In this article, we have tested and reviewed various miter saws on the market to help you find the best one for your needs. Our top pick for the best miter saw is the Skil 10″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw – MS6305-00.
A miter saw is an essential tool for any woodworker, carpenter, or DIY enthusiast who wants to make precise and accurate angled cuts. It is a versatile machine that can be used to cut wood, plastic, and even metal.
The saw blade is mounted on a pivoting arm that can be adjusted to make angled cuts, making it an ideal tool for cutting crown molding, baseboards, and picture frames.
When it comes to buying the best miter saw, there are several factors to consider.
The first thing to consider is the type of miter saw that you need. There are three main types of miter saws: compound, sliding compound, and dual compound.
Compound miter saws can make angled cuts in two directions, while sliding compound miter saws can slide back and forth, making it easier to cut wider boards (here is the comparison guide for compound vs sliding miter saw).
Dual compound miter saws can tilt in both directions, making it easier to make compound cuts.
Another important factor to consider when buying a miter saw is the size of the blade. Miter saw blades come in different sizes, ranging from 7 1/4 inches to 12 inches (check out the best 12 inch miter saw).
The size of the blade you choose will depend on the type of work you will be doing. A larger blade can cut through thicker materials, while a smaller blade is ideal for making precise cuts.
We have considered factors such as blade size, type of miter saw, cutting capacity, and ease of use to identify the top performers.
Whether you are a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, we have a miter saw that will suit your needs.
Best Miter Saws
When it comes to woodworking, having the right tools can make all the difference. A miter saw is an essential tool for any woodworker or DIY enthusiast, allowing for precise and accurate cuts on a variety of materials.
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the top miter saws available on Amazon, taking into account factors such as blade size, motor power, and overall durability.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, one of these miter saws is sure to meet your needs.
1. Skil 10″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw – MS6305-00
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable miter saw, the Skil 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is definitely worth considering (find out the best budget miter saw under $200).
Pros
- The powerful 15 amp motor delivers 4,800 RPM for quick and detailed cuts.
- The dual bevel feature allows for cuts in four positive stop positions at 48° & 45° left, 0°, and 45° right.
- The LED shadow line provides high precision cuts with greater accuracy than lasers.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the dust collection system could be improved.
- The saw is relatively heavy, which may make it more difficult to move around.
- The blade that comes with the saw may not be of the highest quality.
This miter saw is perfect for both beginners and professionals alike (check out the best mitre saw for beginners). It has a 2×12 cutting capacity, which means it can cross-cut lumber up to 2×12 at 90 degrees, and 2×8 lumber at 45 degrees.
It also cuts up to 50 degrees left and right with 11 positive stops at most used angles, making it versatile for a variety of projects.
One of the standout features of this saw is the LED shadow line. This provides a clear and precise cutting line, which can be especially helpful when making angled cuts. The dual bevel feature is also a nice touch, as it allows for more flexibility when making cuts.
While the dust collection system could be improved, it’s not a dealbreaker. Most users have reported that it’s not too difficult to clean up after using the saw.
Additionally, the weight of the saw may be a concern for some users, but it’s not significantly heavier than other miter saws on the market.
Overall, the Skil 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a solid choice for anyone in need of a reliable and affordable miter saw. It’s easy to use, versatile, and provides accurate cuts.
2. DEWALT DWS780 Miter Saw
If you are looking for a powerful and accurate miter saw, the DEWALT Miter Saw is a great choice (read more about the best DEWALT miter saw).
Pros
- The XPS technology provides an LED light that creates a shadow on the cutline, making it easy to see where the blade will come in contact with the material.
- The tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 7-1/2-inch nested and base molding up to 6-3/4-inch vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts.
- The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport and store.
Cons
- The saw is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around the job site.
- Some users have reported that the dust collection system is not as efficient as they would like.
- The saw is quite expensive, which may be a barrier for some users.
The DEWALT Miter Saw is a powerful and accurate saw that is ideal for a variety of end users, including cabinet makers, trim carpenters, framers, installers, and many other professional contractors who require a product that delivers the accuracy, capacity, durability, portability, and ease-of-use that this saw offers.
The saw’s dual bevel system includes the ability to bevel right and left from 0 to 49 degrees with positive stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45, and 49 degrees in both directions, as well as a high visibility bevel scale.
The saw also miters 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left and features an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops, allowing for fast and easy adjustments.
The XPS technology provides an LED light that creates a shadow on the cutline, making it easy to see where the blade will come in contact with the material.
The tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 7-1/2-inch nested and base molding up to 6-3/4-inch vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts.
The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport and store (here’s our top pick for the best 8 1/2″ sliding miter saw).
However, the saw is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around the job site. Some users have reported that the dust collection system is not as efficient as they would like.
Additionally, the saw is quite expensive, which may be a barrier for some users. Overall, if you are looking for a powerful and accurate miter saw, the DEWALT Miter Saw is a great choice.
3. DEWALT DWS779 Miter Saw
If you are looking for a powerful and accurate miter saw for your everyday job site use, the DEWALT DWS779 is a great option.
Pros
- The stainless steel miter detent plate of the 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 10 positive stops, making it easy to set up and use.
- The precise miter system and machined base fence support, along with the cam-lock miter handle with detent override, deliver quick and accurate miter angles for the DEWALT miter saw.
- The tall sliding fences support a 6-3/4-inch base vertically, making it easy to cut a variety of materials.
Cons
- The saw is heavy, weighing in at 56 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported issues with the dust collection system, which may not capture all of the dust generated during use.
- The saw is relatively expensive compared to other miter saws on the market.
Overall, the DEWALT DWS779 is a great choice for those who need a powerful and accurate miter saw for their job site.
The saw’s precise miter system and tall sliding fences make it easy to use, while the stainless steel detent plate and cam-lock handle ensure accurate and repeatable cuts. However, the saw’s weight and price may be a drawback for some users.
4. DWT Sliding Miter Saw
If you’re in the market for a versatile and powerful miter saw, the DWT Sliding Miter Saw is a great choice.
Pros
- The dual-bevel feature allows up to 45° of adjustable angle in both vertical and horizontal directions, making it easy to achieve precise and versatile cuts.
- The powerful 15Amp motor provides superior cutting power, allowing you to handle a variety of materials with ease.
- The laser accurately tracks real-time position and allows you to make precise adjustments, ensuring professional-grade results.
Cons
- The dust collection system could be improved, as it doesn’t capture all of the sawdust during the cutting process.
- The saw is quite heavy, making it difficult to move around the job site.
- The price point is relatively high compared to other miter saws on the market.
The DWT Sliding Miter Saw is a reliable and durable option for those who need a versatile saw for their woodworking needs. The dual-bevel feature, powerful motor, and laser guide make it easy to achieve precise cuts every time.
However, the dust collection system could be improved, and the saw’s weight and price point may be a drawback for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality miter saw that can handle a variety of materials and provide precise cuts, the DWT Sliding Miter Saw is definitely worth considering.
5. Metabo HPT | Compound Miter Saw | C10FCGS
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile miter saw, the Metabo HPT C10FCGS is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 15-amp motor generates high power for the toughest of cuts, making crosscuts and miters with ease
- Weighing just 24.2 lbs., it’s easy to transport and maneuver on the job site
- The large table with a vice clamping system securely holds your workpiece in place for precision cuts
Cons
- The dust collector attachment could be more effective
- Some users have reported issues with the accuracy of the bevel angle adjustment
- The included blade may not be the highest quality, but can be easily replaced
This miter saw is a great choice for trim carpenters, framers, and woodworkers who demand precision and reliability on the job.
The 15-amp motor delivers high power for the toughest of cuts, generating a no-load speed of up to 5,000 RPM. The C10FCGS is also lightweight, making it easy to transport and maneuver on the job site.
The large table with a vice clamping system offers better material support, securely holding your workpiece in place for precision cuts. The thumb-actuated positive miter stops allow for quick and simple miter adjustments.
The bevel has a range of 45 degrees to the left for clean and accurate bevel cuts. The C10FCGS also has a large extended flip fence which rises to 4 inches to allow for accurate cutting of large workpieces.
While the dust collector attachment could be more effective, the electric brake halts the rotation of the blade within seconds, preventing unintended cuts.
The C10FCGS is covered by Metabo HPT’s Professional 5-Year Tool Warranty, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
Overall, the Metabo HPT C10FCGS is a reliable and versatile miter saw that can handle a variety of cutting jobs. It’s a great value for the price and a solid choice for both beginners and advanced workers.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best miter saw, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the right product for your needs. Here are some features to look for when shopping for a miter saw:
Blade Size
The blade size is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a miter saw. The size of the blade determines the depth and width of the cut.
The most common blade sizes are 10 inches and 12 inches (here is the comparison guide for 10″ vs 12″ miter saw). A 10-inch blade is suitable for most DIY projects, while a 12-inch blade is best for heavy-duty work.
Power
The power of a miter saw is another important factor to consider. The power of the saw determines the speed and efficiency of the cuts.
A saw with a higher power rating will be able to cut through thicker and harder materials with ease. Look for a saw with at least 15 amps of power for most projects.
Bevel and Miter Angles
The bevel and miter angles are important features to consider when choosing a miter saw.
The bevel angle determines the angle of the cut, while the miter angle determines the angle of the blade. Look for a saw that can be adjusted to a wide range of bevel and miter angles to ensure that you can make accurate cuts.
Dust Collection
Dust collection is an important feature to consider when choosing a miter saw.
A saw with good dust collection will keep your work area clean and prevent dust from getting into your lungs. Look for a saw with a dust collection port that can be connected to a vacuum or dust collector.
Laser Guide
A laser guide is a useful feature that can help you make accurate cuts. The laser projects a beam of light onto the workpiece, showing you exactly where the blade will cut. Look for a saw with a laser guide for precise cuts.
By considering these features, you can choose the best miter saw for your needs.
If you are looking to make angle cuts on a workpiece, you might also be interested in checking out our top pick for the best miter gauge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a miter saw for a beginner?
For beginners, it is recommended to look for a miter saw that is easy to use and has basic features such as an adjustable bevel, laser guide, and dust collection system.
It is also important to consider the size and weight of the saw for ease of portability and storage.
How do sliding compound miter saws compare to regular miter saws?
Sliding compound miter saws offer a wider cutting capacity and are able to make angled cuts in larger pieces of wood.
Regular miter saws are more compact and are ideal for smaller projects that require precise cuts (check out the best non sliding miter saw).
Which miter saws are highly recommended for precise woodworking projects?
Miter saws that have a high RPM (revolutions per minute) and a laser guide are highly recommended for precise woodworking projects. Some popular brands that offer these features include DEWALT, Bosch, and Makita.
What are the top-rated miter saws according to consumer reports?
According to consumer reports, some of the top-rated miter saws include the DEWALT DWS780, Bosch GCM12SD, and Makita LS1019L (here is the best cordless miter saw). These saws are known for their accuracy, durability, and ease of use.
How do I determine the best value for money when purchasing a miter saw?
When determining the best value for money, it is important to consider the features of the saw in relation to its price. Look for a saw that offers the necessary features for your project needs, while also fitting within your budget.
What are the advantages of choosing a DEWALT miter saw over other brands?
DEWALT miter saws are known for their durability, accuracy, and ease of use. They also offer a wide range of features such as a laser guide, adjustable bevel, and dust collection system.
Additionally, DEWALT offers a warranty and customer support for their products.