An essential tool in a crafting toolkit is the miter saw. This is a tool specially used to make precise cuts when working with crosscuts and miters. Miter saws are not the fruits of the modern world. In the 1970s, simple handcrafted miter saws were used prominently.
As time passed, the modernization of such tools resulted in more sophisticated, powerful, and efficient miter saws. These saws were powerful enough to cut through not just wood or plastic but also metal. Although the table and miter saw share some attributes, the former cannot substitute the latter.
This guide is ideal for people who want to buy the best miter saws. All the primary information one needs to know before purchasing a miter saw present at one place. If you wish to learn about the best miter saws that dominate the market or understand its different attributes, this article is all you need.
Are you purchasing a miter saw? The first thing you must know about is the kind of miter saw. The slight variations in miter saws make them significantly different from each other in terms of features and applications.
Basically, three types of miter saw, namely, a standard miter saw, a compound miter saw, and a sliding miter saw, are there. The complex design is higher will be the price of the machine.
The standard miter saw is the most common type of saw in the market. These are similar to the drop-down saw, except they can tilt the saw table to make angled cuts. Depending on the model you pick, you can quickly get angled cuts from 22.5 degrees to 90 degrees.
The compound miter saws stand as the more advanced version of standard miter saws. This type of saw has it all, whether speaking of bevel cuts or a more comprehensive range of angle cuts. This enables the user to rotate the head and blade on either side, not to flip the table around to get beveled cuts on either side. Hence, making cutting more precise and less tedious.
Last but not least, sliding miter saws have the saw setup mounted on a sliding rail. This allows it to extend the cut size. The sliding feature allows the saw to glide smoothly as per the needs of the user.
These saws are meant for more ambitious workpieces or projects. The majority of sliding miter saws are compounded, which implies you get a wide variety of angles, sizes, and bevel cuts, all in one.
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a sturdy-built miter saw that does not produce much noise, this is the one for you. The stainless steel miter detent plate of this 12-inch miter saw blade has ten positive stops. This miter saw has a precise miter system and a machined base fence. Most of the customers have used this miter saw for big and small projects. The Cam-lock on the miter handle, along with detent override, acts to deliver quick and accurate miter angles. The tall sliding walls can support a 6-3/4-inch base vertically. It allows you to make cuts accurately with good finishing.
This miter saw comes with dual horizontal steel rails, with an innovative clamping mechanism and linear ball bearings ensuring accuracy and durability. This product has an efficient dust collection system that can capture over 75% of dust generated. This Compound Miter Saw has a large, apparent bevel scale with positive stops. Some customers were displeased with the quality of the miter saw.
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This miter saw allows you to do work by yourself without anyone’s help. Metabo HPT C10FCGS Miter Saw has a 15 Amp motor that can deliver high power for even callous cuts generating a no-load speed for up to 5,000 RPM. It weighs about 24.2 lbs, being lightweight increases its maneuverability and portability. It makes square cuts and is light in weight. The C10FCGS Miter Saw has a bevel range of 0-45 degrees to the left with adjustable bevel stops to ensure that the cuts are precise. In addition, it has a thin base which makes the miter saw light in weight.
Moreover, this miter saw comes with a large table that offers better material support. It also has an effective vice clamping system that secures the workpiece. Customers are pleased with the accuracy provided by this appliance. It has a thumb-actuated positive stop that helps to make quick miter adjustments. The user can have a secure hold on this miter saw due to its horizontal handle. This product also has a warranty of 5 years.
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The integrated cut line cross-cut positioning system of DEWALT 20V miter saw gives adjustment-free cut line indication ensuring better accuracy and visibility. This miter saw accuracy and increased productivity is guaranteed by the adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 11 positive stops. The excellent battery of this miter saw allows you to make 30 cuts before recharging it again.
It has a large bevel scale which makes bevel angle adjustments accurate and easy. In addition, this miter saw can be easily stored and transported due to its compact and lightweight design (30 lbs.) The Cam lock miter handle can deliver quick and accurate miter angles, while the precise miter system and machined base fence support increase the appliance’s durability and cutting accuracy. Most customers were pleased with the efficiency of this miter saw.
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Dewalt Miter Saw has a detent plate made with stainless steel, and you can work with accuracy as the blades are thick. This miter comes with a 12-inch blade that is durable. The tall fences support the crown of the miter saw. The height of the miter saw is 6-5/8 inches molding and has a base molding of 6-1/2 inches. The screws of the miter saw are overly tight, so it is a bit hard to unscrew the screws. It is equipped with a small safety switch.
The double bevel built of the miter saw allows it to work at different angles from left to right. The handle of the miter saw is equipped with an LED light that enables the person to see clearly while cutting angles. In addition, this miter saw has a cam lock miter that allows a person to cut at proper angles. This miter saw has a poorly designed dust collection system.
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a miter saw that offers high performance, this is the right one. This miter saw comes with a shadow guide that allows you to cut lines accurately. The speed of this miter saw is 400 RPM and has a blade of 10 inches. It has a powerful motor with 15 AMP and can be used to cut angles on tough surfaces. The blade has a brake to ensure the safety of the user. It has a molded handle and a trigger of the full size that can be used easily. The miter saw has a push button to control the movements. The molded handle makes it comfortable to use the saw. It has 7 positive bevel stops, and the miter saw can make cuts up to 45 degrees both right and left. With the impressive speed offered by the miter saw, you can cut through wood easily. Some customers experienced some alignment issues.
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Compact Miter Saw from Bosch is one of the best miter saws available on the market. You can set it up easily. The miter saw is designed with the Bosch-exclusive Axial Glide system, with which you can make cross cuts that are wider with proper alignment. This miter saw has a large metal slope in the front used to control and make precise and easy adjustments. You cannot cut straight lines with this miter saw.
With this miter, you can cut at different angles. It is equipped with a crown chip lock, which provides maximum capacity for chop cutting. The miter has a compact design and has replaced the sliding rail system, and this compact design is perfect for tight quarters. This bitter has a large, ergonomic trigger with a soft grip that is comfortable to hold. The grip allies a person to use this miter saw for long durations.
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a miter saw that offers good performance along with a good design, this is the one for you. This Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw uses a new and precise miter system. It has an innovative handle design for increased portability. The integrated XPS cross-cut positioning system gives adjustment-free cut line indication. It has a powerful 15 amp, 3800 rpm motor, which contributes to extended power and durability.
The exclusive Back Fence design can cut up to 2 by 14-dimensional lumber at 90-degrees and 2 by 10 at 45 degrees. The adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with ten positive stops increases productivity and ensures accuracy. It is made using metal and is available at an affordable rate. This miter saw is prone to damage and cannot last for a long time.
The 5-1/2-Inch beam will extend to support up to 16-Feet of material and up to 500 lbs. Mounting the miter saw to the stand is easy and secure due to the miter saw mounting brackets. In addition, the tool mount has non-marring feet on it, which will not scratch material. With this saw miter, 75% of the dust gets captured.
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This miter saw has attracted a lot of customers with its efficient design and affordable pricing. It can last for quite some time, depending on your use. This miter saw can make bevel cuts up to angles of 45 degrees towards the left. The saw is cost-effective and is versatile. It comes with laser cutting technology which allows the saw miter to cut accurately.
The laser cutting will enable you to determine where the cut will be. The laser will not be visible when there is sunlight. It comes with electric brakes that can be used easily. There are 9 position stops and 45 degrees towards the right. It comes with a blade wrench, two extension wings, a dust bag, and a clamp. The saw miter has an Arbor lock. It can be carried anywhere easily.
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This miter saw is easy to use and is more flexible. It can move up to 0 to 52 degrees towards the right and left. The saw miter has a powerful motor with 15 Amp that offers high performance, and that can collect dust. It has a thumb actuated positive stood that can be used quickly. With this miter saw, you can make clean cuts. You can cut the most challenging surfaces easily. Unfortunately, this miter saw is made using average quality materials that could harm a person. Some people had reported some accidents while using this miter saw.
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Picking the best miter saw becomes much simpler if you know what features to look for when purchasing. Thus, we have selected the most important factors to consider when buying a miter saw.
Unlike other kinds of saws, the cutting ability of a miter depends solely on the size of the blade. Hence, it is a factor that one should always consider. The length of the blade depends on the brand you are buying. Therefore, you have to make sure that the blade size is suitable for your needs.
Why is this factor important?
This factor is essential as it allows you to choose the miter saw depending on the purpose. For example, large or even medium-sized blades are used commonly in industrial sectors, while for home use, a small size blade is enough to meet your requirements. So select the size depending on where you are planning to use the saw.
RPM refers to the rotation per minute of the blades. It depends mainly on the power supply. Hence, the greater the power of a saw, the more will be its efficiency and precision. Thus, a greater RPM will make the saw suitable for materials beyond wood, such as metal.
Why is this factor important?
To buy a miter saw that offers efficiency, you need to pay attention to the RPM. But one should note that a higher power directly translates to a higher price. Thus, it is better only to go as far as your purpose of buying a miter blade leads.
We have already described, in-depth, the various types of miter saw. Each of these saws has some unique features that make it different from the rest. Also, they are meant for other applications.
If the workpiece you are buying a miter saw does not involve any complicated work, then a standard miter saw is the best fit for you. It will get the job done efficiently and also in a more budget-friendly manner.
Why is this factor important?
Different purposes have different miter saws. You can buy a miter saw which is beneficial for your purpose. It is only when you have more intricate projects at hand that you should purchase an advanced miter saw. A compound saw is better for more complicated workpieces, while frequent use and even more ambitious projects will require a sliding saw. In the end, it’s the individual’s choice to decide which type of miter saw is suitable for you.
Regardless of your skill or experience level, safety should always be the first concern when working with saws. Although the user is accountable for his safety when working with saws, having additional safety measures in the device itself provides some assurance.
There are multiple safety measures a saw can include—for instance, a blade guard. A blade guard is a safety covering on the blade. This saves the unnecessary exposure of the parts of the blade that are not required. The blade guard can be either removed manually or through an automatic mechanism that reveals the bottom part of the blade necessary for cutting as you drop down the blade. Most brands have an automatic blade for convenience.
Why is this factor important?
Miter saws are pretty dangerous as it comes with sharp blades. For the person to be safe at all times. There should be safety measures in the miter saw. Some saws have the provision of a trigger-like power button. It is situated below the handle of the saw. The blade activates when the button is pressed down and stops as soon as released. An electric brake is another safety measure. However, it is not as relevant or commonly used as others. These brakes activate when the power button is released and stops the blades in one to three seconds. We recommend investing in products that have at least one of these safety measures.
Additional features are not necessarily present in all the saws and may increase the product’s price, but they can be very beneficial to have. An excellent example of this is a dust collecting system. Working with wood means that there will be plenty of sawdust behind. If not managed properly, it can create a mess. Hence, many brands provide a dust collecting system. This can be anything from a bag attached to the machine or a vacuum tube that can collect the dust.
A popular additional feature that miter saws have these days is a laser guide. These lasers indicate precisely where the blade cuts the wood before the blade starts to cut.
Why are they important?
These features allow the user to create the most precise workpieces. Another thing that helps in providing better precision is LED lights. With the aid of LED lights, the workspace is always well lit, which is very important. If you can get any of these additional features or more in your miter saw, that would be a huge advantage. So, one should hesitate to spend some extra money to get other features.
The price of a miter saw depends on so many factors: the size of the blade, its power, type, quality, features, and more it has. Consequently, the price you need to spend on a miter saw depends on the elements and attributes you are looking for in your saw. However, you should ensure that the unit you are putting your money in is worth it.
You can ensure that by checking what other customers have to say about the product. The customer reviews and the miter saw ratings would tell you exactly whether it is a good deal or not.
Ans: For cutting a 4×4, a miter saw is an ideal device. However, not all blade sizes or types are suitable for it. For instance, using a 10-inch blade stationary-type miter saw is not the best choice because you would need to flip the object and cut it from the other side to get the result you want.
But if your budget or any other reason only allows a 10-inch blade, then you should at least aim for a sliding blade. This will provide a better capacity compared to a stationary blade.
An even better option is getting a 12-inch blade. Irrespective of its type, this will certainly do the work much more conveniently and effectively.
Ans: A table saw is used to create straight cuts or a 90-degree angled cut. The basic flooring projects need a table saw. Conversely, a miter saw can make two kinds of cuts, angled and straight. It can cut along the thickness of the object. Hence, creating an angled cut. The angle up to which a miter saw can produce a cut depends on its type. Besides that, it can also make a bevel cut. A miter saw can replace a table saw for straight cuts, but it cannot be the other way around.
Ans: The essential features that one needs to consider when buying a miter saw are discussed in detail in the Buying Guide section. It covered six major points, namely:
1. Size of the blade.
2. Rotations per minute.
3. Type of saw.
4. Safety measures.
5. Additional features.
6. Price.
Besides, there are plenty of other secondary features that one can consider, including the durability or lifespan of the saw, battery-powered or corded, warranty, and more. Even these secondary features can have a considerable impact on the user experience. Hence, it is better to consider all the features before picking a unit.
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Miter saws may resemble different saws, but they can certainly not be replaced with any other. We hope that you have acquired all the information you need to buy an excellent miter saw for yourself. Just referring to the buying guide will help you narrow down your options leaving only the unit that lines with your needs. All our picks are highly reliable and have gained the trust of many other uses. Hence, you will certainly not regret buying any one of them.