A miter saw, as the name suggests, is a tool that cuts miter. As a versatile tool, a miter saw is an inseparable part of any handyman’s workshop. It is also called a chop saw which can be used to produce almost any kind of cut one can image.
What does this tool can achieve? It can completely transform the way you make angles cuts. From window casing to crow modeling, you can use this tool to carry out cuts that you can’t make with a traditional saw. Also, it’s important to check which one you can connect to a dust collector.
Contractors and handymen know that a miter saw is a key tool in most workplace environments where cutting objects with precision is a prime job. Having said that, it is important that you select the right miter saw that meets your expectations both in terms of functionality and budget.
This article will review the top 10 miter saw and provide an effective buying guide to help you find an ideal one for your workplace operations so that you can fulfill your cutting needs in a cost-effective manner:
Top 10 Miter Saws
1. DEWALT DWS780
When it comes to trust and reliability, handymen’s top choice is Dewalt. The Dewalt DWS780 is one of the best sliding compound miter saw models in the market. It secures top position on our chart because of its ability to make precision cuts which are prerequisites for the job sites. If we have to sum up this tool in a few words, here is what this tool represents:
- Hassle-free operations
- Ultimate durability
- High-capacity cutting
As the tool is equipped with a modern and precise miter system, it is by far a highly recommended 12-inch miter saw. The design allows for easy and quick mobility in the workplace. An incredible XPS cross cut positioning feature helps handymen produce adjustment free cuts. Easy portability and additional functionality help you complete your job efficiently and quickly.
Durability and power are two of the major concerns of contractors when it comes down to purchasing a critical tool. For example, if you remodel homes, it is critical for you that your tools are reliable and have the power to stay up running the whole day. The Dewalt DWS780 is an ideal tool for longer jobs. With a powerful 15-amp, 3800 rpm motor, this tool will give you the control and cutting capacity you are looking for.
Many job sites have tough working environments where substandard production machines can fail. This miter saw is designed with stainless steel casting which can withstand the toughest of job site environments.
Apart from durability, power, and portability, this miter saw is made to carry out fast cutting processes without compromising the quality or precision. So far as the cutting capacity is concerned, you can cut up to 2 x 12 at 45 degrees and 2 x 16 pieces of lumber at 90 degrees. As an environment-friendly tool, it has its own dust collection mechanism which helps keep the job site clean.
2. DEWALT DW715
When it comes to the economy as well as performance, nothing can beat Dewalt DW715, one of the low-priced miter saws available. Not every job site requires maximum power and cutting capacity. This tool is ideal for homeowners who are looking to have a good miter saw that produces a solid cut on a reasonable budget. The size of the tool allows you to store it anywhere in your shed or garage.
The Dewalt DW 715 comes with a powerful 15-amp direct drive motor that can go up to 3,200 rpm. It offers a 12-inch carbide blade which helps you complete your weekend projects in a few hours. The 4-steel rail sliding system helps increase rigidity to make precision cuts.
Cross-cutting, molding, miter cutting, and cutting framing some of the notable applications of Dewalt DW 715. This tool comes with an adjustable stainless-steel detent plate and can utilize up to 11 positive stops.
You can cut pieces of nested molding as thick as 6 ½ and crown molding as thick as 5 ¼ against the fence. With a cross-cutting capacity of 2×8 for lumber, this miter saw can bevel to the left up to 48 degrees which allows you to find the bevel stops easily and change position quickly.
The Dewalt DW715 may not be a perfect tool for heavy-duty job site applications. In cases where industrial power is not required and the budget is low, this saw can be used as an effective tool. Moreover, a 3-year warranty will give you peace of mind.
3. Makita LS1016L
Makita LS1016L
Makita LS 1016L has many features of Dewalt DWS780. However, it is a 10-inch miter saw, and probably the best of this size available in the market. Makita LS1016L comes with a smaller blade and many features that make it a perfect tool for many job sites. Here is a list of its notable features:
- Large cutting capacity
- Improved accuracy
- Precise miter and bevel cuts
- Compact and ergonomic design
- A range of applications
- High-quality cutting
This miter saw weighs 53.3 lbs and it has a compact design which makes it one of the lightest saws in its class. The mobility of critical equipment plays a key role in improving the productivity of the workplace. The lightweight feature of Makita LS1016L makes it easy for contractors to move the equipment around a job site without any special tool.
A 15 amp direct drive motor that runs over 3200 rpm and a 4-steel rail sliding system make Makita LS1016L a high-performance, stable cutting tool that can serve diverse applications. 6 linear ball bearings is another remarkable feature that allows you to make dead-on cuts every time you produce something.
A see-through blade guard makes your job even easier when you can make the exact adjustments to the right or left. Moreover, a one-touch miter lock helps you bring in efficiency and speed through quick adjustments.
The modern guard system and direct drive gearbox are made for improved vertical cutting capacity. Easy access to bevel lock enables you to lock the saw between 0-45. As a whole, this miter saw is a great tool. However, it doesn’t match the power and cutting capacity of Dewalt.
4. Hitachi C10FCE2
Hitachi C10FCE2 is one of the best miter saws from the Hitachi brand. It is a 10-inch single bevel compound model that offers a number of features and the freedom to bring in purchased upgrades.
For example, you can use a laser to enhance the cutting capabilities or an additional stand that functions as a stable platform for any of your home improvement or job site project.
With a powerful 15-amp motor provides, you can perform various cutting operations and produce an intense amount of output in the toughest job site environments. It’s a lightweight miter saw which weighs 26.3 lbs and the compact design makes it incredibly easy for craftsmen to handle and transport the equipment from one place to another.
Hitachi C10FCE2 comes with a table larger than most miter saws allowing operators to be in control and experience additional support. So far as the cutting features are concerned, it offers a 0-52 degree miter angle cutting range, and it is equipped with 0 to 45-degree bevel range to the left which allows operators to perform beveled cuts. In addition, adjustable stops help maintain precision no matter the angle.
A smooth horizontal handle with a vibration-reducing elastomer grip provides ease of use and control. The dust collector system makes Hitachi C10FCE2 an incredible option for a clean and dust-free environment. Whether you are working plywood, soft fiberboards or any type of wood, this machine provides accurate and smooth miters
If you are concerned about the reliability, this miter saw offer a 5-years of professional warranty. One of the best things about this model is that it allows you to upgrade the system and customize performance in accordance with your applications. This tool has pioneered modern technologies enhancing the quality of craftsmanship across the world.
5. Black+Decker M1850BD 7-1/4″ Compound Miter Saw
In some home improvement jobs, operators don’t need a highly powerful cutting tool to cut wood and other materials. Black+Decker M1850BD 7-1/4″ Compound Miter Saw is not an as powerful tool as our top 4 picks. It comes with a low amp motor which is not ideal for thicker and tougher cutting tasks.
It has the capacity to cut a 2×3 at 45 degrees and 2×4 at 90 degrees. If we compare this model to others, this one lacks cutting ability.
Why does Black+Decker M1850BD 7-1/4″ Compound Miter Saw is in our top 10 picks? Because of its being lightweight and portable, and it offers accurate cutting of trim, craft, and framing projects, one of the best tools for base modeling and crown jobs around the job site and house.
This miter saw has a 9.0 amp ball-bearing motor that provides the capacity to up to 2″ x 4″ (dimensional) at 90° and 2″ x 3″ (dimensional) at 45°. It has 9 positive stops at the most used miter angles. The saw also comes with a stable platform that enables you to make cuts on a bench or from the floor.
A review for this product on Amazon says, “A great saw and it does cut 2x4s like a champ. The only problem is that the saw does not suck up the sawdust very well. I had sawdust everywhere and their bag was barely filled. Otherwise, the saw is top quality!”
While this miter saw is a cost-effective tool for domestic use, it may not have the capabilities of other powerful miter saws. This product also comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
6. Bosch GCM12SD
Bosch GCM12SD is a 12-inch dual bevel glide miter saw which offers a broad range of attractive features. One of the most important features is the powerful 15 amp motor which is designed to deliver highly accurate and smooth cutting capabilities coupled with a space-saving design. The square lock fences come pre-aligned to deliver accurate cutting throughout the service life.
Bosch GCM12SD offers a smooth-grip handle coupled with a vacuum adaptor and dust chute which provides the ease of use and keeps the cutting operations clean. So far as applications of this tool are concerned, no loads speed of Bosch GCM12SD ensures quick cuts in various materials.
You can use a variety of 12-inch blades with a cutting guard to improve cut-line visibility and precision.
When it comes to innovation and modern cutting technologies, we can’t afford to ignore Bosch GCM12SD as this cutting tool delivers compact design, dependable precision, and smoothness of cut which are required features in many competitive applications. The axial-glide system can save up to 12-inch of the workspace as compared to conventional sliding compound miter saws.
This miter saw is ideal for job sites and cramped workshops where space can be a major concern.
A customer review on Amazon says, “I needed a miter saw. But, which one? I knew I liked Bosch tools from experience. I also knew my budget didn’t allow me to start with something like DeWalt and work my way up to Bosch. I took a one-time chance with this saw and I haven’t quit… Neither has this saw.
After years of chopping up everything I can throw at it, it hasn’t missed a beat. From fragile solid maple inlays to railroad ties, this beast knows no limits. 60-degree angles on 4×6 posts for a landscaping triangle would make most miter saws throw in the towel. Not this one. It made those cuts like butter.”
7. Dewalt DW713
It is a powerful cutting tool with a 15-amp motor and a no-load speed of 1500 rpm which helps produce accurate and quick cuts. Dewalt DW713 is made to handle a broad range of applications. This miter saw will provide an easy-to-adjust cam-lock handle, a tall fence for cutting oversized decorative molding, and useful miter and bevel stops.
Dewalt DW713 comes with a dust collection system, a blade wrench, and a carbide blade which help you keep the environment clean and tidy. It weighs around 35 lbs and comes with an easy-to-carry handle which you can use to transport the tool around as needed. The features of this product can be listed as:
- Portability and compatibility with Dewalt laser
- Improved bezel capacity and convenient stops
- Powerful design for accurate cuts
The adjustable stainless steel detent plate provides 11 positive stops that will help bring in efficiency and ease of application. You can adjust the miter setting without the saw slipping into the miter detents. 0 to 50 degrees to right and left improve the capacity of this saw and adds versatility to your job.
With a budget-friendly cost, this tool has everything you need to produce top-class cutting results. Customer reviews clearly suggest that this tool has exceeded many expectations. This is the reason why many professionals love to have this miter saw in their workshop.
8. Delta 26-2250 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
Homecraft H26-260L is a perfect cutting product for DIY projects. It has a powerful 14 amp motor that cuts through wood with great speed, smoothness, and accuracy. The motor runs at an incredible 5500 rpm and is compatible with most miter stands.
Homecraft H26-260L comes with a laser light that provides impeccable visibility and enables you to make superior cuts. This tool weighs only 25 lbs which makes it super easy to carry from one point to another. People working on their home improvement projects don’t have special tools to move around heavy equipment.
Homecraft H26-260L miter has a battery-operated laser that helps the operator align the blade to the workpiece. The spindle lock is added to hold the blade in place while you are making changes. Needless to say that this tool is a great choice for everyday DIY and job site use.
When it comes down to both value and affordability, Homecraft H26-260L is the answer. It is a high-quality cutting machine at an affordable price. You can find all the instructions to carry out an easy assembling process and get the tool ready for use in no time.
Homecraft H26-260L also comes with a laser beam which is added to make precision cutting possible. One distinguishing feature is the 5500 rpm motor that rotates faster than most models available on the market.
9. WEN MM1214 15-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
It is always great to have a tool that delivers the maximum number of features. WEN MM1214 is a 15-inch sliding compound miter saw which is ideal to make miter, straight, bevel and compound cut all with a single machine. WEN MM1214 has the miter up to 52 degrees in both directions and bevel anywhere from 0 to 45 to the left.
A powerful 15 amp motor with a running power of 5500 rpm will cut up to 3.25 inches thick boards with great speed and ease. The large work table can handle boards up to 11.5 inches in depth to fit. Its carbide-tipped has 60 tooths which make the precise sawing possible. On top of that, a dust collection bag helps reduce the mess and minimize the post-sawing cleanup.
Considering all the amazing features and functionality, WEN MM1214 miter saw weighs only 30 lbs. The lightweight property of this tool makes transportation easy from the workshop to the job site and back.
The work table comes with a fence, two support arms, and a hold-down clamp. The automatic blade cover improved safety during operations and minimize the risk of workplace accidents. WEN MM1214 offers 2 years of solid warranty and technical support to customers. If you need one tool for a diverse cutting job, go for WEN MM1214 .
10. Milwaukee 6955-20
Milwaukee 6955-20 is a 12-inch sliding dual bevel miter saw that comes with a digital miter angle fine adjust feature with detent override. This feature is designed to help you quickly adjust for a non-square movement while handling the operations single-handedly. Designed to make miter levels easy, Milwaukee 6955-20 is a perfect representation of the brand.
The 15-amp motor gives you the power you need to perform tough cutting jobs with ease and speed. The dual integral job site lights improve the visibility of the workpiece and help you produce the finest quality cuts. You don’t have to buy your own lighting system to make your work smooth.
Milwaukee 6955-20 also features an electronic soft start that helps you sneak up on the cut line without causing damage to the material. It takes only a second or two to get the blade at full speed. The no-load 3250 rpm of the blade makes clean and quick cuts in considerably hard materials.
This miter saw also offers an integral dust channel that holds up to 75% of the particles and debris on both sides of the blade. The airflow directs the waste to flow through the back and into the dust container. A single bevel adjustment with 9 positive bevel stops enables the saw to move both ways from 0 to 48 degrees.
Miter Saw Buying Guide
It is not advisable to just visit an online shop and order a miter saw without doing some homework and determining which brand or model will fulfill your cutting needs. We have already reviewed the top 10 miter saws which vary in terms of power, cutting capacity, and applications.
If you are a contractor, you should be looking for miter saws that can get the job done quickly and efficiently. It is important to understand technicalities like the difference between a sliding compound miter saw and a compound miter saw. Based on your unique requirements, you have can choose the right tool to make life easier.
What’s the difference between a sliding compound and compound miter saws?
The blade of a compound miter saw can pivot from right to left. This feature is helpful when the intended job is to make angled cuts when cutting picture frames, molding, and other objects. You can make the beveled cuts using a compound miter saw. It is made for pieces of wood that require cuts on two planes.
Craftsmen prefer to use compound miter saws to produce precise cuts. This type of cutting tool come with a stable platform and an improved range of motion and which enables you to carry out difficult cutting jobs.
On the other hand, a sliding compound miter saw offers the slide feature which enables you to cut longer boards. The wood piece you are cutting moves through the sliding compound miter saw which is limited to the space that fits. In the construction industry, it sometimes becomes essential to have a cutting tool that can cut longer pieces.
Compound sliding miter saws must be used for applications where it is it is critical to cut longer pieces. It all depends on the nature of your work whether you need a compound or a sliding compound miter saw. Simply put, compound miter saws are great for handymen as well as people trying to carry out small home improvement tasks.
What are your cutting needs?
As we have already mentioned that the nature of cutting jobs greatly vary from workplace to workplace, not every handyman requires to have powerful, high-performance tools to complete their tasks.
Selecting a cost-effective option is better if you don’t perform heavy-duty cutting projects. Most contractors prefer to have tools that can be transported from one place to another by one worker.
Lightweight miter saws can also offer power and ability to produce precision cuts. It is important to consider operational efficiency and how a tool can improve your productivity. Clearly define your cutting needs before making a purchase decision. Let’s have a look at some of the factors and features of the miter saw that will help you make the right decision:
Blade
It is vital to consider the required blade size. Your cutting applications might not require a 12-inch blade, but keep it in mind that the larger the blade size, the bigger cuts you can make. Most professionals prefer to use either a 12-inch or 10-inch blade, but there are cutting tasks that require as small as a 4-inch blade.
Another important thing to consider here is that if you buy a miter saw with a 12-inch blade, you wouldn’t be able to use a smaller blade size.
Tooth count can be an important factor in many cutting situations. Each saw has its own amount of teeth; larger blades are likely to contain more teeth count as compared to smaller ones.
Most craftsmen don’t pay attention as to why it important to consider the number of teeth on a blade. The higher the tooth count, the smoother finish will be produced. However, if you are working on thicker materials, you can use a blade with a low tooth count so that you can power through the material.
Power
It is a great sight to watch your miter saw cutting through the wood like a burning knife. Your cutting tool should have enough power to help you finish the job with precision and speed.
Therefore, watch out for the power of the motor in a miter saw. You can’t go to a job site to perform heavy-duty cutting jobs with a low-power miter saw. When your job demands constant work from morning to evening, make sure your equipment has the capacity to meet your needs.
Most professionals prefer to have a motor that offers at least 15 amp and run at 3500 rpm. Anything less than that and you wouldn’t be able to adequately accomplish your industrial jobs. However, if you are a homeowner, you may not need to use that much power. A less powerful motor can satisfactorily accomplish simple home improvement cutting jobs.
Again, it all depends on your needs. If you have to work regularly cutting molding and door frames, you definitely need something more powerful.
Cutting capacity
Apart from having a miter saw with the right size of the blade and the power of the motor, it is essential to review a miter saw considering its cutting capabilities. Most craftsmen need a miter saw that could produce cuts at various angles. Positive stops are a slightly technical aspect of a miter saw.
They are predesignated positions that are typically set at the common cutting angles. With this feature, you can change your cut quickly.
You can have the freedom to transit from one cut to the next if you have a saw that offers one-touch switches. When transitioning from one cut to the next, you can reduce the amount of time if you have more positive stops. From a safety perspective, make sure to firmly lock your saw.
It is not a pleasant sight to make a cut and have the saw move out of the place producing bad a bad cut. Make sure your saw and the wood you are working on doesn’t move. It is only possible when you have the high-quality saw which locks into place.
The bevel is another component to consider in a miter saw which allows the saw to tilt as well as rotate the base to change the miter angle that you are being cut at. Why is it significant to consider the bevel?
Because some miter saws can tilt only in one direction while more expensive models can tilt both ways. A miter saw that tilt both ways make it easy to cut down quickly when making cuts in different directions. It is convenient to select a miter saw that can bevel in both ways.
It may seem complicated to select the right features. Just make sure the model you are buying locks well into position and can bevel both ways. Buying an expensive saw may be a tough decision at the start. However, it will make your life easier down the road as relatively costly saws offer a range of functionalities and options for cutting.
Safety
One of your prime concerns should be safety whenever buying a piece of industrial equipment It is critical to buy a miter saw that ensures the safety and protect the user and others working around the jo site.
Most modern machines come with safeguards. Companies should pay due attention to safety and install the necessary safety controls to make miter saws and other machines safety to use. It is recommended to have a saw guard when you transport or use the saw. It can save you a tragic mishap.
The electric brake is another safety feature you should look at. Brakes are meant to stop the blade from spinning within a second or two. Make sure your miter saw has all the necessary safety features.
Dust collection system
Nowadays contractors and companies focus more on implementing environment-friendly industrial equipment to help protect employees against various hazards such as dangerous air particles that can seriously damage the health of a worker. Some Miter saws come with a built-in dust collection system and most people don’t consider this when buying a saw.
Working on a job site can create debris and dust in the air. Having a dust collection system in your saw will not only ensure workers’ health but also makes it easy to clean the equipment and workplace. A dust collection mechanism will hold all the dust and gather it down into a basket.
There are miter saws that come with hoses that blow air which can lead to more mess than operators should like to deal with. However, it makes easy for the operator to see where he is cutting. When you have a clean and safe workplace, it leads to improved productivity. So, make sure your miter saw is safe and have a dust collection system to keep air particles restricted.
Also, a good thing to catch all dust is that if you leave it on the floor, it can cause mold and that’s not good.
Additional features
Some miter saws allow you to upgrade various of their features. If you can add a few neat extras, it will make your job more convenient. For example, a laser attachment is a valuable addition to your cutting equipment. It helps operators see precisely where the blade is going to come down.
The use of a laser will help you precise cuts and it is recommended to spend some money and have a laser on your saw.
The clear-cutting guard is another notable feature that you can add extra convenience to your work. Being able to use a laser and see through the cutting guard will make your job hundreds of time easier and efficient.
It is a fact that craftsmen like to see through the wood to see whether or not the cutting process is going efficiently. Therefore, consider using a cutting guard.
Conclusion
Selecting the right miter saw for a particular job can be a challenging task. Our buying guide and a list of top ten miter saws will surely narrow down your options and help you make the right decision.
Dewalt DWS780 is at the top of our list because of its premium cutting capability coupled with a bevel that moves both directions and a powerful motor that delivers high-performance in the most demanding working environments.
If you are looking to go for a more budget-friendly option, Dewalt DW715 is the right choice. It is a great tool for people who like to work at home. Buying this model or others will surely be an incredible addition to your workplace or home.
Technology is continuously evolving. If you are reading this article in 2020 or beyond, some of its information may go outdated, but we will keep it updated all the time. A cutting tool that is excellent today might go obsolete after 5 years.
Therefore, make wise decisions by taking into accounts the technological updates to each brand or model. We hope that this article will streamline your decision-making process.
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