Among the essentials that enthusiasts and professional woodworkers need on a job site is a power tool like a miter saw. This tool will always come in handy, especially for projects that require bevel cuts. To avoid purchasing a faulty and underperforming saw, our team conducted a series of tests, from the cutting capacity to bevel controls, to determine which is the best miter saw.
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Reviews of the Top Miter Saws
1. Makita LS1219L Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Coming from an experienced company that has been offering top-tier electric-powered tools for many years, it’s no surprise that our team was impressed with the features of Makita LS1219L.
This compound miter saw operates with a 15-Amp powerful motor that delivers at a 3,200 RPM speed range. Its large-sized aluminum base design also increases material stability that results in an efficient cutting operation.
Aside from being easy to use, this 12-inch sliding compound miter saw has a distinct in-front bevel lock and a 2-steel rail system. Users can also enjoy added accuracy and convenience thanks to its dual dust collection system.
What We Like
- One of the best 12-inch miter saws in the market
- Manufactured by a trusted electric-powered tool provider
- 15-amp motor that operates at 3,200 RPM
- Has an electric brake that increases convenience
- Cut capacity of 8-inch crown molding vertically and 15-inch cross cuts
- Compact and portable design with 65 lbs weight
- Built-in laser and carbide-tipped blade for accurate cuts
- Offers a limited 1-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- Requires an electric power source
- Additional cost for an extended warranty protection plan
2. Dewalt FLEXVOLT 120V MAX Sliding Compound Miter Saw Kit
If you find yourself needing to move around your woodworking shop during your project’s construction process, a cordless glide miter saw like Dewalt Flexvolt could be your saving grace.
During one of our tests, we found out that its adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with ten positive stops can be maneuvered 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left, enabling extensive cutting capacity.
This sliding miter saw also features Flexvolt technology that automatically changes the voltage of the motor depending on the tool in use.
What We Like
- Equipped with 2 Lithium-ion batteries and 120V Brushless motor
- Changes voltage depending on tool requirement
- Has an extensive left and right miter angle cuts
- Fully cordless and weighs about 56 pounds
- Integrated with cutline blade positioning system
- Capable of executing 289 cross-cuts and 3-¼ inches crown molding
What We Don't Like
- Choking hazard and must be kept out of children’s reach
- Batteries need to be recharged after every operation
3. Bosch CM10GD 15 Amp Corded Compact Miter Saw
Equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor, this 10-inch miter saw has a dual bevel axial glide system that allows users to have absolute control. Bosch CM10GD also features left and right positive stops and an upfront bevel lock lever.
Aside from its impressive miter and bevel capacities, the 10-inch blade attached to this machine can handle 6-inch crown molding with 45 degrees spring angle range. Despite its compact design, users will find delight in its convenient cut setup owing to its stainless steel miter scales and easy-to-read uniform bevel.
What We Like
- Axial glide system produces accurate bevel cuts
- More compact and portable compared to other sliding miter saws
- 10 inches of working space that allows enhanced alignment
- 15-amp motor and a standard 120V power source
- Crown molding capacity of 6-inches at 45 degrees
- Designed with a soft grip for comfortable all-day use
What We Don't Like
- Components need to be maintained regularly
- Requires an electrical power source
4. Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Miter Saw
Bosch GCM12SD miter saw is another star from a highly-commended power tools company. It is featured in many tool reviews and popularly known for its accurate and smooth cutting motion.
This dual-bevel compound miter saw has a space-saving exterior and pre-aligned square lock fences that further help with the machine’s precision during the cut. On top of its extensive cutting capacities, you’ll find it easy to perform miter cuts thanks to its upfront controls.
True to our team’s expectations, this Bosch model offers added comfort with its soft-grip handle and dust bag with a vacuum adaptor. Its 12-inch blade is perfect for different projects that require various cuts.
What We Like
- Provides easy blade adjustments
- Capable of easily making angled miter cuts
- Dust bag integrated with a vacuum adaptor
- Equipped with a versatile blade suited for different projects
- One-touch slide fence for added material support
What We Don't Like
- Requires constant maintenance
- Must be set-up accurately and according to manual
5. Metabo HPT C10FCGS Compound Miter Saw
Out of all the miter saws we recommended in this list, Metabo HPT C10FCGS is the best miter saw if you’re on a budget that you can purchase without compromising the quality of your cuts. If you’re after the accuracy of every cut, then this machine’s adjustable single bevel capability ranging from 0 to 45 degrees won’t disappoint you.
Compared to other compound miter saws that operate with a 15-Amp motor such as Hitachi C10FCG, this 10-inch cutting tool delivers excellent cuts at a speed of 5000 RPM. Designed with a large table space, Metabo HPT C10FCGS provides top-tier material support.
What We Like
- One of the most affordable 10-inch single bevel miter saws in the market
- Cuts material at a no-load speed of 5000 RPM
- Has an extensive working space that provides added support
- Adjustable blade fence with bevel capability of 0-45 degrees
What We Don't Like
- Must be assembled according to manual’s instruction
- Requires an electrical power source
6. Milwaukee 6955-20 12" Sliding Dual Bevel Miter Saw
Another 12-inch sliding compound miter saw we commend for its precise miter cuts adjustments is Milwaukee 6955-20. Unlike the standard 10-inch blade-integrated machines, this product is exceptionally suitable for cutting hardwoods and highly-compact materials.
This compound sliding miter saw also includes a dust channel that prevents 75 percent of site dust and debris from interrupting your work. Running with a 15-amp and 3.3 max HP direct-drive motor, users are assured to get a quick and clean cut in every operation.
Milwaukee’s fine adjustments also allow you to single-handedly run the electric-powered tool at ease, and its integrated lights provide cut lines for increased accuracy.
(For more 12-inch options, you can check our list of the best 12-inch miter saw here)
What We Like
- Inclusive of dust channel providing a cleaner working environment
- Operates with a 15-amp and 3.3 max hp motor
- Suitable to cut hardwoods than miter saws with 10-inch blades
- Has a fine adjust miter angle options with a self zeroing system
- Integrated with lights and dust port for convenient operations
What We Don't Like
- Corded miter saw that might require power extensions
- Needs regular maintenance
7. Dewalt DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Last on our list is another 12-Inch compound miter saw best for cutting heavy-duty materials including aluminum and metals. Featuring an XPS cross-cut positioning system, DEWALT DWS780 allows its users to enjoy an adjustment-free cut line indication. Besides that, it has a unique back fence design that can cut up 2 x 14 inches of lumber at a 90-degree angle.
Our tests also revealed the blade’s extended power and durability, owing to its jacked engine that runs at a speed range of 3800 RPM. Our team highly recommends miter saws like these for woodworkers who are keen on productivity as this machine features a detent plate with ten positive stops.
What We Like
- Has extended power and durability
- Suitable for heavy-duty cutting operations
- Distinct and adjustable back fence structure
- Features a detent plate with ten positive stops
- Integrated with a reliable and precise miter system
What We Don't Like
- Must be assembled according to the manual instruction
- Corded and requires an electrical power source
Miter Saws Buyer’s Guide
Corded or Cordless Miter Saw?
Upon checking many miter saw reviews, you’re probably contemplating whether you should purchase a corded or cordless miter saw. Although cordless machines offer utmost flexibility, corded cutting tools provide an uninterrupted operation, especially when dealing with extensive projects that require long working hours.
A corded miter saw operates with direct power from electric outlets, which allows unlimited usage. The only downturn with this kind of machine is the limited movement one can make depending on the outlet accessibility.
On the other hand, cordless miter saws run with batteries and don’t need to be plugged into any power source. This type of tool is limited in time and must be recharged after a certain number of hours. Despite its limitations, many manufacturers engineered these machines to be as powerful as corded ones.
Motor Power
This is also one of the major things to consider when looking for the best miter saw. The speed and performance of your chosen miter saw depends on its motor power. Like the 15-amp Tacklife PMS03A, most of the products we listed in this review are equipped with 15-amp engines, which are more than sufficient to cut different types of material.
Always remember that miter saws with higher amperes [1] tend to cut through thicker boards easier and faster. But not everything can be based on it because cordless saws operate on batteries, and their motor performance will depend on material type and the frequency of your cuts.
Type of Miter Saw
Like many power tools, miter saws come in various kinds, often manufactured with a specific job requirement in mind. The most standard miter saw you can find in the market are often called a “chop saw”. Reminiscent of its pivot arm, users must pull down and cut the material down.
Next are the reliable compound miter saws that typically have two kinds, single and dual. A single compound miter saw cuts in one direction, while the latter can slice through both angles without the need to turn the board over.
On the other hand, sliding compound miter saws are typically the same, except it’s equipped with rails that enable wider cuts. It differs for each product, but a common compound miter saw can handle ten up to 18 inches of materials.
Blade
The blade size of your miter saw determines the type of material your machine can trim. A 10-inch blade can slice through 6-inch wide boards. But if you’re eyeing to cut a material as thick as 15 inches, we suggest going for larger blades.
For blade options, here are the top miter saw blades we reviewed.
Handle
Dealing with woodworking projects can be labor intensive and result in unprecedented accidents like your hand slipping through the machine’s handle. For that very reason, most miter saws currently available in the market are now designed with an ergonomic handle. They are the best beginner miter saws you can find.
These padded handles prevent hand fatigue and allow users to have better control of the cutting operation.
If you want to boost your productivity and efficiency at work, you can also consider purchasing one of the most reliable miter saw stands here.
Drive
Keep in mind that miter saws also vary in different drive technologies. While a belt-driven saw is known for its smooth cutting characteristics, a direct-drive miter saw is considered more powerful and suitable in performing thick cuts. Again, your choice should depend on the materials you intend to use in your project.
Laser Guide
This type of feature isn’t always included in miter saws in the market. Laser guides are either the red or green line that marks where the blade should cut. Our team recommends beginners to fully take advantage of this feature because this will help them align their material correctly before proceeding with the operation. You can prevent miter saw injuries when you follow this guide, as well.
Dust Collection
Every woodworker knows that dealing with high-powered machines equates to exposure to harmful particles coming from the saw. Although you might think this is natural, it can also be hazardous, especially because it can hinder your line of sight while operating the blade.
Many miter saw options like the top Ryobi miter saws already include dust ports and can also be connected to a vacuum system to help make your workshop cleaner.
FAQ
What is the Ideal miter saw for home use?
The Ideal miter saw for home use is Bosch CM10GD. Aside from weighing approximately 64 pounds, its compact design is suitable for moving around small workshops. Despite its petite structure, this saw can deliver precise cuts with its dual-bevel glide functions and adjustable miter scales.
Who makes the Greatest miter saws?
The company that makes the best miter saw is Makita Tools. This power tool provider is a global brand that offers a variety of products in over 40 countries. As an innovation leader, Makita continues to manufacture best-in-class products such as miter saws with unmatched durability and quality.
Our Top Pick For a Miter Saw: Makita LS1219L 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
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