As a woodworking specialist, I'm always sizing and shaping materials. If a project does not involve making perfectly accurate 90-degree crosscuts, then it possibly requires making bevel cuts or bespoke finishes. Whenever a project entails heavy and repetitive cutting, a miter saw is always my go-to tool.
A sturdy unit maintains efficiency, generates plenty of power, and ensures accuracy when handling tasks that demand consistent cuts. The machine can slice through a range of materials, including timber, plastic MFC, and MDF.
In fact, the best miter saw will remain utterly unfazed by whatever lays beneath its blade.
Are you searching for miter saws that are engineered to guarantee high output and improved consistency?
Let me guide you through the top 10 models that can set your projects up for success.
Dive right in!
Top 10 Miter Saw Comparison Table
Image | Product Name | Manufacturer | Motor Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cell | DEWALT (DWS779) | DEWALT | 3,800 RPM | |
Cell | Metabo HPT (C10FCGS) | Metabo | 5,000 RPM | |
Cell | DEWALT DW715 | DEWALT | 4,000 RPM | |
Cell | Bosch GCM12SD | Bosch | 3,800 RPM | |
Cell | DEWALT (DWS780) | DEWALT | 3,800 RPM | |
Cell | DEWALT DW713 | DEWALT | 5,000 RPM | |
Cell | Makita LS1040 | Makita | 4,600 RPM | |
Cell | TACKLIFE PMS03A | TACKLIFE | 3,500 RPM | |
Cell | Makita LS1018 | Makita | 4,300 RPM | |
Cell | Delta S26-262L | Delta | 5,500 RPM |
10 Best Miter Saw Reviews:
When handling large scope projects that involve repetitive cutting, accuracy means everything. Even a mere millimeter difference in your cuts can jeopardize the outcome of your work, cause delays, and possibly overstretch your budget.
We understand this and strived to leave no stone unturned when searching for the most excellent miter saws. Take a peek at our top 10 picks
1. DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw (DWS779)
DEWALT is without debate, an industry leader synonymous with quality and efficiency. If you need a high-quality and compact miter saw, this brand is the way to go. The DWS779 model may be small in size, but it certainly performs as advertised.
This is a machine engineered to appeal to both professionals and hobbyists.
It delivers perfect solutions for all kinds of woodworkers thanks to its ease of use, smooth operations, and high precision. We ranked it top on our list because it is an all-rounded miter saw with lots of useful features.
For the inexperienced user, you will be glad to know that this machine has the standard safety features.
What we like most is the transparent blade guard that allows you to keep an eye on your cuts at all times. Just don't be tempted to take it off to increase your productivity.
When it comes to design, this is a relatively standard unit. Its blade can tilt in either direction, and this allows you to make excellent precision cuts. The best part is that nothing needs calibration or adjustment— just tilt the blade.
You are also likely to appreciate the back fence design. It allows cuts up to 2×16 at 90 degrees and 2×12 at 45 degrees. Simply tilt the blade to the correct position and voila! You are good to go. Because of the low vibrations of the powerful 15 amp motor, making precision cuts is a piece of cake.
The most significant perk of this unit is its versatility. It can take on numerous applications, and its design makes intricate jobs easy and quick. We, however, noticed that the grip handle has no cushioning, and this can be considered a downside.
DEWALT DWS779 Miter Saw Review
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2. Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw (C10FCGS)
Trust me; it took a lot of detective work to come up with our list of the best miter saws in the market. While this is the case, the Metabo HPT is a model I can personally recommend. It is a bevel compound miter saw, so it can swivel to the right and left, and also miters in both directions.
In short, it is not necessary to hold your material when cutting it. Just tilt the head of your saw to assume the most suitable angle.
Before I dig in any further, allow me to clarify that Metabo HPT is the old Hitachi Power Tools brand. The only difference is the name, so you can expect its machines to have the same bells and whistles of Hitachi tools.
Products from the brand still have the same colors, model numbers, and even the same warranties.
This unit's design is focused on providing unmatched reliability and precision. It is the perfect saw for making miter cuts, compound cuts, and crosscuts. Even though it only weighs 24.2 pounds, this is a beast that comes with a 10-inch blade that has 24 teeth.
With a 15.0-amp motor, this machine has the power to deliver 5,000 RPM no-load. This is plenty of power and speed to produce nice, clean cuts. In terms of cutting capacity, the unit can cut up to 2-5/16 x 21/32 inches, which is not bad considering the fact that it features a 10-inch blade.
Read full review of Metabo C10FCGS
The reliable mitering, beveling, and cutting capacity of this tool enhance its overall versatility. You can use it to crosscut just about anything from dimensional lumber to hardwoods for a flooring project. This is one of the best miter saw for homeowner.
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3. DEWALT DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
DEWALT is a brand that has been around for almost an entire century. You are likely to be well conversant with its powerful tools that always have a yellow accent. What makes machines from the brand a top choice for professionals is the fact that they are well made for maximum efficiency and durability.
The DEWALT DW715 model features a powerful 15 amp motor that simplifies work irrespective of whether you are cutting baseboards or moldings. This unit has a maximum speed of 4000 RPM (no load).
What’s more is that it features a 120 V motor, so you will not face any challenges when working outside your usual job site.
This is an all-rounded miter saw designed for unmatched precision. It features a thin kerf blade that can make clean and neat cuts into a range of materials. With its 11 positive stops and adjustable plate, you don't have to worry about your level of productivity.
Despite the power and performance, this machine with a rugged stainless steel construction weighs a mere 42 pounds. Additionally, it has a carry handle for convenient carrying.
For beginners who don't want a complicated tool, this is a saw we highly recommend because it is not just user-friendly, but also super easy to set up.
Other features you are likely to appreciate are the 0-50 degrees miter capacity in either direction, high sliding fence, and 12-inch blade for a professional beveled finish and precise cuts. This saw can cut 48 degrees to the left and 3 degrees to the right.
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4. Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD - Best Dual Bevel Miter Saw
If you have a thing for Bosch power tools, here is one of the best miters saw models the brand has to offer. This also happens to be one of the highest-rated dual bevel compound miter saws with a 12-inch blade. You will find it ideal if you need a versatile, powerful, and compact saw.
This is a monster that can make all kinds of cuts. Even though the vertical cutting capacity is about 6-1/2-inches, the machine has an outstanding 14-inch horizontal cutting capacity.
Additionally, it also features two sliding base extensions that not only provide extra support but also help in increasing the cutting capacity of the tool.
Something else we must talk about is the cut quality. Accuracy and neat cuts are some of the highlights of this unit. Thanks to the Axial-Glide System, for instance, users benefit from hyper accuracy, perfect alignment, and ultra-smooth cutting action, irrespective of the material they are slicing.
This model also takes the crown home for its ease of use. Considering how powerful it is, we did not expect to benefit from an intuitive user interface.
First, there are great features such as the Squarelock quick-release fences for easy and accurate alignment. This fence even has a one-touch lock/unlock feature for added convenience.
There is a 0-47 degrees bevel range to the left and the right. We were also quick to notice the all-metal bevel lock lever as well as the range selector at the front of the unit. To make bevel adjustments, you don't have to strain yourself to reach around the back area of the saw.
Read full Review of Bosch GCM12SD Miter Saw
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5. DEWALT 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw (DWS780) - Best for Crown Molding
If you ask me to choose between a miter saw with a sliding compound and a non-sliding model, I will undoubtedly choose the former. This sliding function is quite convenient, especially when cutting larger pieces of wood. Well, this function is also included in the DEWALT DWS780.
This machine also has a double bevel, and this means you don't have to flip over your workpiece when making bevel cuts. These and various other features we will be discussing make this the best sliding miter saw in the market.
Whether you are a trained woodworker, an amateur, or an expert who is somewhere in between, this is a versatile miter saw you can use for a range of applications. It is powerful enough to take on tough tasks, and its precision makes it a safe bet, irrespective of your skill levels.
Two key features genuinely caught our attention during the tests. First, this unit has an advanced LED light. Then again, it features a 15 amp motor that delivers a cutting speed of 3800 RPM.
The ultra-bright LED light is placed in the XPS crosscut alignment system. This is a clever design that casts a shadow of the blade onto the workpiece. In short, you get to monitor exactly where your blade will cut.
From where I stand, this is an innovative feature that works slightly better than the usual laser guide systems.
With the standard 10 positive stops for easy adjustment, making repeat cuts is a breeze. Simply choose the angle you desire and use the cam-lock miter button to get your settings locked in. I also liked the miter detent override feature that ensures accurate adjusting of angles.
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6. DEWALT DW713 10 in. Portable Compound Miter Saw - Best Portable Miter Saw
DEWALT is a leading tool brand, and we could not help listing yet another impressive miter saw from the company. Just like other tools we have listed, this one too has gained a lot of followers because of its premium construction, smooth operations, and outstanding overall performance.
This DEWALT DW713 Compound Miter Saw is a machine ideal for professionals because it produces plenty of power. At the same time, it is a perfect option for DIYers because operating it is simple. In short, this is a reliable unit designed to handle DIY projects but built to professional standards.
This model is rather small, and it weighs only 35 pounds. It, however, delivers an outstanding punch with its 15-amp motor that provides 5,000 RPM for clean and beautiful cuts on wood. Good user experience is also guaranteed because precision is a quality offered by this unit, as well.
We were also truly pleased to find out that the ergonomically designed handle provides a comfortable grip. This allows you to take on the task of cutting different angles without straining yourself.
Additionally, the machine comes with a 10″ blade. In case your project does not involve cutting lumber, you can always change this blade and use your miter saw for slicing aluminum sheets, steel tubing, and PVC pipes without a problem.
Moreover, this machine takes the crown home for having a wide miter angle range — 50 degrees right and 50 degrees left. It also features an adjustable miter detent plate with 11 stops, allowing you to make numerous angled cuts.
Even though this is a single bevel compound miter saw that does not provide the widest bevel range, it excels by providing accurate bevel cuts.
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7. Makita LS1040 10" Compound Miter Saw - Best Diy Miter Saw
With a good number of powerful compound miter saws requiring users to have some level of previous experience, the main benefit of using the Makita LS1040 is its ease of use. Just read the manual and you will understand how the machine works. I must also mention that the manual is comprehensive and well-written.
This model has a 15 amp motor ideal for cutting through wood pieces of different densities. Compared to other models we tested, this unit has a well-designed miter base, although its calibration is far from perfect.
The accuracy is also good, although it is not excellent. These aspects make the machine more ideal for a DIYer.
In terms of design, this is a standard miter saw with okay safety features. It has a transparent blade guard and a standard dust collection system.
On the bright side, it is lightweight and easy to carry around. In case you work within different environments and need to move the machine frequently, this will not be a problem.
Another aspect we liked is that the miter stop has nine settings that alleviate the need for fine-tuning. You can simply choose any preset value and cut various angles with high precision.
This machine can prove useful if you take advantage of all its features. Typically, professionals avoid it, not because of its performance, but for lack of highly advanced features. Contrarily, it is a darling to DIYers because of its friendly price tag, not to mention that setting it up and operating it is a breeze.
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8. TACKLIFE Sliding Compound Miter Saw PMS03A
The Tacklife brand is a newcomer in the UK market. This is a company that threatens to change the order of business in the industry because it has managed to attract a grand following within a few years.
First, it is a global brand providing its products to numerous countries. Its power tools are in high demand for its fantastic value, advanced features, and competitive pricing.
Ease of use is one of the prime traits of the Tacklife PMS03A Sliding Compound Miter Saw. This is the best miter saw for the money because it has numerous mechanisms that make its operation simple.
It features a 12-inch blade for precise, angled cuts and even has a rail fence that supports forward and backward movements. Moreover, the tool also features an ergonomically designed handle for a perfect grip and smooth operations.
This is a dual bevel meter that allows setting bevel angles in both directions. The bevel lock system holds the wood firmly to maintain a good grip of your workpiece and ensure precision cuts. With this model, the dust management system is excellent, and a handy debris bag comes with the package.
Cutting large ply sheets is easy with this unit because it features an uber-power motor with amperage of 15 Amp and 1700W. The speed rating is at 3800 RPM, just what you need to get clean cuts and complete huge tasks within lesser time.
Not so many models within the price range have a praiseworthy cutting capacity. This model, however, delivers a capacity of 105 x 335 mm with crosscuts of 09 X 90 degrees.
With such cutting capacity, you can take on tougher woods, including hard maple, cherry, oak, and walnut without breaking a sweat.
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9. Makita LS1018 10-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
The Makita LS1018 is not by any means a game-changer. However, this is a tool that performs as intended and is uniquely designed to give end-users impressive cutting capacity with unrivalled accuracy.
I would recommend this model to folks that are searching for an accurate, lightweight, affordable, and highly versatile miter saw.
Here's the deal; the LS1018 does not come with marketing gimmicks that only inflate the price and leave users dissatisfied. Instead, it is a machine that is simply engineered to work. It features a 13-amp soft-start motor with a direct drive system that provides speeds of 4,300 RPM.
By omitting the use of a belt-drive, this unit provides consistent power and ensures an efficient operating process. You are assured of smooth and precise outcomes when working with different materials.
In other words, this model may lack the bells and whistles of more expensive miter saws, although it promises exceptional performance with no hiccups.
Makita focused on engineering this unit for accuracy and portability. For a 10" miter saw weighing only 43 pounds, we did not expect to benefit from accuracy, versatility, and efficiency in one package. What's more, is that you even get an impressive cut capacity of up to 12″ at 90° and about 8-1/2" at 45°.
Moreover, you get an angle range of 47 degrees to the left and 60 degrees to the right for miter cuts. This machine also features positive stops for enhanced accuracy. For bevel cuts, you can make adjustments of up to 45 degrees in both directions. Learn how to cut 45 degrees angle without a miter saw.
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10. Delta Power Equipment Corporation S26-262L Shop Master Miter Saw
For the hobbyist searching for the best value miter saw, here is a model from Delta with a host of enticing perks to offer. Delta S26-262L Shop Master Miter Saw Weighing only 25 pounds, it came as a true surprise that this machine features a 15 amp motor as well as a 10-inch blade.
Even though this is a 120 volts and 1800 watts battery-powered tool, it provides adequate punch for light and medium-duty woodworking & Furniture Making projects.
This machine also takes the crown for being the best portable miter saw. It comes with an array of smart features, including a fence, electric brake, convenient storage, and dust collection bag.
The fence guide is strong enough to hold the material you are cutting firmly. It is made from iron and is sturdy enough to tolerate huge amount of pressure without breaking.
As far as cutting capacity goes, this machine has a bevel cut capacity of 0-47 degrees. You can also use it for miter cuts, dado cuts, and cross cuts
One of the highlights of the unit is the battery-operated laser that ensures aligning the 10-inch blade is a piece of cake. It comes with a spindle lock that keeps the blade intact during changes. This is a feature that assures your safety when switching blades to match your unique project needs.
Another great feature is the electric brake system that stops the blade seconds after releasing the trigger. From our research, I can confidently confirm that the majority of miter saws at the price point do not have this feature.
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What to Look for in a Miter Saw?
During our research, we focused on sieving out the 10 best miter saws in the market. Honestly, we did not have a smooth time trimming down our options because different models have different features, blade sizes, and price tags, among other crucial variations.
From my experience using different units and with the help of my team, we came up with a list of essential features and functionalities to look for in top-performing models.
Here is a detailed buying guide to help you with your selection.
Type of Miter Saw
There are three types of miter saws, and each type comes with a unique set of pros and cons. Let's get down to the details:
Basic Miter Saw
This is the ideal unit for small-scope projects that involve making miter cuts, trim cuts, and crosscuts.
Basic miter saws are cheaper and can make accurate cuts when handling simple projects. On the downside, they don't feature a bevel option.
Compound Miter Saw
One of the most significant advantages of compound miter saws is that they allow tilted cuts and feature a bevel option. This makes them ideal for making frames, doors, and windows. Simply adjust the tool to suit your requirements and make both beveled cuts and miter cuts at the same go.
Compound miter saws fall under two categories. First, there are single beveled miter saws that allow bevel cuts on one side. Then again, there are double beveled miter saws that will enable bevel cuts from both sides. With proper knowledge of cutting you can cut crown molding with a compound miter saw.
Sliding Compound Miter Saw
If you need a more versatile miter saw that could take on a range of diverse projects, the sliding compound miter saw is your best bet. It comes with a suitable array of features that you will find useful during different applications.
Unfortunately, purchasing this type of saw will not be easy on the wallet. Sliding compound miter saws are considerably more costly than both their basic and compound counterparts.
Motor
We all understand the perks of choosing a power tool with a dependable engine. A machine capable of generating between 10-15 amps can provide speeds of 3200 to 5500 rpm. This is the kind of performance you need when handling just about any small and medium-sized project.
Of course, professional woodworkers who handle plenty of large-scope projects may need units with more substantial power.
Blade Size
Miter saws come in a range of blade sizes. Some feature smaller 7¼ inch blades while others have larger ones that measure about 10-12 inches. Naturally, smaller blades have a shorter reach, and their larger counterparts have the advantage of being able to cut thicker materials.
For you to make an ideal choice, you must also consider how high a blade lifts. The maximum standing height of a blade determines how much material you can cut through.
Some models have limited maximum cut heights of about 3-inches, while others allow you to cut through workpieces that are more than 6 inches thick.
If your projects involve cutting thicker pieces of material, you need a saw with a larger blade and a larger maximum cut depth.
Sliding Rails
Numerous factors dictate the size of material you can cut. Apart from the blade size and maximum cut depth, the rail system of a unit also plays a leading role in determining the width of the pieces you can slice.
Sliding rails allow smooth forward and backward movements of the blade, and this affects the width of the wood your saw can cut. While there are models with shorter 12-inch sliding rails, others feature longer 16-inch rails and can handle wider pieces of material.
That said, even compact, lightweight, and more portable miter saws that feature smaller 7¼-inch blades can slice through 2×8 if they feature a sliding rail system.
Portability
Both compact and standing units are great. The only difference is their size, weight, and portability. A standing unit is ideal for artisans with stationary workshops. On the other hand, a large machine can turn into a nuisance for a nomadic woodworker.
With the right features, even a compact, more lightweight saw can perform just as optimally as a bigger unit. We have tested 30-pound meter saws whose functions are not so different from bulky 90-pound machines.
If you intend to move your unit around a lot, we recommend choosing lighter and more compact miter saws.
Must Have Dust Extraction
As we all know, working long in any heavy-duty work like wood cutting, molding, trim work, and other relevant work creates lots of dust around our workspace. Generally, this huge amount of sawdust quickly mixes in the air if it is not controlled in a perfect extraction bag.
Moreover, this mixed polluted air harms the clean environment and creates lots of highly health issues like dust allergies, irritation of the eyes, snoring, and so on. After checking all these negative issues, a conscious buyer should buy an ideal miter saw with proper dust extraction management. Indeed, this perfect decision will save the atmosphere and protect humans from shortness of breath issues.
Accessories Availabilities
When you choose a particular miter saw, you must be aware of whether its spare parts are readily available. No matter what brand you choose, a standard miter saw should be able to adjust to other brands of parts accordingly. For example, the saw blade of a miter usually breaks or becomes dull after a certain period of time.
In that case, you will need to replace it soon. If your saw allows you to attach a standard saw blade, you will get relief from the same brand spare part tensions and save your valuable time and money as well.
Extra Features
The aforementioned features are the most crucial to consider before purchase. It is, however, safe to say that it is the additional features that enhance the convenience of using a particular tool.
Some of the useful extras to look for in a unit include laser lights, a dust containment system, a vacuum attachment port, and sliding supports on the blade.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is crucial to stick to the blade size designed for your tool. For instance, if the factory blade measures 10 inches, it is dangerous to use a 12-inch blade.
Yes. Miter saws are not so different from other power tools, so they also require some level of dusting after use. This enhances their longevity and ensures reliable efficiency at all times.
Use an air compressor to blow out the debris or suck it away. Also, use a scotch pad to clean the blade and fencing. In case you notice some debris between the kerfs, you can clean it off using a soft hand brush.
Apart from cleaning the unit after use, also check the power cords regularly. Address loose connections immediately and also inspect the teeth position, motor brushes, and kerfs from time to time.
The type of material you can cut using your machine will highly depend on its blade. For instance, a skip-tooth blade is ideal for slicing through non-ferrous materials. If you want to cut thick planks or hardwoods, on the other hand, you should use a hook tooth blade.
Yes. It is vital to ensure the blade is in excellent condition before starting any project. If it is bent or has unusual kerfs, for instance, get it replaced.
Final Words
Our review should make it effortless for you to find the best miter saw for your needs. While some of the models we have listed are not the cheapest, they are engineered to provide power, versatility, and accuracy in the same package.
From a professional perspective, the model that scores a straight-A is the TACKLIFE Sliding Compound Miter Saw. It is affordable, yet it comes with the bells and whistles of models that cost nearly twice as much.
Some of its best features include the Laser guide mechanism and 12-inch blade for an outstanding cutting capacity.
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