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Miter saws are maybe the very best all-rounder for each DIY {and professional} customers. They are often discovered in every single place, from dwelling workshops to development websites. A fundamental miter noticed can shortly lower 2×4 for framing and backyard initiatives. Extra superior fashions can lower broad boards for flooring or decking and create compound angles for crown moldings or furnishings making. On this miter noticed roundup, we take a look at each chopping efficiency and the additional options that make it faster and simpler to supply correct work. No matter you’re constructing, this collection of the very best miter saws at the moment obtainable supplies a high-quality answer.
How we selected the very best miter saws
I ran my very own woodshop for a decade and likewise reworked two homes from the bottom up, so my expertise with miter saws is intensive. I nonetheless use one often for initiatives across the dwelling and yard.
We carried out intensive market analysis to complement my information and ensure we had been conscious of the newest developments in device know-how. We in contrast all the newest fashions and analyzed the suggestions of real-world patrons.
We aimed to place collectively a set of miter saws that will swimsuit as many various people as doable. Skilled customers demand optimum efficiency and reliability, so we checked out most chopping capacities and motor energy. Occasional DIY customers are maybe extra considering affordability, so we additionally checked out low-cost fashions. That mentioned, we wished to make sure reliability and sturdiness even when costs had been comparatively low, so we averted low cost miter saws with unproven reputations.
One of the best miter saws: Opinions & Selection
Though costs differ significantly, the next picks all come from main producers acknowledged for producing high-quality instruments. Every of them is a fantastic instance of what’s at the moment obtainable. We now have assigned classes to make it simpler to seek out what we imagine is the very best miter noticed for a specific process, however all of our picks are instruments we’d be proud to maintain in our storage shed.
Finest general: Bosch GCM12SD 12-Inch Twin Bevel Sliding Miter Noticed
Why it made the lower: Given its capacities, construct high quality, and user-friendly options, there is no such thing as a higher miter noticed for precision and productiveness.
Specs
- Blade Diameter: 12 inches
- Most Reducing Thickness: 6 inches
- Most Reducing Width: 13-1/2 inches
- Weight: 65 kilos
Professionals
- Tremendous-smooth Axial Glide system
- Vary of bevel and miter detents for fast setup
- Base extensions for workpiece assist
Cons
- Value will put it past many
- Laser information not included
This noticed does all the things a demanding skilled may wish. The Bosch is a dual-bevel sliding compound miter noticed, so it has the utmost vary of motion in each noticed head and desk. The previous may be angled as much as 47 levels in each instructions, and the latter will rotate from 52 levels left to 60 levels proper. Detents (pre-set stops) make it fast and simple to set generally used angles. Scales are etched into stainless-steel in order that they received’t peel off or put on out: one thing that’s not unusual on low cost miter saws.
The fence permits for cuts as deep as 6-1/2 inches. Its most width for boards is 13-1/2 inches. Due to the super-smooth Axial Glide system, chopping giant inventory is nearly easy. Fast-release SquareLock fences assist keep accuracy and supply good workpiece assist, as do the built-in facet helps that can prolong to 40 inches. A high-quality 60-tooth TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) blade comes within the field.
In our opinion, the Bosch GCM12SD is the very best miter noticed available on the market for the time being, nevertheless it does include a price ticket that places it firmly within the contractor or tradesperson class. Some reviewers have expressed shock that it doesn’t embrace a laser information at this value level. Nonetheless, these gadgets are usually not all the time as correct as they might be, and plenty of professionals are likely to choose sight alignment.
Finest funds: Metabo HPT C10FCGS 10-Inch Compound Miter Noticed
Why it made the lower: This pro-grade device comes with a beautiful price ticket and makes an incredible on a regular basis noticed for framers and DIYers.
Specs
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Most Reducing Thickness: 3-1/2 inches
- Most Reducing Width: 5-21/32 inches
- Weight: 24.5 kilos
Professionals
- Tackles dimensioned lumber for framing and DIY
- Wonderful worth for cash
- Highly effective 15 amp motor
Cons
- No slide so capacities are restricted
- 24-tooth blade leaves pretty coarse end
You don’t wish to pay for options and energy you don’t want and received’t use. The Metabo HPT C10FCGS is significantly extra fundamental than our high decide, nevertheless it’s not simply its aggressive value that makes it a beautiful proposition.
Metabo HPT has constructed a repute for dependable, high-quality instruments with out the excessive sticker value. Typically, meaning a lowered characteristic set, and within the case of this miter noticed, meaning no slide for cross-cutting. This restricts most depth and width to 3-1/2 inches and 5-21/32 inches respectively. That’s nonetheless a lot to chop 2×4, 3×3, and a couple of×6 dimensioned lumber (2 x 6 is definitely 1-1/2 inches by 5-1/2 inches). That’s all that many framers and DIY customers want, making it wonderful worth for cash.
The Metabo HPT miter noticed bevels as much as 45 levels (to the left solely) and miters as much as 52 levels proper and left, so it’s completely able to compound angles. Widespread detents are supplied. The 15 amp motor is as highly effective as something available on the market, and the miter noticed weighs simply 24.5 kilos, so it’s simple to hold round. A 24-tooth TCT blade is included. It’s serviceable however does go away a reasonably coarse end.
Finest for DIY: DeWalt DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Miter Noticed
Why it made the lower: Eager DIY lovers will respect the superb construct high quality and options that assist enhance accuracy whereas remaining simple to make use of.
Specs
- Blade Diameter: 12 inches
- Most Reducing Thickness: 6-3/4 inches
- Most Reducing Width: 13-1/4 inches
- Weight: 58 kilos
Professionals
- Exact Cutline blade positioning
- Class-leading vertical capability
- Linear ball bearings for {smooth} cross-cutting
Cons
- Exhausting to fault, however fairly costly
The DeWalt DWS780 isn’t an affordable miter noticed, however for dwelling customers who’re taking over their very own reworking jobs, constructing decks and pergolas, or making furnishings often, it ought to quickly repay the funding (and it’s possible you’ll wish to take a look at our guides to orbital sanders and laser ranges, as properly). With a most chopping peak of 6-3/4 inches and a width of as much as 13-1/4 inches, it is going to deal with all widespread lumber sizes. It’ll bevel at 45 levels each side and miter from 50 levels left to 60 levels proper. There are 10 detents for quick setting of widespread angles.
One of many key options of the DeWalt miter noticed is the XPS Cutline system. Not like single-sided lasers, it shines an LED mild down both facet of the blade. This creates a shadow on the workpiece that sharpens because it will get nearer, displaying not solely the place however the thickness of the lower, too. It really works whether or not the blade is rotating or not, so it’s good for establishing, and it runs off the identical energy because the noticed, so there’s no want for batteries.
Finest 10-Inch: Skil MS6305-00 10-Inch Twin Bevel Sliding Miter Noticed
Why it made the lower: Delivers all of the options of the very best 12-inch miter saws in a extra compact and inexpensive package deal.
Specs
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Most Reducing Thickness: 4-1/2 inches
- Most Reducing Width: 11-1/4 inches
- Weight: 39.4 kilos
Professionals
- Full twin bevel sliding compound motion
- Nice worth for cash
- Correct LED blade positioning system
Cons
- Blade is just high-speed metal
- High quality management could also be inconsistent
Sure, 12-inch miter saws can supply excellent efficiency, however they’re giant, heavy, and customarily require vital funding. A ten-inch miter noticed just like the Skil MS6305-00 is extra compact, lighter, and extra inexpensive. What’s extra, the sacrifices are comparatively minor, making it a critical various for a lot of.
On the plus facet, the Skil is a dual-bevel compound sliding miter noticed, so it supplies all the flexibility of its bigger rivals. It’ll bevel to 48 levels left and 45 levels proper and lower angles 50 levels left and proper. There’s a full vary of detents, and the Skil MS6305-00 makes use of an analogous LED blade positioning system to the DeWalt, so it’s simple to keep up accuracy. At a fraction over 39 kilos, it’s round 30 % lighter than its larger rivals.
On the minus facet, the smaller blade does imply lowered chopping capacities. Nonetheless, it could possibly nonetheless handle 4-1/2 inches vertically and 11-1/4 inches vertically, thus accommodating all of the dimensioned lumber most individuals will ever use. We had been a bit disillusioned that the blade is just high-speed metal (HSS) moderately than TCT, and we now have seen occasional reviews of producing defects that recommend high quality management might be improved. On the whole, although, homeowners seem very glad with their buy.
Finest cordless: Craftsman CMCS714M1 V20 7-1/4-Inch Miter Noticed Equipment
Why it made the lower: Comes from a trusted model and affords each the liberty of cordless energy and a light-weight construct for straightforward portability.
Specs
- Blade Diameter: 7-1/4 inches
- Most Reducing Thickness: 3-1/2 inches
- Most Reducing Width: 8 inches
- Weight: 21.8 kilos
Professionals
- The go-anywhere freedom of cordless energy
- Aggressive value consists of battery and charger
- Good chopping capacities for its measurement
Cons
- Spare batteries may be costly
- Single bevel solely
Cordless instruments have apparent advantages. They often present higher freedom of motion and work when a traditional electrical energy provide isn’t unavailable. The problem with miter saws is that driving a 10- or 12-inch blade takes lots of vitality, leading to very excessive costs. With its 7-1/2-inch blade, the Craftsman CMCS714M1 is a way more inexpensive various, however how does it stack up in efficiency phrases?
Fairly properly, truly. With a most thickness of 3-1/2 inches and a most width of 8 inches, it has no bother dealing with most of the widespread dimensioned lumbers used for framing, decking, and different development initiatives. It bevels to the left, at as much as 47 levels, and miters as much as 45 levels on each side. The Craftsman is one other miter noticed that makes use of the more and more common LED blade alignment system for accuracy.
The battery equipped is 20V and 4Ah, which ought to supply first rate run time. Craftsman says it is going to make as much as 585 cuts in 3-1/4-inch MDF baseboard, however frankly, meaning little. Frequent customers will need a spare battery, which is kind of costly. Carry handles are integrated into the bottom, however there are not any desk extensions for workpiece assist.
Most versatile: Evolution Energy Instruments R255SMS+ 10-Inch Miter Noticed Plus
Why it made the lower: Options multi-material chopping know-how for sawing wooden, plastic, laminates, composites, ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Specs
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Most Reducing Thickness: 3-9/16 inches
- Most Reducing Width: 11-3/16 inches
- Weight: 33.7 kilos
Professionals
- Unmatched material-cutting versatility
- Light-weight with built-in carry deal with
- Ergonomic set off for proper or left handers
Cons
- Equipped blade wears shortly on metallic
- Laser high quality might be improved
Most miter saws could be able to chopping metallic if an acceptable blade had been fitted, nevertheless it’s not normally beneficial as a result of swarf (metallic shavings) can wreak havoc with bearings and the motor. The Evolution Energy Instruments R255SMS+ is one in every of few exceptions and affords the flexibility to chop something from wooden and laminates to plastics and metals. Most individuals would shrink back from chopping up scrap wooden with their miter noticed for worry of hitting nails or screws, which might wreck the blade. With this miter noticed, that’s not an issue.
It seems very similar to some other 10-inch compound sliding miter noticed, and its capacities are aggressive. Most thickness is 3-9/16 inches, and most width is 11-3/16 inches. It affords the weird skill to regulate lower depth. At beneath 34 kilos, it’s fairly transportable, and a molded carry deal with is supplied.
A laser blade information is included and may be priceless if set correctly. Alignment needs to be checked often. Nonetheless, there have been some reviews of failures, and an excellent outdated pencil mark is a superbly serviceable various. Not like many rivals who solely supply 6 ft of cable, the Evolution Energy Instruments miter noticed has 13 ft and a helpful cable tidy.
There are a few issues to notice when chopping metal. The utmost thickness beneficial is 1/4 inch, and the equipped blade will put on out in a short time. A devoted metal-cutting blade needs to be used as a substitute. Additionally, Evolution Energy Instruments doesn’t advocate trying to chop hardened or stainless-steel.
What to contemplate earlier than shopping for a miter noticed
Whereas all these instruments use an analogous design, the variations in movement and capability are key parts. The next info will assist deal with the very best miter noticed to your wants:
Sorts of miter saws
The earliest miter saws had been fundamental, with only a rotating desk that allowed miters to be lower, therefore the identify. Subsequent, a tilting head was added to chop bevels. Combining a miter and a bevel offers a compound angle; thus, these instruments are generally referred to as compound miter saws. Low-cost fashions solely bevel to 1 facet (single bevel). These that may bevel to each side are referred to as dual- or double-bevel miter saws.
At this stage, the blade adopted a rise-and-fall movement. The subsequent improvement was so as to add one or two tubular slides for horizontal movement that dramatically elevated the width capabilities. A mixture of all these parts offers us the dual-bevel sliding miter noticed, additionally generally referred to as a compound sliding miter noticed. The names can generally appear barely complicated at first look, however by separating the weather, you may image the noticed’s capabilities.
Capacities
Most miter noticed blade diameters are normally both 12 inches or 10 inches. Nonetheless, 8-1/4 and 7-1/4 inch fashions additionally exist. This measurement will, in fact, have a significant bearing on chopping capacities, nevertheless it’s extra difficult than that. The bevel and slide mechanisms used may even have an effect. Two miter saws with similar 12-inch blades will typically have totally different chopping specs, so it’s necessary to verify.
There may also be some confusion with how these capacities are described. For instance, a mitre noticed is likely to be described as chopping crown moldings as much as 7-1/2 inches when nested. It seems like that noticed has a most depth of lower of as much as 7-1/2 inches, however the truth is, the time period ‘nested’ means the molding is being lower at an angle. The true most peak is normally described as ‘vertical’: how deep the fabric may be when held upright towards the fence.
It may well additionally appear deceptive while you see a most depth of 6 inches and width of 12 inches (for instance). This doesn’t imply the miter noticed can lower a board that’s 6 inches by 12 inches. When chopping most depth, the noticed makes use of an space of blade in entrance of its heart boss, but when that blade had been to slip ahead, the boss would foul the board. Subsequently, most board thickness goes to be much less. Producers aren’t being misleading, as most present quite a lot of dimensions displaying true maximums. It would simply take a minute or two to work them out.
Energy
Most corded miter saws have 15 amp motors as a result of that’s the utmost supplied by a typical family energy outlet. It’s not a very correct method to measure energy anyway, as amps measure present, not energy, nevertheless it’s what nearly all producers use. Watts is a real reflection, although the determine shouldn’t be all the time simple to seek out. In fact, nearly all 15 amp motors are completely satisfactory.
Cordless miter saws are rated in volts. 18/20 volt fashions are the commonest, although as much as 60-volt miter saws can be found. Sadly, the latter at the moment include very excessive value tags.
The opposite factor to verify is the Amp hours (Ah) of the battery. The upper the Ah, the longer the battery will keep energy. So, for instance, a 4Ah battery will run for roughly twice so long as a 2Ah mannequin. That is one thing price taking into account when shopping for a spare, although the bigger capability mannequin will probably be costlier and takes longer to recharge.
Different Options
- Noticed security is all the time an enormous deal, and all miter saws have a guard that routinely slides out of the best way because the lower is made. Even fundamental guards needs to be efficient if the operator makes use of them appropriately.
- A blade lock is one other widespread security characteristic, so the noticed can’t be operated unintentionally.
- We’ve talked about detents, which assist make setting widespread angles faster and simpler. The quantity and place of those differ, so it’s one other space price checking.
- Laser blade guides had been as soon as extremely popular and are usually not with out their deserves, however LED variations at the moment are largely seen as superior.
- Automated blade brakes are one other good characteristic, quickly slowing the blade so that you don’t have to attend to vary workpiece or make changes.
- Common customers will typically have one blade for tough chopping and one other for finer work. How shortly these may be modified will have an effect on consumer comfort.
FAQs
Q: What’s a miter noticed used for?
A miter noticed is a flexible device that’s usually used for chopping the store-bought dimensioned lumber utilized in stud partitions, framing, and different development initiatives. Sliding miter saws are additionally able to chopping boards used for flooring and decking.
Q: Are miter saws protected?
Typically talking, miter saws are very protected when used appropriately. A guard shields the blade, and dirt ports permit for extraction. For added safety, it is best to all the time put on goggles or security glasses and a mud masks. Work needs to be correctly supported and held in place with clamps so your palms by no means get close to the lower line.
Q: What’s the distinction between a miter noticed and a round noticed?
A miter noticed can sit on a benchtop, a stand, or on the ground, and also you deliver the fabric to it. A round noticed is a hand-held machine that you just take to the workpiece. Whereas there’s some overlap by way of what they’ll lower, a miter noticed can normally sort out higher thickness. A round noticed is nice for plywood and different sheet materials that’s a lot too giant to go beneath a miter noticed. Most professionals and eager DIYers can have one in every of every.
Q: Can a miter noticed lower metallic?
Technically, most are succesful with an acceptable blade, nevertheless it’s not normally beneficial due to the injury swarf can do. The Evolution Energy Instruments mannequin we reviewed above is one answer, although these with frequent want ought to most likely purchase a devoted metal-cutting chop noticed.
Ultimate ideas on the very best miter saws
Our analysis uncovered an amazing number of high-quality miter saws, and we actually are spoiled for alternative. The Bosch that took our high award is a feature-rich device with wonderful capacities. For many who use one every single day, it’s most likely definitely worth the funding. On the different finish of the worth scale, the Metabo HPT will show completely satisfactory for many individuals’s wants and may present years of trouble-free service.
Should you’re on the lookout for different chopping instruments, take a look at our lists of the very best round saws and the very best desk saws. The suitable device makes the job a lot less complicated.
Why belief us
Well-liked Science began writing about know-how greater than 150 years in the past. There was no such factor as “gadget writing” after we revealed our first concern in 1872, but when there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for on a regular basis readers means we might have been throughout it. Right here within the current, PopSci is absolutely dedicated to serving to readers navigate the more and more intimidating array of gadgets available on the market proper now.
Our writers and editors have mixed many years of expertise masking and reviewing shopper electronics. We every have our personal obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video video games to cameras and past—however after we’re reviewing gadgets exterior of our quick wheelhouses, we do our greatest to hunt out reliable voices and opinions to assist information individuals to the perfect suggestions. We all know we don’t know all the things, however we’re excited to dwell by the evaluation paralysis that web purchasing can spur so readers don’t should.
