Whether you are a seasoned woodworker, or just starting out, you need good tools.
And, for precision work you need a miter saw. But, which is the best miter saw? Would you recognize it if you saw it?
This article will help you wade through all the research. Here are the top five miter saws on the market.
And, here is where you will find the important points about each one.
Check out the good and bad and determine for yourself which is the best-rated miter saw for you.
Quick NavigationTop 5 Miter Saw Comparison ChartBest Miter Saw Reviews1. DeWalt DW715 12” Compound Miter Saw2. Hitachi C10FCG 10” Compound Miter Saw3. Bosch CM10GD 10” Miter Saw4. Makita LS1216L 12” Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw5. Milwaukee 6955-20 12” Dual-Bevel Compound Miter SawBUYER’S GUIDEMiter Saw TypesMiter Saw VariationsMiter Saw BladesMiter Saw Power SupplyMiter Saw SizeMiter Saw Dust CollectionMiter Saw F.A.Q.How to Use a Compound Miter Saw?How to Choose a Miter Saw?How to Open a Miter Saw?What is a Miter Saw?Do I Need a Sliding Miter Saw?FINAL VERDICT
Top 5 Miter Saw Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Miter Saw Reviews
1. DeWalt DW715 12” Compound Miter Saw
If you want a recognized and respected name in the power tool industry, you choose a DeWalt. The DeWalt DW715 compound miter saw has a single bevel. But, if you only need it to tilt one way this miter saw is the way to go.
Product Highlights
This little powerhouse has everything you need to cut the perfect crown moldings or base boards. It features a 12-inch blade for bigger jobs. And, it has a 15-amp motor, so you know you will have enough juice to cut.
In addition, it has a very tall fence. It can support 5 1/4-inch crown molding when it nests vertically. This miter saw can also handle base moldings up to 6 ½-inches when set vertically against a fence. And, like most miter saws you can slide the fence out of the way.
If you like portability, this compound miter saw is relatively light at only 42 pounds. It also has a built-in handle so, it’s easy to move it where you need.
- 15 amp motor, 4,000 rpm delivers extended power and durability for the 12-inch miter saw blade
- Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 11 positive stops of the mitre saw improves productivity and ensures cutting
- Precise miter system and machined-base fence support optimize cutting accuracy for DEWALT miter saw
- Tall sliding fence supports crown molding up to 5-1/4-inch nested and base molding up to 6-1/2-inch vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts
- Bevels 0 degree-48degree to the left and 0 degree-3degree to the right for increased capacity
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s to like about the DeWalt DW715 12” Compound Miter Saw
This is a solid and dependable miter saw. You can use it straight out of the box. Without extra bells and whistles, you can focus on the work you need done, instead of trying to learn new features. It’s also easy to setup and use, even for beginners.
This miter saw also features a miter detent override system. This is great because you are not stuck with the detents on the saw. Being able to adjust the saw and not having it slip into the miter detents gives you greater flexibility for your projects.
What’s not to like about the DeWalt DW715 12” Compound Miter Saw
Dust collection could definitely be better. The last thing you want to worry about at the end of the day is cleaning up all the wood dust. This DeWalt compound miter saw does come with a baggy attachment to collect dust, but it doesn’t do much of that.
And, it can be difficult to change the blade. The newer safety guard can be a plus but working around it to get the blade out requires a lot of patience.
Finally, check your unit carefully when you receive it. Known defects like a bowed fence, loose or missing screws, and even damaged blades have been known to happen. Your 3-year warranty should cover it, but it puts a damper on using it straight out of the box.
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2. Hitachi C10FCG 10” Compound Miter Saw
If you are looking for a compound miter saw that is budget-friendly and lightweight, this may be the best miter saw for you. Especially if you are new to woodworking.
Product Highlights
If you are looking for the lightest compound miter saw on the market, this is it. At only 24.2 pounds, this saw is everything you want in portability.
It also boasts a great miter angle flexibility at 0-52-degree angles, left and right, for more precision work. It also has the standard 0-45-degree bevel angle. And, it includes an attachment to collect dust.
- 0-52 degree miter angle range to the right & left for increased flexibility
- 0-45 degree bevel range to the left to provide clean and accurate bevel cuts.Thumb actuated positive stops for quick miter adjustments
- 24.2 lbs to facilitate maneuverability and easier transport.Dust collector attachment included to minimize airborne particle
- 15 Amp motor delivers high power for the toughest cutting jobs.Large table for better material support with vice clamping system to secure work piece
- Miter ranges – left 52, right 52
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s to like about the Hitachi C10FCG 10” Compound Miter Saw
One of the best-selling points for this miter saw is its lightness and portability. This comes in handy if you don’t have a specific place for your tools to live. Or, if you need to transport it to different worksites.
This unit also comes with a vice clamp system. So, your work piece is more secure when you use the saw.
Finally, the Hitachi C10FCG is a little powerhouse. It has a no-load speed of up to 5,000 RPM. That makes it the highest on this list.
What’s not to like about the Hitachi C10FCG 10” Compound Miter Saw
This is more suited for light cutting, not heavy-duty jobs. The work platform is small. And, the overall construction seems flimsy in comparison to its heavier counterparts.
It is also hard to understand the directions the miter saw comes with. So, don’t expect to depend on them when you open your box.
Lastly, the dust particle attachment does not work very well. Expect to do a lot of clean-up after using this miter saw. The dust gets everywhere.
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3. Bosch CM10GD 10” Miter Saw
Another respected entry into the miter saw category, the Bosch CM10GD seems to be a cut above its class. It has every feature you need for woodwork without sacrificing its compact design.
Product Highlights
One of the best things about this miter saw is its Axial Glide System. This system allows you to do precision work in a fraction of the workspace. It uses an articulated or hinged glide arm system. This can save up to 10 inches of workspace room.
In addition, everything you need is on the front of the miter saw. There is no need to reach behind it for anything. The metal bevel lock and range selector are positioned for ease of access.
This miter saw also features a horizontal handle for ambidextrous use. Given that this is a dual-bevel saw, this handle can mean more control regardless of which hand is your dominant one.
- ACCURACY: The Bosch-exclusive Axial-Glide System allows wider cross cuts and better alignment
- CONVENIENCE: Featuring large, upfront metal bevel controls and Square lock precision fences for precise, quick and easy adjustments. Complete with dust collection chute and vacuum adapter for easy cleanup.
- CONTROL: This miter saw provides accuracy and cutting control at all angles. Crown chop lock locks head in place for maximum chop cutting capacity for upright base moulding and nested crown. Depth Front-to-Back, Not Including Arm: 30 inch
- COMPACT: Featuring a compact design that replaces the sliding rail system, taking up to 10 In. less workspace than a slide miter saw. This Bosch miter saw is perfect for tight quarters where other saws just won’t do.
- COMFORT: Large, form-fitting ergonomic ambidextrous trigger handle with soft grip provides maximum comfort for all-day use while the clear lower guard allows for unobstructed visibility throughout the cutting job.
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s to like about the Bosch CM10GD 10” Miter Saw
The glide on the Axial system feels very smooth. And it feels great to work with a saw you don’t have to fight against. It may not make the saw work better, but it makes for a more pleasant experience using it.
You also don’t have to reach behind the miter saw for controls. They are up in front and easy to see. This makes your movements around the saw more economical.
The dust collector attachment is decent as well. Many other miter saws make a huge mess. And, while it is not 100% perfect, it does pick up about 75% of the mess. If this is still not good enough for you, though, you can always attach a shop vacuum to the dust chute.
What’s not to like about the Bosch CM10GD 10” Miter Saw
The ambidextrous handle may take some getting used to, especially if you’ve used miter saws before. This isn’t a bad thing by itself. But, it may interfere with your productivity if you expect to use it right out of the box.
Also, there have been problems with precision and accuracy. The miter detents can be slightly inaccurate, especially when you cut wider stock.
It is also not a light saw. So, plan on finding a dedicated place for it in your workshop. Or, if you have to cart it around make sure you have help with it.
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4. Makita LS1216L 12” Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
If you are a craftsman who does a lot of vertical cutting, this miter saw may be the one for you. It has an exceptionally high cutting capacity for a miter saw.
Product Highlights
This Makita miter saw allows for up to 8-inch nested crown moldings to be cut. You can also do 6 ½-inch vertical baseboards, or a 15-inch crosscut at 90 degrees without breaking a sweat.
All that vertical cutting is available because this miter saw has a tall 5 ½-inch dual sliding fence system. This system allows you to adjust both upper and lower fences. A triple gear system and patented retractable rear also increases your capacity for vertical cuts.
And, all your cuts will be accurate. Six linear ball bearings and four steel rails make for less deflection when you cut. For more delicate work, a built-in laser shows you where the line of cut will be.
- Compact design with a patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System further increases rigidity to produce superior cuts
- Exclusive 6 linear ball bearings engineered to deliver smooth, solid, and adjustment-free "dead-on" accurate cuts
- Exclusive 5-1/2" tall dual sliding fence system features versatile upper and lower fence adjustments for more precise miter and bevel cuts
- Independent laser indicates line-of-cut whether blade is turning or not, with on/off switch and micro-adjustments for precise "left-of-blade" or "right-of-blade" cutting
- Powerful 15.0 AMP direct drive motor requires less maintenance and delivers 3,200 RPM
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s to like about the Makita LS1216L 12” Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
This is a great saw for accurate woodwork. The sliding fence has set screws. This means you can fine-tune it if needed.
It also has a soft start which is great when you are working from home. If you don’t have a dedicated outlet for it, this is the way to go.
Overall, this is a very accurate miter saw. It has a few extras on it, but that only makes its performance superior.
What’s not to like about the Makita LS1216L 12” Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
Unfortunately, you can’t use this right out of the box. It requires a bit of set-up. If you can read the instruction manual, that is. The printing is so tiny that you may have to seek a copy online.
Sometimes, the back fence is out of alignment just enough to not be able to cut a true 90 degrees. Other times, the detents are incorrectly spaced forcing you to choose between 45-degree or 90-degree angles, but not both.
Also, the way the dust attachment is placed causes dust to collect in the spring area of the blade guard return. If you don’t regularly clean out the saw, the blade doesn’t retract from its full height. This can essentially leave a turning blade exposed.
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5. Milwaukee 6955-20 12” Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
If you work with hard woods regularly, this miter saw may be the one for you. It’s 3.3 max hp gives you the extra power you need to cut into hard wood.
Product Highlights
This miter saw has many extra features. The miter angle digital readout helps provide accuracy to 0.1 degree. And, if that wasn’t good enough for you, the detent override gives you extra control of your miter angles.
This saw also has dual built-in job-site lights. You can see the cut line and the work piece better on either side of the blade. You never know which side of the blade you will need to work on.
In addition, it has a built-in dust channel that captures up to 75% of the dust and debris that comes from cutting. This is an improvement from many other miter saws with mediocre systems.
- Miter angle fine adjust with detent override makes it simple to dial-in precise miter angles
- Miter angle digital readout provides repeatable accuracy to 0.1 degree
- Dual integral job-site lights fully illuminate the work piece and cut line from either side of the blade
- 15-amp, 3.3 max hp direct-drive motor provides increased power for high-performance cutting in hard lumber
- Integral dust channel captures 75 percent of all dust and debris
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s to like about the Milwaukee 6955-20 12” Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
The efficient saw dust collection is a refreshing change. The lighted workspace is also a great addition. It is not necessary, but it is certainly nice to have extra light on the work piece.
Another great addition is the digital miter. It makes it simpler to plug in what you need. And, the constant power while using it for larger wood is nice too.
What’s not to like about the Milwaukee 6955-20 12” Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
This one is a bit on the heavy side in weight and price. It also does not come with clamps as some units do. This is not a deal breaker, but, it’s inconvenient if you don’t have them laying around your workspace.
Another bad point is that the right fence doesn’t slide. This makes sense since the motor gets in the way if the saw is beveled to the right. Nevertheless, you may need to do some adjusting.Finally, the integral lights eventually fill with saw dust. It’s possibly a design flaw. Maybe not a deal breaker for some, but it makes the lights useless after a while.
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BUYER’S GUIDE
Now that you’ve seen the top five miter saws on the market, you need to choose one. But, what makes a good miter saw?
That depends on what you need it for. There are different types to fit different occasions. When you narrow down what you need, you can pick out the best miter saw for you.
Miter Saw Types
Miter saws come in two basic varieties: miter saw, and compound miter saw. A miter saw makes clean crosscuts in the wood. Alternatively, a compound miter saw can tilt in one direction to cut a bevel.
Miter Saw Variations
There are different variations of the miter saw. A sliding miter saw, one variation, pulls forward a little like a radial arm saw. Another variation is the dual compound miter saw that tilts left and right to create bevels.
Miter Saw Blades
Miter saw blades come in three common sizes: 8, 10, and 12 inches. Which size you need depends on the work you do. But, the larger the blade the longer the cut capacity.
Miter blade design is for short cuts. Blades are slowly pulled across the grain with very little pull. You choose your blade depending on your cutting needs.
Miter Saw Power Supply
Occasionally, you will find battery-powered cordless miter saws. These types typically run on 18v batteries. Otherwise, many miter saws offered have cords.
Motor amp size usually depends on the blade size. Smaller blades have a 10 or 12-amp motor, while the common 10 and 12-inch blades have 15-amp motors.
But, higher amps don’t translate to better cuts. You still need to check out the rpms as well. How fast the blade spins is just as important as how much juice the motor has.
Miter Saw Size
When you hear about miter saw size, it is usually in reference to the blade size. The actual unit size doesn’t matter so much as the size of the blade. The blade determines the type and capacity of woodwork you will do.
However, if space or portability is a factor there are miter saws that are designed smaller and lighter for that reason. Keep in mind, though, that lighter weight is relative. All these saws have heft.
Miter Saw Dust Collection
Miter saws usually come with a type of dust bag. But, dust collection is generally poor. So, expect to make a huge mess.
Some bags are designed better than others. And, if you may prefer that some models allow for a shop vacuum or industrial vacuum attachment to connect to the dust exhaust instead.
Miter Saw F.A.Q.
How to Use a Compound Miter Saw?
Using a compound miter saw is simple. To do it, place your wood piece against the fence on the table. Set the angle and bevel you want to cut.
Next, adjust the board on the table according to the angle you desire. When you are ready, start the saw and bring the blade down on top of the wood. The blade guard retracts automatically as you angle the blade down on the wood.
How to Choose a Miter Saw?
The best miter saw for you depends on how much precision you need and in what capacity you will be using the saw. You also need to consider the size of lumber you will be cutting. Generally, the wider the board, the wider the blade you need.
Also, consider if a single or a dual bevel is what you need. All compound miter saws rotate on their axis to the left or right. But, single bevels only tilt in a single direction. If you don’t mind rotating your board, a single bevel may be the way to go.
Finally, consider where you will be using your miter saw. If you plan on moving it often, you may need a lighter compact version. But, if it will be living primarily in your shop you can afford to get a heavier or bulkier model.
How to Open a Miter Saw?
To unlock, or open, your miter saw, first unlock the head. To do this, put a little pressure on the head and reach over to the safety lever and pull it out. Sliding miter saws typically have locks on the slide, too.
Next, you want to unlock your table. Knobs for the table are typically in the front. Simply loosen them and you should be able to rotate your miters.
In addition, some saws also have a stop for the bevel. When you get it to the desired angle, you can also lock it into place. The lock for this is usually at the back base of your saw.
Finally, consult your user manual because different models may have different safety latches. This is just a universal way to go about unlocking your saw.
What is a Miter Saw?
A miter saw is a circular saw that is mounted to make precision crosscuts and mitered angles in wood. Unlike other mounted saws, miter saws are adjustable to cut angles. The blade is brought down on the wood in one smooth motion.
Do I Need a Sliding Miter Saw?
If you anticipate cutting larger boards, you will need a sliding compound miter saw. Usually, the blade on a compound miter saw is stationary except for tilting on its axis. If you have a sliding miter saw, it allows you to extend the saw head forward and back to get through thicker boards.
FINAL VERDICT
Finding the right miter saw for you can be overwhelming. It’s a huge investment. But, of all the compound miter saws offered, the Bosch CM10GD Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw is the best miter saw overall.
The Axial Glide system is so smooth it makes it pleasurable to work with. It also has a compact design that is easier to incorporate into cramped workspace. In addition, it has a user-friendly design.
With the controls in front, and the ambidextrous handle, anyone can pick this up with ease. No more reaching around the machine to calibrate. No more adjusting hand position if you are left-handed.
However, if you are looking for a miter saw that is more budget-friendly, the Hitachi C10FCG is your best bet. It is the lightest miter saw on the market. The C10FCG is also very portable, simple to use, and perfect for light woodworking or beginners.