Whether you’re a trades person working in the construction industry or simply someone trying to do a few odd jobs at home, the chances are that you’re going to need to replace a tool or two from time to time. One popular tool that many people use is a miter saw as they’re easy to use, versatile, and generally don’t cost the Earth. And while these are known to be pretty robust, everything needs replacing sooner or later, especially if being used a lot.
The problem is that with so many different products available to buy it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate the good from the bad. And with all the sales jargon thrown in, it’s not always clear what you’re getting for your money. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best miter saws on the market currently. We’ll give you a brief rundown of each model and explain some of their key features. That way you can see if it’s the right tool for you.
Best Miter Saw Comparison Table
| Miter Saw | Image | Blade | Bevel | Features | Check Price on Amazon.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metabo HPT C10FCGS |  | 10-Inch | Single Bevel | Portable; accurate; large cutting area | Check Price |
| 2 | DEWALT DWS715 |  | 12-Inch | Single Bevel | Solidly made; easy-to-read miter scale; quiet | Check Price |
| 3 | Makita LS1040 |  | 10-Inch | Bevel Left | Good dust control system; lightweight | Check Price |
| 4 | DEWALT DWS779 |  | 12-Inch | Double Bevel | Excellent precision; double bevel slide; 3-year warranty | Check Price |
| 5 | DEWALT DWS713 |  | 10-Inch | Single Bevel | Lightweight; effective safety guard; lightweight | Check Price |
| 6 | Bosch GCM12SD |  | 12-Inch | Dual-Bevel | Good laser guide; very effective dust collector; compact | Check Price |
| 7 | Delta S26-263L |  | 10-Inch | Bevel Left | Better quality than most; easy to use; 5-year warranty | Check Price |
| 8 | Makita LS1219L |  | 12-Inch | Dual-Bevel | Smooth, precise cutting; extending cutting capacity | Check Price |
| 9 | TACKLIFE PMS01X |  | 8-1/4 Inch | Single Bevel | Excellent LED laser guide; good braking system | Check Price |
| 10 | Hitachi C10FCH2 |  | 10-Inch | Single Bevel | Innovative 2-steel rail sliding system; accurate calibration | Check Price |
Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw – Basic Saw – handy for just about anyone!
If you’re looking for an all-around miter saw that’s lightweight, easy to use, and gets the job done well, then the Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw may be just what you need. Designed with the average, modern-day person in mind, this device is a pleasure to work with. While the instructions supplied aren’t all that useful, the product’s simplistic design says it all.
The saw’s 10-inch blade consists of no less than 24 razor sharp teeth ready to cut your wood instantly. And, with thumb activated positive stops, miter adjustments are so effortlessly made.Another sought after feature for those new to working with these kinds of tools is the fact that it has a large table and clamp, giving greater stability while cutting.
In terms of power, with a 15-amp motor, the Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw spins really fast, producing up to a staggering 5,000 rpm giving you the ability to crosscut a whole range of woods including hardwoods and dimensional lumbar.
The bevel range on the Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw is a modest 0 to 45 degrees with bevel stops included. While the angle range is a comfortable 0 to 52 degrees both left and right. Both allowing you plenty of maneuverability while working.Just be aware that at 3.5’, the power cord is a little shorter than some other models.
Weighing in at less than 25 lbs. makes it the perfect saw for moving around to different locations. However, just bear in mind that the instructions for assembling this product aren’t great so ensure you leave a little extra time for this.
And lastly, let’s not forget the all-important dust collection system. At the rear of the blade is a port that connects a shop vac to gather any excess debris. With the amount of dust and shavings that are produced when sawing wood, it’s super important you protect your health by only using safety conscious tools, and rest assured, the Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw is one of them.
Pros:
- Cuts smooth, fast, and straight;
- Powerful 15amp/2hp motor;
- Lightweight (24.2 lbs)
- Large table for maximum support
Cons:
- Short 3.5’ cord;
- Poor instructions
Dewalt 12-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw – For all those precision cuts
For those of you looking for something a little more robust than your average miter saw, then be sure to check out the Dewalt 12-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw. With a 15-amp motor producing a speed of 4000rpms, this miter saw is a force to be reckoned with indeed. It’s good for using in various situations and makes things like cross cutting, molding, and frame cutting very easy.
Its durable design allows both optimum accuracy and adequate flexibility and has a large, easy to read, miter scale. While the 32-tooth blade saws through wood seamlessly. It also makes very little noise compared to some others available to buy.The bevel range goes up to 48 degrees to the left and 3 degrees to the right with bevel stops at all the most common angles.
Another great feature the Dewalt 12-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw has to offer is that it feels really solid and safe to use. Its miter detent plates help to improve productivity and ensure your cuts are accurate each and every time. You also get a 3-year limited warranty and a 90-day money back guarantee if for any reason you’re not happy with it.
But, as good as this saw is, there is one major drawback – the weight of it. Weighing in at 40-lbs, it’s not the heaviest on the market, but it’s definitely not designed for anyone looking for a portable solution. However, Dewalt have though ahead and built in to the saw you’ll find a carry handle to make it that little easier if you do need to move it at all. There’s also no slide or clamp to help secure your piece firmly.
Pros:
- Large miter scale;
- Quiet;
- Built-in carry handle;
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Heavy;
- No slide or clamp
Makita 10-inch Compound Miter Saw LS1040– Lightweight and accurate – ideal for those on the move!
There’s no holding back with this baby. Kitted out with a 15-amp direct-drive motor, producing no less than 4,600 rpm, the Makita 10” Compound Miter Saw is a fine competitor in the world of power tools, even against those with a 12” blade.
Fitted with a dual bevel ranging from 0 to 48 degrees in both directions for maximum versatility and a super accurate laser cutting guide, you have everything you need with this saw to carry out a variety of tasks.The maximum cut on this saw is a generous 3.7 inches which is more than enough to complete most applications for both keen DIYers and the more serious woodworker.
It’s lightweight design (just 27.3lbs) makes it the perfect tool for transporting around. So, if you are a carpenter, joiner, or anyone else in the trade, this could be the saw for you. Just be aware that the power cord is just 2m long, so you may be limited as to where you can use it.
Safety needn’t be a concern either while using this saw as Makita in general is a very safety conscious company. And another great feature of this miter saw is its powerful dust control system. Ensuring your workspace is free of dust and wood shavings is vital when working with power tools, and thankfully with this saw that’s one less thing to think about.
All in all, in terms of usability, it’s a good saw. It’s easy to move around and is simple to use. In terms of quality, it’s not bad, but could be better. That doesn’t mean to say it’s going to fall apart after a couple of uses, it just seems some of the parts could have been made to a higher standard and some of the paintwork is a little sloppy.
And, each and every Makita power tool comes with a one-year warranty for that added peace of mind.
Pros:
- Portable;
- Innovative design;
- Good dust control system
Cons:
- Short (2m) cable;
- Sloppy paintwork
DewaltDWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw – Great for the workshop
And here we have another fantastic miter saw on offer from yet another big name in the power tool world. The Dewalt DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a mighty force to be reckoned with and is a more than capable tool for even the most serious woodworker.
Included with this 12-inch double bevel sliding compound miter saw comes an integrated CUTLINE Blade Positioning System enabling a higher degree of visibility and accuracy. There’s also an increased capacity and precision with this saw as it miters 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the right enabling most professional applications to be completed with ease. The top of the line tool also comes equipped with a double bevel slide mechanism for greater maneuverability.
The 15 amp, 3800rpm motor is actually pretty quiet compared to some of its competitors, though there is a slight kick-back when using. But that’s kind of to be expected when working with such power. Overall, the amount of vibration endured isn’t too bad and it’s easy to see why its popular among both DIYers and professionals. Weighing in at 67 lbs., and of the corded variety it’s not exactly the most portable of miter saws. However, if you’re happy to accommodate that then the Dewalt DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is sure to please.
But,there are a couple of things that let it down. The first is that it’s lacking some kind of guiding system. It has most other features you could want but Dewalt seems to have forgotten about this one when they made this model. The second is that the dust collection system is pretty non-existent and not much more than a dust bag.
Overall, it’s a great product with very little to complain about. It’s well-made, equipped with excellent precision capabilities, and you don’t have to be an expert to use it. What more do you want?
Pros:
- 3-year warranty;
- High precision capabilities;
- Quiet motor;
- Double bevel slide
Cons:
- Not very portable;
- No guiding system;
- Poor dust collection system
DEWALT Single Bevel 10-inch Compound Miter Saw DWS713 – Great for simple DIY or complex jobs
Another great product out there currently is the DEWALT Single Bevel 10-inch Compound Miter Saw. It may not be the brand’s top spec model, but that doesn’t mean to say it’s not up to par. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Complete with a precise miter system of 50 degrees to the left and 50 degrees to the right and bevels from 0-48 degrees to the left and 0-3 degrees to the right, this miter saw is accurate enough to be used in any professional setting. And, it doesn’t look too shabby either, with its 14 positive stop stainless steel miter detent plate intact. Another benefit of the DEWALT DWS713 is that it weighs just 35lbs. So, while it’s tough enough to tackle the more serious work, it’s light enough to be moved around as needed.
If misused in any way, power tools can cause serious harm to a person. But don’t worry, as in terms of safety,DEWALT have you covered. Attached to the blade is a transparent safety guard which enables you to monitor your cuts more accurately without the risk of cutting yourself.
The 15 amp motor is also a robust piece of machinery offering a no-load rotating speed of 5000 rpm. And while this beast will cut through most material like a duck gliding through water, with such a powerful motor, it is pretty noisy when nearing top speed.It could also do with an LED guide in to help prevent mis-cuts.
While it’s not the company’s top model miter saw, the DWS713 is still a decent buy. Usable by DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists alike, but due to some of its complexities perhaps more suited towards the professional woodworker.
Pros:
- Lightweight;
- Good safety guard;
- Stainless steel miter detent plate
Cons:
- Noisy at high rpm;
- No LED guide
Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD 12-Inch Miter Saw – With a name like Bosch, you know it’s going to last
Heavy duty and robust, the Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD 12-inch Miter Saw is a very popular model right now, and with many a good reason.
If you’re needing to cut large pieces of wood or timber, then this is definitely a saw that’s capable of it. With 40-inch integrated side supports keeping your timber secure while cutting there’s no need to struggle unnecessarily. Simple place your piece on the plate, secure the required angle using the easy lock handle, and make your cut.
It may be one of the higher priced models out there, but in terms of quality, Bosch have it nailed. The patented axial glide system on this tool enables wider cuts to be made, while also allowing better alignment. Cutting capacity can be extended out even further to a maximum of 14 inches horizontally and 6.5 inches vertically.
With the Bosch GSM12SD, miter and bevel adjustment can be made with ease and in terms of the quality of the work it produces, it creates one of the smoothest cuts you’ll ever see. Even cuts that need to be made in tight spaces are carried out with ease and have an amazing finish. It’s a saw that would be suitable for a range of professionals including builder, roofers, and joiners.
One of the biggest problems with this miter saw is that at 65 lbs., it’s a bit of chore to work with. And while you’re not continually lifting it, it’s a pretty heavy piece of equipment that will soon tire you out of used for too long. On the plus side, the heavier the miter saw, the more hardcore it tends to be. And that’s definitely true of this baby as it’s one tough tool!
Pros:
- Smooth, precise cutting;
- Sturdy and well-made;
- Extended cutting capacity
Cons:
- Pricey;
- A little heavy
Delta Power Equipment Corporation 10-Inch Slide Miter Saw – Great for DIY projects
Not everyone’s looking for the next biggest miter saw on the market. If you only need it to complete a few small tasks then the Delta Power Equipment Corporation 10-Inch Miter Saw may be the tool for you. It may only be a 10-inch saw in terms of size, but with a 15-amp motor it gets the same results you’d expect to see from a 12-inch saw.
Weighing in at just 27lbs, and measuring at just 27.75” x 29” x 14.5” this miter saw is so very lightweight and compact making the perfect tool for completing all those small to medium DIY tasks. It also has table extensions in which to support longer pieces of work, but whether the strength and stability is there to handle chunkier wood is questionable.
The electric brake is very efficient and effective, stopping the saw within seconds of releasing the switch.While the spindle lock does an excellent job of making sure your work is secured. There’s also a front lock control system which provides even further security.And finally, should you have any problems, it comes with a 3-year warranty for that extra protection.
Another fantastic feature found on this miter saw is the LED laser which is operated by the simple flick of a switch. With this helpful tool you can make much more precise cuts then ever before. It bevels from 0 to 45 degrees to the left and produces near perfect angles straight out of the box.
Overall, it’s a pretty good miter saw for carrying out lighter woodworking tasks, but anything too big might be a struggle. One thing to note is to be careful with the dust bag as it’s not the most effective out there and may miss a shaving or two.
Pros:
- Excellent LED laser guide;
- good braking system;
- lightweight;
- accurate straight from the box
Cons:
- Dust collector pretty poor;
- Not too good for big tasks
Makita LS1219L 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw – For All Those Hardcore Woodworking Tasks
If you’re looking for a more advanced miter saw that’s going to be able to withstand those bigger projects, then look no further. The Makita LS1219L is a 12-Inch dual-bevelsliding compound miter saw that is more than capable. Not only is the tool strong enough to cut through even the toughest of materials it’s also super accurate too.
Unlike a lot of miter saws available today, this model hosts a unique 2-steel rail sliding system which saves space by enabling it to sit flush against the wall. And it’s tough too. But then with a mighty 15-amp motor capable of producing up to 3200 rpm, it needs to be.Just be aware that at 65 lbs., it is a little heavy and can make smaller jobs seem harder when trying to make minor cuts and alterations. That being said, when in use, this saw glides through wood like a hot knife through butter with no hesitation at all. But with a 60 tooth 12-inch blade that’s not really that big of a shock.
If you’re worried that’s it all power and no accuracy, then don’t be.Some miter saws can take a lifetime trying to set up and get right, but with the Makita LS1219L there’s none of that. As soon as you take it out of the box, it’s good to go and is equipped with a linear ball bearing system to ensure you always achieve the most accurate cuts. However, if you do find that it’s not quite set how you want it, then adjustments are easy enough to make. Just be careful with the levers and knobs when making the adjustments as these are made of plastic and not quite as rugged as the rest of the machine.
To make your life easier while using this saw, it has an oversized trigger as well as an ergonomically designed rubber handle. There’s also an LED light to help you see where you’re cutting, it’s easy to adjust, and the dust collection system consists of two collection ports, which is not bad either. It may be a little pricier than some of the others on this list, but with the all the great features included and the fact that it’s so robust makes it worth the extra.
Pros:
- Sturdy design;
- Innovative 2-steel rail sliding system;
- Accurate calibration
Cons:
- Adjustment knobs and dials a little flimsy;
- Heavy
TACKLIFE Sliding Compound Miter Saw– Perfect for smaller projects
If you’re looking for a miter saw to simply carry out a few basic woodworking tasks, then the TACKLIFE Sliding Compound Miter Saw may be just the tool for you.
With a 12.5-amp, 4500 rpm motor and just an 8-1/4-inch blade, this miter saw is clearly not designed for those tougher projects like cutting fence panels or decking. But for cutting thinner pieces such as frames it works like a dream. While the blade is slightly on the smaller side it still has 24 ultra-high-grade teeth designed to cut a range of material including wood, plastics, and even some soft metals. Also, being lightweight (22 lbs.) and compact, it’s also ideal for moving around with you.
In terms of cut quality, there are no complaints. Cuts are clean and straight and easy to make. The single bevel has an angle range of 0 to 45 degrees in either direction, and there’s an adjustable cut height that enables you to carefully monitor the depth of your cut. Another neat feature this saw has to offer is its extended handle which allows the user to cut on top of the beveling, from either the front or behind.
When it comes to safety the TACKLIFE Sliding Compound Miter Saw has it covered. The dust collection system on this saw is better than I’ve seen on some of the top spec models. It’s large, it’s efficient, and it makes your life a whole lot easier and safer.Another thing that’s really good about this saw is the handle operated laser guide that lets you know exactly where your cut will be.
All-in-all, not a bad buy for the DIY enthusiast or for those just needing to do a quick job or two. Just be careful with the blades as can be hard to find replacements.
Pros:
- Efficient dust collector;
- Lightweight;
- Good laser guide
Cons:
- Not good for heavy duty projects;
- Replacement blades can be difficult to source
Hitachi C10FCH2 Compound Miter Saw– Exceptional quality and easy to use. Great for DIYers
You don’t have to be a professional to get along with this miter saw on offer from Hitachi. The Hitachi C10FCH2 Compound Miter Saw is definitely one made with the home user in mind. As well as being lightweight and easy to use, it’s also packed full of user-friendly features to make completing those woodworking tasks that little bit easier. And, the best part is, that it’s accurate from day one. The blade is already set to an optimal angle and all the tools you need are included in the package. Simply pull it out of the box, and with a little basic assembly you should be ready to go in around 45 minutes or so.Just ignore the instructions that come with the product as they’re not very helpful.
Having been in the game quite a while, Hitachi have spent a lot of time and money ensuring their products are not only fit for use, but exude in quality, and that can be seen in bucket loads with the Hitachi C10FCH2 Compound Miter Saw. Every part of this miter saw feels sturdy and robust when in use. And when it’s fitted with a powerful 15-amp, 5000 rpm motor, that’s pretty important. To promote this toughness even further, and to show how much confidence they have in their products, Hitachi have backed this saw with a staggering 5-year warranty.
The Hitachi C10FCH2 Compound Miter Saw is a very lightweight tool. Weighing a modest 26.5 pounds, it’s so very easy to maneuver, hence why it’s such a good tool for those just starting out in the trade or just have minor DIY projects to complete. It’s equipped with a 24-tooth 10-inch blade, a miter angle range of 0 – 52 degrees both left and right, a bevel angle range of 0 – 45 degrees left, and, it even has with a vibration absorbing handle to take some of the strain. The only thing to be aware of with this saw is that the dust collection port is quite small, meaning not all debris gets removed.
Pros:
- Good for beginners;
- Vibration absorbing handle;
- Exceptional quality;
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Small dust collector;
- Poor instructions
Miter Saw Buying Guide
There are several things to take into consideration when buying a new miter saw with some being more important than others depending on what you need it for. To help you in your next buying mission, we’ve put together the following guide which should point you in the right direction of what features you want to ensure it has and what kind of things to be wary of. But first, let me explain briefly what a miter saw is and some of the things it can be used for.
A miter saw is a kind of specialist saw that allows the user to produce a flawless crosscut. If you’re not a professional, don’t let that worry you as most modern miter saws are pretty easy to use and come equipped with all the instructions you need. They are sometimes referred to as a chop saw and are often used to make picture frames, door frames, or pretty much anything else you can think of that has joints made up of two or more pieces of wood. While these saws are mainly used for accuracy and precision, they’re also very good at making a lot of cuts fast.
When shopping for a miter saw, here are some of the things you’ll want to take close note of:
Blades – Most miter saws come equipped with either a 10-inch or 12-inch blade. The one that’s right for you will depend largely upon what you’ll be using it for. 10-inch blades are typically more common, meaning they’re more readily available and cheaper to buy. And, because of their compact size they can spin faster while using less amps, making them cheaper to use all round. If you opt for a 12-inch miter saw, then you’ll make longer cuts. You also get a higher tooth speed, meaning your cuts will be sharper too. Bigger blades are ideal for projects that involve thicker material such as deck building. The downside to a bigger blade is that it’s uses more amps, meaning electricity costs will be higher.
Bevel – The bevel is what allows the saw to tilt and change the angle at which you’re cutting. Some miter saws only tilt in one direction while others can be angled in both directions. This saves time when making different cuts as there’s no need to keeping direction.
Slide – For cutting wider pieces of wood, such as fencing posts, you may want to consider purchasing a miter saw that has a slide function. With this kind of saw both the motor and blade are attached to a moveable arm to enable the flexibility of working with bigger pieces.
Dust Extractor/Collector– This is an extremely important feature as its main purpose is to keep you safe. A lot of dust gets blown around when cutting/shaving wood and other materials and is therefore vital you have an efficient form of removing this from the workspace. Not only will this help you breathe easier by keeping the air free from dust, it will also prevent debris from getting in your way while working.
Corded or cordless? – Like many appliances these days, miter saws are available to buy in both corded and cordless variations. Depending on what you need the saw for, will probably determine which one is better for you. While a cordless saw may seem like a better option on the face of it, there are a couple of things to bear in mind. Firstly, because corded miter saws are plugged into the mains, they tend to be more powerful than the cordless variety. And secondly, those with a cord are usually equipped with more features than the portable kind.
The main advantage for the cordless is the fact that it runs off a battery and so is completely portable. They’re usually smaller, more lightweight, and just more versatile in general. For those in the trade, this can be a vital feature. The downside is that you must remember to keep it charged.
Other features – Some miter saws come equipped with a laser guide which are particularly useful when you need to make accurate cuts. With a laser guide a beam is shone directly onto the material to map out where you need to cut. Just bear in mind the laser can be hard to see in bright light, therefore indoor use is recommended.
Warranty – Buying a miter saw is more than just another frivolous purchase. You are buying a tool that’s expected to do all the things it says it should and last for a decent amount of time. Even if you’re a trade professional and use your miter saw on a daily basis, you would still expect it not to wear out after using it for a couple of weeks. Thankfully, most big tool manufacturers recognize this and provide a decent warranty with their product. Not only does this help protect the customer, it helps promote the company by proving that they care. Those that offer very little in terms of refunds, warranty, or even customer support, should be avoided at all costs.
Conclusion/Recommendation
As you can see from the above, there are a lot of decent miter saws on the market currently. The one that’s most suitable for you really comes down to two things: your skill level, and what you need the tool for. Once you’ve got that decided, the rest is easy.
If you’re simply looking to finish a few DIY projects and not looking for a top-spec miter saw, then the Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw is a good choice. It’s lightweight, simple to use, and cuts like a dream.
Or, if money’s no object and you want to buy from a name you can trust, then the Makita LS1219L 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw may be more suitable. Whether it’s just a few pieces of wood that need sawing or a whole truck load, this is one miter saw that won’t let you down.It’s strong, sturdy, and feels like it will go on forever.
The Dewalt 12-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw is a good all-around tool but is a little more complex and therefore may be more suited to those in the trade.
The TACKLIFE Sliding Compound Miter Saw may not be one of the most heard of models on the list, but if you want a miter saw that’s lightweight, easy to use, and has one of the best dust collectors out there, it’s definitely worth considering.
For anyone not concerned with a budget and just want a tool that’s robust and built to last from top to toe, the Bosch GSM12SD may be more up your street. It may be one of the more expensive miter saws on the list, but when it comes to power tools, quite often, you get what you pay for, and that’s certainly true of this model.
Wrap Up
Buying a miter saw is a big spend and it’s worth taking the time to do a little light reading on them before committing. So, we hope you found the above reviews helpful and are now feeling more confident and ready to make your purchase.