Best Miter Saw – InOutBest
We couldn’t possibly exhaust the number of ways a miter saw could come in handy as far as woodwork is concerned. The bottom line, however, is that it’s important to get the best miter saw if you really are after getting the best out of your projects.
Known for their precision, accuracy, and versatility, miter saws can be able to handle pretty much everything you throw at them. This, unfortunately, is not really possible if you aren't sure what will work best for you.
So, how can you get what you need and deserve? Well, by investing lots of hours in research, we’ve tested lots of these bad boys and narrowed it down to the review below of what will give you a bang for your buck in 2019.
Let’s get to it then, shall we?
Contents
- 1 2019’s top 13 miter saws Review
- 1.1 DEWALT 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw, Double Bevel (DWS780)
- 1.2 DEWALT DWS715 15-Amp 12" Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
- 1.3 Bosch 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw (GCM12SD)
- 1.4 Makita LS1221 12-inch Compound Miter saw Kit
- 1.5 Genesis GMS1015LC 15-Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
- 1.6 TACKLIFE 12-inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw - PMS03A
- 1.7 Delta S26-271L 12" Sliding Single Bevel Miter Saw With Laser
- 1.8 WEN 70716 10-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- 1.9 Makita XSL02Z 18V X2 LXT
- 1.10 Makita XSL05Z 18V LXT
- 1.11 Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 7-1/4 in. Cordless Miter Saw
- 1.12 Ryobi ZRP551 ONE Plus 18V Cordless 7-1/4 in. Miter Saw
- 2 Best miter saw buying guide.
- 2.1 Which type of miter saw should you get?
- 2.2 Basic meter saws
- 2.3 Compound miter saw
- 2.4 Sliding compound miter saw
- 2.5 Cordless miter saws
- 2.6 The blade
- 2.7 The angle of cut.
- 2.8 Accuracy: is a laser guide necessary?
- 2.9 The brand and budget
- 2.10 The material construction
- 2.11 Other aspects to pay attention to Buy miter Saw
- 2.12 Final verdict
- 2.13 Share this:
Quick Answer Here Is The Best Miter Saw List
This way, it will definitely be much easier and less time consuming for you to narrow down your search to what’s going to fit your needs best. Here’s what we got for you.
- 1DEWALT 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw, Double Bevel (DWS780) (Sliding Compound)
- 2DEWALT DWS715 15-Amp 12" Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw(Compound)
- 3Bosch 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw (GCM12SD)(Compound)
- 4Makita LS1221 12-inch Compound Miter saw Kit (Compound)
- 5Genesis GMS1015LC 15-Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw(Compound)
- 6TACKLIFE 12-inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw - PMS03A(Sliding Compound)
- 7Delta S26-271L 12" Sliding Single Bevel Miter Saw With Laser(Sliding)
- 8WEN 70716 10-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw(Sliding Compound)
- 9Makita XSL02Z 18V X2 LXT(Cordless)
- 10Makita XSL05Z 18V LXT(Cordless)
Image | Best miter saw | Bevel adjustment | type | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-48 degrees: left | Compound miter saw | |||
45 degrees left and right | Sliding miter saw | |||
0 degrees to 45 degrees | Cordless miter saw |
2019’s top 13 miter saws Review
With reference to the above-mentioned types of miter saws, here are the latest best miter saw reviews on the different categories each of which promises the best results.
1
DEWALT 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw, Double Bevel (DWS780)
Other than being from one of the top brands in the manufacture of miter saws, this is feature packed and definitely one of the best sliding compound miter saws you’d get for the money. Here’s every reason you should give it a shot.
Designed to offer extended power and durability
With the construction being of utmost importance, this miter saw is designed with utmost precision down to the tiniest detail. From the rugged guards to the stainless-steel detent plate, it’ll handle anything you throw at it quite conveniently
Alongside the high-quality build, this sliding compound miter saw also features a 15-amp motor that has got a 3800 rpm and as such, you should be able to get clean and accurate cuts.
More on the accuracy…
The blade also includes a CUTLINE blade positioning system which makes it less of a hassle to achieve accurate cuts since with this, there is an improved ultra-bright LED light that shows where the blade will fall.
The included positive stops make operation easy
For the bevels, one should be able to bevel from zero to 49 degrees with the positive stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45 and 49 degrees in both the right and the left directions. To add on to the versatility, this saw can miter 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left.
With the two features above working hand in hand, you couldn’t go wrong as far as accuracy is concerned.
Has got accurate and high capacity cutting
One of the features that make this saw stand out from the rest is that it features a unique combination of cut capacities.
These include 6-3/4” vertical capacity, 7-1/2” nested crown capacity, 13-7/8” horizontal capacity as well as an exclusive back fence design capable of cutting to a 2x16 at a 90-degree angle and 2x12 at a 45-degree angle. Additionally, it does have a rail lock latch with which you can be able to hold the head away from the fence
Pros
- Has got 10 convenient positive stops
- Features a high-powered motor with 3,600 RPM
- Includes an LED light that indicates where the blade will fall
Cons
- You might have to use a spacer when using the depth stop
2
DEWALT DWS715 15-Amp 12" Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
With durability accuracy and a top-notch performance all in one, it surely does promise an amazing performance considering it is also backed up by one of the best brands. Check it out and see whether it really is worth it
Get the best cuts with the high-powered motor
Well, the motor is basically one of the major features that dictate how good the performance of the saw is going to be. On this bad boy, you get a high powered 15 Amp motor which should be strong enough to get you some really clean cuts.
Speaking of clean cuts, the motor also does have an amazing 4000 RPM and considering it’s a 12-inch motor, the miter saw will definitely stand out from the rest in its class.
Portability is achieved with the carry handle
If you are looking for the best miter saw for homeowner, this one should definitely do the trick. With the inclusion of a carry handle, it should be easy enough to carry it from one spot to another. Well, other than just being able to use it around your workspace with utmost flexibility, you’ll also appreciate the fact that there is a dust bag included which ensures your working environment is neat.
Has got repeatability, accuracy, and durability all in one
With the inclusion of the positive stops on this miter saw, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle which would not be the case if they were absent. These basically allow you to make your cuts with utmost accuracy without having to make the adjustments yourself.
Still, on the accuracy, the saw bevels from 0 to 48 degrees to the left and 0 to 3 degrees to the right which allows you to do quite plenty of tasks. There’s also a 2 x 8-inch dimensional lumber cross cut capacity at 90 degrees and 2 x 6 inches dimensional lumber at 45 degrees
Pros
- Features 14 positive stops for higher precision
- Run by a 15-amp, 4000 RPM motor for extended power
- Includes a built-in carry handle for portability
Cons
- The folding locks is a little too small
3
Bosch 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw (GCM12SD)
Standing out to be one of the best 12-inch miter saws you could get from the money, the feature-packed GCM12SD promises a high level of precision, easy usage plus it's suitable for use in compact spaces. Let's see what makes it special, shall we?
The precise controls make it usable in different ways
It won’t be any good to you if it’s going to give you a hard time when it comes to using it, right? So, to ensure this is not the case, the GCM12SD comes with a highly precise Squarelock quick-release fence and with this, it should be able to align 90 degrees to the saw’s table.
At the same time, it needs no adjustments and it takes only a one-touch lock/unlock to slide the fence just in case you may need additional support
Here’s more…
Something else that makes this one of the best 12 inch miter saws you can possibly get is the fact that all the controls are up front and as such, you don't have to reach behind the saw to make any necessary adjustments. It’s also worth mentioning that besides the miter saw having easy adjustments, you also get to have a large and easy to read uniform bevel.
Wider cuts are achieved with the Axial glide system
As functional as it is, you'll definitely appreciate the fact that it is used quite comfortably even in compact spaces. With the inclusion of an axial-glide system, you get to have both wider cross cuts as well as a better alignment while at the same time being compact.At the end of the day, you save as much as 12 inches of workspace.
Speaking of the workspace the saw is also rated to have 90% dust collection which is optimized for cutting 2x material with a vacuum.
Get an extended capacity for different applications
The nominal horizontal and vertical capacity against the fence base are both 6-1/2 inches but in addition to this, the crown capacity against the fence is a 45-degree spring. Altogether, this mechanism allows you to get an additional 14 inches of expanded horizontal cutting capacity which makes it ideal for different kinds of cuts.
Pros
- Has got a space saving design
- Includes easy to use and upfront controls
- Features a highly precise square lock quick release fence
Cons
It's got a 1/8" out of square which may restrict making some cuts
4
Makita LS1221 12-inch Compound Miter saw Kit
With Makita being one of the top brands in the manufacture of premium compound miter saws, the Makita LS1221 does promise quite a lot. From the dust collection bag to the high-quality blade that ensures precise cutting, you won’t be missing out on anything whatsoever.
Get improved performance with the 15 Amp motor
Being one of the features that dictate whether or not you have the best miter saw for the money, this bad boy features a 15.0 Amp motor whose power is above average. At the end of the day, you won’t have to worry about the motor slipping or bogging down as it is the case in the belt-drive units
Due to the high power rating, it’s able to achieve a no-load RPM of 4000 which in turn gets you some of the cleanest and accurate cuts since it uses the 4T carbide blade type.
The electrical brake ensures high productivity
Safety is always a priority when working with power tools. With the inclusion of an electric brake on this one, you’ll be working with one of the best compound miter saws since it is engaged in quite a short while once triggered. This way, not only will it be safe to use when you're at the risk of getting cut but it's also quite efficient as far as the accuracy of your cuts is concerned.
Have precision at its best with the 9 positive stops
Whereas the miter capacity is 0 to 52 degrees to the left and 0 to 48 degrees to the right, the bevel capacity, on the other hand, is from 0 to 45 degrees. As for the bevel stops, these are calibrated at 0 for the 90-degree cuts, 15, 22.5, 31.6 and 45 degrees on both the left and the right side.
With the included D-handle in the design, it also stands out as one of the easiest and most comfortable miter saws
Pros
- The included D-handle makes operation easy
- 9 positive miter stops make it much easier to use
- Features an electric brake for safety and productivity
Cons
- It does have a loud kick at startup
5
Genesis GMS1015LC 15-Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
If you are just getting started with using a miter saw and wouldn’t like to break the bank for one, this is definitely something that you ought to give a try. Here’s every reason you should give it a try.
Get a quick and easy blade alignment
First thing first, and also a feature that makes this one of the best 10-inch miter saws in the market, it does come with a laser cutting guide. This allows for a quicker alignment of the blade and as such, you get to know where the cut will be before you can drop the blade.
Also included in the design is a hold-down clamp with which you should securely be able to hold the piece of wood in position so as not to compromise on the accuracy.
Enhanced safety is ensured by the brake system
Safety should always be a priority when working with power tools, right? Well, that’s well adhered to on this miter saw considering it features an electric brake which functions to stop the blade in a matter of seconds. Still, on the blade, you'll also be getting an arbor lock which makes the blade changing process quite easy.
Despite being a 10-inch blade, it’s a 60-tooth variant which is amazing for finish carpentry
The 45-degree bevel angle allows for a variety of cuts
As far as flexibility and efficiency are concerned, the ability to cut at a 45-degree angle in both the right and left side qualifies this as a good enough miter saw for most tasks. As far as repeatability is concerned, it features 9 positive stops which makes it quicker and easier to use the saw.
The high-powered motor ensures accurate and clean cuts
On to the motor design, it does come with an amazing 15 Amp motor which makes this stand out from most 10-inch miter saws.
Also…
The GMS1015LC does have a dust collection bag, two extension wings for a larger workspace, a blade wrench and a pair of AAA batteries as well.
Pros
- The included electric brake ensures safety
- Features 9 positive stops for quick and accurate cuts
- Allows for 45-degree bevel cuts on both the right and left side
Cons
- The screws holding the extension arms are a little fragile
6
TACKLIFE 12-inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw - PMS03A
Designed to be easy and convenient enough to use both by a first time user and professionals, the PMS03A is definitely going to be a huge leap forward in your projects. It features a dual bevel mechanism with improved accuracy, stability, and safety. Here's why you should check it out.
Get a clean job site with the 70% efficient dust collection
It’s not every day that you come across a dust collection feature on a miter saw that works effectively. So as to maintain a tidy enough working space, the dust port is 30mm in size and in addition to this, the dust collection bag is also large in size.
To make things even much better, you can be able to connect the miter saw to your household vacuum cleaner for added efficiency.
The double bevel sliding compound miter saw design makes it quite versatile
Depending on your needs, you should conveniently be able to adjust the bevel angle freely from -45 degrees to 45 degrees. Something else worth taking note of on this bad boy is that with the inclusion of the precise miter scale, it’s basically the best miter saw for the money as it also does have positive stops on the same.
This way, you should, with ease, be able to quickly adjust the saw to the most common miter angles hence getting the best of square, bevel and compound cuts.
With the inclusion of a professional laser guide that is controllable with a single switch, making straighter cuts is easier and more professional
Efficiency and durability are guaranteed with the high-powered motor
As for the motor, it comes with a 15Amp/1700W from which you should get a full-size performance at an amazing 3500 rpm. This makes the cutting process faster and smoother owing to the fact that it's also a 12-inch motor.
Has got adjustment tools included for easy usage
It’s not really the best sliding compound miter saw if making adjustments is a hassle, right? Coming along with the PMS03A are Allen which makes the blade changing process quite easy. It's also worth mentioning that it does have 2 extension rods which give you a larger working table hence allowing you to end up with large pieces cuts. There's also the vice clamping system which aids in fixing the object in place and freeing up your hands.
Pros
- Double bevel design for flexibility
- Features multiple positive stops for precise cuts
- Keep your workspace clean with the dust collection bag
Cons
- It takes some time to get the angle positioned right.
7
Delta S26-271L 12" Sliding Single Bevel Miter Saw With Laser
Whether you are looking for the best 10 inch miter saw or a more effective 12 inch variant, the S26-271L is definitely what you should go for. Despite the simple appearance, there’s quite a lot to look forward to on this one; do check it out and see whether it’s good enough for you
Pre-designed to stop at commonly used crown moldings
One of the most efficient features that make this the best sliding compound miter saw is that with it, you don’t have to go through the trouble of setting most of the commonly used angles yourself. It can be locked at the 0, 22.5, 31.6 and 45-degree angle hence saving you both the time and hassle of doing this manually on your own.
Get the deepest cuts with the high-powered motor
In addition to the positive stops, it also does have a high-powered motor that should be able to achieve speeds as high as 4,000 RPM. With the 12-inch blade, you should be able to get a crosscut that's as deep as 13.5 inches at a 90-degree angle.
Allows for both the right and left angle capacities.
Last but not least, for utmost efficiency, you’ll be working with a double bevel sliding compound miter saw. This way, it will be more comfortable to make wider cuts. It angles between 0 and 45 degrees on the left side whereas, on the left side, it angles between 0 and 50 degrees.
Pros
- Has got a double sliding bevel for utmost convenience
- Includes different positive stops for faster and accurate cuts
- The 4,000 RPM motor delivers deeper and cleaner cuts
Cons
- It doesn’t include operating instructions
8
WEN 70716 10-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Finishing up our sliding compound miter saw reviews is the WEN 70716 which is definitely something I’d recommend you go for if you’re on a budget. Let’s find out whether it’s really worth getting. Here goes.
The included carrying handle makes transportation easy
With the design being just as important as the operation of a miter saw, the carry handle is one of the features that make this one of the best 12 inch miter saws in the market. It should be easy enough to carry the saw from your workshop to the job site.
Something else that makes this quite convenient to work with is the inclusion of a dust bag that minimizes the post-sawing cleanup process. Additionally, there are also two support arms, a fence and a hold-down clamp for more stable cuts.
Since there is an automatic blade cover that retracts upon operation, the risk of accidents is minimized while at the same time, you can see the blade cutting through the wood as you use it. There is also a spacious work table that gives you board rooms that are up to 11.5 inches in depth
Handles even the toughest jobs with the high-powered motor
Coming built into the saw is a high powered 15 Amp motor that has got an amazing 5500 RPM. This way, you should conveniently be able to use it to cut through boards that are as much as 3.25 inches thick.
As for the blade, it does have a 60-tooth carbide tipped blade which ensures you get the best of dependability and precision.
Miters in both direction for versatile usage
Last but not least, the fact that this bad boy can miter 52 degrees in both directions. To add on to the convenience, it is able to bevel anywhere from 0 to 45 degrees to the left side which should be good enough for any kind of woodwork you're tasked with.
Pros
- Includes a carry handle and comes in a lightweight design
- Features a retractable blade cover for safety
- Miters on both sides and bevels between 0 to 45 degrees on the left
Cons
- You might need to do a little bit more of fine tuning to get the settings right
9
Makita XSL02Z 18V X2 LXT
Where budget is not a problem whatsoever and you’d be willing to do whatever it takes to get the best, the high-endMakita XSL02Z should serve you right. Regardless of packing enough power for complex woodwork, it’s relatively light, durable and functional. Take a look at what it’s got.
Runs on powerful Lithium-ion batteries
Being a cordless miter saw, the major concern would most definitely be on the power rating. Well, starting off with the battery, it runs on an 18V Lithium-Ion batteries that should provide as much as 36V for optimal power and performance.
Since you’ll most probably be using this while on the go, it does come in a lightweight configuration as it weighs only 28.2 lbs. with the battery installed which makes it easy to move and work with.
Get large dimensional cuts for different applications
Other than the batteries, yet another feature that makes this one of the best cordless miter saws is that it gives you the convenience of getting a large dimensional lumber cutting capacity. At a 90-degree angle, you should get 2” x 12” whereas, at a smaller 45-degree angle, the saw should cut at 2" x 8".
In a nutshell, there’s very little that you cannot be able to do with this miter saw.
Operates on a high-powered motor for cleaner cuts
In addition to having a high-powered battery, the motor is also just as amazing. Byrunning on a powerful BL motor that delivers up to an amazing 5,700 RPM, there’s really no better way to get faster cuts.
Still, on the cuts, it does also come with a 4-steel rail sliding system which results in increased rigidity so that at the end of the day, you get some of the most superior cuts.
Something else you’ll reallyenjoy on this miter saw is that there is an automatic speed change which adjusts both the torque and cutting speed. this not only allows you to make clean cuts but it also saves on the battery power since you’ll be using only what is needed- no more, no less.
Pros
- Comes in a lightweight 28.2 lbs. with the battery installed.
- Features a 4-steel railing system for superior cuts.
- Has got a 5,700 RPM and automatic speed change.
Cons
- The slider is a little rough
10
Makita XSL05Z 18V LXT
Though you won’t be getting a battery right out of the box, it’s the best miter saw for plenty of reasons. The motor is efficient, it’s light and perfect for offsite usage, has got a dual bevel and plenty more. Check out why it’s really worth getting.
Versatility is achieved with the right and left miter detents
Regardless of being a small miter saw, this bad boy is feature packed. For starters, it does miter to both the right and left side at 0-52-degree angles in either case. To add icing to the cake, it also does bevel between 0 and 46 degrees which make working with it quite easy.
It’s also worth mentioning that it does come with miter detents at 0, 15, 22.5, 30 and 45 degrees both on the left and right sides. Additionally, something else that makes the Makita XSL05Zthe best miter saw for the money is that it does have a cutting capacity of 1-13/16” x 3-5/8” at a 90-degree angle and 1-13/16” x 2-9/16” at a 45-degree angle.
Runs on a high performance 18V lithium-ion battery
Renowned to have the fastest charging times as far as the cordless miter saw batteries are concerned, the 18V battery that this one runs on gets you longer working hours while at the same time, spend less time charging it.
To give you an even better experience, it does have the Star protection controls which allow the star-equipped battery and tool to exchange data in real time and upon doing so monitor the conditions during use. This way, your unit will be well protected against overloading, over-discharging, over-charging and overheating.
Get maximum productivity with the electric braking system
I’ve got to say, it’s all about efficiency and safety when it comes to the Makita XSL05Z. Starting with the safety, it does come with a see-through blade guard which ensures you get to have better visibility of the blade and line of cut.
With the inclusion of the electric braking system, it does come to a stop in a matter of seconds once it's engaging and as such, you get to have maximum productivity. To get more stable operation, the base is made of aluminum and as for the gear system, it’s a direct drive which ensures there’s no belt to slip or replace plus the LXT platform will be able to get you as much as 270 cuts on a single charge.
Pros
- Features a BL brushless motor for high efficiency and cooler operation
- Includes a see-through blade guard for safety
- The automatic speed change allows it to achieve optimal performance
Cons
- You’ll have to get the battery separately
11
Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 7-1/4 in. Cordless Miter Saw
We’re almost through with our compound miter saw reviews and it’s been an amazing one so far. So, with this 7-1/4 inch miter saw, not only will get you portability at its best but also an above-average operation which blows most cordless miter saws in its class out of the water.
Do check it out below…
Get improved performance with the carbide-tip blade
If you’re all about perfection, I’d really recommend that you do check out this cordless miter saw. With the inclusion of a 7-1/4-inch blade that’s also got 24 carbide tipped blades, the accuracy and precision will definitely be uncompromised.
As for the cutting capacities, it should cut up to 2 x 4 inches cutting capacities and 4-1/4 for the cross cut capacity. Adding on to the fact that it’s a carbide-tip blade, there’s no better way to get both faster and cleaner cuts.
Accuracy is enhanced with the line adjustable laser alignment
It's not really a good enough miter saw if the accuracy is wanting, right? Since this one features a laser alignment, which you won't easily get on most miter saws in its class, you'll have some really amazing results from each project you use it on.
The laser alignment functions to let you know where the blade will fall before you can actually lower it. Upon doing so, you'll not only avoid compromising on the accuracy but will also optimize on the resources you have.
Get precision at its best with the included positive stops
As far as getting the best cuts is concerned, the fact that this miter sat can be adjusted from 0 to 45 degrees makes it quite convenient to have with you. With the inclusion of the positive stops that range from 0 to 45 degrees, it’ll be saving you lots of time that could’ve otherwise have been used in getting the adjustments right and more importantly, the accuracy will be uncompromised.
Here’s more…
For the battery, it will be powered by the included 18-volt ONE+ high capacity Lithium-ion battery or alternatively use a Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery. In addition to the battery, it also does come with an intelliport dual chemistry whose fast charge feature can have the battery at full capacity in as little as one hour.
The charger also serves to protect the battery cells and maximize the battery life while at the same time conserving energy.
Pros
- Has got an exact line adjustable laser alignment
- The 24-tooth carbide blade gets you improved performance
- Adjustable from 0 to 45 degrees with positive stops as well
Cons
- It’s only ideal for the smaller tasks
12
Ryobi ZRP551 ONE Plus 18V Cordless 7-1/4 in. Miter Saw
Yet another one from Ryobi is the ZRP551. Costing a little bit less than the one above, this one too does have plenty for you to look forward to. From the built-in stops to the accurate laser alignment, there's no better way to get the best results on every project you use this on. Here's every reason why you should give it a shot.
The bevel is adjustable for the utmost versatility
Other than just being able to miter, the bevel adjustment is yet another feature that’s highly appreciated on any miter saw. Now, with the bevel on this one being adjustable from 0 to 45 degrees, there’s plenty that you should be able to do with it.
To add icing to the cake, it also does have up to 2 x 4 cutting capacities and in addition to this, the crosscut capacity is 4-1/4 inches.
The included 9 positive stops allow for seamless accuracy
It all comes down to how much you can be able to get from it, right? With the inclusion of the 9 positive stops that are at 0 and 45 degrees, you get to worry less about making the adjustments while at the same time, you’ll have the advantage of unrivaled accuracy right out of the box.
Still, on the accuracy, the miter saw does include an exactline adjustable laser alignment systemwhich is designed to accurately align the cutline with the blade before actually lowering the blade.
Get cut precision with the 18V motor
Last but not least, the miter saw comes with an 18V motor built into it. This, in turn, shall be used to run a 7-1/4" blade which should be perfect for small cuts. On the downside, however, besides getting an amazing motor, it does not come with a battery or charger out of the box.
Pros
- Has got 9 ball detent stops for repeatability and accuracy
- Includes an exactline laser alignment system for added accuracy
- The bevel is adjustable from 0 to 45 degrees
Cons
- It works best with the smaller cuts.
Best miter saw buying guide.
It’s important to know what to look for when going miter saw shopping. Then the last thing you want is getting something that won't really work as good as you expect it to, right? With this guide, it should be easier for you to look at every miter saw with more clarity so as to get what you deserve
Which type of miter saw should you get?
Before we the reviews, perhaps it would be a good idea that you check out what options you do have. After all, this would make it much easier to pick what’ll work best depending on the task at hand, wouldn’t it?
Watch The Video for more visual Learning
Basic meter saws
Otherwise known as the standard miter saws, the simple nature of these kinds of saws makes it somewhat difficult to find in the market. Well, if you're not looking to do any kinds of complex tasks in your workshop, you could go ahead and search the market for the cheapest models.
As simple as it is, a standard miter saw can be able to handle most woodwork tasks. The base is capable of rotating at an angle of 45 degrees in either direction. This way, you should be able to get the best of angled cuts. On the downside, as much as it is really good for angled cuts, it’s not suitable for bevel cuts in which case you’ll need another miter saw.
Compound miter saw
If you are looking to upgrade from a basic miter saw, then getting a compound one should be the way to go. By including both an angle and a bevel, compound miter saws, this kind of saw works in such a way that the base swivels in either direction which allows you to make angle cuts. The head, on the other hand, can be tilted at which point the bevels can be created with ease.
Sliding compound miter saw
With such a close similarity to the compound miter saws, it functions to work around the major limitation of compound miter saws- the inability to cut boards narrower than your blade.
Here’s everything about how a sliding compound miter saw works
It does come with rails on which the saw runs on and upon doing so, you should be able to move the saw forwards and backward. This way, you get to have a wider cut capacity on the boards. Besides just this, they also to have additional upgrades such as a better dust collection feature as well as a laser guide for more accurate cuts.
Cordless miter saws
Where portability is a priority, this is the type of miter so you should go for. They basically use batteries as a power source but as much as this is the best miter saw for portable applications, the downside is that it could run out of batteries at any point which is the last thing you want, right?
The blade
It’s quite obvious that the blade is the last thing you’d want to compromise on when working choosing a miter saw, right?
These normally come in different variations which in turn determines the depth of the cuts. Normally, you’ll have to choose between a 10 and a 12-inch blade.
So, let’s see which one is better between the two
The 10-inch options are what you are bound to get in the market. These, as compared to the alternative 12-inch blades cost much less upon purchase and since they have fewer teeth, sharpening is cheaper as well.
Now, for the 12-inch blades, you'll get longer cuts since the blade is bigger. In addition to this, the blades use more amps and as such get to drive more power into the cuts which come in handy when using materials that are thicker. Since the speed is higher, this kind of blade also gets you cleaner and sharper cuts.
The angle of cut.
As their name suggests, miter saws are designed to make cuts at an angle which, in most cases, is a 45-degree angle for the right-angled joints. As much as the majority of saws are capable of doing this, you’ll want to look for one that will miter on both sides hence making it quicker and easier to use.
Accuracy: is a laser guide necessary?
In some cases, you may have to deal with projects that are demanding a high level of accuracy. When this is a priority, it would be wise that you go for a miter saw that got a laser guide which basically works by shining a beam onto the material where the blade will cut once it is lowered.
The added advantage of this feature is that you will be able to know where the blade will cut the wood even before you lower it and make any adjustments in advance. This in turn also saves you from wasting any time or materials which would be the case if the accuracy were compromised.
The brand and budget
Why gamble on getting a hit or a miss when you can be sure of quality by settling for a top-brand miter saw? It’s not really the gamble, right?
Some of the best brands you could settle with include Dewalt, Hitachi, and Makita among others. In the event where you are not sure about the brand, go ahead and check out the reviews on that particular miter saw before spending a dime on it.
As for the budget, it should be wise that you determine the price range that’s most suitable for you. It’s only after you have made up your mind on this that you can go ahead and pick the best in that price range. Unless forced to do so, I’d highly advise against spending too much on something you don’t really need unless you intend to advance your skills
The material construction
Like most power tools, you’ll want most of your miter saw to be made of either steel or aluminum with the only exception being the blade guard which should be made of heavy duty plastic. So, if you want the best sliding, cordless or compound miter saw, here are a few things you should adhere to regarding the build quality.
- First things first, it would be wise to get table extensions which can be connected to the side of the saw. This way, it should be easier to support longer stock for accurate cuts
- Something else you’ll want to consider getting one that has got a soft start motor. With this, the blade spins up gradually so that you have enough time to have the stock in place against the saw’s fence as you make your cut.
- Brushless motors- with these, maintenance will be less while at the same time, the efficiency is much better plus they’re quieter as they run. You should also consider getting an electronic speed control feature which allows the saw to consistently run depending on the load its handling; if especially, you want the best cordless miter saw, this should be a priority.
Other aspects to pay attention to Buy miter Saw
As much as the above-mentioned features are quite important for anyone looking for the best compound miter saw, there’s a lot more you should come to terms with before spending your hard-earned cash on a miter saw.
Electric braking system
Whether you are looking for the best miter saw for homeowner or a more advanced one, safety should always be a priority. With the braking system being one of the surest ways to ensure this, you’ll want to ensure that the blade you have does not compromise on this.
An electric brake is engaged once you hit a trigger that will then cut the electricity supply to the blade and upon doing so bring the blade to a stop in just a few seconds
Blade guards
Yet another must-have feature to focus on when getting a miter saw, blade guards function to cover the blade once the saw is lifted which prevents injury. Regarding this, I would recommend that you go ahead and get an articulated one since, with this one, you can see the blade as it cuts through the wood.
The depth stops
In some cases, you may want to moderate the height of your cuts while you are using the miter saw. Well, as it turns out, there’s no better way to do this other than with the incorporation of a depth stop. With this, one should be able to set the saw’s maximum height such that you are able to conveniently control the maximum height at which the saw operates and also be able to determine how deep the cuts into the wood are.
Positive stops
To add on to the accuracy of your miter saw, the positive stops could be included. These are points set by the manufacturer which allow you to make your cuts with precision without the need of having to readjust every time you do. The more of these you have on your miter saw, the higher the accuracy level.
Fences
You can get either the slide or flip fence design but regardless of whichever you end up with, they function to give support to the taller stock. They can also be completely removed so that if you are working with a taller piece of wood, you won’t be restricted whatsoever.
Dust bags
Something that most people end up overlooking, the best miter saws will normally include dust bags, chutes or blowers. These normally function to keep the workplace neater by either blowing the sawdust off or alternatively catch the sawdust that is blown off.
Shaft locks
Changing the blade on a miter saw could get a little annoying if it were not for this feature. With the shaft lock, however, everything is locked into place when the need to change the blade arises. This way, you don’t have to hold up the saw as you change the blade.
Amperage rating
The general rule of thumb when it comes to this is the higher it is, the better the miter saw you got. Depending on how you’re going to use the miter saw, it should be easy enough to pick out the best miter saw for you. I’d recommend that you go for one that’s above average such as a 15 Amp variant which should be good enough for both entry level and advanced level projects.
If you want a small miter saw for simple tasks, it would be wise to settle for a 10-amp variant that will work conveniently with smaller blades.
Final verdict
It’s definitely much easier for you to get the best out of your project, right? Well, with the included miter saw reviews plus an in-depth buying guide, there’s no way you could go wrong on this.
Depending on how you intend to use one, be sure to weigh out your options before spending on one. At the same time, it's of utmost importance that you use one as instructed by the manufacturer.
Also, regardless of getting either of the top options we’ve recommended, you should bear in mind that these bad boys are susceptible to damage and as such, occasional maintenance is essential. That being said, all the best in getting what you deserve and all the best in your projects.
Check Our latest post on Best Table Saw