Top 11 Best Miter Saws | Buying Guide | Reviews

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Best Miter Saw

Buying Guide

Miter saws, sometimes called chop saws are one of the most popular saws and greatest useful tools you can own for remodeling tasks, home improvements, and making picture frames. Many types are available for the many projects you can do with this specialized saw.

The DEWALT® DW713 portable compound miter saw, 10-inch, shown in the top picture is a top selling corded-electric portable miter saw. It has a 15-Amp motor delivering no-load 5000 RPMs for 4-1/4-inch crown molding with its sliding fences. Make 45-degree bevel cuts using 2 x 6 dimensional lumber with this saw easily.

1. Who Uses Miter Saws?

Uses Miter SawWomen and men working with wood love miter saws! They are used by home renovators/remodelers, contractors, carpenters, furniture crafts people, do-it-your-selfers, and even more people loving to tackle wood projects and challenges.

Not only can you cut wood, some models will cut aluminum, plastics, and concrete with the correct blade.

Miter saws come in many sizes, with many features and capabilities in varying price ranges for what you want in your saw.

Read my miter saw reviews below to find the one you have your heart set on. This Buying Guide will help the professional contractor and DIY-er find the ones that suit their purposes.

2. Types of Miter Saws

You must first determine the miter saw type you want and need for your purposes from the 3 types:

  • Basic;
  • Compound; and
  • Sliding Compound.

Each type has its own pros and cons. Read on to see what those are.

  • Basic Miter Saws are beneficial for making cross-cuts, cutting trim, and miter cuts for picture frames, baseboards, and quarter round meeting at corners. This saw makes only miter cuts and they have no options for bevels. These are inexpensive and good for the beginner or occasional wood working user.
  • Compound Miter Saws differ from the basic model since they can create bevel cuts too. These are tilted cuts and will be smooth and even with a compound miter saw. Adjust this saw to make both bevel and miter cuts with more options. These have no rails to get in the way of the cutting arm making them perfect for thicker material.
  • Sliding Compound Miter Saws have rails so that the blade can move forward and backward across wider wood or other material to cut across material that the compound miter saw blade cannot do.

3. Compound Miter Saw Types

Compound miter saws will exceed your expectations. Not only do they cut angles to make miter cuts by rotating the saw, they also cut diagonally by tilting the blade to make bevel cuts through the face of a board. They can also do compound cuts by doing both functions at the same time.

Being extremely flexible, the miter saw is useful for cutting rough lumber, studs, moldings, and refined trim detail. If you have a completely furnished work shop, a miter saw is an absolute necessity.

These are of 2 types:

  • Single Bevel
  • Dual Bevel

Single bevel types, such as the #3 below, Hitachi C10FCH2, makes the slope or bevel cuts in one direction only. This means what you’re working on will need to be moved to make a bevel on the opposite side.

Dual/Compound bevel types, such as the #1 DEWALT® eliminates turning your work piece around making left and right bevel cuts. This makes cutting crown molding easier and more accurate for matching up the cuts. This is the best choice if you make compound cuts for example, crown molding so that you don’t need to turn the trim over that can be a complicated upside-down cut to make.

Compound bevel types

Sliding Compound saws

Sliding Compound saws are the most multipurpose all-around miter saws. It has all the qualities and features of a compound miter saw together with a sliding arm. This lets you cut wider and thicker pieces and is used by those working with larger material. It is more expensive than the other types of miter saws, yet more versatile.

4. Most Common Miter Saw Features

You will need to think about the features you want for the functions you want your miter saw to handle.

  • Motor type will provide the power needed for your cutting jobs. Miter saws in general have 10- to 15-Amps motor power. Direct power rather than belt-driven motors offers more power and seem to last longer. Decide on what you need for what you do to have those smooth cuts with maximum RPMs.
  • Laser guides aren’t always essential yet the light or shadow is valuable and convenient to have for making more accurate cuts making the miter saw more useful.

Miter saw laser guides

  • Dust collectors aren’t always that effective with the dust bag that comes with the saw. Read reviews for what others say about miter saw dust bags. It might be a consideration to have a shop vacuum that you can use for other uses. You indeed want to keep your miter saw clean from dust inside it as well as you work area.
  • Blades that come with the miter saws are usually a standard blade for rougher cuts. These won’t be appropriate for the fine woodworking projects you plan to do. You will need a high-quality blade for doing fine finished work. You will want to know how easy it is to change blades on your miter saw as well. Read more about blades here.

Compound miter saws are classified according to the size of the blade. Blades range from 7- to 14-inches in diameter. The most common blade size is 10- and 12-inch for compound miter saws. Miter saws can cut wood, metal, concrete, plastic, and other materials with the right blade.

You will probably want to replace the blade that comes with your miter saw with a carbon-tipped higher-grade blade with 60- or 80-teeth for cleaner smoother cuts.

Miter saw blades

  • Safety is important when using a miter saw or any saw such as a circular saw and a chain saw. Miter saws pose dangers as do all saws, so check out the miter saws with sufficient safety features. You’ll want to look for fence guards and electric brakes. Again, read reviews for pros and cons to see how others find the saw type you want works for them.

5. 10- and 12-Inch Compound Miter Saws

Table sawA 10-inch compound miter saw can handle most types of projects such as door and window trim, cutting lumber for framing, doing crown molding, creating cabinetry, and making furniture.

This saw weighs less and costs less than a large saw and can even swap blades with a table saw.

With the 12-inch compound miter saw for frequently cutting larger wood, this larger blade saw will tackle the job. This saw size will cut wood and other material standing against the fence or laying down flat. The price will increase with a larger saw and so will its weight and ease of use.

6. Standard or Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Standard Compound Miter SawWith a standard compound miter saw its head will swivel and rotate. However, it does not slide back and forth. They can slice vertical cuts fast and can cost from $150 to $375+.

Using rails to guide the saw head, a sliding compound miter saw will cut the board as a radial arm saw cuts without the shocking high cost of the radial arm saw. With the miter saw you’ll be able to cut through boards wider than the blade.

The sliding miter saw will cut up to 50% wider boards than the stationary saw will cut. The sliders are a bit costlier ranging from $400 to $670 and up to $1200.

7. Corded Electric-Powered vs Battery-Powered Miter Saws

Cordless battery-powered miter saws are not an advantage for this type saw since they are not usually taken to a job site. They spend most of their time on a workbench in a workshop near an electrical outlet.

Cordless models are expensive and the technology needs to be improved. The DEWALT® review #6 below is under $300 and works quite well.

For the best sliding miter saw reviews, please read the top 11 miter saw reviews below along with the compound miter saw reviews to help you determine what you need for your woodworking purposes.

Corded-electric models simply plug in and you’re ready to go.

What can you do with a miter saw? Should you get one? | WOODWORKING BASICS video.

Top 11 Best Miter Saws

1. DEWALT® DWS780 Corded-Electric Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch

DEWALT DWS780 Corded-Electric Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter SawThis DEWALT® model DWS780 is one of the best miter saws and comes with either an 80-tooth, or 60-tooth blade at a no-load of 3800 RPMs, and ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) thin kerf crosscutting miter saw blade with a 1-inch arbor. ATB blades are designed specifically for crosscutting. The angle of the tooth scores the surface of the wood in advance of the cut, cleanly cutting the wood fibers before the following teeth remove the chip. This provides for a much smoother cut with much less chance of splintering the surface of the wood.

This model is also available with a 96-tooth blade and a miter saw rolling stand on the Amazon description page. This is the “price hidden” box on Amazon and is the #3 best seller since first available in 2011.

The DWS780 has a 15-Amp motor and integrated XPS cross cut positioning system for adjustment-free accurate cut line indication. There is no laser light; instead it has a light that focuses a shadow line on the wood in exactly the centerline of the blade. Simply put the shadow line on your pencil mark or whichever side of it you want to cut.

This model DWS780 does come with the XPS laser (X-cut Positioning System) whereas the model DSW779 does come with the laser shadow light.

Support 7-1/2-inches with the tall sliding fences of nested crown and 6-3/4-inches of base molding vertically.

With the back-fence design, it will cut up to 2 x 16 dimensional wood at 90-degrees. You will like its improved miter capacity of 60-degrees right and 50-degrees left that’s increased from before. It will cut 2 by 12s at 45-degrees.

It comes equipped with a depth stop bolt on the side of the head and the saw bed is made of aluminum with plastic for the yellow parts. Lift it by the black handle on top to keep its adjustments. Be sure to tighten the slide lock knob. The depth-stop knob is to the left on top.

Its stainless-steel 10 stops detent plate with cam locks are for replicating accuracy with easy-to-do adjustments. The computer balanced plate gives you more accuracy with a better finish and it reduces vibration.

DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The gearbox and belt-driven motor will increase your vertical cutting sizes.

It does come with an efficient dust collector to capture 75% of the saw dust; the outlet is 1.5-inches in diameter. You will also receive the DW7187 adjustable miter saw laser system with your purchase.

Read your User’s Manual to see that it states not to cut metal or masonry. It can be used with the correct blade to cut aluminum.

Ripping is not recommended with this saw; use a table saw or radial arm saw for rip cuts.

DEWALT Corded-Electric Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter SawIt weighs 68-pounds and measures 21.46- x 17.72- x 17.13-inches. It is 2-1/2- to 3-inches from the table to the actual flat surface of where the blade meets the deck.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning

Plug the UL® listed plug into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. It does not use batteries. It is 1675.0-Watts.

You will receive a 12-inch carbide blade, dust bag, wrench, vertical clamp, it’s equipped with the XPS laser system, and User’s Manual. You will get a 90-day money back guarantee, 1-year service, and 3-year Limited Warranty. It is made in Mexico.

The video below will show you everything you need to know about this DWS780 miter saw. It’s 26-minutes long and well-worth the time spent watching it.

DEWALT® DWS780 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw Set-up and Review video.

2. BOSCH GCM12SD Corded-Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw, 12-Inch

BOSCH GCM12SD Corded-Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter SawThe electric-powered BOSCH miter saw with 60-tooth saw blade is an exclusive axial-glide giving you wider cross-cuts. Its alignment has been enhanced for a smooth glide for the lifespan of the saw saving you 12-inches of work space.

The motor is 15-Amps with a no-load of 3800 RPMs. This is an Amazon Choice miter saw and it can be purchased with a stand. It’s belt and helical gear driven for smoothness for one of the best sliding miter saws.

The BOSCH miter saw is compatible with a variety of 12-inch blades and it has a clear lower guard to provide unobstructed cut-line visibility.

It has easy adjustments with an upfront bevel and miter controls with detents at common angles. The all-metal bevel lock lever and range selector are located up front to make bevel adjustments easy to do.

BOSCH Sliding Glide Miter Saw

The saw capacity for expanded cutting capacity is 14-inches of horizontal capacity with a nominal 6-1/2-inch vertical capacity against the fence base of 6-1/2-inches.

The miter scales with marked detents and roof pitch angles are stainless-steel. The dust collector is best at 90%.

It is precision with its square lock quick release fences that lock the fence at 90-degrees to the table and requires no adjustment with a single touch lock/unlock to slide the fence for added support.

It’s easy to use the upfront bevel controls that are all metal for the bevel lock lever and range selector for quick and easy bevel settings without reaching behind the saw.

It does not come with a laser that is sold separately as: LS010 Miter Saw Laser Washer Guide attachment.

It does not have a soft start like the Makita®.

Best sliding miter saw

Specifications:

  • Bevel Angle Range: 47° left and 47° right
  • Bevel Stops: 0°, 33.9°, 45° and 47° (L/R)
  • Dado Cuts: Yes
  • Dust Collection: Yes
  • Electric Motor Brake: Yes
  • Height 27.0-inches
  • Height of Table from base feet to table surface: 3.75-inches
  • Length: 32.375-inches
  • Width: 26.5-inches
  • Base Molding against fence: 3-7/8 In. (6-3/4 In. from 0° to 47 L)
  • Crown Molding: (38° Spring) angled against fence 5-1/4 In. (5-1/2 In. from 0° to 47° L)
  • Crown Molding: (45° Spring) angled against fence 6-inches
  • Cut Capacity: 0° Miter 0° Bevel 3-1/2 In. x 13-1/2 In. (4×14 dimensional lumber)
  • Cut Capacity: 0° Miter 45° Left Bevel 2 In. x 13-1/2 In. (2×14 dimensional lumber)
  • Cut Capacity: 0° Miter 45° Right Bevel 1-1/2 In. x 13-1/2 In. (2×14 dimensional lumber)
  • Cut Capacity: 45° Miter 0° Bevel 3-1/2 In. x 9-1/2 In. (4×10 dimensional lumber)
  • Cut Capacity: 45° Miter 45° Left Bevel 2 In. x 9-1/2 In. (2×10 dimensional lumber)
  • Cut Capacity: 45° Miter 45° Right Bevel 1-1/2 In. x 9-1/2 In. (2×10 dimensional lumber)
  • Miter Angle Range: 52° Left, 60° Right
  • Miter Detents: 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45°, Left/Right 60°, Right
  • Miter Positive Stops: 0°, 15°, 22.5,° 31.6°, 45° Left/Right, 60° Right
  • Separate On/Off Speed Control: Blank
  • Weight 65-pounds
  • Works with Miter Saw Stands

Includes:

  • GCM12SD 12-inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw
  • Premium 12-inch 60-tooth Carbide-Tipped Blade
  • Wrench
  • Tool-free Vertical Work Clamp
  • Dust Bag/Assembly
  • Vacuum Adapter Elbow

BOSCH Best Sliding Glide Miter Saw

The dimensions are 22-3/4-inches wide x 12-inches deep.

Plug the UL® listed plug into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. It does not use batteries. It is 1675.0-Watts.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning

You will receive the items listed above and a User’s Manual. You will get a 30-day money back guarantee and a 1-year Limited Warranty. It is made in China.

BOSCH GCM12SD 12-inch Dual Bevel Glide Miter Saw video.

3. SKILSAW® 3821-01 Quick Mount Corded-Electric Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch

SKILSAW Corded-Electric Single-Bevel Compound Miter SawSKILSAW® provides this single-bevel miter saw for the intermediate user for under $200. It comes with a laser cutline guide giving you accurate cuts quickly.

The motor is 15-Amps at 4500 RPMs making this a powerful compound miter saw with 9 stops for your miter angles. The saw comes with a 40-tooth carbide general purpose blade and a dust collection bag.

Its table extension with 12-inch left/right rails let you work on large wood material. The extensions are adjustable and can be placed at a maximum distance of 23-inches on each side of the blade. It has a 1-inch arbor.

It does not come with a stand, but is available as the Quick-Mount System for quick and easy setup on SKIL® Miter Saw Stand, part number 3302-02.

This compound saw will cut 6-inch laminate flooring at 45-degrees with one cut. The max cutting at 0 miter/0 bevel is 4-x 6-inches. The 3821 also has a capacity for base molding against the fence with 5-inches on the left side only at a 45-degree angle.

SKILSAW Quick Mount Corded-Electric Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw

It cuts through 4 x 4 posts and will handle 7-inch base molding without a problem along with 3/4-inch plywood.

The base and table are made of aluminum and the handle and housing are plastic along with some of the knobs.

This saw is designed for cutting wood, not metal.

The dimensions are 28.28- x 18.15- x 20.5-inches and weighs about 40-pounds.

Plug the UL® listed plug into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. It does not use batteries.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning

You’ll receive the User’s Manual, 12-inch blade, saw, and 3-year Warranty for any defects in workmanship. It is made in China.

4. Genesis GMS1015LC Corded-Electric Compound Miter Saw, 10-Inch

Genesis GMS1015LC Corded-Electric Compound Miter SawThe Genesis with laser guide and 9 positive miter stops is 15-Amp and is inexpensive on Amazon. Make your bevel cuts up to 45-degrees left and right. The no-load speed is 4600 RPMs for a 10-inch best compound miter saw.

You can cut crown molding, pictures frames, shadow boxes, and much more.

Its electric brake stops the blade and the 5/8-inch arbor lock makes blade changing a breeze. It comes with a 60-tooth carbide blade, hold down clamp, and dust bag, 2 extension wings, blade wrench, and 2 AAA batteries for the laser light.

The base is die-cast aluminum making it easy to take with you.

It cuts through 4×4 lumber and can cut PVC pipe but not metal. The rip fence has an adjustable guide used in ripping cuts to keep the work piece parallel to the saw blade.

Specifications:

  • Max Cutting Capacity: @ 0° x 90°: H 3” x W 4-3/4”
  • Max Cutting Capacity: @ 45° x 90°: H 3” x W 3-5/16”
  • Max Cutting Capacity: @ 0° x 45°: H 1-3/8” x W 4-3/4”
  • Max Cutting Capacity: @ 45° x 45°: H 1-3/8” x W 3-5/16”
  • CSA Listed

The dimensions are 19.5- x 16.25- x 15-inches and weighs 24-pounds.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

Plug the UL® listed plug into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. It does not use batteries.

Genesis Compound Miter Saw

You’ll receive the User’s Manual, and accessories mentioned above with a 2-year Warranty. It is made in China.

5. DELTA® Power Equipment S26-262L Corded-Electric Compound ShopMaster Miter Saw, 10-Inch

DELTA Corded-Electric Compound ShopMaster Miter SawThe DELTA® compound miter saw with laser has a powerful and dependable 14-Amp motor. A clamp against the fence is provided along with a dust bag and electric brake to stop instantly. The S26-262L operates at no-load 5500 RPMs and comes with a 24-tooth blade.

Miter saw standIf you want to purchase this saw with its stand, use model number S26-262LS on Amazon.  It is the Delta® bare tool miter saw stand combo kit and is affordable.

The saw has 10 positive miter stops to the laser cut line indicator and its single bevel to the right is a great saw for homeowners. It also has the trigger lock feature for safety.

The laser is battery operated using 2 AAA batteries with its own on/off switch.

Its arbor size is 5/8-inch diameter and the spindle lock holds the spindle securely while blade nut is loosened and removed.

The DELTA® will cut nominal 4- x 4-inch wood and 2- x 6-inch at 90-degrees with one pass.

The bevels at the left are from 0- 47-degrees and will cut nominal 2- x 6-inch wood at full bevel.

DELTA Corded-Electric Compound Miter Saw

It miters to 45-degrees left and right with stops at 0-, 15-, 22.5-, 30-, and 45-degrees.

Being lightweight it’s portable to move from place-to-place and to a job site. It will also work with all miter saw stands.

The saw measures 14.5- x 17.5- x 22.1-inches and weighs 31-pounds.

Plug the UL® listed plug into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. It does not use batteries.

The manual recommends if you use an extension cord of 25-feet you can use a 14-gauge cord. This would work with a 15-Amp breaker. If using a longer cord, it recommends a 12-gauge cord attached and a receptacle with a 20-Amp breaker.

You will receive the clamp, wrench, dust bag and User’s Manual. It comes with a 3-year Warranty and is made in Taiwan.

DELTA® Power Equipment S26-262L Compound ShopMaster Miter Saw, 10-inch with stand video.

6. DEWALT® DCS361B Cordless Bare-Tool Sliding Miter Saw, 7-1/4-Inch

DEWALT DCS361B Cordless Bare-Tool Sliding Miter SawThis DEWALT is a battery-powered miter saw and is the bare-tool, meaning the battery and charger are sold separately. It uses 1 lithium-ion battery. It’s an Amazon Choice small miter saw with an adjustable stainless-steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops. This gives you cutting accuracy to improve your productivity. The motor is not brushless.

It will give you an integrated XPS cross-cut positioning system that provides adjustment-free cut line indication for better accuracy and visibility.

It is a single left bevel that ranges from -3-degrees to 48-degrees left. With a 3-1/2 inch maximum vertical, 3-5/8-inch crown nested, and 2 x 8-inch horizontal cut capacity, this saw will handle most of the common cuts needed.

An oversized bevel scale makes bevel angle adjustments accurate and easy. The compact saw allows for easy transport and storage.

DEWALT Cordless Bare-Tool Sliding Miter Saw

It has a cam lock miter handle that will deliver quick and accurate miter angles, along with a precise miter system and machined base fence support for optimized durability and cutting accuracy.

Specifications:

  • 45° Bevel Cut Capacity: (dimensional lumber) 2 x 8-inches
  • 45° Miter Cut Capacity: (Max Height) 2-inches
  • 45° Miter Cut Capacity: (Max Width) 5-1/2-inches
  • 90° Cross-Cut Capacity: (dimensional lumber) 2 x 8-inches
  • 90° Cross-Cut Capacity: (Max Width) 8-inches
  • Vertical Capacity: Baseboard Against Fence 3-1/2-inches
  • Vertical Capacity: Crown Molding Vertically Nested 3-5/8-inches
  • Arbor Size: 5/8-inches
  • Horizontal Capacity: Baseboard Lying Flat 8-inches
  • Horizontal Capacity: Crown Molding Lying Flat 8-inches
  • No Load Speed: 3750 RPM
  • Power Tool Type: Cordless
  • System 20-Volt MAX* Battery Pack (DCB204) sold separately

The 20-Volt battery provides an average of 183 cuts of 2 x 4 pine or 275 cuts of 3-1/4-inch pine baseboard.

The dimensions are 25.25- x 19.88- x 15.69-inches and it weighs 31.6-pounds.

Plug the UL® listed charger into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will receive a carbide blade, blade wrench, material clamp, and User’s Manual. You will get a 90-day money back guarantee, 1-year service, and 3-year Limited Warranty. It is made in Mexico.

DEWALT® 20-Volt Max 7-1/4-inch Cordless Sliding Compound Miter Saw DCS361B demo video.

7. Makita® XSL06PT Cordless Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 10-Inch

Makita Cordless Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter SawThis Makita® model has it all! It runs on two 18-Volt LXT® lithium-batteries (36V), included, with a brushless motor and a 5.0 Ah laser kit. With this battery pack, you can cut 334 cuts for each charge when cutting 2 x 4 SPF (Spruce, Pine, Fir) lumber. This saw is an Amazon Choice unit for construction pros and the serious home user.

The Makita® BL brushless motor has a 50% longer running time, increased power and speed with a longer life for the saw with an Automatic Speed Change to adjust cutting speed and torque under load for optimum performance.

It has the same power as a corded-electric miter saw operating at 4400 RPMs no-load speed. It comes with a 60-tooth carbon tipped blade.

With its two steel rail sliding system, it can be operated against a wall and is convenient to use with the in-front bevel lock from 0- to 48-degrees left and right.

It has a depth stop for dado cuts. The 2 dust ports make a huge difference and are extraordinary. The miter saw comes with one hose that connects to the 2 ports on the rear, but not a hose to connect to a shop vac.

The charger will make a humming sound and that is normal since it has a fan to cool the batteries to keep them from overheating during charging.

Do not cut metal with this saw; use a chop saw.

Makita Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The innovative direct-drive gearbox and guard system is engineered for increased vertical cutting capacity of 5-1/4-inches and crown molding cutting capacity 6-5/8 inches nested, the largest in its class.

It has a direct-drive gearbox with soft-start, large aluminum base and will miter 0- to 60-degrees left and right, with positive stops at 0-, 15-, 22.5-, 31.6-, 45- and 60-degrees left or right.

Makita Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Specifications:

  • Blade Diameter: 10-inch
  • Arbor: 5/8-inch
  • Electric Brake: Yes
  • Built-in Laser: Yes
  • Dust Collection Bag: Yes
  • Vacuum: Sold Separately
  • Cutting Capacity (miter 90°): 2-13/16- x 12-inches
  • Cutting Capacity (miter 45°, L/R): 2-13/16- x 8-1/2-inches
  • Cuts up to: 6-5/8-inch crown (nested), 5-1/4-inch base (vertical), and crosscuts a 4 x 12 at 90°
  • Volts: 36
  • Watts: 90

What’s in the Box:

  • (1) 18-Volt x 2 LXT® (36V) Brushless 10-inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
  • (2) 18-Volt LXT® Lithium-Ion 5.0 Ah Batteries (BL1850B)
  • (1) 18-Volt LXT® Lithium-Ion Dual Port Charger (DC18RD)
  • (1) Vertical Vise (122854-6)
  • (1) Dust Bag (122852-0)
  • (1) Triangular Rule (762001-3)
  • (1) Hex Wrench, XSL06 (781044-6)
  • (1) 10- x 5/8-inch 40-Tooth Micro-Polished Miter Saw Blade

Makita Compound Miter Saw

The dimensions are 31-3/4-long x 25-3/8-inches wide x 26-inches high. The net weight with batteries is 60.6-pounds and the shipping weight is 80.4-pounds.

Plug the UL® listed charger into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will receive a comprehensive User’s Manual with accessories listed above and a 3-year Limited Warranty on the saw, battery, and charger. It is made in China.

Makita® XSL06PT 36-Volt Brushless Cordless 10-inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw demo video.

8. RYOBI® TS1143L Corded-Electric Compound Miter Saw, 7-1/4 Inch

RYOBI Corded-Electric Compound Miter SawThis is the perfect small miter saw for making smaller cuts using wood. The 9-Amp electric-powered motor spins up to 5800 RPMs with its EXACTLINE laser alignment system that is adjustable to help you follow cut marks and keep the saw and the cut aligned with its carbide tipped 7-1/4-inch blade.

This review is for the new RYOBI® small miter saw and it’s also available on Amazon as a renewed used model when you click on Available from these Sellers at the top of the page. The saw is an inexpensive model at about $200.

The miter angle stops at 0-, 15-, 22.5-, 31.6- and 45-degrees left and right for you to make accurate miter cuts and it has a laser.

For the most common horizontal cuts, it has 9 ball detent stops. The handle is the D-style for more hand comfort and it has the spindle lock to easily change blades with an included wrench to do it.

RYOBI Compound Miter Saw

Being lightweight at only 16-pounds, it is compact and portable to cut 2 x 4 wood and 4-1/4-inch cross cuts.

Specifications:RYOBI TS1143L Corded-Electric Compound Miter Saw

  • Dust Port: 1-1/4-inches
  • Laser: Yes
  • Blade Arbor: 5/8-inch
  • Cutting Capacities: Cross cut 4-1/4-inch; 90° miter cut 1-1/2- x 4-1/4-inches; 45° bevel cut 3/4- x 4-1/4-inches; 45° miter cut 1-1/2- x 3-inches

What’s in the Box:

  • TS1143L Compound Miter Saw
  • 24-Tooth Carbide-Tipped Blade
  • Blade Wrench
  • Dust Bag
  • Work Clamp
  • Carrying Handle
  • (2) AAA Batteries for Laser
  • Operator’s Manual

RYOBI®Miter Saw Laser Adjustment video.

RYOBI® Miter Saw Blade Changing video.

The dimensions are 19.3- x 13.39- x 12.6-inches weighing 18.8-pounds.

Plug the UL® listed charger into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will receive the all-inclusive User’s Manual, accessories stated above and a 3-year Warranty. It is made in China.

Unbox and Review: RYOBI® Compact 7-1/4-inch Compound Miter Saw with Laser TS1143L video.

Build your dream workshop by RYOBI® USA video.

9. Craftsman® 21237 Corded-Electric Single-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 10-Inch

Craftsman 21237 Corded-Electric Single-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter SawCraftsman® makes the finest hand tools and power tools! Smooth cutting is achieved with the red lit Laser Trac guided system and it cuts through thick materials for your woodcutting tasks.

It’s ideal for home workshops and used by professionals on the job. The corded electric miter saw at no-load 4800 RPMs with its 15-Amp motor for high speed and torque and the construction of aluminum is perfect for wood working people.

The blade comes with it and is already attached; you’ll cut through both hard and soft wood leaving sharp edges and tight corners with every cut.

You will be able to cut 12-inch wood with the 10-inch blade and the 0- to 50-degree miter adjustments provide for accurate positive stops while cutting on the fly.

For longer work pieces, the telescoping aluminum extensions with stop-block provides that type of support.

Specifications:

  • Arbor Size: 0.625-inch
  • Vertical Capacity: Baseboard Against Fence 3.625-inches
  • Horizontal Capacity: Baseboard Lying Flat 12-inches
  • Horizontal Capacity: Crown Molding Lying Flat 12-inches
  • 45-degree Bevel Cut Capacity (dimensional lumber) 8-inches
  • 90-degree Cross-Cut Capacity (dimensional lumber) 12-inches
  • 90-degree Cross-Cut Capacity (Max Width) 12-inches
  • 45-degree Miter Cut Capacity (Max Width) 8-inches
  • Maximum Bevel Degrees: 50
  • Electric Brake: Yes
  • Slide: Yes
  • Miter Stop: Yes
  • Compound: Yes
  • Dust Handling: Port
  • Dust Port Diameter: 2.25-inches
  • Bore: Standard 5/8-inch

What’s in the Box:

  • (1) Craftsman® 21237 Single-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 10-Inch
  • (1) Stop Block
  • (1) Extension Rails and Clamps
  • (1) Dust Bag
  • (1) Blade Wrench

Craftsman Universal Miter Saw StandYou can purchase the Craftsman® Universal Miter Saw Stand, part number YH-MS029A, on Amazon for this miter saw at a little over $100 that folds and leans against a wall.

The compact design is easy to transport and store and it has 2 height-adjustments. It weighs less than 25-pounds and supports up to 330-pounds using its support arms that extend up to 80-inches.

The dimensions of the miter saw are 38.5-inches wide x 39.5-inches long x 23.75-inches tall and weighs 39.38-pounds.

Plug the UL® listed cord into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. It does not use batteries.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will receive the all-inclusive User’s Manual, accessories stated above, and a 1-year Warranty. It is made in China.

Craftsman® 10-inch Single-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw review video.

10. Makita® LS1018 Corded-Electric Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw, 10-Inch

Makita LS1018 Corded-Electric Dual Slide Compound Miter SawThis Makita model comes without the blade. With the blade, it is about $33 more.

It uses a 10-inch 40-tooth Miter Saw Blade part number JM23000176.

The system is metric and its power is 13-Amps with a direct-drive motor spinning at no-load 4300 RPMs. Direct drive motors need less maintenance being time saving for you.

The rear rubberized D-handle bevel lock it easy to grab and adjusts from 0- to 45-degrees left and right with positive stops at the same degrees.

Miter for your needs at 0- to 47-degrees left and 0- to 60-degrees right, with positive stops at 0-, 15-, 22.5-, 31.6-, and 45-degrees left and right.

The miter saw will cut up to 12-inch at 90-degrees and 8-1/2-inch at 45-degrees. The maximum cutting capacity is 3-5/8- x 12-inches at 90-degrees miter.

With the arbor at 5/8-inch, the linear ball bearing system is accurate for all your cuts.

Cut baseboards and crown molding along with 4 x 4 dimensional lumber in one pass. It’s the perfect miter saw for general construction, carpentry, finish carpenters, cabinet and furniture makers, wood floor installers, decks, woodworking, and more tasks.

Makita Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw

It is portable for taking to job sites and moving about your work area. It also features the soft-start large trigger switch for smooth starts and has no belts to slip and replace over time.

The base is machined aluminum for efficient cutting and the blade guard is see-through for aligning of cuts.

Specifications:

  • Blade Diameter: 10-inches (you purchase)
  • Electric Brake: Yes
  • Depth Stop: Yes
  • Arbor: 5/8-inch
  • Fence Height: 3-3/8-inch
  • Amps: 13
  • Stand included: No
  • Laser System: No
  • Carrying Case: No
  • Net Weight: 43.7-pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 51.7-pounds

Includes:

  • (1) Vertical Vise (JM23100502)
  • (1) Extension Wing (JM23100500)
  • (1) Dust Bag (JM23100501)
  • (1) Socket Wrench (JM23100197)
  • (1) Triangle Rule (JM27000328)

The dimensions of the miter saw are 33.5-inches wide x 21-1/8-inches long x 25-inches tall.

Plug the UL® listed cord into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. It does not use batteries.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will receive the all-inclusive User’s Manual, accessories stated above and a 1-year Warranty with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. It is made in China.

Makita® LS1018 10-inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw English video.

11. DEWALT® DWS779 Corded-Electric Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch

DEWALT DWS779 Corded-Electric Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter SawThis DEWALT® model DWS779, is a #1 best seller on Amazon with a 15-Amp motor turning at 3800 RPM. It comes with a new release 96-tooth blade at the description page or a regular 80-tooth blade with 1-inch arbor for this dynamic double-bevel sliding compound miter saw.

The back fence will cup up to 2 x 16 dimensional lumber at 90-degrees and 2 x 12 at 45-degrees for your wood cutting tasks. It’s maximum cutting thickness is 6.75 inches. It does have a depth stop and the blade is installed when you get the saw.

Its dust bag will catch about 75% of saw dust and the measurement system is metric. The outside diameter of the dust port is 1-5/8-inches and the inside diameter is 1-1/4-inches.

A cove molding attachment is not available for this saw model.

With its integrated CUTLINE Blade Positioning System, you will have adjustment-free cut line indications for better accuracy and visibility.

It has horizontal steel rails with a clamping mechanism and linear ball bearing with the bevel lock at the back of the saw.

The maximum cutting thickness is 6.75-inches so you could cut tree branches of less than that size. You can cut a 4 x 12 on a single pass!

DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter SawTall sliding adjustable fences support crown molding up to 7-1/2-inches nested and base molding up to 6-3/4-inches vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts.

This model DWS779 does not come with the XPS laser (X-cut Positioning System) whereas the model DSW780 does come with the laser shadow light. You can install it yourself when you buy part number N030317 at the DEWALT® parts warehouse for about $35 to $40.

DEWALT Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The dimensions of the miter saw are 23.75-inches wide x 33-inches deep x 18.8-inches tall and it weighs 68-pounds.

Plug the UL® listed cord into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. It does not use batteries. The motor is 15-Amps, so use a 14 AWG extension cord for 25-feet and use 12 AWG for cords longer than 25-feet.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will receive the miter saw, carbide blade, blade wrench, dust bag, and User’s Guide. You will get a 90-day money back guarantee, 1-year service, and 3-year Limited Warranty. It is made in Taiwan.

DEWALT® 779 Double-Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw Unboxing video.

Tips Using Miter Saws

Miter saws are a useful tool for bevels and miters and can be dangerous. Being a large specialty machine with a sliding blade, it will cut almost everything wood. The blade and base can be angled for complicated cuts. It’s each to set up and is portable for job sites.

If you’re a beginner using a miter saw, you will need to learn the techniques and tricks like those of the professionals. The videos at the bottom will get you started.

  • Read your User’s Manual for tips and instructions.
  • Use the right miter saw for the job.
  • Always remove the battery from the charger; never leave it in the charger! Unplug the charger when not in use for battery-powered miter saws.
  • Always wear closed-toe shoes, eye and ear protection, and a dust mask.
  • Put masking tape across sheets for marking the line to cut if it doesn’t come with a laser.
  • Use your wet/dry shop vac to vacuum up sawdust quickly if you don’t have an efficient dust collector bag.
  • Maintain your saw and replace broken parts and worn out blades. Lubricate as your instructions state occasionally. This makes your miter saw reliable and cut better.
  • Check the saw for accuracy when you get it; things happen during shipment.
  • Be sure it’s in adjustment so you don’t get kickback like when you hit knots in wood.
  • Make sure the fence is square to the blade and that it’s square to the table.
  • More teeth on a blade equal clean crisp cuts. Less teeth give rougher cuts.
  • Square the board’s ends before cutting the length so you don’t cut off too much.
  • Leave the line in case you need to do more cuts.
  • Let the blade come to a full stop before raising it.
  • When making duplicate cuts, set a stop with a piece of scrap wood to clamp with a clamp spring. Cut to the same size each time with the same fit.
  • A miter stand is a good thing to have so that wood doesn’t fall to the floor. They can cost from about $50 up to $300+.
  • It’s best to never cut wood smaller than 8-inches that will damage the saw and cause injuries to the user.
  • Wait for the brake to stop all saw motion before starting your next wood piece.
  • To know the wattage: Watts=Amps x Volts

Want more tips for using miter saws? Watch this video: How to Use a Miter Saw – A Complete Beginner’s Guide.

8 Miter Saw Pro Tips and Tricks video.

Final Thoughts

The best miter saws are not all that expensive today and have many new features not available a few years ago. Turn your furniture building, beam cutting, framing, and other wood working you do into a less difficult and fatiguing job with any of the 11 top miter saws reviewed here. We hope our suggestions and comments have helped you with your buying decision.

Read reviews and see what others are saying. Feel welcome to leave your questions and comments below. We sincerely value your feedback and will reply to each of you.

We hope we have provided you with information for an informed decision to purchase the best electric miter saw or battery-operated miter saw for your woodworking tasks. Happy shopping!

One Response

  1. torrent January 12, 2021

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