A Miter saw is a specialized tool for tradesman and DIY enthusiasts who need precision cutting.
There are three main types of mitre saws (Which I’ll talk about later) but the main takeaway is that they all cut from various angles.
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about these saws and help you find the right one.
I’ll also review and recommend some of the best miter saws on the market.
Best Sliding Miter Saw
Dewalt Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- 12” carbide blade
- Cutting thickness of 6.75”
- Motor with 3800 revs per minute
- Wrench for blade changes included
- Blade diameter of 12”
- Unique fence design
- Collects up to 75% created dust
The Dewalt Sliding Compound Miter Saw comes with a 15A motor that produces up to 3800 revs per minute. It was made with powerful operation in mind and is built to last.
The saw also has a superior level dust gathering system to ensure your working area remains clean.
Another standout feature is its unique back fence that cuts 2×14 lumber at 90° and 2×12 lumber at 45°. Included with your purchase is a 3 year restricted warranty.
What customers are saying
This saw received great reviews with customers commenting on its smooth and quiet motor, accurate cuts, and overall value for money.
However, some customers received broken items, and some said the unit does not arrive according to specs.
Best Dual Bevel Sliding Saw
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The Tacklife Miter Saw comes with several incredible features. Its 15A motor delivers 3800 revs per minute for powerful and fast cuts.
You can use several 12” blades with it, and keep materials securely in place with its clamping mechanism.
The extended handle adds more versatility to your work experience, and the convenient portable design allows you to take it wherever you need it.
The unit also features an ergonomic soft grip with a base angle swap for added convenience.
What customers are saying
The majority of people who bought this saw gave it excellent reviews. They were most impressed with its features, user-friendly operation, easy setup, and overall quality.
Still, some customers had issues with the bolt that keeps the blade in place.
Best Compact Miter Saw
Bosch Compact Miter Saw
- Axial glide mechanism for advanced alignment and cutting wide cross cuts
- Huge fence with bevel controls as well as a square lock for straightforward adjustments
- Dust gathering chute and a vacuum adapter to keep your work area clean and dust-free
- Compact size for cutting in confined spaces
- Ergonomic two handed, soft grip trigger handle for added convenience
- Transparent lower guard for unhindered visibility while cutting
The Bosch Miter Saw features a 10” double bevel sliding system with extraordinary power and flexibility.
Its convenient size and forward-thinking axial glide structure enable you to enjoy seamless cutting control while utilizing less space. This means you can easily work in cramped spaces.
The saw has a 4800 RPM capability (without load), plus an impressive vertical and horizontal cutting aptitude.
What customers are saying
This saw received decent reviews with customers commenting on its excellent cutting capabilities and powerful operation. Many also mentioned that all the functions work well.
Still, some customers complained that saw did not cut straight and cut at an angle instead.
Best Saw For Beginners
Hitachi Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
- Spacious table with vice clamp for elevated material support
- 0 to 52° miter angle scope to the left and right for advanced versatility
- 57 horsepower motor
- Bevel capacity of 0 to 45° on the left for precise and clean bevel cuts
- Compact size for mobility and transportation
- Thumb triggered positive stops for fast miter customization
- Weighs 24.2 lbs
- Dust gathering attachment for minimizing airborne dust
The Hitachi 10” Miter Saw features a compact and lightweight design, perfect for transporting and using in constricted spaces.
The 15A motor provides an impressive 5000 RPM no-load speed, ideal for making miter and crosscuts effortlessly. The saw’s bevel ranges from 0 to 45° left for smooth and precise bevel cuts.
This unit is ideal for woodworkers who need a dependable, versatile, and precise cutting saw. We love this unit and recommend it as the best saw for beginners.
What customers are saying
This saw received plenty of 5-star reviews. Most customers were happy with its powerful performance, accurate cuts, and overall value for money.
But some customers complained about the subpar materials of the fence and base, while some said they received broken parts with their units.
Best Cheap Miter Saw
Genesis 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
- Bevel range of 0 to 45°
- Compound cutting, ideal for making picture frames, crown molding, etc
- Multi-functional and affordable
- Laser cutting guide for precision and prompt alignment
- Electrical brake stops
- Arbor lock for fast blade changes
- Miter cut range of up to 45° to the left and right
- 9 position stops
- 60 tooth carbide tip blade
The Genesis power tool range is ideal for any DIY job, big or small. This 10” Miter Saw features a 15A motor and a 60 tooth blade. The laser guide is perfect for quick alignments and precise cuts.
The electrical brake will bring the blade to a standstill within seconds of letting go of the trigger. Blade changes are also prompt and straightforward with the arbor lock.
You get a blade wrench, 2 extension wings, AAA batteries for the laser, as well as a dust bag included in your purchase. Materials can be clamped down securely with the included clamp.
What customers are saying
Customers were extremely impressed with their purchase, commenting on its lightweight yet durable construction, powerful operation, and accurate angled cuts.
Still, some customers had issues with malfunctioning units and subpar or misaligned parts.
Other Recommended Saws
Dewalt Double-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
The Dewalt 12” Double-Bevel Miter Saw was designed with durability and performance in mind, and features a powerful 15A motor that delivers 3800 RPM.
The unit also features a miter detent plate with 14 stops and locking systems, facilitating recurring efficiency and easy adjustments. The tall sliding fences offer support of up to 6 ½”.
The saw also features a highly efficient dust collection system and a lightweight design with an integrated handle for portability.
Metabo HPT 10-Inch Sliding Miter Saw
The Metabo 10” Sliding Miter Saw features a 15A motor that boasts 42% more power and 40% more torque than competing brands.
The unit weighs only 45.2 lbs and features a basic compact sliding mechanism.
The unique sliding system contributes to the unit having a small footprint without compromising on movement. That’s why this saw perfect for small workshops with limited space.
You can also keep your working area well lit with its built-in LED light, and make precision cuts with the tool-free laser marker.
Delta 10” Sliding Compound Miter Saw
This Delta Miter Saw features a 10” blade with a multi-functional flip down fence system that offers a 16” nominal cross cut aptitude.
You can make accurate cuts effortlessly with its shadow guideline, and the unit has a double bevel range of up to 45º left and right, with 7 positive stops at common angles.
It also has a miter range of 50º left and 60º right, with 10 positive stops and miter detents.
The unit comes with convenient one hand miter controls, and a push button for miter detent override along with front bevel discharge for fast movement.
Evolution Multi-Material Compound Sliding Miter Saw
The Evolution Sliding Miter saw is designed for cutting various materials without blade changes. It features an innovative 15A laser marker and high torque motor with adjustable depth.
Included in the purchase is a 10” blade, 10ft power cord, dust bag, laser marker, and fast-release retain clamp. The bevel tilt capacity is 0 to 45º, and the miter angles are 0 to 50º.
Makita Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The Makita 10” Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw boasts impressive cutting aptitude and precision. It features a compact size for enhanced portability, and a 15A drive motor with a soft-start trigger.
This saw is ideal for construction, carpentry, woodworking, and more. If you are looking for a saw that offers continuous and consistent power plus starts up without issues, this is the one for you.
Miter Saw Uses
Besides having a restricted amount of uses in regards to cuts and materials accepted, miter saws are a popular choice for most of the common construction and woodworking applications.
Since these saws are mainly used for making miter cuts, they’re incredibly useful for manufacturing things such as crown molding, ledges, frames, boxes, etc.
The miter saw’s fast cutting operation and straightforward angle adjustments allow operators to cut pieces at precise angles in a matter of seconds, thus performing several jobs quickly and easily.
Types Of Saws
Standard miter saw
This is the most simple type of miter saw. It can easily perform straight cuts at various angles. The cutting size depends on the size of the blade, but most standard miter saws can cut at 90º and 45º.
Compound miter saw
A compound miter saw is generally able to rotate the head of the blade at various angles away from the board, allowing woodcutting at angles exceeding the normal 90º, for instance, bevels.
These saws are perfect for ramp-angled cuts into the side of wooden materials, as well as more intricate cuts.
Dual
Double compound miter saws allow the saw head to pivot to the left or right.
This is incredibly useful for performing several types of trim work which means you do not have to turn the board if you are cutting at an equal angle on the back of the material.
Sliding
Sliding compound miter saws usually come with a radial arm that makes it possible for the saw head to move backward and forward, subsequently increasing the board size for a crosscut.
This allows for broader options of cutting choices and better saw functionality. Essentially the cutting capacity is doubled, which means you can cut materials wider than the saw’s blade.
Things To Consider
Blade
Because of the method in which a miter saw cuts, the workpiece size it can manage is directly linked to the blade size.
The blade is the part of the saw that does the hard work of cutting and dropping down upon the material piece, this is why it’s one of the most important aspects to consider.
Guard
The guard encloses around the blade and takes up the complete top half of it, with the bottom section connected to the hinge. The guard protects both you and the blade from being harmed.
Table
The miter saw table is the flat section that the saw is affixed to. This section serves as the saw’s base as well as the working space.
Several components are mounted on the table and these may include a clamp.
Fence
The solid flat area you place the workpiece against to ensure it remains steady is the fence.
Some fences are equipped with additional features that allow you to adjust positions or enable doing fast and useful measurements.
Vice
Most miter saws today have a vice grip to stabilize the saw onto the work surface it’s placed on. Vice grips also keep the workpieces intact when the blade is lowered onto them.
Scale
A miter saw scale is used to determine the angle at which you’re cutting when making a degree for a miter cut. It is an integrated indicator that shows which degree you’re at when you turn the saw.
Some scales have stops that allow you to move over quickly and lock into common cutting angles like 22.5º and 45º.
