TOP-5 best miter saws

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What is the best miter saw? The first thing to consider when buying your miter saw is the power, which is measured in amps. Chose a model that has at least a 15 amp 3500 rpm motor. The second essential characteristic is the size of the blades, which determines how large the cut will be. For professional use, you will need a 12-inch or larger miter saw. However, for home and small project users, a 10-inch diameter model might be sufficient. Thirdly, look at the material the machine is made of. If you want a durable and high-quality miter saw, opt for a model with blades made from a steel alloy. Fourthly, consider the number of teeth the blade has. The more teeth it contains, the smoother finish it can produce. This has a direct impact on the quality of cuts. And the fifth important thing to take into consideration is whether the model includes a dust collector. This component will make your work safer by reducing the amount of dust and particles sent into the air. We believe that DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw meets these criteria best.

DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw: photo

Why have we chosen it? This is an amazingly durable and high-performance model from a trustworthy brand. With a powerful 15 amp, 4,000 rpm motor, the machine will allow you to make accurate and smooth cuts. The device has an optimal crosscut capacity for lumber up to 2 x 8 inches and an adjustable miter detent plate with 14 positive stops. This model bevels up to 48 degrees to the left and up to 3 degrees right. Miter detent override allows you to bypass the miter stops. While having robust construction, the miter saw is portable and weighs only 42 pounds. You can easily carry it with you using a convenient built-in handle. The product comes with a blade wrench, a vertical clamp, and a dust collection bag.

A miter saw is essentially a portable circular saw attached to a stationary frame. They are primarily used to make precise molding, frame, and window casing and other angle cuts. There are several types of professional and DIY miter saw models and that are all capable of making e precise crosscuts quicker and easier than with a standard circular saw.

Characteristically, a miter saw that’s used consistently should minimally have a 15 amp 3500 rpm motor, although less power is adequate for DIYers. The blade may be 8 -10 in. diam. (DIY) or 12 in. diam. (professional). Many have a dust collector, laser, safety guard and other extras.

Table of Content

  • 1 What Types of Miter Saw Are There?
  • 2 What Are The Important Miter Saw Features To Consider?
  • 3 The Difference Between Cheap Miter Saws And Expensive Ones
  • 4 Trusted Miter Saw Brands
  • 5 TOP-5 Best Miter Saws

What Types of Miter Saw Are There?

Compound Miter Saws

Compound miter saws cut miter, crosscuts, angled, beveled and sloped cuts. Although a compound miter saw works best for cutting crown molding and frames, it can handle most projects. Compound miter saws have no rails and provide a sizeable cutting arc. The stable platform offers the user a wider range of motion. Stationary compound miter saw model arms pivot so the blade can be tipped to make bevel cuts.

Compound Miter Saw: photo

There are compound and dual-compound models. Tilted angle and angle planes allow you to cut two angles at once. A single compound miter saw allows you to tilt the blade one way for beveled cuts. A dual-compound miter saw is more versatile. Its blade pivots right to left to permit a variety of cuts. The drawback of compound miter saws is the limited width that can be cut. A 10 in. compound miter saw, for instance, can only cut to a maximum width of six inches.

Sliding Compound Miter Saws

A sliding compound miter saw cut miters, bevels and crosscuts. Its arm is on rails that permit the blade to move up and down and front to back. This allows longer wood pieces and boards to move through the saw, which is especially useful for construction professionals that routinely cut thicker or longer molding pieces, for example.

Sliding Compound Miter Saw: photo

There are single sliding compound and dual-sliding compound miter saw models. A single sliding compound miter saw allows you to tilt the blade one way for cuts. A dual-sliding compound miter saw blade tips left and right to accommodate a variety of precise cuts.

What Are The Important Miter Saw Features To Consider?

Power

Miter saw power is measured in amps. A 15 amp 3500 rpm motor is popular among consistent users. The DIYer can effectively accomplish most projects with a 10 amp motor designed to operate a smaller 7½ in. diam. saw. There are battery-operated miter saws too. But you need to fully-charge the battery before starting a project and have a backup battery ready to use when the first one runs low and needs recharging.

Blade Size

Construction professionals typically want a larger (12 in. diam.) miter saw. DIYers that use their miter saw infrequently may find a 10 in. diam. model more suitable for their garage and space. The smallest, lightest weight, most portable miter saw on the market is a 7¼ in. diam. model.
The larger the saw blade, the bigger cuts you can make. What you plan to cut as well as the size of the miter saw determines the size of blade you need. For safety, as well as mechanical, reasons you are restricted to the size blade applicable to the size of your miter saw.

Material

A high carbon steel miter blade is not the best you can buy. The highest quality miter blade is made from a steel alloy that includes metallic additives that increase the overall condition and quality of the cutting teeth. Tungsten and cobalt alloy blades are the highest grade. The tips chip more easily but they stay sharper longer.

Tooth count

The larger the miter saw blade, the more teeth it has. More teeth allow the saw to produce a smoother finish. (Thicker material requires a blade with fewer teeth that let you to rip or power through the material). The higher the tooth count, the slower the process, but the better quality cut you will get. Fine work, for example, requires slow and precise crosscuts made by a saw blade with a high tooth count. Twelve-inch professionally-sized miter blades typically have 72-96 teeth.

Dust Collection

Some may consider a dust collector an option. However, it reduces dust and particles sent into the air that can impact the user’s health. Saw dust and debris in the work space that can also create a safety (slipping) hazard. A collector option helps prevent sawdust from building up on your wood that impairs your cutting visibility. Essentially a dust collector aids in overall work site health, safety and housekeeping.

The Difference Between Cheap Miter Saws And Expensive Ones

More expensive, higher quality miter saws tend to offer more options that generally make using them easier. You may spend more for a powerful motor and larger blades with the optimal number of teeth. Less expensive miter saw models have only one bevel that tilts in just one direction.

More expensive sliding compound saws can tilt left and right which decreases the time it takes to make multiple cuts in different directions. Saw technology that includes solid locking detent stops, tilt controls and gliding motor carriages increase the cost. Although investing in a better saw offers you a wider range of cutting options, you should expect any saw to lock safely and securely into position.

Trusted Miter Saw Brands

DEWALT is a trusted contractor as well as DIY brand. It gets high marks for the “Best Overall” brand. DEWALT offers a reasonably long warranty and high quality for less money. Hitachi provides professional-grade power tools and is credited with creating the first sliding compound miter saw that combines radial arm saw capacity and miter saw convenience.

DEWALT Miter Saw: photo

TOP-5 Best Miter Saws

Below, you will find a review of the five best miter saws at a price ranging from $ 150 to $ 1,500. You may choose a durable model that has a soft start and rigid body or a space-saving model with an ergonomic ambidextrous handle and grip. The high-end miter saw comes with dual lasers and a dust collection system. The unit boasts a long service life and is highly durable.

1. DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715)

12-Inch Miter Saw DEWALT: photo

The compact single-bevel DEWALT DWS715 is reputably the best DIY compound miter saw for the money. It is a portable lightweight (42 lb.) model with a built-in handle for easy carry. A 15 amp, 4000 rpm motor runs its large 12 in. carbide blade. It has an optimal crosscut capacity for lumber up to 2 "x 8" at 90 deg. and 2 "x 6" at 45 deg.

The DWS715 bevels up to 48 deg. to the left and up to 3 deg. right. Its adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate has 14 positive stops. It has positive stops at 0 deg., 33.9 deg. and 45 deg. for flat crown molding cuts and 4 hardened steel bevel stops at 0 deg, 33.9 deg., 45 deg. and 48 deg. Miter detent override allows you to bypass the miter stops. Its arbor size is ⅝ in.

The DWS715 features tall sliding fences that support nested crown molding up to 5¼ in. and vertically-supported base molding up to 6½ in. A machine base fence support holds it perpendicular to the blade. A blade wrench, vertical clamp, dust collection bag and (base) side handles are also included with the DWS715.

Pros:
  • Best value
  • Durable
  • Accurate
Cons:
  • No laser guide; not laser compatible

DEWALT DWS715: Check the current price

2. DEWALT 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw, Double Bevel (DWS780)

DEWALT 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw: photo

The powerful dual-bevel DEWALT DWS780 is considered the “best sliding compound miter saw on the market” and a good choice for professionals as well as DIYers. It is a portable, 56 lb., model with durable, precision-machined stainless steel castings meant to last. It miters right (60 deg.) And left (50 deg.) And has a handle for convenient carry. A 15 amp, 3800 rpm motor runs its large 12 in. carbide blade.

The DWS780's Integrated XPS crosscut positioning system w / LED light affords one of the highest crosscut capacities. Gearbox and belt drive design innovations increase its vertical cutting capacity to 2 "x 16" at 90 deg. and 2 "x 12" at 45 deg. It has an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops. It bevels 0 deg. to 49 deg. with positive stops at 0 deg., 22.5 deg., 33.9 deg. and 45 deg. and 48 deg. (in each direction).

This durable, precision DWS780 features a dust collection system capable of containing more than 75% generated dust and particles. Its Exclusive Back Fence design supports nested crown molding up to 7½ in., Vertically-supported base molding up to 6¾ in., 13-7 / 8 in. horizontal capacity and a rail lock latch that holds the head away from the fence. A blade wrench and vertical clamp are included.

Pros:
  • Precision
  • Durable
Cons:
  • No adjustable bearings
  • Noisy
  • No stand

DEWALT DWS780: Check the current price

3. Bosch CM10GD Compact Miter Saw - 15 Amp Corded 10 in. Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw

Bosch CM10GD Compact Miter Saw: photo

The high performance, dual-bevel, sliding glide Bosch CM10GD is a professional-grade model that affords smooth control and takes up (10 inches) less space than comparable miter saws. It miters both right (60 deg.) And left (52 deg.). A 15 amp, 4800 no-load rpm motor runs its 10 in., 60-tooth carbide blade.

The CM10GD's Bosch Axial-Glide System has a hinged glide arm that replaces the typical sliding rail system. It allows greater alignment and accuracy, and wider crosscut capacities. It bevels up to 47 deg. to the left and up to 47 deg. right. It has adjustable miter detents with 11 positive stops at 0 deg., 15 deg., 22.5 deg., 31.6 deg. and 45 deg. in each direction, and 60 deg. on the right.

The compact CM10GD features a dust collection and vacuum adapter, easy-to-read bevel and miter scales, an ergonomic ambidextrous trigger handle and a clear lower cutting guard. Square-lock precision fences allow fast and easy adjustments. Tall 4¼ in. sliding fences support a horizontal capacity up to 12 in., nested crown molding up to 6 in. and 5½ in. vertically-supported base molding. A crown / chop lock holds the head in place for maximum vertical base and nested crown molding cutting. A material clamp and dust collection bag are also included.

Pros:
  • Compact; space-saving
  • Ergonomic ambidextrous handle and grip
  • Wider crosscut
Cons:
  • Heavy
  • Maneuverability

Bosch: Check the current price

4. Hitachi C10FCH2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw

Hitachi Miter Saw: photo

The single-bevel, easy-to-use Hitachi C10FSHC is a versatile compound miter saw that provides a maximum output of 1950W. It is a portable lightweight 26.5 lbs. Its Laser Marker System ensures exact blade alignment and accuracy when activated prior to blade engagement. A 15 amp, 5000 no-load rpm motor runs its 10 in. 24T TCT saw blade.

The C10FSHC has a flexible 0 - 52 deg. left and right miter angle range. It bevels up to 45 deg. to the left and has adjustable thumb-actuated positive stops at 0 deg., 15 deg., 22.5 deg., 31.6 deg. and 45 deg.

The C10FSHC features a noise-reducing soft start / recoil function, a horizontal handle with an ergonomic, anti-vibration, elastomer grip, and a large table with built-in clamp to hold your materials in place. It has a large, pivoting, vertical 4 in. flip fence for easy cutting of crown molding and larger pieces (up to 2-5 / 16 in. (H) and 5-21 / 32 in. (D)). Tool-mounted box and hex bar wrenches, a material (vice) support extension and dust collector with carbon brushes are also included.

Pros:
  • Lightweight
  • Soft start
  • Ergonomic handle and grip
  • Durable
Cons:
  • Laser seems dim
  • Best for DIY projects
  • No stand

Hitachi: Check the current price

5. Festool 575306 Kapex KS 120 REB Miter Saw (Newest Model)

Festool 575306 Kapex KS 120 REB Miter Saw: photo

The updated 1600W Kapex KS120 REB is considered the “most advanced sliding compound miter saw in the market today”. It is a good choice for professionals and tradesmen. It is a portable, lightweight (47.3 lb.), magnesium alloy model. A 13 amp, 3400 rpm motor runs its 60-tooth, universal 10¼ in. blade. Kapex KS120 REB's patented FastFix blade change system allows the blade to be changed with one hand.

This model has a miters 50 deg. / 60 deg. miter range. It bevels up to 47 deg. to the left and up to 47 deg. right. It has a counter spring-balanced micro-adjustable bevel angle. The bevel knob adjusts left or right to positive detents at 0 deg. and -45 deg., free movement from -45 deg. to +45 deg. and free movement up to 47 deg.

This compact, rail-forward miter saw has a new base with a sliding table extension. It also features dual lasers and a dust collection system with a 36mm pivoting hose port and behind-the-cut dust hood that extracts as much as 91% of generated dust. Its cut design also supports up to 6⅝ in. nested crown molding, vertically-supported materials up to 4¾ in. with a ¾ in. horizontal capacity. A hold-down clamp, wrench and MiterFast angle transfer are included.

Pros:
  • Lightweight
  • Rigid body; durable
  • Dual lasers
  • Longer service life
Cons:
  • No “trade-ups” for current Festool Kapex miter saw owners

Festool: Check the current price

Also Read:

Best miter saw stand

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