Best Overall
Bosch GCM12SD 12-in. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw
Runner-Up
DeWalt 12-in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Best Bang for the Buck
Craftsman V20 Cordless 7¼-in. Sliding Miter Saw Kit
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Today ’s miter sawing machine are a substantial melioration over the manual miter boxes of the 1960s , having evolved into powerfultoolsthat streamline the art of mitering , beveling , and crosscutting . That ’s why we search more than 30 models and then narrowed down our choices before choosing the highest - rat ones for quiz in our own woodwork shops and on actual jobsites .
After explore the food market and conducted our testing , we selected theBosch GCM12SD Dual - Bevel Glide Miter Sawas the in effect overall choice . We choose it establish on its powerful 15 - amp motor and 12 - inch blade , its 3,800 - rpm top cut velocity , the cushiony left- and right - handed gun trigger handle , and its adjustable fences , all of which make it effective for both DIY and professional use .
Keep scan to find out what happen in examination , and see how the conform to models take in a speckle in our batting order of some of the in force miter saw .
Our Top Picks
A mitre saw is anessential tycoon toolfor anyone who does carpentry work . Whether you ’re a trimming medical specialist seek precision for intricate cuts or a carpenter take on a stove of undertaking , this tilt has a saw to converge your budget and undertaking need .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carry our brand ’s highest level of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY product that affect us most in our real - world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila stain , including craftsmanship , innovation , and note value for the dollar mark . Winners of this identification come commend by our professional review team and are in person okay by Bob Vila .
The Bosch GCM12SD 12 - in miter saw comes with a sliding limb that let us to prune boards up to 14 inches wide . The saw comes with force - out material keep on both sides to stabilize boards up to 40 inches long , and it cuts compound bevels in both directions .
The clear see to it precaution on the Bosch mitre learn is designed not to stymie the substance abuser ’s view of the cut , and we were able-bodied to clearly see our cutlines from start to finish . The trigger grip features an ergonomic grip that can be used by either right - handed or left - handed users just as comfortably , and it features a cushiony nonslip clutches . fence are adjustable , and the mitre scale numbers are etched into untainted steel for enduringness .
During testing , we found that the Bosch saw truly does belong at the top of this list . First , it has a zero - headway chute subdivision that can sit up against a wall if necessary . The tranquil zero - clearance arm makes accurate stinger . Also , there was n’t any fabrication to cover with , and there are lots of extra references for roof rafters and vale cuts construct in . The dust assembling is salient , and the motor is incredibly powerful . The only squeamishness anyone might have with this saw is that it ’s a little heavy for carrying around the shop , and there are n’t any optical maser or lighter .
Get the Bosch miter saw atAmazon , The Home Depot , Acme Tools , orMenards .
Anyone count for a mitre saw that does almost everything well may want to mark out the DeWalt 12 - inch sliding miter saw . The saw comes with a hefty 15 - adenylic acid motor , and its sliding runway allow us to cut a board up to 16 inches encompassing . With its dual - chemical compound natural process , there ’s no need to turn a card over to cut an opponent angle ; just tilt the vane arm in the other direction .
This DeWalt miter joint watch also sport a smart go light that illuminates the cut field so the user can see exactly where they ’re foreshorten , but it does not have a optical maser usher . For well-situated cleanup spot , it includes a collection dust bag designed to catch up to 75 percentage of the dust it bring forth .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
During testing the DeWalt saw demonstrate to be a worthy tool . Despite not having a laser guide , the onboard conduce Inner Light and brawny motor made cutting a breeze . We appreciated the large cutting electrical capacity , though it does amount at the toll of take a lot of room for the rail . Also , instead of a turning knob to shut away the saw angle in place , this saw uses a lock away lever for quick angle changes .
What our tester says:“I make out several types of boards and trim back on the DWS780 , and this is a workhorse of a saw . It ’s gruelling at 58 pounds , but it could be transported to a line of work or project site and mounted , where it would easily serve as the most important realise on the chore . ” — Glenda Taylor , Product Reviews tester and writer
Read our full review : DeWalt 12 - in . Double - Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Get the DeWalt miter control atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
The most pregnant benefit of the Craftsman V20 is its small-scale footprint and lightweight design . Also , the ability for it to be used even when electricity is n’t usable is a plus . Lithium - ion battery are getting more brawny , and this miter saw can make up to 585 cutting through a 3¼-inch medium - density fiberboard on a single charge . It accept a Craftsman 20 - V rechargeable battery , which is included along with a bombardment charger .
This mitre saw boast a powerful motor that spins the steel at a rate of 3,800 rotation per minute , making it well suited to cut wall studs , baseboards , and molding with ease . It also slides , make it possible to rationalize board up to 8 inches full .
Photo: Amazon
We were n’t on the dot sure what we ’d find with the Craftsman V20 saw , primarily due to its weighting — it ’s just 31 hammer — and the large number of plastic pieces . But it was easy to put together , cut well , and was shockingly placid . We could see using this saw for project like ball over or trim work , though it did handle the construction baseball bat . Our only real misgiving were the plastic and the single - cant natural process ( rather than dual ) .
Get the Craftsman mitre saw atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAce Hardware .
Best Compact
Ridgid 18V 7¼-in. Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
With its stalwart carry hold and a manageable weight of just 24 pounds , the Ridgid miter saw was comparatively comfortable to transport to different worksites . And despite its compact size , this is a powerful slight saw .
The most significant standout feature is its cordless design , which winnow out the motivation for a nearby electrical outlet and the risk of exposure of the user tripping over cords . It supply the freedom to work in various locations without being tethered to mogul source . One minor drawback is the handle design . It ’s more well-to-do for good - manus use , and while a left - handed drug user can operate it , it ’s a little awkward .
A 7¼-inch sawing machine has a benefit — while it ’s slightly limited to board width ( we still cut 2x12s ) , it offer the tractability to trade in a blade from a 7¼-inch orbitual proverb when call for . Although not intend for heavy - responsibility use , the slew weapon system add together versatility for longer cuts . In examination , we mark that it was particularly well suitable for cutting trim , base , crown moulding , and making mitered and unbowed cut on lowly board . Although its portability is a plus , it must still be beetle off down for stable operation .
Photo: Amazon
We recollect that the included dust - ingathering bag left room for improvement — it roll up less than half of the sawdust and wood dust the tool generated . We solved this issue by attaching a store - vac hose for more efficacious debris control . However , the byword consistently deliver clean cuts , and we were able to make echo cuts for over an 60 minutes without the 18V 4Ah battery showing sign of depletion . On the positive side , the Ridgid comes with a brilliant LED spark that really help oneself illumine the workpiece .
This is a great piffling saw for remote projects and trim jobs . It wo n’t handle declamatory timber , but it ’s ready to go right out of the boxful and makes cut that are straight , genuine , and accurate .
Get the Ridgid mitre joint saw atThe Home Depot .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Woodworking
Makita LS0815F 8½-in. Slide Compound Miter Saw
For woodworkers needing a mitre watch for the workshop or to take on a jobsite , this Makita tool does n’t disappoint . It cuts panel up to 12 inch broad , and it features pull - out material stabilizers to support board when cutting .
press in at only 31 pound , this miter saw is sluttish to transport , and it bolts to the worktable for stability . The Makita saw comes with a dust - collection larboard . For added safety , it features a trigger brake that stops the steel from spin when the user releases the trigger . It also fall with a “ flaccid head start ” design to foreshorten motion and improve truth . to boot , the saw cuts bevels in both directions .
We liked this proverb ’s smaller blade , as it appeared not to deflect ( meaning to turn away while cutting ) like a 12 - inch steel might . The motor was sinewy enough for a smaller saw , but the snub capacity was outstanding . The soft startle , on the other paw , was a little rough , giving the adage a turn of a chattery tactile sensation until the blade speed up up . Our other charge was that the blade did not tilt to the right field , determine the saw ’s capableness a bit .
Photo: The Home Depot
Get the Makita LS0815F miter saw atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Best Zero-Clearance
Makita LS1019L 10-in. Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
Anyone who ’s short on workspace , but still wants maximum gash capacitance , may desire to arrest out the LS1019L from Makita . This saw features a 10 - in vane , dual - bevel activity , and a optical maser cutline for exact cuts . The 15 - amp motor has plenty of baron and whirl at 3,200 revolutions per minute ( revolutions per minute ) for cutting a variety of wood textile .
This saw has specially designed rails that add up toward the substance abuser , allowing this saw to be position closer to a wall . These zero - headway runway make this see a large choice for a shop or other areas where infinite is limited .
During testing , there were n’t many sphere where the Makita did n’t excel . The zero - headway arm and its activity were excellent , and the saw had plenty of king . Also , the laser helps trace up the cutting , and the rubble collection is top - mountain pass . The only issue we incur was that the adage was a little complicated to set up , and despite Makita touting that this see is loose , it ’s not that light , weighing in at almost 60 pound sign .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Makita LS1019L miter saw atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Best Cordless
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 10-in. Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The Milwaukee 10 - inch miter saw is a powerful preciseness creature for master and DIY partisan likewise . This cordless marvel offers many singular features , and it consistently surrender accurate cut of meat on all our tryout cloth .
Like other battery - power peter that are overtaking the twist and remodeling industry , this mitre saw ’s cordless design is a game - changer . It unloosen the user from the hassles of convoluted electric cord , spark luck , and searching for the nearest power outlet , and it provides unmatched versatility in a variety of work scene . This saw provide the flexibleness to influence wherever projects are specify up .
The Milwaukee mitre saw offers more than just cordless convenience ; it ’s also a powerhouse when it comes to cutting performance . It handled a broad range of cut tasks with noteworthy precision during our testing . From basic cut to complex cant and miter angles , this saw systematically delivered top - mountain pass results , and the sliding sleeve allowed us to cut plug-in up to 12 in wide .
Photo: Amazon
Although the saw comes outfit with a detritus - compendium system of rules , the debris bag did n’t pile up much sawdust — most spewed into the strain before it reached the bag . We connect the hosepipe from our shop vacuum , and the suction from the emptiness continue more of the sawdust from becoming airborne .
The safe switch — conveniently place next to the gun trigger — offer effortless one - handed mathematical process . This contributes to overall ease of use , specially during extended cutting sessions . Another standout feature of speech is the undimmed take light rootage . It ’s not just a token summation ; it ’s a pragmatic and well - design element . It provided excellent visibility , draw a focussed beam directly onto our run workpiece .
The saw made smooth , precise , and consistent cuts , and the positive stop on the mitre scale and the bevel exfoliation allowed us to change angles quickly . Similar to other top - tier miter adage we test , this one comes with a precalibrated blade ready to originate cut right out of the box seat . It weighs a substantial 45 pounds , but for the good stability , it should be bolt down .
Photo: The Home Depot
Get the Milwaukee miter saw atThe Home Depot , Acme Tools , orAmazon .
Best for Trim
Delta 10-in. Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The Delta 10 - inch miter saw is all about getting woodworking right with precision and efficiency . Unlike a regular saw , it can do tricky angles without a fuss , and both right - handed and left - handed folk can use it well . In our mental test , it did n’t miss a beat . From cutting fiddly pennant molding to chunky baseboard , this see made the cuts utterly every time .
In testing , several thing bear out on the Delta — first , adjusting it was a breeze thanks to the sluttish - admittance lever for both the mitre joint and bevel square angles . The sawdust bag did n’t bring well , but it ’s get a cagey port wine that absorb up the sawdust when it ’s plug into to a emptiness .
This saw felt solid and was quick to go justly out of the box — no fiddling with adjustments . With mitre adage used for making precise cut , such as thieve angles , it ’s essential to check over the fence and blade for correct standardisation , which we did using a speed square . Had it been out of alignment , we would have involve to make adjustments via the tool ’s bevel adjustment bolt . However , the Delta came absolutely calibrate , and no adjustments were need .
Photo: Amazon
Many of the miter joint saws we tested occur with positive stops ( detents ) that allowed us to quick set up the most usual angles for cutting , but the Delta takes convenience a step further . This saw also boast cocksure miter and cant plosive for at bottom coping joints ( a 33.85 - level chamfer and a 31.62 - degree mitre ) . This ready the Delta hear ready to hand for trim and finish up carpenter who regularly fit coping joints . It ’s also capable of cutting boards up to 16 inch wide .
The Delta is a smart selection for pros who want an advanced trim - cutting cock that ’s precise , toughened , and versatile for their carpentry task . It is a corded model , though , so it requires access to an electrical wall socket .
Get the Delta miter find out atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: Amazon
Also Consider
Metabo HPT 12-in. Dual Compound Miter Saw With Laser
The affordable Metabo HPT 12 - column inch mitre take care with optical maser pathfinder snub bevels in both directions and comes with a powerful 15 - amp motor to iron heel . Thanks to the optical maser feature , the cutline is easy to see on the board before cut , reducing the possibility for error . The Metabo HPT also comes with a pivot fence to simplify cutting crown molding .
This full - size of it saw comes with an elastomer - cake handle designed to trim oscillation , hand fatigue , and manus slippage . This is a prissy and unexpected feature film on a more affordably priced saw .
With plenty of power , the Metabo HPT miter saw can write out through just about anything woodwork - relate . The laser is also a nice feature , as it makes liner up cut quick and easy . It ’s also not terribly heavy , thanks in part to the lack of slides . However , the leaf blade on our model was n’t straight , so we had to adjust it before it would contract correctly . Also , the lever tumbler for align the saw ’s tilt is awkward and not visceral .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Metabo HPT miter saw atAce ironware .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Miter Saws
Our procedure start with assembling each byword , some being tricky than others . We attachedsharp blades , annexe , knobs , and rubble - collection systems , assessing the ease of frame-up . We then examine all features and adjustments , including mitre , compound chamfer , optical maser , work light , and other conveniences , check that everything functioned decently . We also checked each mitre blade ’s squareness for truth .
Then , the real tests start . We cut back a variety of materials , including 2x4s , 1x4s , base , crown , trim , and even stack boards for an added challenge . We made lashings of cutting with each saw to see how well it stand up to repeated use . later , we cautiously inspected the cut pieces for precision and smoothness .
We graded each consider ground on a rubric — the full it perform on a specific test , the more dot it receive . After our comprehensive men - on testing , we used the scores to square off which miter saws were best befit for different users and labor .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
What to Consider When Choosing a Miter Saw
The character of woodworking projects a user intends to take in charge will influence the features needed in a miter saw . Someone who only wants a mitre saw to make crosscut on Natalie Wood flooring strip show wo n’t need the special features a professional trim carpenter need to disregard crown mold . There are several feature to regard when pick out a mitre adage , starting with the type .
Types of Miter Saws
All miter saws feature a circular sword encased in a swing music arm that pivots from side to side to make crosscut on narrow strips of wood ( 5 to 18 inches wide , depend on the saw ) . However , one saw does n’t fit all case of projection , so individual woodworking needs will square up which visualize is right . depend on lineament and features , miter saws can start at around $ 175 and run up to $ 1,000 or more . The following are the most common types of mitre joint saws :
A chemical compound slither miter find out is the best type of miter saw for veer all-encompassing boards because users can pull the saw ’s motorhead toward themselves , lower the head , trigger the motor , and push it through the circuit board .
Depending on the model , a sliding mitre saw can handle add-in from 10 to 18 in across-the-board , and it can be either a single - bevel chemical compound or dual - bevel compound mitre saw . Some of the best compound mitre joint saws also sport zero - clearance arms , which allow for the saw to sit close to a bulwark without limiting the leaf blade ’s travel .
Size and Intended Use
Miter saws are pronounce by the leaf blade size they can accept . In general , the larger the blade , the magnanimous the table the saw will cut . Not everyone require the bombastic blade size of it — some prefer a tool with a smaller brand because those tools are typically lighter in exercising weight and simpler to move ( and often more accurate ) . A few off - size subsist , but the most commonmiter see bladesizes are 7¼ , 8½ , 10 , and 12 inch .
Any of the above miter saws can cut wider board if they ’re equipped with a sliding arm . For deterrent example , a 10 - inch mitre learn with a 6 - inch sliding branch can make a 90 - level gash on a 2×12 .
Keep in creative thinker that 10- and 12 - inch leaf blade often hurt from a snatch of deflection . deflexion is when the blade ’s path wobbles a routine during press cutting . While it ’s not usually an issue , discerning woodworkers and high - end finish carpenters may opt a saw that minimizes deflection .
Corded vs. Cordless
Until a few class ago , all mitre adage were cord , and most still are , but these cord limit where the saw can operate . Cordless mitre sawing machine are the new Kyd on the blockage , and they operate on rechargeable lithium - ion battery . Battery runtime calculate on the number of cuts and how thick the wood is , but on average cordless miter power saw can make 150 to 275 cuts on a unmarried electric battery charge .
Motor Power
The more mogul the power saw ’s motor has ( quantify in amperes ) , the longer the user can cut boards without the hazard of the saw overheating . Typical miter get a line motor sizes are 10 - amp , 12 - adenosine monophosphate , and 15 - amp .
The large motor will also generate enough steel - spin force for cutting through chummy , dense material . For example , for those only cutting through pine circuit card , a 10 - ampere miter visualize will likely bid more than enough mightiness . However , a more powerful motor may be necessary for those who postulate to make repetitive cuts through fiber cement siding or oak tree step treads .
Safety
A mitre saw is n’t themost dangerous sawin the workshop , but it can still cause injury if it ’s misuse or if it does n’t make out with refuge features . The follow safe features are standard on most miter saw .
Additional Features
Miter saws are various , and some come with additional features that expand on their use . Some appurtenance come establish into the saw , and some can usually be purchase separately if the exploiter desires . Here are some common extra features of miter saws :
FAQs
Over the preceding few years , the miter saw has almost replaced the radial limb saw in workshops and jobsites because it ’s quicker to correct angles and it cuts precise degrees . Anyone cutting angles , such as for wood passementerie , may find that the miter saw quickly becomes their favorite power creature in the workshop . For those think about buying their first mitre saw , here are some answer to a few common interrogation .
The main use of a miter saw is to cut accurate slant on the final stage of boards , clean-cut , and modelling . Though miter saws are perfect for wood , some choice are also idealistic for charge card , Freemasonry , and metallic element .
A chemical compound mitre joint saw cuts bevel in addition to angles , whereas a sliding miter saw comes with a cutting off arm the user can pull to cut broad boards . A mitre joint saw can be both sliding and chemical compound .
No . rip is the cognitive operation of cutting boards lengthwise and is usually done on a table saw . A mitre saw makes crosscuts and tilt cutting . Those who are concerned in split cuts should debate a orbitual or mesa check that has a rip template and/or fence .
The unspoilt way for a beginner to learn how to use a mitre ascertain is by purchasing a miter saw that comes with safety features and reading the operating manual entirely before using the byword . It may also be beneficial for a beginner to see someone else practice a miter sawing machine — either in person or by watching online instructional TV .
Meet the Testers
Tom Scalisi is a full - time DIY and expression author for many of the largest websites in the industry , including BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes as well as his own pestilence control blog . He spend year working in the trades and industrial construction care .
Glenda Taylor is a ware quizzer and author specializing in the construction , remodeling , and real estate industries . She tests a wide reach of baron tools as well as other home improvement , family , and lawn - and - garden products .
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