Best Miter Saws

Review & Comparison, Last Update July 31, 2024
How to make a precise angled cut? There are a few types of tools that can do it but miter saws are considered to the best. We have reviewed 5 best miter saws and hope that our analysis will help you find the right model! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Power
Speed
Cutting depth and width
Blade and arbor diameter
Crosscut capacity
Conveniences
Safety
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS

A super-efficient dust collection system will capture over 75% of dust generated during work that will help you keep your workplace clean. And the dusting port is compatible with most modern vacs.

CONS

No laser positioning system included.

OUR VERDICT

The DEWALT DWS779 is an excellent professional-grade tool that will be appreciated by contractors and seasoned DIYers. Thanks to a solid construction and the power it packs, it will never let you down, whatever task you have at hand. 

detailed parameters
Power

15 Amps

Speed

3800 RPM

Cutting depth and width

0° Miter: 4.4" x 13.75"

45° Miter: 4.4" x 9.6"

45º Bevel - left: 3.1" x 13.75"

45º Bevel - right: 2.2" x 13.75"

Blade and arbor diameter

Blade: 12" 

Arbor: 0.63" or 1"

Crosscut capacity

Bevel: 49° left, 49° right 

Miter: 50°left, 60° right

Conveniences

Oversized scale for bevel adjustment, Super efficient dust collection system, Speed control, Depth stop, Easy-to-replace brushes, Bevel adjustment screw

Safety

Blade guard

Weight

56 lbs

Warranty

3-year limited warranty

PROS

Thanks to the unique Axial-Glide™ system that employs the hinged arm moving on ball bearings, the tool boasts an amazingly compact footprint and ensures perfect cutting accuracy. 

CONS
The saw is quite heavy.
OUR VERDICT

Adjustable, convenient in use, and delivering precise cuts, the Bosch miter saw is hands down the best choice for extensive use and will come in handy at any construction site or in a carpentry workshop. Owing to its compact size, the GCM12SD will be particularly helpful in workplaces with limited space.

detailed parameters
Power

15 Amps

Speed
3800 RPM
Cutting depth and width

0° Miter: 4.3" x 12"

45° Miter: 4.3" x 8.5"

45° Bevel: 2.5 x 12"

Blade and arbor diameter

Blade: 12"

Arbor: 1"

Crosscut capacity

Bevel: 48º left, 48º right

Miter: 52º left, 60º right

Conveniences
Miter detent override, Ergonomic ambidextrous trigger handle, Elbow for attaching a vacuum cleaner, Depth stop plate, Spindle lock, Expanding base extensions, Easy-to-replace brushes, Material clamp
Safety
Blade guard, Lock-off button
Weight
65 lbs
Warranty

1-year limited warranty

PROS

Hitachi's Laser Marker System creates a shadow line to guide your cut. A convenient side handle on the saw's front allows for an easy bevel and miter adjustment and also saves you time when using the tool.

CONS

It's not the best tool for making angled cuts on thick wood pieces. 

OUR VERDICT

The ease of use of this compound miter saw will be appropriate for woodworking beginners. Distinguished by high power, the tool can be successfully used for large projects and some small-scale tasks alike. Meanwhile, wide cutting angle and depth adjustment allows working with various materials. 

detailed parameters
Power

15 Amps

Speed

5000 RPM

Cutting depth and width

0° Cross: 2.31" x 5.66" or 3.5" x 3.97"

45° Miter: 2.31" x 4" or 3.5" x2.75"

52° Miter: 2.31" x 3.5" or 3.5" x 2.13"

45° Bevel: 1.63" x 5.66"

Blade and arbor diameter

Blade: 10" 

Arbor: 0.63"

Crosscut capacity

Bevel: 45° left

Miter: 52° left, 52° right

Conveniences

Hitachi's Laser Marker system, Easy bevel adjustment, Vibration-reducing elastomer grip, Dust collection port for vac attachment, Spindle lock, Carbon brush access, Vise assembly

Safety

Blade guard

Weight

26.5 lbs

Warranty

5-year limited warranty

PROS

The tool package includes a V20 Li-ion battery and the MAX Li-ion fast charger to quickly juice it up when needed. Besides, this battery is compatible with many other power tools from this brand. 

CONS

Relatively small blade diameter.

OUR VERDICT

Offering the power of corded models in a cordless design, this miter saw from Craftsman is a great choice for home use and for the work at sites with limited or no access to the mains. It will become a perfect complement to any stationary corded model or can even replace it.

detailed parameters
Power

20 Volts (cordless system)

Speed

3800 RPM

Cutting depth and width

Depth of Cut at 90°: 8"

Depth of Cut at 45°: 5.5"

Blade and arbor diameter

Blade: 7.25" 

Arbor: 0.625"

Crosscut capacity

Bevel: 48° left

Miter: 47° left, 47° right

Conveniences

LED cut line positioning system, 9 casted miter detent stops for adjustments, Lightweight design with side carry handles

Safety

Blade guard

Weight

21 lbs

Warranty

3-year limited warranty 

PROS

The electric brake and smooth start of the tool provide a safe working environment even in case of intensive use.

CONS
You might need some time to get used to the handle.
OUR VERDICT

The Makita miter saw performs brilliantly in terms of cutting accuracy and smoothness, so, the tool is a great choice for carpenters and furniture makers and for any projects engaging a lot of detailed and fine work that needs precision.

detailed parameters
Power

13 Amps

Speed
4300 RPM
Cutting depth and width

90° Miter: 3.63" x 12"

45° Miter Left & Right: 3.63" x 8.5"

Blade and arbor diameter

Blade: 10"

Arbor: 0.63"

Crosscut capacity
Bevel: 45° left, 45° right Miter: 47° left, 60° right
Conveniences
Easy miter and bevel setting, Ergonomic rubberized D-handle, Dust nozzle, Extension wings, Vise
Safety
Blade guard, Lock-off button, Electric brake
Weight
43.7 lbs
Warranty

1-year limited warranty

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DEWALT DWS779

The Branded Quality

Producing a whole variety of power tools for all sorts of work, DeWALT is a true leader in its sector. Known for their vivid yellow and black design, DeWALT tools stand out for excellent quality and high performance, always keeping the top positions in different ratings. The DWS779 miter saw is not an exception and offers the same branded quality.

Solidly built, the unit rests on a robust molded base and features steel rails on linear ball bearings, all of this making the tool a match for heavy-duty cutting works and ensuring consistently flawless operation. A rugged 12” blade is capable of cutting through a wide range of materials varying in thickness and hardness. Unlike other models that can cut lumber maximum 12 inches wide, the DeWALT DWS780 will cope with workpieces 2x16 inches in size while a special depth stop allows for cutting grooves.

This machine is a heavy-weight model (56 lbs) that will take you some effort to move if necessary. On the other hand, though, it’s perfect for stationary use. It will stand stable and won’t wobble or vibrate during operation. The tool comes pre-calibrated and assembly is a real snap, thanks to comprehensible step-by-step instructions in the manual.

Review of DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw

... and Professional-grade Performance

When it comes to the performance of the DWS779, it is second to none as well and the machine can be confidently called a professional tool. Fitted with a 15-amp motor that generates a blade speed of 3800 RPM, the saw behaves well while cutting, the blade doesn't deflect and delivers a perfectly straight and accurate cut. The cutting angle setting elements such as bevel and miter locks are easy to control and make adjustments a breeze. The blade tilts to the left and to the right and allows cutting at different angles and to various depths. The cutting speed is also variable to achieve smoothness and precision for any project you have at hand. All these components expand the field of application and allow you to achieve the ultimate accuracy of cutting.

The lack of an LED guide might be regarded as a flaw, however, seasoned workers will hardly need one. Meanwhile, for DIYers with little experience, the integrated Cutline Blade Positioning System will come to help. It will provide cut line indications and ensure the accuracy, irrespective of the cutting angle and materials you are going to cut.

To cut a long story short, the DeWALT DWS779 is a strong and functional tool that will never disappoint you. Thanks to the overwhelming angle adjustment range, it will help you implement any idea in your projects and is a great choice for professional woodworking applications.

DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $399.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01ESCU5WS

What customers say about this product

Cutting

Solid angle adjustment feel with good detants.

Features

Maybe not a big deal for others but i was pleasantly surprised with an ergonomic handle. i have medium hands and the handle fits great in my hand.

Size & Weight

Solidly built, reasonable price, right on with the 45s angles, good stock blade (prob will upgrade to 40 or 50 tooth blade), its pretty compact and light weight.
 

Bosch GCM12SD

The Saw With Top-tier Gear

In this model, Bosch has realized its branded engineering experience and innovations that give this tool an advantage over many traditional miter saws. What sets the model apart from the rivals is the patented Axial Glide system with a robust cast-aluminum arm and sealed ball bearings that work together with a saw fence, base, and controls to achieve excellent durability and cutting precision. A no-rail design saves the trouble of the tool re-calibration delivering perfect cutting accuracy at all times. Besides, it ensures a noticeably smaller footprint allowing you to work easier in tight spaces or put the saw flush on the wall in your workshop, thus, having some more area for other tools and accessories you might need at hand. Fitted with a special glide controller, the GCM12SD also feels like no other miter saw to provide perfectly smooth glide action at all angles.

We'd be remiss not to mention the amazing cutting capacity of this model. It offers up to 14 inches for crosscuts and 6.5 inches for molding. So, whether you need to cut baseboard, molding or dimensional lumber, the tool will help you get the work done in less time with single cut precision. And you won't help but like the easy-to-reach bevel controls located in the front of the saw that will make bevel adjustment quick and easy. The scales of bevel and miter are also in full view for checking the saw's cutting angle.

Review of Bosch GCM12SD 12'' DB Glide Miter Saw

When Convenience Meets Quality

The innovative Bosch design that contributes to the ultimate cutting performance also has a number of outstanding convenience features. First of all, you'll have the opportunity to expand the saw's operating base for handling large and awkward workpieces. Thus, you are free to extend the working area by 40". Furthermore, the Bosch miter saw has a special stop plate to limit the depth of the blade travel for making accurate rebates. Besides, the saw is equipped with a comfortable rubber-coated handle that can be fixed in 4 different positions and sits neatly in hand to provide precise control over the cutting process. The only flaw we've noticed is the manual laser installation and alignment that will need some time to get the hang of. However, the laser generates two beams instead of one, so you can get 2 cutting lines at the same time for a better workpiece layout.

To resume, being widely adjustable, extremely convenient in use, and delivering amazingly precise cuts, the Bosch miter saw is hands down the best choice for extensive use and will come in handy at any construction site or in a carpentry workshop.

Bosch GCM12SD 12'' DB Glide Miter Saw in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $649.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B004323NNC

What customers say about this product

Features

I love the gravity rise stand as well, setting up is a breeze. After using this saw, I can't go back to any other!

Cutting

This saw has served me well for over a year now. The slide is smooth and effortless, the saw makes great cuts.

Size & Weight

Love wall hugging design. Also bought the gravity stand for mobility. The saw is very heavy.
 

Hitachi C10FCH2

Impressive Power in a Small Tool

When you need to make extremely tight and smooth cuts, the cutting speed is a key feature to check in a miter saw. The faster the blade rotates, the smoother cut you’ll get. And it’s especially important when working with some delicate and expensive materials. This is where the C10FCE2 compound miter saw by Hitachi will come into play.

What you’ll get is a pretty small tool with staggering tech specs. Overall, it is smaller and much lighter than many other models in the class. So, you can easily handle and move it from one place to another if needed. Yet, don’t let this compactness fool you. The model packs a 15-Amp motor characteristic of heavy-duty tools and produces the rotational speed of impressive 5000 RPM, which is noticeably higher even than that of top-liners. The high speed in combonation with a solid 10” blade provides truly accurate cutting without declinations and cracks, no matter how hard or soft the material you process.

The functionality and ease-of-use are the other merits of this model that can’t be overlooked. The tool is very easy to use and control, and even a novice user will master it pretty quickly. The saw's handle has an elastomer grip that snugly fits in your hand and reduces vibrations. The bevel and miter adjustment as well as turning the table are almost effortless. Apart from that, the miter saw offers both angled and cross-cutting capacity and can be quickly set within a range from 0 to 45 degrees, thanks to thumb-actuated positive stops. The side handle in the frontal part of the saw makes the angle adjustment super convenient. Meanwhile, wide cutting depth adjustment makes it possible to cut through both thinner plastic and thicker dimensional lumber. Finally, the saw comes with a vise assembly for secure fixation of a workpiece on the turntable.

Review of Hitachi C10FCH2 Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker

A Feature-packed Cutter

Functionality and high power aside, this compound miter saw has specific features that make the job easy and comfortable. The use of the tool involves heaps of sawdust and wood chips, so, engineers have taken care of the cleanliness of your working place. The saw is equipped with a special port for connecting a vacuum cleaner to remove shavings from the saw's interior. Furthermore, this miter saw comes with a dust collection bag that should be put on the duct. The spindle lock is provided for a safe blade replacement. And the motor brushes are easy to access and replace, and you just need to unscrew a brush cap to take them out.

The Hitachi's Laser Marker System creates a shadow line to guide your cut. It’s a really great option for beginners that will help novice carpenters and woodworkers avoid many mistakes and quickly improve their cutting skills. At the same time, a convenient side handle on the saw's front allows for an easy bevel and miter adjustment as well as saves you time when using the tool.

Wrapping the things up, powerful and lightweight, the Hitachi miter saw will cover both professional and DIY needs as well as it is great for smaller and large-scale projects alike.

Hitachi C10FCH2 Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $249.13
Stock In stock
ASIN B000NKB3LW

 

Craftsman CMCS714M1

A Portable Tool for Big Jobs

Normally, miter saws are rather heavy and bulky tools not suitable for carrying around. Usually, they need a dedicated place in your garage or workshop and require pretty much effort to be moved. Yet, in Craftsman, they created a portable miter saw great for the use on the go. The tool weighs only 21 lbs and has two side handles to be conveniently moved or transported from one place to another or in between the job sites. Another feature that makes this model shine straight away is a cordless design that makes the Craftsman miter saw a real find for the use in locations with limited or no access to the mains.

As lightweight and compact as it is, the tool is strongly built and looks stout. Stainless steel construction and a steady base ensure stability on the working surface and make it fit for all sorts of cutting and sawing jobs. And the cordless design in no way impacts the tool performance. Packed with a mighty 20V motor, this cord-free unit will impress you with the 3800 RPM cutting speed and the force more peculiar for corded models. So, you’ll be able to cut hardwoods, lumbers, baseboards, plastic moldings, and other trimming materials with ease. The saw sliding rails allow for cross cuts up to 8 inches as well as for nested crown cuts up to 3.6 inches and vertical baseboard cuts up to 3.5 inches. The miter enables single bevel cuts and boasts an LED cutline for added precision where accuracy is crucial. Though some users claim that a 7.25-inch blade could have been a bit bigger, it cuts through all materials just fine with no stalls and jams.

Review of Craftsman CMCS714M1 Sliding Miter Saw Kit

... With a Versatile Power Supply

In cordless tools that don’t lack power, it’s the battery that often appears a weak point. Yet, it’s not the case with the Craftsman miter saw. Vice versa, the battery here is an advantage that deserves special attention. Distinguished by the 20-volt capacity, the battery not only delivers enough power to the motor to ensure decently high performance but also provides a really long runtime per charge. One full charge will let you make about 585 cuts in a row. So, on average, on smaller DIY projects, you can even work all day long without the need to recharge. LED light indicators on the battery will let you know when it’s time to juice up and the MAX L-ion fast charger is also included in the package. More than that, this battery is compatible with many other Craftsman cordless tools. So, you can build up a whole branded arsenal without the need to buy the battery for every next tool. 

All in all, the Craftsman miter provides cordless power for all sorts of DIY projects and great portability for onsite jobs.

Craftsman CMCS714M1 Sliding Miter Saw Kit in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $229.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07LFPYPCQ

 

Makita LS1018

Convenience in Everything

Makita LS1018 is yet another compact miter saw on the market. Nevertheless, the smaller size of this saw is not a problem for accurate and clean cutting (conforming to the standards of bevel and miter cutting). The tool works pretty good and is quite convenient. The sliding rails on linear ball bearings provide a quick and dead-on sawing. The angle adjustment in this miter saw is child's play. The miter angle is varied with a front lever and a grip arranged in the front of the saw, while the bevel lock is located on the saw's back.

The Makita LS1018 is equipped with a super handy D-shape rubberized handle for a comfortable blade tilting. The design of the turn base adds to the convenience of this compound miter saw. A workpiece is fixed securely on the base, and you can also use a vise for additional fixation. By the way, the turn base can be easily extended for handling larger workpieces.

When it comes to the performance of this miter saw, it won't disappoint you as well. The LS1018 features a soft-start 13-Amp motor that generates the speed of 4300 RPM to confidently and precisely cut through both harder and softer materials while a strong 10-inch blade has the right diameter for processing smaller and bigger workpieces equally well. Meanwhile, an electric brake will let you accurately control the blade run. So, the tool is safe even when it is under heavy load.

Overall, Makita engineers have done everything for the long life and durability of this miter saw.

Review of Makita LS1018 10'' Dual-Bevel Slide Miter Saw

Safety for You and Your Saw

Any power tool, no matter whether it's household or industrial, can be dangerous if safety regulations are not followed. Most power tools feature special safety systems, but you should always exercise due caution while using one of such tools.

As for a miter saw, you should mind that its revolving blade is extremely dangerous. A miter saw usually comes with a blade guard to protect the operator. Yet, this guard also serves as a cover that protects the blade from damage. Miter saws often feature electric brakes that provide a smooth and instant motor stopping after switching the tool off.

As for the user's safety, you should remember that sawdust might harm your respiratory tract. Most miter saws are fitted with dust collection systems, and if your saw has such a system, you should use it. Finally, we strongly advise using safety goggles to protect your eyes from sawdust particles.

Makita LS1018 10'' Dual-Bevel Slide Miter Saw in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $499.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00K1AXGW8

 

What is a Miter Saw?

Miter saws are quite widespread tools used by both professionals and amateurs. The popularity of miter saws is explained by a frequent need for orthogonal or angle cutting. Let's be honest, it's difficult to make an accurate angle cut on a piece of wood manually but a miter saw copes with this task strikingly well.

The unit is usually pretty bulky and will take some place in a workshop, yet, it is well worth the benefits you’ll get. Normally it consists of a hefty work table with an accurate guide bar and a circular saw blade mounted over it that can be pushed back and forth and tilted to the left and to the right. An oversized sharp blade rotates fast, moves smoothly, and cuts precisely to make neat crosscuts and miter in a workpiece. Commonly, a miter saw is used for cutting wood, but it can also handle such materials as aluminum, laminate or plastic, etc. Hence, the scope of application of this power tool is pretty wide. It will come in handy in carpentry, furniture making, flooring, finishing and trim works, and more.

If you are a seasoned DIYer or an avid craftsman, we also advise considering circular saws for even more convenient cutting through wood and hammer drills for drilling or hammering needs.

Best Miter Saws

What Features to Compare

Choosing a miter saw is not an easy task, especially if you’ve never had the one before. To help you out and avoid missing important details, we’ve made a brief buying guide specifying the major aspects to consider.

Power and Speed

The key characteristics to check in a miter saw are the motor power and the blade rotation speed that are usually inter-dependable. The higher the motor wattage, the longer a saw can operate without stops and the higher rotation speed it can deliver. Yet, remember that a higher power entails a larger unit size and a heavier tool weight. However, if you choose a unit for heavy-duty projects or extensive daily use, a bigger tool with a mighty motor is definitely a better option. The blade rotational speed is also important. The faster the blade spins, the more accurate and smoother cut you will achieve. Besides, if the speed of a miter saw is adjustable, the tool is applicable for cutting many other materials apart from wood and, hence, is much more versatile.

Cutting Height and Width

These parameters directly depend on the blade diameter and thickness. So, pay close attention to them when choosing a miter saw. Usually, this type of saw comes with a 10” or a 12” blade with a teeth number varying between 24 and 100 to make different types of cuts. The larger the blade, the deeper cut you can make while smaller blades work great for some more delicate materials and smaller projects. At the same time, the larger the teeth number, the finer cut you’ll get. Just remember to cut at a slower speed.

Usability and Safety

Of course, you need to take a look at additional functions and conveniences a miter saw offers. They might include the aforementioned speed adjustment. Also, consider a degree to which a miter saw table turns. Its table should turn at least 45 degrees to one side. A lot of miter saws have bevel adjustment mechanisms with positive stops at the most common angles. Besides, to enhance cutting precision and make it more convenient for you to cut, many latest miter saw models come equipped with a laser guide and LED lights. While the light will illuminate the cutting area, a laser guide will mark an accurate line where the blade should cut.

As a miter saw leaves a lot of sawdust and chippings, it should have a port for a vacuum cleaner or a dust collection system. Finally, don’t forget about safety. It’s crucial for a miter saw to have diverse safety accessories such as a blade guard, spindle lock, etc.

How to:

Sources:

1. Timothy Dahl Tool School: The Compound Miter Saw, Popular Mechanics. December 14, 2015.

2. Compound Miter Saw Buying Guide, Lowe's.

3. Clayton DeKorne Choosing and Using a Miter Saw, FineHomebuilding.

4. Steve Maxwell How to choose the right mitre saw, Cottage Life.

5. Miter saw, Wikipedia.

6. Amy Livingston How to Buy a Compound Miter Saw, ConsumerSearch. February 29, 2016.

7. Jason Ross Tips for Buying a Power Miter Saw, About. March 2, 2016.

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