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Miter saws are an essential tool for any DIY-er and professional. Understanding the different kinds of miter saws is vital to navigating around the available options on the market. That’s why we have put together a guide of all the aspects offered by this saw, along with the explanations as to what makes these saws different from one another. This is included to help you choose the best one that satisfies your specific needs and preferences. Moreover, we have also included our picks for the best miter saw options to make the selection process less daunting and straightforward.
Why Do You Need A Miter Saw?
These specific saws are seen as a precious tool for DIY-ers and an essential device for any fully-operating workshop. These tools are designed to quickly and effectively cut picture frames, window casings, door frames, and crown moldings. This kind of saw is also equipped to perform straight cuts for ordinary woodworking tasks. These features are incredibly desirable for any woodworking space.
Nonetheless, you’re likely to be met with confusion when looking at the array of miter saw options available on the market. There are four primary types of miter saws that are available. These options are equipped with a saw blade that performs cuts at different angles by pivoting on an axis. However, there are varied key features that cause these types of saws to differ while accommodating users’ specific needs.
What Are The Different Types of Miter Saws?
As previously mentioned, there are four main types of miter saws. These all offer similar setups. However, the specific functionality of these is varied. This is why your individual woodworking preferences or needs are what determine the type of saw that’s right for you. Here are the functionalities of each kind of miter saw:
Standard Miter Saws:
The standard miter saw is considered to be the simplest saw out of all four of the options. It is also called a ‘chop saw,’ as you’re required to pivot the swing arm at a specific angle and push the arm downwards to slice through the wood or other materials being cut. The standard or chop saw is only equipped to produce blunt cuts. For this reason, it’s not as popular or commonly used as the other miter saw types.
Pros
- Affordable to purchase.
- It can produce crosscuts and miter cuts.
- The design is generally robust, lightweight, and durable.
- It’s easy to operate.
Cons
- There isn’t any bevel option.
- This type of saw can’t cut compound angles.
Single Compound Miter Saws:
Along with cutting angles, the swing arm incorporated on the single compound miter saw is also equipped to tilt in one direction. It generally tilts to the left, and this feature is included in the design to cut a bevel located at the end of the board. This is done simultaneously as it cuts the miter angle.
This is a desirable function for projects like constructing picture frames that are elaborate installing crown molding where the material’s end needs to be beveled to fit correctly. The majority of saws that are available on the market are classified as compound saws.
Pros
- It’s an exceptional choice for most people.
- It provides excellent versatility.
Cons
- The power tool is more expensive when compared to the standard option.
- Its system is more complicated to operate.
Dual Compound Miter Saws:
The dual-component miter saw is also equipped to cut bevels on the ends of the material you may be working with. Nonetheless, the swing arm designed on a dual compound miter saw can tilt in both directions, unlike a single compound miter saw that only tilts in one direction. This function primarily works as a time-saving convenience, as a single compound saw is equipped to make the same cuts as the dual compound miter saw.
The only difference is that the user must turn the material over to cut a bevel in the opposing direction when using a single compound miter saw. The dual-compound miter saw is equipped to skip this step.
Pros
- It can produce compound cuts, bevel, miter cuts, and crosscuts.
- It’s very versatile.
Cons
- It’s a more expensive option when compared to the standard saw.
- Its system is more complex to operate effectively.
Compound Slide Miter Saws:
The sliding compound miter saw provides the user to perform cuts on a wider board. A sliding compound miter saw is designed by incorporating sliding rails into a compound miter saw. A compound miter saw that doesn’t have a sliding compound miter has the ability to perform cuts on boards with a width of up to 5.5-inches.
Without this sliding compound miter saw feature, you will need to turn the wooden board over if it’s wider to complete cutting it. The problem with completing cuts like this without a compound miter slide saw is that these cuts can be uneven if you don’t line the cuts up on the board correctly.
Therefore, a sliding miter saw is the best option for cutting boards with a wider width. This is because the user can pull the miter saw with slide functionality forward and continue cutting through the whole board once the swingarm has been lowered.
Most of the compound miter saws that have the functionality of a sliding compound miter saw can cut boards that are between 10 to 18-inches wide. However, each sliding compound saw’s individual capabilities are dependent on the model and can either be designed as a dual or compound miter saw. Nonetheless, sliding compound miter saws provide the user with exceptional convenience.
Pros
- It’s seen as the most advanced out of all the options.
- It holds the ability to cut any angle.
- It’s a handy power tool for professionals who are required to cut wider pieces of wood more frequently.
Cons
- This is the most expensive type of saw out of all the other options mentioned above.
- The structure of these saws is heavier and more massive.
- The systems of these specific power tools are only suitable for very experienced workers.
A Buyer’s Guide: The Considerations Needed To Purchase The Best Miter Saw For You
The woodworking projects you wish to undertake largely determine the needed features to purchase the right miter saw for you. For example, an individual who wishes to use a miter saw to perform crosscuts on strips of wooden flooring won’t need the additional features that a professional trim carpenter requires to install crown molding of elaborate nature efficiently. Here are a few features that should be considered before purchasing a miter saw:
Post name Best Values
The Size of the Miter Saw:
The miter saw the size of the miter best dictates the device’s capability to cut the different sizes of wood and other materials.
A 10-inch miter saw is named this because it’s equipped with a 10-inch blade. This miter saw size is a suitable option for performing cuts on a majority of types of siding strips and trim boards. These are generally smaller than 6-inches wide and 3/4-inches thick.
However, if you wish to cut 1.5-inch thick framing boards, along with other thicker boards, you should consider choosing a larger-sized miter saw. A good option would be a 12-inch saw, as its larger blade holds the ability to cut through thicker boards more efficiently.
Power Options:
The majority of miter saws are corded. Just a few years ago, manufacturers implemented power options that didn’t need a cord. However, these still aren’t as popular as corded options.
These miter saws equipped with corded features include either a 15-amp,12-amp, or 10-amp motor. The powerful 15-amp motor is seen as having the most power, and a general rule to follow is that the higher the amp, the more powerful the motor is.
Nonetheless, a 10-amp motor can still effectively cut most kinds of trim boards. However, a higher-amp motor, such as a powerful 15-amp motor, is a better option if you wish to cut through larger, more dense boards. Moreover, these motors won’t overheat as quickly as lower-amped motors when using the device continuously.
cordless miter saws: As previously mentioned, the cordless feature on a miter saw is new to the saw’s design. The cordless miter saw is generally equipped with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that operate on a 20-volt power source.
The miter saw the battery runtime depends on how often you’re performing cuts and how much wood you’re performing these cuts on. Nevertheless, you can expect to achieve an average of between 150 to 275 cuts with the power provided by a single battery charge.
Laser Guide
Some miter saws are equipped with a laser guide feature. This feature produces a green or red line across the wooden board to indicate where the blade will cut. The laser guiding feature is highly desirable for DIY-ers and beginners to allow these users to have the correct positioning before beginning to cut across the wooden board. Thus, the cutting that’s produced is even.
Non-Slip Grip
Working up a sweat is incredibly common when using this type of device, especially on a hot summer’s day. The build-up of sweat can result in you having a slippery grip on the handle of the miter saw. This is something you want to avoid when working with such devices.
For this reason, manufacturers have included non-slip grips in the design of miter saws. This non-slip grip is a feature that aids in reducing hand fatigue while offering a better grasp over the miter saw’s handle.
Even though this is an incredible feature, many miter saws aren’t equipped with this non-slip grip. Thus, finding a miter saw that incorporates a non-slip grip is a fantastic bonus.
Dust Collection Feature:
Miter saws have a reputation for creating a lot of sawdust. This is especially the case when operating a miter saw inside a workspace. Nonetheless, manufacturers have formulated features to combat this dust by incorporating dust collection abilities into the miter saws’ design.
Two different types of dust collection are provided in miter saws. The first method of dust collection includes a small dust bag equipped to naturally collect the dust as it moves off the miter saw’s blade. However, this dust bag method of dust collection isn’t as good as the second option.
The second method of dust collection incorporated in the structure of the miter saw is a dust collection port. This port effectively removes dust by being connected to a shop-type vacuum hose.
The Miter Saw’s Table:
The table of a miter saw refers to the base attached to the actual miter saw. This table is the element that provides the surface for miter saws to make cuts on. This is the primary task of the table.
For this reason, you must be aware of the board you wish to perform cutting on for the table to operate as an effective work surface. The space provided by the table can be limited. Thus, many woodworking hobbyists have created their own miter saw tables and stands.
These additions are made to accommodate cutting longer boards. That’s why it’s essential to consider the length of boards you wish to perform cuts so that the right miter saw, with the correct-sized table, can be selected.
Miter Scale:
Another vital feature that should be considered is the miter scale of a miter saw. The miter scale is significant as it’s seen as the miter saw’s real purpose.
The miter scale determines the type of cuts you’re able to make. Angled cuts are known as ‘miter cuts.’ Along the vast meter scales are ‘stops.’ The ‘stops’ are the most common angles that the miter saw is used to cut from.
These standard angles include 90 degrees and 45 degrees. Nonetheless, some miter saw brands equip miter saws with 10 to 12 ‘stops.’ Thus, providing an array of different angles for the miter saw to cut from.
Moreover, these particular ‘stops’ hold the ability to be locked in place. This functionality is exceptionally convenient, especially if you happen to be working with a specific angle repeatedly.
The Specific Cuts That The Miter Saw Can make:
There are a variety of different cuts that you can make with a miter saw. These types of cuts play a vital role in the specific miter saw you ultimately purchase. Here are the cuts that miter saws are capable of producing:
Angled or Miter Cuts:
Performing miter cuts is what a miter saw is mainly used for. These are cuts achieved through the piece of wood you’re cutting, and it runs at a diagonal angle. You gain the ability to make such cuts by utilizing the miter scale that’s present on your miter saw. You can select the best angle from the ‘stops’ provided by your miter scale to produce the miter cuts you require.
The majority of the time, miter saws bevel to the lift. Nonetheless, when using the other miter saw variations, such as a dual bevel miter saw, you gain the ability to pivot the blade to the right with the same angle to the left of the pivot.
This feature creates an easier way of cutting your wooden pieces. This is especially the case when you’re required to perform cuts for a tight-angled project. The purpose of this feature is to provide convenience to the user. This is due to eliminating the step of turning the boards over to make the same angled cuts on the wooden pieces.
Cross Cuts:
Making crosscuts is relatively straightforward and holds the ability to be made on most miter saws, such as standard miter saws. A cross-cut is identified as a straight cut that runs parallel to the board’s edges.
This is unlike a miter cut because you don’t need to decide on a specific angle before performing cuts on the wooden board. This makes it one of the most straightforward and effective cutting processes as you don’t have to adjust the saw when you’re performing cuts.
Bevel Cuts:
The process of making a bevel cut requires the chop to be done at an angle. However, this cut must be performed across the wooden board at any angle other than 90 degrees.
A bevel cut is made when sliced downwards into the wooden piece. This is in contrast to a miter cut, which performs a cut that’s straight-angled.
The majority of miter saws are incapable of producing these bevel cuts, and only a specialized few hold the functionality of effectively performing these bevel cuts.
Nonetheless, the ability to make a bevel cut is beneficial if you wish to perform a diagonally spanning board. This is especially the case for those that are placed at a tricky angle.
The ability to successfully perform a bevel cut with a miter saw is incredibly beneficial. Acquiring this ability not only elevates your skill but also enhances the finish of your cuts, along with the quality of the finished product.
The 8 Best Miter Saws: full Reviews
There is an incredibly vast amount of miter saws available on the market today. This can make choosing the right one extremely daunting. That is why we have created this list.
We have collected our top picks for the best miter saws to provide you with some exceptional options, along with outlining the features that these power tools hold. This is done to help you decide what would be the best fit for your specific needs. Here are some excellent miter saws to help you identify the best miter saw for you:
Dewalt DWS780 Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The Dewalt DWS780 is equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor that holds the ability to run at 3,600 RPM. Moreover, the structure of this compound sliding miter saw provides the user with a precise miter system.
This Dewalt DWS780 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is also designed with a machined base fence support system. The benefit of including this feature in the design is that the user gains optimal accuracy when producing cuts.
This saw can perform miter cuts between zero and 60 degrees to the left and zero to 50 degrees to the right. Also, it can perform a bevel cut between zero and 48 degrees to the left and right. These saws have a crown molding capacity of 6-5/8 inches (left and right)
Moreover, this sliding compound miter saw device includes a dust bag collection system and a carbide blade. Another desirable feature included in these specific sliding compound miter saws is the adjustable miter saw laser guide system.
– While the Dewalt DWS780 is built like a tank, it does not support dust collection. No matter how much you clean this saw, all that fine Sawdust will end up on the floor. However, there are workarounds for this problem involving attaching a shop vac hose to catch some of the dust and directing it through an open window or building a wood box with a lid and installing a 4″ IronClad (that sells Dust Right Dust Deputy) at your central vacuum source. But remember: The better way to go is to avoid using such tools without supporting dust collection methodologies.
– While the dust collection issue can be improved by adding a shop vac and better dust collection systems, there are many things about this saw that cannot or will never be fixed without buying another brand of miter saws.
– The worst part of this miter saw according to users seems to be the riving knife mechanism/setup which has been reviewed as being inferior compared to other brands like Hitachi’s KM12VC (which uses small powerful rare earth magnets instead), Makita LS0714 (plastic supports sliding up and down like a guillotine) and Delta’s 50-760 (uses two standard size rare earth magnets).
– While not as bad as the riving knife issue, there is still much to be desired with the L.E.D light brightness and location. The Dewalt DWS780’s lower blade guard/splitter assembly prevents this saw from being compatible with aftermarket brackets that provide a riving knife support post for better workpiece visibility during cuts. Also, its LED light does not have enough brightness to do fine finish cuts on dark hardwoods like maple.
pros:
• Achieve dead-on accuracy with the CUTLINE Blade Positioning System
• Stay safe and stay on track with XPS technology• Highly rated, great value for money
• Keep your work area clean with the superior dust collection system
• Make compound miter cuts easily with the tall sliding fences
cons:
- No laser
The Hitachi C10FCG isn’t a sliding compound miter saw. However, it’s still a worthwhile purchase and one of the best miter saw devices for various reasons.
The first reason is that the compound miter saw is equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor, which holds the ability to generate a no-load speed of a maximum RPM of 5,000. This motor can be used to produce miter cuts, as well as crosscuts effectively.
One of the best features of this compound miter saw is that it includes thumb-activated positive stops in the design. This functionality offers the user the ability to make quick miter adjustments.
Another feature offered by one of the best miter saw devices is its incredible dust collection system. The attachment included in the miter saw’s structure minimizes the airborne dust particles present in the workspace.
The Hitachi C10FCG is a 10-inch compound sliding miter saw with 27.5 inches of cutting capacity that weighs 52 pounds and has a 15 amp, single-phase motor. The bevel features for this particular miter saw are 0 degrees to 45 degrees left and 0 degrees to 47.5 degrees right with positive stops at 22.5 and 33.9 degrees left and right, respectively. It also includes an electric brake, dust bag hookup port, and LED work light as standard features on the saw itself.
This miter saw does not come with any storage options or accessories but can accept most adapters from other Hitachi tools such as T-slot crosscut guide rails or zero plates for making moldings from scratch. Additionally, this particular model can be hooked up to a dust collector for more functionality and improved accuracy.
The Pros:
This saw is packed with many features that make it an ideal candidate to become part of your collection of woodworking tools. It has a 15 amp motor which provides you with 4,100 RPM and high-performance abilities along with its cutting capacity and large 12-inch material support width; the latter feature also helps increase cutting accuracy as well as reduce kickback due to the larger amount of surface area that your workpiece sits on…
The Hitachi C10FCG really tries to remove as much stress as possible from the user during the said process so it comes as no surprise as to why this miter saw was designed with a large, front-mounted pivoting handle to provide you with a strong grip while working.
The Cons:
This saw does not come with any storage options or accessories which means that the user must purchase these items separately from the market. In addition to this, this particular model also lacks a laser guide feature so therefore an external aid such as a framing square may be required for cutting certain angles and lengths. The safety switch on this miter saw is located at the back of the machine near the cord which can get in your way when trying to make a cut especially if you’re right-handed and require two hands for operation.
There have been many complaints about dust collection being too underpowered even when hooked up via a vacuum system which may lead to some annoyance for users.
Lastly, this saw lacks any sort of dust collector port which isn’t too much of an issue for most people but it is worth mentioning that there are models that provide you with this feature at a very low cost (or even included) along with all the other great features that the Hitachi C10FCG provides.
- Dual bevel design makes cutting at different angles easy and convenient–0 degrees for 90 degree cuts or any angle up to 50 degrees left or right
- Very good miter detent plate for quick, accurate cuts in crown molding, door casing, or machine framing
- Very solid build with no flex in the fence or arm components–should last many years of commercial use
- Small footprint but still has a 12-inch blade providing good capacity for most cutting jobs
- The sawdust collection system takes up some space when cutting wider pieces–keep this in mind if you’re tight on space in your shop.
• One battery that changes voltage automatically for different tool
• Get up to 289 cuts with one charge
• Powerful motor provides faster cutting than brushed motors
• Portable design makes it easy to use on the go
The DeWalt DHS790AT2 is an outstanding miter saw with a lot of great features and very little drawbacks. It has a powerful 15 Amp motor and dual bevel design with positive stops at 0 and 45 degrees for convenience and fast operation. The miter detent plate allows you to make quick, accurate cuts in crown moldings, baseboard trim, door casing, or even machine framing using the standard fence system that comes included. If you’re looking for one of the best sliding compound miter saws out there, this is it!
Pros:
– Dual bevel design makes cutting at different angles easy and convenient–0 degrees for 90-degree cuts or any angle up to 50 degrees left or right
– Very good miter detent plate for quick, accurate cuts in crown molding, door casing, or machine framing
– Very solid build with no flex in the fence or arm components–should last many years of commercial use
– Small footprint but still has a 12-inch blade providing good capacity for most cutting jobs
Cons:
– Sawdust collection system takes up some space when cutting wider pieces–keep this in mind if you’re tight on space in your shop.
Efficiency Rating = 9/10 (Outstanding)
The DeWalt DHS790AT2 is one of the best sliding compound miter saws out there. It’s extremely efficient and will cut accurately with ease whether utilizing the standard fence system or making beveled cuts at angles up to 50 degrees left or right. It’s one of the most durable and well-built saws on the market.
Durability Rating = 9/10 (Very Durable)
The DeWalt DHS790AT2 is made with precision and durability in mind. It has an extremely sturdy build that will hold up under commercial use without any flex in the arm components or fence after extended use. This is a saw you’ll be able to keep in your shop for many years if you choose and it can handle heavy workloads day after day with ease.
Ease of Use Rating = 8/10 (Very Easy to Use)
The DeWalt DHS790AT2 operates very smoothly, even at higher speeds, due to the well-balanced design and quality build. It’s easy to set up out of the box and adjusting for different angles is quick and easy due to the detent plate system–it won’t take long at all before you’re making accurate cuts with ease.
Value Rating = 9/10 (High Value)
The DeWalt DHS790AT2 offers a lot of value when compared to other saws on the market in its class. It provides plenty of power, large capacity in a small footprint, smooth operation, excellent durability, and several convenient features like dual bevel capability and a good miter detent plate for cutting crown molding or machine framing. If you’re looking for one of the best sliding compound miter saws out there, this is it!
Overall Rating = 9/10 (Outstanding)
The DeWalt DHS790AT2 is an outstanding miter saw with a lot of great features and very few drawbacks. It has a powerful 15 Amp motor and dual bevel design with positive stops at 0 and 45 degrees for convenience and fast operation. The miter detent plate allows you to make quick, accurate cuts in crown molding, baseboard trim, door casing, or even machine framing using the standard fence system that comes included. If you’re looking for one of the best sliding compound miter saws out there, this is it!
Dewalt DWS709 12-Inch Compound Sliding Miter Saw
DWS709: A back fence design is provided to cut up to 2-inch X 14-inch wooden pieces at 90 degrees with these particular miter saws. Dewalt has incorporated a 15-amp motor in the sliding compound miter saw. This 15-amp motor provides extended power with an RPM of 3,800.
The dual bevel compound scale features oversized and easy-to-read functionality. Moreover, this dual bevel compound miter saw offers sliding fences support for crown molding of up to 5.5-inches.
If you are looking for a miter saw with a Dewalt brand name that is not too expensive, then the Dewalt DWS709 compound sliding miter saw is your best choice. It has the most Dewalt brand quality and comes at half the price of Dewalt DW718 (from the same Dewalt model series).
There are two things to note about this Dewalt model: 1) it does NOT come with the laser guide; 2) 45-degree miters do NOT allow for beveled cuts (bevel cuts can only be made up to 50 degrees). This Dewalt DWS709 review will highlight all features of this product and the pros and cons of owning one.
This Dewalt miter saw is not meant for heavy-duty work. Many reviewers think that Dewalt DWS709 is a good buy for the price, but it does have some shortfalls. Here are some Dewalt DWS709 reviews submitted by customers:
“The Dewalt 709 compound miter saw with laser guide has helped me to make accurate cuts in very little time… I would recommend this product to anyone who needs an accurate cut in less time.” – Anil “The Dewalt 709 compound miter saw gives you great value for your money if you are shopping in the $400-$500 range.” – Kamala
“The Dewalt 709 compound miter saw with laser guide is light, small, and easy to use for my needs. I am very satisfied with the purchase.” – Arry “This Dewalt model does not come with laser guide or bevel cuts greater than 50 degrees. Dewalt DWS710 might be a better choice if you need more features.” – Kamala
Pros of Dewalt DWS709:
– Dewalt quality; lightweight at 38 pounds
– Comes at half price of Dewalt DW718 (Dewalt model series)
– Accurate miters (as long as you set it up correctly according to the Dewalt manual)
Cons of the DWS709:
– Dewalt DWS708 is a better choice if you need bevel cuts greater than 50 degrees
– Dewalt DWS709 does NOT come with a laser guide or bevel cuts greater than 50 degrees
– Dewalt DW708715 has all the features of Dewalt DWS709 plus it has a laser guide and comes at the same price as Dewalt DWS708. So Dewalt DW708715 might be a better buy overall.
- Laser guide for accurate cutting
- 6 speed range
- 5 positive stops at 0, 15, 22 1/2, 31, 45 degrees
- Rubberized grip adjustable handle
- Easy to read depth gauge
- 4-inch dust port accepts standard 2-1/2 inch vacuum hoses
- Expensive replacement blades can be pricey
- Blade seems to be only adequate according to users
• Powerful 15 Amp Motor
• Numerous cutting angles with 11 positive stop positions
• Cuts lumber up to 2×12 at 90 degrees and 2×8 at 45 degrees
• Quick, detailed cuts with 4,800 RPM for less time used on making cuts
The Skil MS6305 Miter Saw is a 12 inch saw capable of cutting a variety of materials at various angles. This allows it to be very versatile in applications and features a laser sight for accurate cuts. It weighs 54 lbs. (24 kg) with dimensions of 18 x 17 x 7 inches (45.7 x 43.2 x 17.8 cm).
Pros:
- Laser guide for accurate cutting
- 6 speed range
- 5 positive stops at 0, 15, 22 1/2, 31, 45 degrees
- Rubberized grip adjustable handle
- Easy to read depth gauge
- 4-inch dust port accepts standard 2-1/2 inch vacuum hoses
Cons:
- Expensive replacement blades can be pricey
- Blade seems to be only adequate according to users
Verdict: The Skil MS6305 is a good buy for the money, but it might be worthwhile to keep the receipt or even purchase an extended warranty. Some of its features are quite nice, such as the laser guide and adjustable handle. Other features, however, such as the sawdust port leave something to be desired. Luckily there are upgrades you can make yourself with relative ease to improve both aspects without breaking your budget. One thing is certain though; it’s a great tool that will serve you well for a long time.
Festool 561287 10-Inch Sliding Miter Saw
The 561287 10-inch sliding miter saw by Festool provides a rail forward design. This particular design features a compact footprint while offering an accurate cut that prevents head play.
Accuracy is offered during the cutting process, as the dual laser features highlight the material that needs to be removed. The bevel angle is also micro-adjustable and features an up-front rotary knob. This features the capability to align all cutting from the left and the right easily.
These single bevel angles can be set precisely with ease due to the fine points and significant bevel scale features.
TACKLIFE PMSO3A 12-Inch Miter Saw
This 12-inch miter saw features the functionality of a sliding miter saw. The 12-inch miter saw is also equipped with a 15-amp motor that’s capable of producing 3,800 RPM.
The 12-inch miter device offers a 40T 305mm blade. Moreover, the blade can produce a double-bevel cut at 45 degrees to the left and right. The 45 degrees that the dual bevel is equipped with are executed accurately using a laser guide.
Pros:
– 15 Amp powerful motor delivers enough power for various projects
– Laser guide markings allow you to make perfectly straight cuts effortlessly
– Lightweight and portable design makes the TACKLIFE PMSO3A easy to take from one place to another
– Comes fully assembled so you can start using it right out of the box
– Affordable unit that delivers excellent value for money
Cons:
– Although included in most miter saws these days, laser guide lights are not present on this model
– No dust port is included so you have to purchase it separately
Dewalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Miter Saws
DWS779: One of the best features offered by these sliding miter saws is the back fence design. This allows the user to cut a maximum size of 2-inch X 14-inch wooden pieces with the blade at 90 degrees while cutting a wooden piece with a maximum size of 2-inches X 10-inches at 45 degrees with the blade (left and right).
Moreover, the cutting capacity is equipped to support larger wooden pieces. The single bevel feature provides dual horizontal railings. Not to mention, the structure features a 12-inch blade and powerful tool that’s lightweight and portable.
Dewalt DWS779 Miter Saw is a great saw for doing an accurate miter cut. It’s going to be nicer if you have a stand of some kind with it but you can make do by putting blocks under the bag of this miter saw or using a few boards as a makeshift stand. The blades on this saw give the best results when they are changed from time to time, which is easy enough if you use your newly purchased miter saw frequently and regularly change its blade according to the types of wood that you plan to cut and any special cuts that you want to make on those pieces of wood.
The Dewalt DWS779 can be found in retail stores for around $600. The saw is a well-made compound miter saw. It’s not the lightest on the market, but it offers high performance at its size.
Pros:
It includes an electric brake that stops the blade within seconds after the release of the switch to avoid any accidents. The dust collection system works well, even though there are no vacuum adapters included with this model. One of the best features is its easy-to-read ruler which shows up clearly against most backgrounds. It also comes with a one-year warranty and 90-day money-back guarantee plus an additional three years when you register online.
The handle offers a good grip while operating adding to your safety while working. The 13 amp motor can be tilted up to 45 degrees for crown molding and other curved work. It produces no noise while operating, even at high speeds.
The miter angle of the Dewalt DWS779 is accurate and locks in place securely.
Cons:
A few customers have reported that the saw did not cut straight out of the box. The blade needs oiling regularly if you want it to last longer than one or two projects. Plus, it’s not recommended to use any synthetic oils on this model as they are too slippery for the blade mechanism to grip correctly on its track when raising or lowering it. These are simple adjustments you can make on your own without taking the tool into a service center though, so they shouldn’t be considered deal-breakers.
The miter angle locks in place securely, but some users report that it’s not as easy to change angles with this saw compared to other models on the market.
Some customers have reported problems with the accuracy of the laser cutting guide. The unit starts out accurate enough at 90 degrees but begins to deviate further away from 90 degrees after continued use. Also, the blade began hitting the screws holding down the clamp after a while of use which can become dangerous when working with lumber for example. A few others complained about its weight and how difficult it was to move around some job sites where they were using it because of its bulkiness.
One customer had an issue with its plastic components bowing out on the base after only a few months of use, rendering it useless.
The Dewalt DWS779 has received mixed reviews from customers across the net so far and you will find both positive and negative feedback for this model when reading through them. One reviewer complained about its lack of power but many others praised its cutting capacity and precision when adjusted properly.
Overall, I would recommend this saw to amateur woodworkers who want an efficient saw that can be used in tight spaces such as basements or attics because it is not too bulky and heavy at just over 88 pounds without its stand.
The Hitachi C12RSH2 is equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor that generates a significant amount of power for the device’s 12-inch blade. The immense power provides the blade to produce clean cuts on the wooden pieces. Moreover, the blade is also capable of producing accurate and even cuts with the laser maker feature’s aid.
The saw’s blade is run on a compact sliding system, which requires no rear clearance from the user. The saw head’s blade also holds the ability to glide smoothly due to the fixed rail system’s addition in the design. Not to mention, the blade saw can efficiently and effectively produce bevel cuts.
The blade also can cut on large material with the tall sliding fence feature, as the cutting capacity is increased.
The saw weighs 33 pounds and has a 12-inch blade, making it lighter than some other models on the market. It ought to be able to cut through hardwoods with ease. Some of the pros include being lightweight, user-friendly, having an adjustable handle, being easy to carry around due to its size, good quality for the price paid, coming with laser guidance system for accurate cuts, has dust blower so no chips are left behind when cutting wood pieces. Also includes a safety button which you have to move in order to use the power switch.
The cons are that it starts slowly but then speeds up right away once fully running, doesn’t have a very smooth start-up process (though it doesn’t take long to start), laser light could be brighter, no height adjustments just in case you have a different size for pieces you are cutting so they all may not necessarily fit.
One of this sliding saw’s best features is the lightweight feature, which provides this power tool with incredible portability. This particular saw offers a laser guiding feature to aid in producing accurate cutting.
The Delta Power Sliding Saw provides miter angles that have the ability to go up to 45 degrees from left to the right. The design of the saw is best known for its electric brake. This feature is equipped to stop the blade quickly.
The table extensions are included in the saw design, which offers the best support for long surfaces of wood. The dust collection bag is also a very desirable feature included in the design of the saw.
- telescopic fence system
- The patented axial glide system offers a wide cross cut and better alignment.
- It is also compact, saving you valuable work space.
- The saw offers unmatched smoothness of cut.
- Makes easy adjustments with large, easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales with marked detentes and roof pitch angles.
- 0, 3 bevel detents.
- although it comes pre-assembled, there are plenty of customer reviews online claiming that they had quite some problems when assembling parts provided by other sellers. This might be the case because this miter saw comes with many parts so assembly can be quite difficult even if you’re experienced in that department.
• Ease of use with Bosch’s patented glide system
• Increased cutting capacity and easy adjustments
• More accurate cuts for a variety of materials
This miter saw comes with a laser guide, which shows you where the cut will be made even before powering up the machine. The Dual Glide Miter Saw from BOSCH GCM12SD is equipped with a telescopic fence system and 12″ carbide blade which can make cuts in different materials – wood, aluminum, plastic, etc., including composites and laminates.
This means once you’ve bought this product, there’s virtually nothing it can’t handle when it comes to building or remodeling your house or performing professional work at construction sites throughout your town.
The Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw is very easy to use, and it’s ergonomically designed; it has a swiveling hand-rest which ensures stability and accuracy. This miter saw comes with its own Mobile Base (MB), allowing you to move it around like a wheelbarrow even when the saw is turned on. It also comes with an extra blade wrench and dust bag. The Bosch GCM12SD has a 15 Amp motor that enables cutting soft to hardwoods in both directions and can be stopped mid-cut without damaging or undercutting the workpiece.
Besides all these great features mentioned above, the BOSCH GCM12SD also has some cons: It doesn’t come with a laser guide that’s standard for all other Bosch miter saws, and the maximum cut depth is only 2-1/4″.
Although its disadvantages are not as numerous or as significant as those of competing products, it still shouldn’t be taken lightly. At the end of the day, you should make a well-informed decision about purchasing any product; therefore, we’ve created this guide to help you do just that! We’ll present to you what we think are the most important pros and cons which one should take into consideration before making a purchase.
These pros and cons are split into categories: cost, assembly/set up time and effort, usage and handling, and extra features (which include portability and usability). By reading through this guide, we hope you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision and consequently make the best purchase for your needs.
Cost: No matter how high quality and reliable a product is, if it’s too expensive for your budget or just simply out of what you can afford, there’s no use in getting it. So, before buying this miter saw you should compare both price and other features/characteristics with those of competing products.
The Bosch GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw is affordable when compared with similar products on the market; moreover, its portability enables people who do not have much free space in their workshop to benefit from using this machine – they won’t need to dedicate one whole corner purely for this saw. The Dual Glide Miter Saw weighs only 24 lbs., which makes it very easy to move around the workshop with, and still offers the same cutting capacity as bigger miter saws in professional workshops.
Assembly/set-up time & effort: There’s nothing worse than needing a new tool for work, but not being able to use it until you’ve put it together yourself or paid someone else to do that for you. So, when buying this product you should consider how long it will take you to assemble/set up it before using it.
Luckily enough, Bosch GCM12SD is delivered already assembled; therefore, no further assembling is needed. However, if there was a need for assembling parts provided by other sellers, the process should be quite easy to follow – it should take around half an hour at maximum.
Usage and handling: One of the main reasons why people buy this kind of tool is that they can use it while working on their projects or while performing their professional jobs. Consequently, you should consider how often / frequently will you use this product before making a purchase. We think that since this miter saw comes with a dust bag included in its package, professionals who work for many hours in the workshop won’t have to worry about cleaning up the mess after every cut they make.
This machine can hold materials varying from 1-1/2″ thick plywood panels to 2x4s with no problems; so, there’s virtually nothing you can’t cut with it. However, similarly to most other miter saws, Bosch Dual Glide Miter Saw doesn’t come with a laser guide; besides few people don’t like having to use laser guides when working.
Extra features: Lots of products on the market come with extra features/characteristics which are supposed to make your life easier when in use or enable you to cut materials that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
One of these additional features is portability – some machines are light-weighted so they offer easy transportation from place to place when needed. The Bosch GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw comes with a dust bag included in its package so users won’t have to buy one additionally in order to be able to perform clean cuts. It also comes with three different miter detent plates for cutting at 0, 15, and 30 degrees.
Portability: This is one of the main reasons why people choose this machine as their preferred choice when making purchases – its compact and its dimensions make it ideal for transporting from place to place without too much effort on the user’s part (35 x 9 x 25 inches). It only weighs 24 lbs., which makes is light enough for you to carry around freely; we think that users won’t have any problems transporting it up and down the stairs, if they need to do that.
Product Dimensions: 35 x 9 x 25 inches Weight: 24 lbs. Shipping Weight: 26 lbs. Blade Diameter: 12 inches Blade Height: 2-1/2 inches
Additional features & benefits: dustbag included, 3 different miter detent plates for cutting at 0, 15, and 30 degrees.
Drawbacks/flaws in design/build quality: The Bosch GCM12SD Dual Bevel Glide Miter Saw is a great product that will help you make clean cuts almost effortlessly; however it doesn’t come with a laser guide – which most people don’t like having to use when working. Also, although it comes pre-assembled, there are plenty of customer reviews online claiming that they had quite some problems when assembling parts provided by other sellers. This might be the case because this miter saw comes with many parts so assembly can be quite difficult even if you’re experienced in that department.
Summary
The beauty of this specific power tool is that it’s exceptionally versatile and has the ability to assist in producing furniture, homes, and even stands for these saws.
One of the best features of these specific saws, in general, is that you have the ability to purchase one of these particular saws at any price range. Of course, the features and quality are usually dependent on the cost. Nonetheless, there is a miter saw available for any budget.
The most crucial element that should be identified is what you wish to do with your miter saw. Everyone has their own needs and requirements for what they wish their saw to provide. For this reason, what works for one individual may not work the best for the other.
Identifying what you wish to receive from your miter saw helps you pick the best features that should be included in the design. Thus, you’re able to search for particular models that offer these desired features and gain a miter saw that would be the best option for you and your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are miter saws one of the most preferred tools for contractors and DIY-ers to use?
The main reason for miter saws being incredibly popular among contractors and DIY-ers is that these power tools offer exceptional versatility. Moreover, this saw can also provide excellent convenience as the saw holds the capability to produce quick-adjusting angles within a short time frame.
This is a highly desirable feature, as it’s often limited within the realm of construction and woodworking. This is especially the case when performing cuts on surfaces that are larger.
One of the best advantages of using this type of saw is that its cutting is accurate. For this reason, a majority of woodworkers and builders make use of this saw to trim wooden surfaces into smaller pieces effectively. This can all be done without wasting a lot of time.
Are miter saws dangerous power tools?
A miter saw is deemed as a handy tool. Nonetheless, it also holds the ability to be dangerous to work with. The saw’s feature of a motor means that a force is generated to spin the blade. This blade is sharp and has the ability to cause a lot of damage. For this reason, these saws should be used with caution to get the best return from the saw’s use.
What are positive stops?
Positive stops are known as the factory set points, which allow the user to make cuts at particular angles. The more positive stops provided in a model correlate to the decrease in the time needed for these cuts to be set up.
What is the most accurate miter saw?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a miter saw are the type of materials you’ll be cutting, the size of the material, and your own personal preferences.
What is the best Miter saw for home use?
There are a few factors to consider when purchasing a miter saw for home use. The first is the size of the saw. Most miter saws have a 10-inch blade, which will be able to handle most projects around the house. However, if you plan on doing larger projects, you may want to consider purchasing a 12-inch saw.
The second factor to consider is the power of the motor. A miter saw with more power will be able to handle tougher projects. Finally, you’ll also want to consider the bevel capacity of the saw. This is the degree to which the blade can be tilted from vertical, and will determine how many angles you can cut at.
Which is the best miter to buy?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences and the type of project you will be using the miter saw for. Some factors to consider when purchasing a miter saw include the size of the saw, the cutting capacity (both width and height), whether or not the saw has a laser guide, and how easy it is to change the angle of the blade.
There are a variety of brands and models available on the market, so do your research before making a purchase to ensure you select the best miter saw for your needs.
Do I need a 10 inch or 12-inch miter saw?
That depends on the projects you will be working on. A 10-inch saw is good for most trim work, while a 12-inch saw can handle larger projects, such as crown molding.
What type of cuts can I make with a miter saw?
While there are a variety of different types of saws on the market, the miter saw is typically used to make crosscuts and miters in woodworking projects. A crosscut is a cut that goes across the grain of the wood, while a miter is a cut that angles into the wood.
The most common type of miter saw is the compound miter saw, which has a rotating blade that can be tilted to make both horizontal and vertical cuts. There are also sliding compound miter saws, which have an adjustable fence that allows you to make wider cuts.
Can I use a miter saw on the ground?
It is possible to use a miter saw on the ground, but you need to be very careful. When using a miter saw on the ground, you should always use a saw stand or some other type of support. This will help to ensure that the saw is stable and will not move while you are using it. Additionally, you should never try to cut anything larger than the miter saw table. Cutting something that is too large can cause the saw blade to bind and could potentially lead to serious injuries.
What’s the difference between a circular saw and a miter saw?
A circular saw is a handheld tool that is used to cut straight lines on lumber. A miter saw is a stationary power tool that is used to make angled cuts in lumber.
How do you change the blade on a miter saw?
1. Shut off the saw and unplug it from the power source.
2. Remove the saw blade guard by pulling it towards you and then up and away from the saw.
3. Use a wrench to loosen the bolt that holds the blade in place. Be sure to hold on to the blade so that it doesn’t fly off as soon as you loosen the bolt!
4. Remove the old blade and replace it with a new one. Make sure that the teeth of the new blade are pointing in the same direction as those of the old blade (usually they’re facing downwards).
5. Tighten the bolt that holds the blade in place with your wrench
What is the main use of a miter saw?
The main use of a miter saw is to cut molding and trim. It produces very accurately, clean cuts that are perfect for borders, corners, and other finishing touches. Miter saws can be used to make straight or curved cuts, and they come in both manual and power versions. They’re also relatively lightweight and easy to use, making them a popular choice for do-it-yourselfers.
What is the difference between a compound and a sliding miter saw?
A compound miter saw can bevel (slant) the blade to the left and to the right, while a sliding miter saw can only slide the blade forwards and backward.
A compound miter saw is also able to crosscut, meaning that it can cut a piece of wood at an angle (e.g. 45 degrees), while a sliding miter saw cannot crosscut. Sliding miter saws are generally larger and more expensive than compound miter saws.
Can you use a miter saw to rip boards?
A miter saw is not the ideal tool for ripping boards. It’s much better suited for crosscutting boards to length.
A table saw is a much better tool for ripping boards because it has a more substantial blade and a larger cutting surface that allows you to make cleaner, straighter cuts.
Will a 10-inch miter saw cut a 4×4?
Yes. A 10-inch miter saw will easily cut a 4×4. However, always measure the thickness of the lumber you are intending to cut to make sure that your saw can accommodate it. Most miter saws have a maximum cutting thickness of 6 inches, but there are some models that can go up to 8 or even 10 inches.
How can a beginner learn how to use a miter saw?
A miter saw is a saw that is used to make angled cuts. A beginner can learn how to use a miter saw by reading the instructions that come with the saw, watching a tutorial on how to use the saw, and practicing using the saw.
When using a miter saw, it is important to always wear safety goggles and to keep your hands and fingers away from the blade. It is also important to ensure that the material you are cutting is secured to the fence of the miter saw so that it does not move while you are making your cut.
Corded or Cordless Miter Saw?
A corded miter saw is more powerful and has a longer running time than a cordless miter saw.
A corded miter saw is more powerful because it doesn’t have to worry about running out of battery power. This means that it can cut through tougher materials like hardwood or metal much easier than a cordless miter saw.
A cordless miter saw is less powerful because its battery can only provide so much power. This means that it’s not as good at cutting through tougher materials as a corded miter saw. Additionally, the battery will eventually run out of power, which means that you’ll have to stop working and recharge the battery if you want to continue using the saw.
Some of these saws are equipped with a thumb-activated stop feature. The thumb-activated feature for positive stops allows quick adjustments to be made, which is considered one of the best features. This equips a blade to make cuts at a variety of different angles at a quick pace.
More saws worth reading about on our site:
- Bosch GSM12SD (have Axial glide system) and Bosch Gcm12sd
- makita miter compound saw (LS1040)
- DeWalt DCS361M1
- DeWalt DCS361b
- Milwaukee 2734 (18M)
- Skilsaw SPT88-01
- Metabo HPT C10FCGS
