maintains an 18-volt output for a longer period of time.
  • The 3,800 RPMs will work fine for a 7.25-inch blade and help to prevent energy waste for unnecessary rotations.

CONS

  • It is limited to only eight inches of cutting width at 90 degrees, which is due to the smaller circular saw blades used in the miter saw.
  • The smoke-colored blade guard requires that you keep clear of the LED cut line guide or risk errors.

9. Milwaukee 2734-21HD 10 Inch Miter Saw

MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL 2734-21HD M18 Fuel, Dual...
  • Has a durable design
  • Side carrying handles
  • Provides more Run-Time

OVERVIEW

Milwaukee’s 10-inch cordless design measures 34.5 inches L x 27.5 inches W x 27.0 inches H. It weighs 45 pounds, which compares favorably to many corded 10-inch miter saws. It is bulkier due to the battery pack placement and sliding dual-bevel design.

An 18 volt M18 Lithium-Ion battery performs up to 400 cuts before needing a charge. You can make 12-inch crosscuts and verticle cuts on molding at 5.75 inches.

A shadow line cut indicator makes lining up workpieces fast, and several positive stops at the most-used miter angles speed up cuts as well.

PROS

  • You get a dual bevel sliding compound ability on a 10-inch cordless design, combining versatility and portability for users.
  • The materials used for this power tool are intended for rough construction environments, which means that they will last a lifetime in your woodshop under hobby conditions.
  • Milwaukee stands behind this cordless miter saw, offering you a five-year warranty package on the power tool.

CONS

  • The design for this cordless miter saw is a bit bulkier than others and will need more room for setting up in the shop or at the job site
  • Its debris bag will need to be emptied often, and it is worth noting that the fabric does leak a fair amount of dust outside of the container

More Cordless Options: Best Cordless Miter Saws of 2024

10. Kobalt SM1816LW 7.25 Inch Miter Saw

Kobalt Compact Sliding 7-1/4-in 10-Amp Single...

OVERVIEW

KBLT provides this 7.25-inch miter saw with measurements of 23.5 inches L x 22.0 inches W x 18.5 inches H. It comes in under 23 pounds, making it lightweight and compact. That might make it an option for cramped shops with limited bench space for your miter saw placement.

I have seen power ratings listed at 10.0 amps, but I believe that the electric motor is rated at 15 amps while generating up to 4,800 RPMs under no-load. It can create a maximum 45-degree bevel cut and a 50-degree maximum miter cut.

You will get an 8.0-inch crosscut at 90 degrees and a 6.0-inch crosscut with a 45-degree miter.

PROS

  • It includes one of the better hold-down clamps found on miter saws, which are often just cheap add-ons with most of the miter saw purchases today.
  • The electric blade break was a pleasant surprise for this lesser-known brand, especially at the mid-range price point found in this product.
  • Black markings are high contrast on metal surfaces, making those markings easy to read in low-light conditions and through light dust coatings.

CONS

  • Several seems on the plastic components have gaps that can snag clothing or possibly your skin
  • The dust collection system appears to be a weak point as dust and debris scattered around the work area, even with a shop vac applied

11. Wen MM1011 10 Inch Miter Saw

WEN MM1011 15-Amp 10' Single Bevel Compact Sliding...
  • Powerful 15-amp motor cuts boards up to 12 inches wide and 3-1/2 inches thick
  • Miter 45 degrees in either direction (featuring 9 miter stops) or bevel 45 degrees to the left
  • Onboard Class II laser guide illuminates your line of cut

OVERVIEW

Wen’s 10-inch single bevel miter saw is a simple design that measures about 17.5 inches L x 28.0 inches W x 16.5 inches H. It ships at around 38.7 pounds, and Wen covers the miter saw with a two-year warranty.

The 15 amp electric motor creates RPMs that max out near 4,500. You can make up to 12-inch crosscuts and 6.75-inch base molding nestled against the fence.

Your purchase would include a material clamp, dust bag, dust port adaptor, and a 40-toothed carbide-tipped saw blade.

PROS

  • It uses a comfortable rubber grip on the control handle that keeps you in control and eliminates hand slips.
  • The class II laser guide is integrated into the miter saw and offers a stable line that you can use to align your crosscut.
  • There is a distinct “feel” to the black body with orange and silver highlights that makes this miter saw stand out in your shop.

CONS

  • A textured surface on the tabletop is intended to prevent slippage during the cut, but it could make your workpiece if it catches on the grain or an edge.
  • The thread on the lockdown bolt could be rough on your miter saw and make it difficult to fully secure the workpiece you are trying to hold in place.

12. Hitachi C10FCH2

Hitachi C10FCH2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel...
  • Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT. Same great tools, with only a new name.
  • Hitachi's Laser Marker System for increased cutting accuracy
  • 15 Amp motor, powerful for the toughest cutting jobs

OVERVIEW

This entry from Hitachi is a renamed Metabo HPT. That creates a Hitachi product that makes use of the laser marking system found on the Metabo. This unit also makes use of a dust collection system that includes a dust collection bag.

PROS

  • The angle setup on this miter saw is wider than on some products. The bevel angles reach up to 45 degrees. The miter angles can reach up to 52 degrees on both the left and right of the blade.
  • A five-year warranty helps to cover this 10-inch model. That provides a lot of consumer confidence when looking at this miter saw. It also indicates the manufacturer’s high confidence in the design and materials used in making it.
  • Elastomer is used in the grip. This material is strong and ergonomic. The handle material also absorbs some vibration, preventing its transfer into your hand.

CONS

  • This single-bevel setup is limited compared to other Hitachi models. A dual-compound design would allow you to make faster cuts when needed without flipping the wood.
  • It has black ribbing that surrounds the blade shield. This impairs visual contact with the blade under the shield. It also makes the clear blade guard almost useless.

13. DWT Sliding Compound Miter Saw

DWT Sliding Compound Miter Saw with 3 Blades, 15A...
  • Good Idea for Woodworking and DIY Lovers -𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆...
  • 【2 Adjustable Speeds & Durable Tool】 With the single press of the switch, you can convert between two speeds(3200 RPM or 4500 RPM) with ease for more precise cutting, high speed for wood while low...
  • 【Bevel Cutting & Laser Guide】 A free bevel range from 0°to 45° allows you to make beveled cuts for more versatile uses. And angle of miter bench is -45°/0°/+45°with positive stops at 0°,...

OVERVIEW

This miter saw is designed to be used on various materials besides wood. That gives woodworkers more options should they need to trim wood, PVC, plastics, or soft metals such as aluminum.

PROS

  • This system operates at two speeds. Your lower setting works well when cutting plastics or light metals. The higher RPM setting is designed to be used when making cuts on wood. This feature provides a lot of versatility to this power tool.
  • An additional safety feature is offered with the iron blade guard. The heavier material provides adequate protection for users who cut through light metals.
  • Extensions are located on both sides of the table. These extensions add to the support offered to materials as you make the cut. Clamps are provided to help hold your project in place during the cut as well.

CONS

  • A questionable placement of the laser guide could cause it to become covered in dust. As the saw travels through the cut, it will place the red laser in the path of lighter debris. If you rely on the laser, you may need to stop for more frequent cleanings.
  • Issues making the precision cuts. Under power and safety mechanism that requires pin release every time.
  • You will need to be on your toes, so to speak, when operating at various speeds. Cutting materials at the wrong speeds could result in poor cut quality. That quality change could ruin the material you are working with.

Further Reading

What Is A Miter Saw, And What Will It Help You Do?

A miter saw (also referred to as a miter saw) is a dedicated power tool used for crosscutting boards. It uses a circular saw blade to sever the wood fibers. The crosscuts made by a miter saw are accurate and repeatable, features that have made it a favorite power tool for carpenters and manufacturers since the early 1970s.

A miter saw uses an arm to hold the circular saw blade in position. That arm allows the saw to drop from above the workpiece to the edge or face of the board. The power tool supports the wood on top of a cutting surface and a fence that prevents it from moving as you cut.

You can cut a 90-degree edge on your lumber or adjust the circular saw blade to make a mitered cut. The saw blade can also be tilted on its side, allowing you to make beveled cuts on the edge of your board. Combining these features creates a compound miter cut that is easy to repeat on the end of several pieces of wood.

What are the best uses for a miter saw?

The miter saw, as the name implies, excels at making angled cuts across boards that will form a miter joint when placed together. This angle is often cut at 45 degrees, but a miter cut can also be made at other angles. You can also make beveled cuts or a combination of bevel and miter cuts, as well as crosscuts on boards in a similar manner as a chop saw.

Bevel cut

The size of these cuts will be limited by the design of the saw and the blade size. You will find that 10 or 12-inch miter saws will handle most beginning and intermediate projects. This includes making cuts on framing timber used for a variety of tasks, as well as making miter cuts on wall trim.

If you are looking to make long crosscuts on panels or rip cuts on lumber, the miter saw will be limited or of no use to you. The best circular saws or table saws are designed to make those types of cuts.

Who will benefit from using a miter saw?

All woodworkers can make cross-cuts quickly using a miter saw. If you work with lots of framing lumber or wood with similar dimensions, this tool makes an accurate replacement for your hand-held circular saw. Woodworkers who need to make several repeated crosscuts can also improve their workflow using a miter saw.

Who might want to pass on this dedicated saw?

DIYers and hobbyists who use panel goods and plywood sheets will find limited uses for the miter saw. Furniture makers can use the power tool for cutting framing lumber or boards with shallow faces, but glued panels and rip cuts are beyond this tool’s capability.

Is a miter saw worth it?

My grandfather used to say that you can always make more money, but you can never make more time. Power tools save time in the shop, and a miter saw will save you time laying out a crosscut. Add the ability to quickly set a miter cut angle or tilt the blade for a beveled edge, and you can begin to understand how efficient the best miter saws can be.

If you make repeated crosscuts on your DIY or woodworking project, a miter saw eliminates the need for marking and layout for individual boards. Instead, you can use the time saved on other aspects of the project, like joinery or finishing.

The Final Cut

On Sale
DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch...
  • Stainless steel miter detent plate of the 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 10 positive stops
  • The mitre saw has a precise miter system and machined base fence support
  • Precise miter system and machined base fence support Cam-lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles for DEWALT miter saw

While I found great features on all thirteen products, I feel that the DEWALT 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw (DWS779) is the best miter saw for woodworking and construction applications. It offers more versatility than the other five saws due to its versatility and the ability to host larger blades. In terms of features, it is very similar to Bosch’s GCM12SD miter saw while being less expensive. With this miter saw, you can make decent cuts into light metals, plastics, and wood.

It is a sliding compound design. This lets you make compound cuts over a wider area. That is impossible for the models above that do not slide. It uses a 15 amp motor that is strong enough to keep the 12-inch blade moving at high speeds.

While the chip bag has limited space, the 35mm port will allow a shop vac to be connected for good dust removal.

About the author

Picture of Arthur Kudriavcev

Arthur Kudriavcev

I was introduced to woodworking by my grandfather when I was 11 years old. I spend most of my free time working on woodworking projects and writing for this blog. Apart from that, I also enjoy weightlifting and chess.

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