The 7 Best Miter Saws of 2023
Miter saws are essential tools for both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike. These saws provide precise angled and beveled cuts on wood, making them ideal for various woodworking projects such as installing crown molding, baseboards, door frames, and picture frames. The best Miter saws come in different types and sizes, making it crucial to choose the right one for your needs. Factors to consider include blade size, power, accuracy, portability, and budget.
In this buying guide, we will delve into the key features to look for when buying the best miter saw, as well as some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, this guide will provide you with valuable insights to choose the best miter saw for your needs.
Our top pick, the BOSCH CM10GD Compact Miter Saw is a top-performing option with its dual-bevel glide system, large cutting capacity, and precise cutting ability.
BOSCH CM10GD Compact Miter Saw Best Overall
Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
CRAFTSMAN Sliding Miter Saw Best Choice
Makita LS1040 Compound Miter Saw.
1. Best Overall: BOSCH CM10GD Compact Miter Saw.
Looking for a miter saw that combines accuracy, convenience, control, compactness, and comfort? The BOSCH CM10GD Compact Miter Saw has got you covered.
Thanks to the Bosch-exclusive Axial-Glide System, this miter saw provides wider cross-cuts and better alignment, ensuring precision every time. Plus, the large, upfront metal bevel controls and Square lock precision fences make for quick and easy adjustments, while the dust collection chute and vacuum adapter allow for easy cleanup.
When it comes to control, this miter saw doesn’t disappoint. With its Crown chop lock, it locks the head in place for maximum chop-cutting capacity for upright base molding and nested crown. And despite its compact design, it provides accurate and cutting control at all angles, taking up to 10 In. less workspace than a sliding miter saw.
In terms of comfort, this miter saw features a large, form-fitting ergonomic ambidextrous trigger handle with a soft grip that provides maximum comfort for all-day use. The clear lower guard also allows for unobstructed visibility throughout the cutting job.
- Axial-Glide System for wider cross cuts and better alignment
- Compact design that takes up less workspace than a sliding miter saw
- Large, form-fitting ergonomic ambidextrous trigger handle with a soft grip for all-day comfort
- More expensive than some other miter saws on the market
Overall, the BOSCH CM10GD Compact Miter Saw is a top-notch option for those in need of a miter saw that combines accuracy, convenience, control, compactness, and comfort. Its powerful features and efficient design make it a reliable tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
2. Best Budget: Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw.
Looking for a powerful and versatile compound miter saw that’s lightweight and easy to maneuver? Look no further than the Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw.
With its 15 Amp motor, this miter saw delivers high power for even the toughest of cuts, generating a no-load speed of up to 5,000 RPM. And despite its power, it’s lightweight at only 24.2 lbs., making it easy to maneuver and transport from job site to job site.
When it comes to miter and bevel angles, this saw doesn’t disappoint. With a miter angle range of 0-52 degrees, to the right and left, and a bevel range of 0-45 degrees, to the left, with adjustable bevel stops for precision cuts, you’ll have the flexibility to tackle a wide range of projects.
This miter saw also features a large table with a vice clamping system to secure workpieces, as well as thumb-actuated positive stops for quick miter adjustments and a horizontal handle for a secure hold.
- Powerful 15 Amp motor for tough cuts
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Flexible miter and bevel angles for a wide range of projects
- Dust collection could be improved
Overall, the Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a powerful and versatile saw that's also lightweight and easy to maneuver. Its flexible miter and bevel angles, large table, and thumb-actuated positive stops make it a reliable tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Read more: Best 15 Rolling Tool Chests in 2023
3. Best 12 Inch: DEWALT Miter Saw.
If you’re in need of a miter saw that delivers repeatable accuracy and worksite durability, look no further than the DEWALT Miter Saw. With a stainless steel miter detent plate featuring 14 positive stops, this saw delivers precision cuts every time, while also being built to withstand tough worksite conditions.
This saw also features tall sliding fences that support crown molding up to 6-5/8-inch nested and base molding up to 6-1/2-inch vertically against the fence, providing ample support for a wide range of cutting tasks.
The double-bevel design of this miter saw allows it to bevel 0 degrees – 48 degrees to the left and right, with positive stops at 0 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 33.9 degrees, and 45 degrees. And with a 0-degree – 50-degree left and right miter capacity, this saw offers the flexibility to tackle a variety of cutting tasks.
Other features of this saw include a cam lock miter handle with detent override for quick and accurate miter angles.
- Stainless steel miter detent plate with 14 positive stops for repeatable accuracy
- Tall sliding fences for ample support
- Double-bevel design for increased flexibility
- Can be a bit heavy and bulky
Overall, the DEWALT Miter Saw is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable and durable saw that delivers precision cuts every time. Its tall sliding fences, double-bevel design, and cam lock miter handle make it a versatile tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Read more: Best Cordless Drill in 2023
4. Best 10 Inch: Milwaukee Miter Saw.
The M18 Fuel 10″ Dust Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw by Milwaukee is a powerful tool designed to make up to 400 cuts per charge, with a vertical capacity of 5-3/4″ for baseboards against the fence, 2×12 horizontal capacity lying flat at 90 degrees, and a 5-1/4″ vertical capacity for the nested crown.
Its cam locking Miter system comes with an adjustable stainless steel Miter detent plate, 11 detent locations, and dual bevel with 9 detents, while the easy access bevel lever allows for quick adjustments. With a shadow cut line indicator, top and side carrying handles and detent override, the saw is both precise and portable.
Additionally, the tool includes tall sliding/removable fences that support a large base and crown against the fence, a blade wrench, a carbide-tipped blade, a dust bag, and a clamp.
- High capacity for vertical and horizontal cuts
- Easy to adjust with cam locking Miter system and adjustable detent plate
- Portable with top and side carrying handles
- Dust collection could be improved
In conclusion, the Milwaukee Miter Saw is a powerful and versatile tool that can handle a range of cuts. While it may be heavy and bulky, it is easy to adjust and comes with a variety of features to make it both precise and portable.
5. Best 7-1/4-Inch: CRAFTSMAN Sliding Miter Saw
The CRAFTSMAN Sliding Miter Saw is a powerful cutting tool that boasts a 3,800 RPM motor, making it perfect for cutting through 2X dimensional lumber, hardwoods, baseboard, and trim with ease. With slide capabilities of 8-inch cross cut at 90 degrees and 5-1/2-inch cross cut at 45 degrees, this saw is perfect for a variety of applications. The saw’s added capacity allows for cutting 3-5/8-inch nested crowns and 3-1/2-inch baseboards vertically.
Accuracy and visibility are important factors in any saw, which is why the CRAFTSMAN miter saw features an LED cut-line positioning system. The saw also boasts quick and accurate adjustments thanks to its 9 casted miter detent stops.
Additionally, it can make up to 585 cuts in a 3-1/4-inch MDF baseboard on a single charge. The saw is also lightweight, making it highly portable with its side carry handles.
- Powerful motor and sliding capabilities allow for easy cutting through various materials
- LED cut line positioning system for enhanced accuracy
- Lightweight and portable design with side carry handles
- Limited capacity for larger materials
In conclusion, the CRAFTSMAN Sliding Miter Saw is a highly capable and versatile tool that is perfect for DIY projects and small-scale applications. Its powerful motor, slide capabilities, and LED cut line positioning system make it an ideal saw for any craftsman, hobbyist, or DIY enthusiast.
6. Best Sliding: RYOBI Miter Saw
The RYOBI Miter Saw features a 15 Amp, 4600 RPM motor with a 12 in. cross-cut capacity for smooth and precise cuts. It comes with a 10 in. 40-Tooth Carbide Tipped Blade and Accessories to enhance its cutting abilities.
The LED Cutline Indicator provides improved cut accuracy, making it easy to align the blade with the material for a perfect cut every time. The Miter Saw is also equipped with a spindle lock that simplifies blade changes, and an electric brake that stops the blade quickly to ensure user safety. Its lightweight design and built-in handles make it easy to transport and maneuver on job sites.
- High-powered motor for efficient and smooth cutting
- LED Cutline Indicator for precise cuts
- Lightweight design for easy portability
- Limited cross-cut capacity compared to other models
In conclusion, the RYOBI Miter Saw is a reliable and versatile tool that is perfect for both novice and experienced DIYers. Its LED Cutline Indicator and lightweight design make it easy to use, while the high-powered motor ensures smooth and precise cuts.
7. Best Cordless: Makita LS1040 10″ Compound Miter Saw.
The Makita LS1040 Compound Miter Saw is equipped with a powerful 15 AMP direct drive motor that delivers a remarkable performance of 4,600 RPM. Its dual post compound pivoting arm allows for smooth and precise cuts.
The saw can make miter cuts ranging from 0° to 45° left and 0° to 52° right with positive stops at 9 settings, including 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, right or left, and 0° (90° cuts). Bevel cuts up to 45° to the left are also possible.
With a large cutting capacity, the saw can cut 52 degrees right and 47 degrees left with 9 positive stops at 15, 22-1/2, 30, 45 degrees left or right, and 0 degrees.
- Powerful motor with high RPM for efficient cutting
- Dual post compound pivoting arm ensures precise and smooth cuts
- Large cutting capacity with positive stops for easy and accurate adjustments
- Lacks laser guidance system for improved accuracy
In conclusion, the Makita LS1040 Compound Miter Saw is a versatile tool that offers excellent precision and cutting capacity. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications, its features make it an ideal choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Relevant: Best Garage Workbench in 2023.
Conclusion:
Buying Guide for Miter Saws.
When it comes to buying a miter saw, there are a few things to consider to ensure you make the right choice for your needs.Type of Miter Saw:
There are three main types of miter saws: standard, compound, and sliding compound. Standard miter saws only rotate in a single direction, while compound miter saws can tilt in addition to rotating. Sliding compound miter saws have a sliding feature that allows them to move forward and backward, making them more versatile for larger pieces of material. Choose the type of miter saw based on the materials you’ll be cutting and the level of precision required.Blade Size and Type:
The blade size of a miter saw is an important consideration, as it determines the maximum size of material that can be cut. Most miter saws have blade sizes between 8 and 12 inches. Consider the types of materials you’ll be cutting and choose a blade with the appropriate tooth count and type for your needs. For example, a high-tooth-count blade is suitable for cutting delicate materials, while a low-tooth-count blade is best for rough materials.Bevel and Miter Angles:
The bevel and miter angles on a miter saw determine the level of flexibility and precision it offers. Bevel angles refer to the angle at which the saw can tilt to the left or right. Miter angles refer to the angle at which the saw can pivot to the left or right. Most miter saws can cut bevel angles up to 45 degrees and miter angles up to 50 degrees. Choose a miter saw with adjustable bevel and miter angles for maximum flexibility.Motor Power:
The motor power of a miter saw is an important consideration, as it determines the maximum depth and thickness of materials it can cut. Most miter saws have motors that range from 10 to 15 amps, with higher amps providing more power for cutting through tougher materials. Consider the types of materials you’ll be cutting and choose a miter saw with the appropriate motor power for your needDust Collection:
Dust collection is an important consideration for miter saws, as they generate a lot of dust and debris during use. Choose a miter saw with a dust collection system to keep your workspace clean and minimize exposure to harmful dust.Frequently Asked Questions:
a. What is the difference between a compound miter saw and a sliding compound miter saw?
On the other hand, a sliding compound miter saw has all the capabilities of a compound miter saw, but it also has a sliding feature that allows the blade to move back and forth, increasing its cutting capacity. This sliding feature enables the saw to make longer crosscuts on wider boards that a non-sliding compound miter saw cannot.
b. How do you change the blade on a miter saw?
Here are the general steps to change the blade on a miter saw:
- Unplug the saw from the power source.
- Raise the blade guard to expose the blade.
- Use a wrench to loosen the bolt or screws holding the blade in place. The direction to loosen may vary depending on the saw model.
- Remove the bolt and outer washer, and then remove the blade from the saw.
- Place the new blade onto the spindle, ensuring that it is facing in the correct direction (usually indicated on the blade).
- Replace the outer washer and bolt, and use the wrench to tighten the bolt or screws back in place.
- Lower the blade guard back down and plug the saw back in.
c. Can a miter saw be used for cutting metal or other materials besides wood?
While miter saws are typically designed for cutting wood and wood-based materials, some models can also be used for cutting certain metals, plastics, and other materials. However, it’s important to note that not all miter saws are suitable for cutting these materials, and attempting to do so could damage the saw or pose a safety hazard.
Joyce Benson
Joyce created her blog, "The Organized Life," with the aim of sharing her knowledge about home organization and storage, decluttering, smart home solutions, and more. All of her advice is based on years of her own experience in organizing her own home and feedback from satisfied readers about her tips. If you want to know more about the author and her journey, please read the About Me page.
