While small saws are great for birdhouses & tiny DIY projects, if you are into tackling a more robust, bigger lumber projects where you need to make precise cuts in different angles, the handy outstanding range of best miter saws are the best way to go, also known as trim saws, these bladed tools specialize in making angled cuts and mitering which makes them invaluable for DIYers, professionals, wood hobbyists, etc.
If you are planning to buy a new miter saw or want to replace or upgrade the one you already have, you’re in luck! Below, we’ve reviewed 5 of the best miter saws to buy today + handy miter saw buying guide to find the one for you.
So without wasting any time, let’s get started;
Best Miter Saws In 2022 – For A Serious Woodworker!
Known for its superior accuracy, the modern miter saws come in 2 cool types: the standard tabletop and the sliding miter saw, with the latter allowing you to move the blades forward & back effortlessly to cover wider pieces of wood. Either way, a miter saw can make quick work of even the most complicated angle cuts, and it will do them smooth & efficient. It can also do cross cuts & compound cuts with ease.
Sure it’s expensive, and yes, it’s harder to operate. But if you do any sorts of trim work, this might be your most used power tool ever. It comes in different sizes, both corded and cordless, featuring wider accessory support.
Best Miter Saws Review – Worth Buying Today!
Focusing on quality & performance, we at PHTS have tested over 50 of the best miter saws available today.
Here’s the top 5 of the bunch;
#1 DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw
12-Inch (DWS779)
Dewalt is known for their premium quality, high-performance power tools, and the Dewalt DWS779 best miter saws are no exception! Armed with a 12-inch carbide blade and a 15 amp high-performance motor, the tool can easily cut up to 6.75 inches in thickness. You can cut at any angle between 45 to 90 degrees, and yes, angle lock does available. The larger fence offers ample room to cut 2×16 boards at 90-degrees, and with the 3800 RPM, the tool ensures that the cuts are extremely smooth & precise – always!
The integrated dust collectors offer hassle-free operation. However, we would’ve loved it if it also had a LED array, but alas, that’s not the case with a tough build weighing at 70 pounds. Further protection is added with a 3-year warranty.
The Pros
- Large 12-inch carbide blade
- Superior 15-amps/3800RPM motor for consistent, professional-grade cutting action
- Cuts up to 2X16 at 90 degrees
- Integrated handy dust collection mechanism
- 3-year warranty
The Cons
- Pretty heavy (needs reinforced table for installation)
- Quite expensive
#2 Metabo HPT Compound
Miter Saw
Perfect for the budget hunter, this 10 inch bladed Metabo miter saw can cut through 2X6 inch wood materials with its capable 15 amp motor running the show. The thumb actuated positive stops ensured easy miter adjustments and coupled with the miter angle range of 0-52 degrees and a bevel range of 0-45 degrees, you get mighty versatile mitering options. The larger table with clamps further improves accuracy. The blade guards and stable base ensures very good handling, even with metal, there’s no torque loss.
Weighing only around 15 pounds, the Metabo miter saw is perfect for those who are on the go. The wider base offers excellent stability. There are, however, no dust collection setups, not that we expected at these prices.
The Pros
- Portable, accurate and versatile
- High powered 15 amp/5000 RPM motor + 10-inch carbide blade for superior cutting, miter performance
- Thumb actuated stopper for easy miter adjustments
- 5-year warranty
- Lightweight at just 25 pounds
The Cons
- Not suitable for larger, complicated projects
- Very barebone
#3 Makita 10” Compound
Miter Saw LS1040
Another great choice for those who want a reliable miter saw for home use; the Makita LS1040 has a dual post compound pivoting arm, which while not as good as a real slider, still offers top angle support without adding too much bulk. The precision-cut aluminium base, coupled with the positive stops at 9 settings, the tool delivers very accurate cutting results. The bevel cut is capped at 45 degrees, and there is a shaft lock setup for easy blade changes. The onboard carbide-tipped blade is razor-sharp, with heat resistance built-in.
Weighing in at just 27 pounds, the device, however, features a capable 15 amp motor which should be enough for most out there. The only downside? The angles are all marked on a sticker setup – expected better for the price.
The Pros
- Powerful 15 amp direct-drive motor for improved performance
- Miter cuts 0-45 left and 0-52 right with a bevel cut up to 45 degrees left – enough for almost all woodworking needs
- Precision machined aluminium base for better stability
- Razor-sharp, carbide 10-inch blade
- 1-year warranty
The Cons
- The angle measurements are marked on a flimsy sticker (may not last long)
- No angle lock support
#4 Bosch GCM12SD
15 Amp 12 Inch Miter Saw
The most expensive model in our best miter saw review; the Bosch GCM12SD comes with a patented glide system that allows wider cross-cuts & far better alignment while also being compact. Effortlessly make big cuts with its large 12-inch blade which is paired nicely with a 6 ½ inches depth set for all these big projects. With angle measurements at every possible surface, it’s hard to make inaccurate cuts with this pricey beast. The blade arm itself is smooth to operate, and so is the sliding mechanism as well.
The built-in dust collector works great and helps make using the device a breeze. The one-click lock & unlock fence further adds to its usability. It also aligns to (without adjustments) 90 degrees to facilitate easier cutting.
The Pros
- Patented glide system for better, easier blade arm control and superior accuracy
- Easy to read measurements
- Larger 12-inch carbide blade with 6 ½ inch depth level
- Built-in dust collector
- One-touch locking/unlocking fence
The Cons
- The price might be too much for the average, everyday people
- Quite heavy at 65 pounds
#5. ACKLIFE Miter Saw,
15 Amp Compound Sliding Miter Saw
If the value for money is what you’re after, you are sure to love the Tacklife miter saw. With three extra blades and feature-packed design, this miter saw is as good as it gets. The large 12-inch blade coupled with a 15 amp dual-speed motor and laser guidance ensures superior precision whatever it is you are cutting. The bevel is rated at 0 to 45 degrees & the miter has total 45-degree cutting access to meet all your needs. Made from stainless steel castings, the slider is smooth to operate & offer maximum stability & precision.
The table is extendable and comes with dust collection ports with vacuum support. It also has clamps for better stability & control. Interestingly, they have gone with a metal guard for the blades instead of the usual plastic ones – nice indeed.
The Pros
- Dual speed 15 amp motor for superior performance
- 12-inch carbide blade with laser guidance and clear bevel measurements for far accurate cutting and mitering
- Dust-free setup for extension table support
- Metal tool & blade guard
- Comes with tons of accessories
The Cons
- The measurements mark centimeters instead of inches
- The fence is short
To get the best cuts possible, the best Miter saws need to meet certain standards. Here’re a few key things to look out for ensuring the same;
1) Power and blade capacity
Typically, the blade sizes differ between 7 to 12 inches in diameter. But more than that, check for all the different angles it can be used in, and make sure it matches YOUR needs. The depth stop determines the thickness of the wood it can cut. This is crucial if you work with a lot of multi-sized wood pieces.
The more power it has, the better the miter saw will cut. 600 to 900 RPM + 15 amp is plenty enough for most commercial cutting needs.
2) The build quality and portability
For accuracy, the best miter saws are best used stationary. However, if you’re always on the go, you CAN buy units that are 30 to 90 pounds – still weighty but much more reasonable. An all-steel structure is always preferred.
The blade should be durable, preferably steel, or cast iron. The teeth should be reinforced and needs to be heat & warp-resistant.
3) The extra features.
Enhancing a miter saws usability further, give extra attention to models with perks like a laser guide for extra precision, electric brakes, blade guards, dust chutes/collection ports, shat locks, table extensions, etc.
Also, make sure to get a model with a good fence and sturdy clamps (multiple is good) as it can highly increase the accuracy of the cuts.
For those who are buying their first miter saw, you may have a ton of questions. Here is a brief Q&A to try & answer some of them’
1) What sized miter saw would I need?
It depends.
While most workshops and professionals would probably need a 12 inch saw to get their job done, the average DIYer doesn’t need anything this large. If portability is a concern, a 7-inch model should serve you well.
2) What is a miter box? Are they a good alternative to these miter saws?
A miter box basically is a contraption to make your hand saws be used as a miter saw. You can use it to make perfectly angled cuts. However, you should NOT BUY these if you have a larger or complicated project since a miter saw box is restricted to cutting only at 45-degree and 90-degree angles at best.
3) How long will the blades last?
Frankly, there’s no definitive answer to this question. If the blade gets too dull to offer a smooth cut, you can either try and sharpen it or replace it as you please. With medium usage, most blades typically last up to 1 -1.5 years.
Do note that carbide-tipped blades usually have a relatively superior lifespan.
Best Miter Saws Review – Come, It’s Time To Conclude
A woodworking essential, the best miter saws can “cut” through pretty much anything you require, creating miters, bevels, and precision straight cut with ease. Without these, no woodworkers arsenal will ever be complete!
From newbie’s to pro’s, budget to premium, we have made sure to review & list the best miter saws for all preferences. That said; pay attention to what matters to you the most. How easy is it to customize the miters? Is the saw powerful enough for you? Focus on the essentials and use the best miter saws buying guide to find the one for you.
Oh, almost forgot; while you are at it, also go & get safety gear like gloves, masks, earplugs, etc., for injury-less usage.
Hi Admin,
These tools are exceptionally great, and it would be a fantastic idea to have them in your DIY toolbox. It makes sense because having one of these let you cut cost on employing someone to do the job. You can always take on DIY projects and save money.