Are you tired of battling clutter or yearning for a...
Read More
Menu
10 Best Beginner Miter Saws of 2023
- WWPN Staff
Miter saws today have shown a significant improvement in evolving from the manual miter boxes of the 1960s. A miter saw is usually a necessity for anyone who does carpentry work. For those who do carpentry work regularly, a miter becomes more of a necessity to get work done in time.
Miter saws are also known as “trim saws” and are essential for other types of crosscuts. These crosscuts refer to end cuts on hardwood flooring strips or angle cuts on the roof.
Selecting a quality ‘miter saw’ is paramount as and when the situation demands. Before making a hands-on purchase, let us delve deeper into the product’s types and services.
Table of Contents
Top Picks for a Miter Saw
Although not everyone will require the most powerful saw or the sophisticated features of sliding compound miter saws, one of these premium saws may be a valuable addition to the workshop, depending on individual mitering demands.
Moreover, we ensure that these suggestions are kept to quality miter saws. We made sure to perform tests and checks on the following models.
BEST IN OVERALL: BOSCH Power Tools Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
BEST FOR THE BUDGET: DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw 15-Amp Single Bevel
BEST COMPACT: CRAFTSMAN V20 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Miter Saw Kit
BEST FOR PROFESSIONALS: Makita LSO815F Slide Compound Miter Saw
BEST ZERO-CLEARANCE: Makita 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw with Laser
1. BOSCH Power Tools Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
Product Specification
- Brand: BOSCH
- Color: Blue
- Blade Material : Metal, Stainless Steel
- Surface Recommendation: Metal
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Blade Size: 12 inches
Product Description
With the flexible arm included with the Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD 12-inch miter saw, you may cut boards up to 14 inches wide. The saw can steady boards up to 40 inches long and has pull-out material supports on both sides. It also cuts compound angles in both directions.
The Bosch miter saw’s clear saw guard is made not to hinder the user’s view of the cut as it is being made. Both right-handed and left-handed users can operate the trigger handle with equal comfort because of its ergonomic grip and padded nonslip surface. The miter scale numbers are engraved into stainless steel for durability, and the fences are adjustable.
We concluded from our tests that the Bosch saw should be at the top of our list. It has a zero-clearance slide arm that may, if necessary, lean up against a wall. The arm is flexible, allowing for precise cutting. The motor is quite powerful, and the dust collection was excellent. The main drawbacks of this saw are that it is a bit hefty to move around the shop and lacks any lasers or lights.
Sale
BOSCH GCM12SD 15 Amp 12 Inch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw with 60 Tooth Saw Blade
- AXIAL GLIDE SYSTEM: patented glide system allows wider cross cuts and better alignment while also being compact, saving you 12 inches of valuable work space
- CAPACITY: expanded cutting capacity, 14 inch horizontal capacity nominal 6 1/2 inch vertical capacity against the fence base 6 1/2 inch crown capacity against the fence 45 spring
- ADJUSTABLE: provides easy adjustments with a large, easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales with marked detentes and roof pitch angles; Bevel detents: 0, 33.9 degree, 45 degree left/right for accurate cuts; Category’s best 90 percentage dust collection optimized for cutting 2x material with a vacuum
- PRECISION: square lock quick release fences lock fence 90 degree to the table and requires no adjustment, 1 touch lock/unlock to slide fence for added support
- EASE OF USE: upfront bevel controls all metal bevel lock lever and range selector located upfront for quick and easy bevel settings without reaching behind the saw
Pros
- A smooth functioning zero-clearance arm
- Consists of a powerful motor
- Systemised Dust-collection
- Transparent safety barrier
Cons
- Doesn’t consist of light or laser
- Slightly heavy
2.EDEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw 15-Amp Single Bevel
Product Specification
- Brand: DEWALT
- Color: Black
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Special Feature: Brushless
- Blade size: 12 inches
Product Description
The DeWalt 12-inch single compound miter saw provides all the power and accuracy required for trimming and crosscutting around the house without carrying a hefty price tag. It only cuts angles in one direction and can handle boards up to 8 inches wide. It has a barrier that slides out and extends to support the board being cut. The DeWalt saw also has a safety function that locks the spring arm automatically in the “down” position unless it is manually unlocked using a button on the back.
Testing found few bells or whistles since DeWalt prioritized accuracy and power, both of which are abundant. We appreciate how lightweight this saw is, especially in comparison to the significantly heavier sliders. The single slope limits this saw’s capabilities, and the hold-down arm used to secure the wood in place is uncomfortable, but the locking detents for the blade angle are some of the best in the test. The saw’s quality is unquestionably higher than its cost
Sale
DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715)
Pros
- A sliding fence is incorporated
- Inclusive of a dust-collection port
- Consists of a Holding material
Cons
- Does not include a laser guide or light
- Cuts only in one direction
3. CRAFTSMAN V20 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Miter Saw Kit
Product Specification
- Brand: Craftsman
- Blade Material: High-Speed Steel
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Special Feature: Brushless
- Blade size: 7¼ inches
- Included Components
Product Description
One of the most important benefits of using Craftsman V20 is its tiny footprint. Its design is lightweight and can be used even when electricity is unavailable. This miter saw can cut up to 585 times through a 314-inch medium-density fiberboard on a single charge, thanks to increasingly powerful lithium-ion batteries. The battery charger and a 20-volt Craftsman rechargeable battery are also included.
The motor, which spins the blade at a rate of 3,800 rotations per minute, is another feature that lends the Craftsman V20 a robust disposition. This model also slides, assisting in cutting boards up to 8 inches wide. Because of the Craftsman V20 saw’s weight and the number of plastic parts, we needed to figure out what we’d find.
However, it was simple to assemble, sliced beautifully, and startlingly quiet. Although it handled construction lumber, we could picture using this saw for tasks like flooring or trim work. The plastic and the single bevel movement were the only serious issues we had (rather than dual).
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Sliding Miter Saw, 7-1/4 inch, Single Bevel, Battery and Charger Included (CMCS714M1)
Pros
- The saw is lightweight and compact
- Quiet while at work
- Relatively robust
Cons
- Acquires a lot of plastic pieces
- Single bevel Movement
4. Makita LSO815F Slide Compound Miter Saw
Product Specification
- Brand: Makita
- Color: Factory
- Blade Material: High-Speed Steel
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Special Feature: Brake
- Blade size: 8½ inches
- Compound and bevel: Single ‘bevel’
Product Description
This Makita equipment doesn’t disappoint woodworkers looking for a miter saw to bring to a job site. It incorporates pull-out material to support boards when cutting and can cut boards up to 12 inches wide. This miter saw bolts to the worktable for stability and weighs only 31 pounds, making it portable.
The Makita saw has a dust-collection port and a trigger brake that, for better security, prevents the blade from rotating when the trigger is released. Additionally, it has a “soft start” that lessens movement and boosts accuracy. Additionally, the saw may bevel in either direction.
The narrower blade on this saw is something we liked because it doesn’t seem to deflect (bend or become deformed during cutting) like a 12-inch saw might. Although the motor was adequate for a tiny saw, the cut capacity was exceptional. The soft start is slightly scratchy until the blade speeds up, giving the saw a chattery impression. The blade’s refusal to tilt to the right, which significantly reduces the saw’s capacity, is a criticism that we have observed.
Makita LS0815F Slide Compound Miter Saw
Pros
- Enormous cut capacity for a smaller saw
- Will not deflect while cutting
- Works quietly compared to larger saws
Cons
- Will not tilt to the right
- Has a soft start to it
5. Makita 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw with Laser
Product Specification
- Brand: Makita
- Blade Material: High-Speed Steel
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Special Feature: Brake
- Blade Size: 10 inches
Product Description
Anyone with limited workspace who still wants maximum cut capacity might want to have a look at the Makita LS1019L. The 10-inch blade, dual compound bevel action, and laser cutline allow precise cutting. For cutting a range of wood types, the 15-amp motor rotates at 3,200 RPMs and offers plenty of power.
This saw has been capable of designing rails, permitting it to be positioned closer to a wall. Because they have zero clearance, these rails are a great option for workshops and other small spaces.
There weren’t many areas during testing where the Makita fell short. The saw had enough cut power, and the zero-clearance arm and its movement were superb. Additionally, the laser aids in cutting alignment, and the dust collection is excellent. The saw’s setup is a little challenging, and despite Makita’s claims to the contrary, it’s not remarkably lightweight at almost 60 pounds.
Makita LS1019L 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser
Pros
- Potent
- Brilliant Sliding Design
- Multiple features and extras
Cons
- Slightly complicated to set up
- Could get challenging to move around
6.DEWALT 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Product Specification
- Brand Name: DEWALT
- Product Type: Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Amps: 15 ampere
- Arbor Size: 5/8 to 1 inch
- Brand Name: DEWALT
- Cord length: 6 foot
- Corded or Cordless: Corded
- Diameter: 12 inch
Product Description
This DeWalt 12-inch sliding miter saw might interest anyone searching for a miter saw that performs nearly everything well. A board up to 16 inches broad can be cut using the saw’s sliding rails and 15-amp solid engine. Simply tilt the blade arm in the opposite direction to cut a board at an angle opposite to the one you want.
The DeWalt miter saw also comes with a collection dust bag that is intended to capture up to 75% of the dust it produces, a bright LED light that illuminates the cutting area so the user can see exactly where they are cutting, and other features as well.
DeWalt saw has proven to be a quality saw while testing it out. Despite not having a laser guide, the LED and the robust motor have made cutting quite efficient. This saw does not require a lot of room for the rails and has a massive cutting capacity. Furthermore, this saw is quick with angle changes as it uses a locking lever.
Pros
Sale
DEWALT Double Bevel Sliding Miter Saw, 12-inch, Compound (DWS780)
- A Power Machine
- Has Large capacity
- Utilizes a lever rather than a knob
Cons
- Doesn’t incorporate a laser guide
- A lot of space is required for the slide rails
7. Metabo HPT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw, Laser
Product Specification
- Brand: Metabo HPT
- Blade Material: High-Speed Steel
- Surface Recommendation: Wood
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Special Feature: Brushless
- Blade size: 12 inches
Product Description
With its powerful 15-amp motor and low price, the Metabo HPT 12-inch miter saw with laser guide can cut “bevels” in both directions. The laser feature makes it simple to view the cutline on the board before cutting, which will reduce errors. The Metabo also includes a rotating barrier to make cutting crown molding easier.
This full-size saw’s elastomer-coated handle is designed to reduce hand slippage, hand fatigue, and vibration. This saw has various benefits and drawbacks. It has the strength to cut through practically everything connected with carpentry. Another helpful feature is the laser, which makes aligning cuts quick and straightforward. It is also lightweight, partly due to the absence of slides.
However, observing the model, we deduced that it is not square. Hence, we have had to adjust it beforehand to cut accurately. In addition, the lever for adjusting the tilt is non-intuitive.
Metabo HPT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw, Laser Marker System, Double Bevel, 15-Amp Motor, Tall Pivoting Aluminum Fence, 5 Year Warranty (C12FDHS)
Pros
- Plentiful power
- Laser assists in quick cutting
- Not heavy
Cons
- This saw is not capable of sliding
8. Milwaukee 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Product Specification
- Brand: Milwaukee
- Color: Black/Clear
- Blade Material: Alloy Steel
- Surface Recommendation: Wood
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Blade Size: 12 inches
Product Description
A dual bevel is necessary when cutting trim, baseboards, siding, and other panels to provide precise cuts on both ends of the material. The best option for such a project would be a sliding dual-bevel blade because baseboards and other trim are sometimes long lengths of wood. In addition to the dual-bevel blade, the Milwaukee 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Saw has several valuable features that make cutting trim, baseboards, and similar things quick and easy.
For broader cuts, the carbide blade has a diameter of 12 inches. The blade travels back and forth on the sliding arm when even greater width is needed. This blade is an excellent option for folks who want more pronounced bevels in their woodcuts because it has a dual-bevel cutter that can create angles up to 48 degrees in either direction. One of the most potent drives on the market, the 15-amp motor can produce up to 3.3 horsepower and can eat through denser materials.
Milwaukee 6955-20 12″ Sliding Dual Bevel Miter Saw
Pros
- Precise controls for bevel and miter cuts
- Handles longboards and trim pieces
- Bevel movements to the left and right
Cons
- Not very cost-effective
9. Evolution R255SMS+ 10-Inch Multi-Material Sliding Miter Saw
Product Specification
- Brand: Evolution
- Blade Material: Alloy Steel
- Surface Recommendation: Wood
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Included Components: Blade
Product Description
If you intend to cut other materials, most miter saws need a new blade. However, such is not the case with the 10-inch multi-material sliding miter saw from Evolution Power Tools. Hardwood, reclaimed wood with nails, mild steel, rebar, aluminum, copper, electrical conduit, plastic pipes, plexiglass, rubber, and composites may all be easily cut by the blade’s fine Japanese tungsten-carbide tip.
The saw’s 15-amp motor can reach a top speed of 2,500 rpm without any load. It can crosscut wood up to 11.75 inches wide, cut ‘bevels’ up to 45 degrees, and miter cuts up to 50 degrees in either direction. Additionally, you can always be sure that your cuts are accurate thanks to the laser guide. For a cleaner workshop, the dust bag controls sawdust.
Evolution Power Tools R255SMS+ PLUS 10-Inch Sliding Miter Saw Plus Multi-Material Multi-Purpose Cutting Cuts Metal, Plastic, Wood & More 0˚ – 45˚ Bevel & 50˚ – 50˚ Miter Angles TCT Blade Included
Pros
- Most materials, including metal, are handled by a single blade.
- Comprises of a laser guide
Cons
- Only shifts to the left during bevel movements.
10. Metabo HPT C10FCGS 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
Product Specification
- Brand: Metabo HPT
- Color: Green
- Blade Material: High Speed Steel
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Special Feature: Amazing Value
Product Description
There’s no need to spend a lot of money on your miter saw if you only anticipate using it sometimes or for a single large project like replacing the flooring, building a piece of furniture, or cutting trim. Instead, consider the Metabo HPT—that is Hitachi’s new name—C10FCGS 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw.
There are no sliding rails for more comprehensive materials nor a laser to provide additional guidance. However, you get a saw with a 15-amp motor, a no-load top speed of 5,000 rpm, a bevel range of 0-45 degrees to the left, and a miter range of 0-52 degrees to the left or right. You only need that to complete most DIY tasks around your house or workshop.
Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw, 10″ Miter Saw with Large Table Saw for woodworking, Power saw with 15-Amp Motor, Accurate Miter Angles, 0-45° Bevel, 24T TCT Miter Saw Blade, Positive Stops, C10FCGS
Pros
- Reasonable pricing
- Assists you with basic DIY projects
Cons
- Tilts to the left only for bevels
- Doesn’t consist of extension rails
Factors to Assess While Choosing the Best Miter Saw 2023
The qualities required in a miter saw will depend on the kinds of woodworking projects you wish to take on. These features are essential for skilled trim carpenters as they require cutting crown molding. The same won’t be necessary for someone who merely wants to use a miter saw to crosscut wood flooring strips.
Blade Size
Generally, a saw can cut a board with a larger blade. Some people prefer using a tool with a smaller blade because they tend to be lighter and easier to move than those with larger blades, which not everyone needs (and often more accurate). The most typical miter saw blade sizes are 7.5, 10, and 12 inches, although there are a few off-sizes.
7¼-inch and 8½-inch miter saws are handy for cutting around the house. These features will be handy if you are looking for miter saws for your housework.
10-inch miter saws are helpful for professionals who are working in woodworking and building.
A 10-inch miter saw can make a 90-degree cut on a 2×6 and a 45-degree cut on a 2×4.
If you’re working on a large-scale or DIY project, 12-inch miter saws will be helpful.
A 12-inch miter saw is the most significant size used by DIYers and most builders, and it can cut 2x8s and 2x6s at 90° and 45°, respectively.
Corded vs. Cordless
You can always make a choice between the two. However, a cordless miter saw will help you with movement and round the corner cutting.
Cordless miter saws run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. You can expect between 150 and 275 cuts on a single battery charge, depending on the number of cuts and the thickness of the wood.
Motor Power
The longer you can cut boards without running the risk of overheating, the more power the saw’s motor has (measured in amps).
10-amp, 12-amp, and 15-amp miter saw motors are typical sizes. It is important to note your saw’s power to be able to cut through thick with minimal issues along the way.
Safety
Make sure to buy a safe miter saw considering your family if you are working around the house. Moreover, prioritize yourself if you are working out of a workshop. You don’t want your miter saw to injure you. Before you purchase a miter saw, ensure that it comes with its safety features.
Conclusion
Before you purchase a miter saw this year, you must consider having one that is an all-rounder. The Bosch GCM12SD’s slide action and the powerful motor will make an excellent all-rounder for those looking for a saw that is robust.
You might be someone who may not require an all-rounder, and that’s okay. Sometimes acquiring an all-rounder may not be needed. If you are looking for simplicity, power and accuracy, then DEWALT 12-inch single compound miter is your definite go-to.
Get 50 Woodworking Plans & a 440-Page Guide Book Absolutely FREE!
Recent Post
