Miter saws are useful if you’re looking for accuracy in general carpentry and crosscuts. You can effectively handle the workpiece with ease and make the cuts according to your needs. However, choosing the best miter saw can be a real struggle as there are so many choices on the market. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled this detailed guide. We’ll also provide you with a list of some important features to consider before buying one of these saws.
Table of Contents
Best Miter Saw Reviews
1. DeWalt DWS780 – Overall Best Miter Saw
Key specs
| Motor: | 15 Amp, 120V, 3800 rpm |
| Blade Size: | 12-inch |
| Blade Type: | Carbide blade |
| Dimensions: | 21.46-inch x 17.72-inch x 17.13-inch |
Features
The DeWalt miter saws are some of the best of its kind with a new miter system that is highly accurate. It has a handle construction for better portability and a crosscut positioning system that DeWalt has integrated within the design to ensure that you don’t have to make any adjustments to the cut line.
It is equipped with a 15-Amp 120V motor that can run at 3800 rpm. Therefore, you will experience plenty of strength and power during the cuts. Cutting 2×16 lumbers at a right angle and 2×12 at a 45-degree angle is not a challenge for this saw.
Another very impressive feature of this mitre saw Dewalt is its miter detent plate that DeWalt has made using stainless steel. It ensures high productivity and better accuracy each time you turn the machine on.
- Highly efficient dust collection features
- Powerful 3800 rpm motor for precision with strength
- Innovative belt drive and gearbox construction
- Handle design for better portability
- Detent plate features ten positive stops
- Doesn’t come with a stand
Why do we like it?
With this miter saw review, we can say that the miter saws DeWalt creates have a high cutting capacity and delivers a hassle-free operation. We are also a huge fan of its portable design.
2. Metabo HPT – Best for Budget
Key specs
| Motor: | 15 Amp, 120V, 5000 rpm |
| Blade Size: | 10-inch |
| Blade Type: | Carbide blade |
| Dimensions: | 20.08-inch x 15.35-inch x 14.17-inch |
Features
The 10-inch carbide blade of this miter saw by Metabo is highly efficient in precise cutting. If you are familiar with the Hitachi Power tools, then you’ll be assured knowing that it is the same miter saw but with a different name.
You can work with different angles using this single bevel miter saw. The range is from 0-degrees to 52-degrees both right and left. Hence, you’ll get plenty of flexibility when working with this machine. It also features bevel stops to ensure that you can get those precise cuts whenever you need them.
The 15-Amp motor requires 120V and can produce 5000 rpm, so it is a pretty nifty single bevel miter saw at this price. Despite featuring one of the most powerful motors on this list, it still is a very affordable miter saw, which definitely earns it bonus points. For allowing you quick adjustments to the miter, the machine also features thumb-actuated stops.
- 10-inch carbide blade
- Miter angle ranges from 0 to 52 degrees for better flexibility
- Bevel range from 0 to 45 degrees for precision cuts
- Large-sized table for excellent support
- Positive stops with thumb actuation
- It has a very short cord (3.5’)
- You can only lift the bevels
Why do we like it?
With this miter saw review, we can conclude that Metabo is the right choice if you’re interested in buying a powerful miter at an affordable price. It offers a good miter angle and bevel range to work with.
3. TackLife PMS03A – Best for Value
Key specs
| Motor: | 15 Amp, 120V, 3800 rpm |
| Blade Size: | 12-inch |
| Blade Type: | Carbide blade |
| Dimensions: | 21.46-inch x 17.72-inch x 17.13-inch |
Features
This miter saw by TackLife is another option for you to consider if you find the DeWalt slightly out of your budget. It does match the DeWalt in every feature, but you get it at almost half the price. The 15-Amp 120V motor can reach up to 3800 rpm and provide you with precise cuts. It is by far the most top-rated miter saw for value.
If you are new to woodwork, then you should choose this miter for its laser guide. The precision and accuracy in the cuts are not there in terms of quality if you compare them with the results that the DeWalt miter saw produces. But you can get close to your desired results with the help of this machine’s laser guide.
You also get 0 to 45 degrees to work with in terms of bevel settings, and you can meet various cutting requirements for your project. The best miter saws shouldn’t leave a mess, and this machine also features a high-quality dust collection system to keep your workspace clean.
- 40-tooth 12-inch carbide blade
- Double bevel cutting
- Laser guide for precise cuts
- Extensible table
- Efficient dust collection
- Very loud
- Better suited for DIY projects
Why do we like it?
If you’re a DIYer, then you won’t find a better option than this miter saw. Just make sure to wear some ear -protection because it can get pretty loud.
4. Makita LS1019L – Best for Compact Design
Key specs
| Motor: | 15 Amp, 120V, 3200 rpm |
| Blade Size: | 10-inch |
| Blade Type: | Carbide blade |
| Dimensions: | 22.05-inch x 32.68-inch x 21.65-inch |
Features
The Makita miter saw features a 10-inch carbide blade that has a capacity of 12-inch saw due to its crown molding and its vertically nested design. This feature makes it one of the top choices on our list of top-rated miter saws.
The saw features a linear system of ball bearing to ensure high-quality and precise cuts. There is a direct drive gearbox as well that has a very innovative design along with its guard system for excellent vertical cutting.
Furthermore, the miter saw also comes with a unique dual steel rail mechanism. With this mechanism, the slide-glide operation becomes very easy. The design of this miter saw by Makita has a small footprint, so you can use it in tight spaces. All these features make this miter saw the best in terms of compact construction. Not to mention, it also comes with a dust bag to keep your workspace clean.
- Lightweight and compact
- Excellent for crown molding cutting
- Direct drive gearbox for good cutting strength
- Dual rail system for better slide-glide function
- Can miter 0 to 60 degrees with a bevel range of 0 to 48 degrees
- For bevel cuts, you need to remove the upper fences
Why do we like it?
We loved it due to its small footprint and compact construction. The miter saw is also excellent when it comes to cutting crown molding.
5. Craftman V20 – Best for Maneuverability/Portability
Key specs
| Motor: | 4 Amp, 20V, 3800 rpm |
| Blade Size: | 7.25-inch |
| Blade Type: | Carbide blade |
| Dimensions: | 25.5-inch x 18.9-inch x 14.4-inch |
Features
If maneuverability is your top priority, then you shouldn’t overlook the Craftman V20 miter machine. The battery-powered cordless miter saw comes with a 20V (4-amp) motor that can run at 3800 rpm. You can easily cut 2-dimensional lumber with it including baseboards and hardwood. Trimming is very simple with this tool, and with a slide capacity of 8 inches, the machine can make 90-degree crosscuts easily.
The machine is extremely lightweight, and there are carrying handles on each side. Therefore, the machine is very easy to transport from one place to another. It is another great option for you to try if you are looking for easy handling and maneuverability. Because of its size and weight, you can work on several small projects at home or take it with you on-the-go.
- Very lightweight construction
- Easy to maneuver and transport
- Cordless operation
- Can handle baseboards and hardwood
- Can manage 90-degree crosscuts at 8 inches and 45-degree crosscuts at 5.5-inch
- Not made for heavy-duty work
Why do we like it?
It is a solid yet portable miter saw that can manage some serious crosscuts as well. Its cordless and lightweight features are its best selling points.
Best Miter Saw Stand in 2022
This is an invaluable accessory that offers you convenience, functionality, and accessories that you don’t get with the saw alone. We think it’s important to know your best options as there are a lot of stands out there to consider.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Miter Saw
Purchasing complex pieces of equipment is a difficult task. Purchasing the right miter saws will make all the difference when you put it to work. To make sure you choose the right one for your needs, here are some important points that you must keep in mind when buying the best miter saw.
Miter Saw Types
In general, there are 4 main types of miter saws. In this section, we will look at each one in more detail and what sort of cuts they excel in.
Regular miter saw
These miter saws are the most basic in design, and they can manage miters and crosscuts at a basic level. You cannot tilt the saw, and the depth and width of your cuts remain limited too.
Compound miter saws
Besides the basic cutting abilities of a regular miter saw, a compound miter saw also allows you to tilt the blade for better-angled cuts. This will help you satisfy the more demanding requirements of certain projects.
Dual compound miter saw
Dual compound miters saws are very similar to their single compound counterparts. But dual compound saws can tilt both ways for excellent bevel cuts. Compound saws can only tilt to one side.
Sliding compound miter
A sliding compound miter saw can tilt from right to left for bevel cuts and for standard cuts as well. It also features a sliding arm that allows you to move the blade forward or backward. This way you can increase the length of the cuts.
Miter saw size
Three different sizes of a miter saw are available. Each of them is suitable for different applications. The 12-inch miter saw is suitable for professional projects. DIY people can go for a 10-inch miter saw. For a more portable option, you can also choose a 7.25-inch miter saw. You need to make a choice based on the scale and complexity of your project.
Motor amps
The motor power of a miter saw will guarantee that the cuts are created with more power. 15-amp motors are very common and considered the standard. They are substantial enough to tackle any project you may have. However, if most of the projects that you work on are not very complicated, then you need to go for 10-amp motors.
Brakes
Electric brakes are an essential safety feature in your miter saw. They can reverse the flow of the current to stop the moving blade within 2 seconds. As you can imagine, this is also a vital safety feature.
Blade guard
An articulated blade guard is the best choice as it’ll keep the blade out of your way when you are using it. Such a guard is automatic and it will cover the blade when you lift it and then uncover it when you start cutting.
Positive stops
There are small points on a miter saw which are called positive stops. They are required to make accurate cuts without readjusting anything. The more positive stops on your miter saw, the better.
Depth stops
These are very similar to positive stops but they are there to impact the maximum height of the saw. You can set the blade’s height and control how deep your cuts are.
Laser guide
As the name suggests, a miter saw will feature a laser guide that will allow you to make precise cuts into your workpieces. If you want to be 100% sure about the accuracy of your cuts, then a laser guide is needed.
Fences
You will either find flip or slide fences on a miter saw, and they make sure to provide support to your saw’s taller stock. If you’re working on a larger workpiece, then you have the option of sliding the fences out and put them back in later.
Dust collector bags
This is a very important feature for you if you want to keep your work area tidy. These bags are useful in getting the sawdust off your table and into the bag. These bags are also there to catch the sawdust that gets blown around by the machine.
Shaft locks
Shaft locks will come in handy when you’re looking to change the blade. They will keep everything locked in place. You won’t have to worry about holding the saw up while changing the blade.
Table extension
When you are working on large scale projects, you will need lots of space. Therefore, you should go for a table extension. It will provide you with a decent amount of extra space for bigger tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best miter saw on the market?
The best miter saw on the market is the DeWalt DWS780. It has everything you need to work on large scale projects, and it is an excellent choice for professionals and beginners alike.
Is a sliding miter saw worth it?
Sliding miter saw is a good choice to consider if you are working on large-scale projects with plenty of details. These saws can be very expensive, so you need to get the best value out of your saw when using it. A sliding miter saw is worth it if your project involves a lot of intricate details.
What are the best 12 inches sliding miter saws?
Again, the best 12-inch sliding miter saw that you could find on the market is the DeWalt DWS780 in every aspect. However, TackLife PMS03A is also a good choice to consider if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
What is a miter box?
It is a method to convert your hand saw into a miter saw, which allows you to make those angled cuts perfectly. If you are interested in buying a miter saw on a budget then you can consider buying a miter box. But it will only be applicable if you are working on a simple project with no complex cuts. For a large scale project, a miter box is not recommended as it can only cut 45 and 90-degree angles.
Conclusion
The best miter saw for your professional woodwork projects is the DeWalt DWS780. It is your best choice for any type of project. This saw features a large 12-inch carbide blade and the sliding compound design of this miter saw allows you to make deeper cuts with accuracy.
It will also keep your workplace clean with a large dust collector bag. Make sure that you identify your needs and requirements first, then you can start looking for the right kind of miter saw to get the most use out of your investment.
Expert Tip
To avoid any small pieces from being launched all across the room, you should use a two-piece sacrificial fence. You can also use a scrap board cut off for this purpose.
Did you know?
You can only make cuts that are the size of the miter saw’s blade. It is not possible to make longer cuts no matter what type of miter saw you use.
Amazon Recommends:
- Integrated CUTLINE Blade Positioning System provides adjustment free cut line indication for better accuracy and visibility for the 12-inch miter saw blade
- XPS technology uses an LED to project light down either side of the blade, creating a shadow on the cutline once the saw arm is lowered
- Super-efficient dust collection system of DEWALT miter saw captures over 75% of dust generated
- Tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 7-1/2-inch nested and base molding up to 6-3/4-inch vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts
- Exclusive back fence design cuts up to 2x14 dimensional lumber at 90 degree and 2x10 at 45 degree
- 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
- Tall sliding fences support 6-3/4-inch base vertically
- Bevels 0 degree - 48degree left and right
- MOTOR: 15 Amp motor delivers high power for the toughest of cuts generating a no-load speed of up to 5,000 RPM
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Only 24.2 lbs. to facilitate maneuverability and portability
- MITER ANGLE RANGE: 0-52 degrees, to the right and left for increased flexibility
- BEVEL RANGE: 0-45 degrees, to the left with adjustable bevel stops for precision cuts
- LARGE TABLE: Offers better material support with vice clamping system to secure work piece