Buying guide for Best miter saws
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DIY projects are always easier if you've got the right tools at your disposal. A miter saw is a must-have if your projects or line of work involves carpentry, woodwork or frequent material cutting.
Miter saws can make perfect cuts that create a 90-degree angle to the board’s face. If you need a beveled cut, you will want a miter saw that tilts so it can cut at an angle other than 90 degrees. For wider wood, you'll need a sliding miter saw. A powerful high-speed motor is preferred.
I'm going to break down what a miter saw can and can't do for you below. But if you're ready to make a purchase, know that our miter saws were handpicked as among the best on the market. The DeWalt 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, for example, is one of my favorites because of its shadow line technology that makes every cut safe and precise.
How miter saws work
Using an electrical motor, a miter saw allows you to cut wood at precise angles. The motor spins a circular blade at a few thousand revolutions per minute to make the cut. The blade connects to an arm and handle that extend vertically above the base of the saw. The wood sits on the base of the saw.
You pull the handle downward while the blade is spinning to cut through the wood.
Miter saws will make 90-degree cuts that are perpendicular to the wood’s face. You can also make cuts at varying angles to the wood’s face (30 degrees, 45 degrees and so on) with a miter saw.
Types of miter saws
Manufacturers split miter saws into a few different categories. A miter saw’s features determine the category into which it fits.
Basic miter saws
Basic miter saws are designed to handle simple cuts. You can make perpendicular 90-degree cuts as well as common angled miter cuts with this type of saw. A basic miter saw carries the lowest price point among miter saws of between $100 and $250.
Compound miter saws
With a compound miter saw, you can make bevel cuts in addition to straight and miter cuts. The entire saw blade apparatus tilts to create the bevel cut.
Some compound miter saws can tilt only in one direction for bevel cuts, while others tilt either right or left. If you have a one-way tilting saw, you may have to cut the wood upside down to achieve the desired angle.
Compound miter saws have a price range of between $200 and $400.
Sliding miter saws
A sliding miter has a blade apparatus that can slide forward and backward. This type of miter saw can cut wood with larger width measurements.
All sliding miter saws can make miter and straight cuts, and some also can also make bevel cuts.
Sliding miter saws generally cost between $150 and $500.
A note about battery-operated miter saws
Some miter saws run on rechargeable battery power, but they are rare.
If you really need a portable option that can run far from any electrical power outlet, however, you should look for a battery-operated miter saw.
Did you know?
Miter saw blades typically measure 8, 10, or 12 inches in diameter.
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Sizes of miter saws
You can compare the size of different miter saws a few ways. As a general rule, introductory miter saws will have less power and use a smaller blade than pricier miter saws.
But for basic woodworking around the house, you probably don’t need the most expensive saw on the market.
If you love all kinds of woodworking projects, though, a more versatile miter saw would likely meet your needs better.
Blade size
The most common circular blades in miter saws measure 8, 10, or 12 inches in diameter. A larger blade cuts thicker and wider pieces of wood than a smaller blade.
Motor power
Electrical motor power is measured in amps. In a miter saw, a higher amperage equals more cutting power. Many miter saws use 15 amps.
Blade speed
Look at a miter saw’s revolutions per minute (RPMs) to determine its speed. Miter saws typically offer between 2,500 and 5,500 RPMs.
A fast-spinning blade cuts through tougher and harder wood better than a slow-spinning blade. Fast-spinning blades also tend to stay sharp for longer periods of time than slow-spinning blades.
Weight
Miter saws may weigh anywhere from 25 to 65 pounds. If you want portability, pick a lightweight model.
However, you should be aware that lighter miter saws tend to offer less power than heavier miter saws.
Types of cuts you can make with a miter saw
The miter saw’s value becomes apparent when you must make a variety of cuts in a piece of wood and need a versatile tool. The variety of cuts a miter saw offers will allow you to complete different types of projects.
Straight cut
A miter saw contains a flat edge guide against which you can press the wood to guarantee a straight cut. If you’re making a 90-degree perpendicular cut against the face of the wood, having the wood squared up to the blade ensures accuracy.
Miter cut
If you need to make a cut through the wood at an angle other than 90 degrees, you’re making a miter cut.
Just set the angle on the body of the miter saw, and the saw will turn the flat edge guide to the desired angle while leaving the blade in place.
A common miter cut is 45 degrees, allowing you to line up two pieces of wood to make a corner for a frame.
Bevel cut
Some miter saws can create bevel cuts. This occurs when the blade goes through the wood at a tilt, rather than remaining perpendicular to the wood.
The blade on a bevel cut penetrates the wood on the horizontal plane as well as going through the wood vertically at the same time. The bevel cut affects the angle of the edge of the board, whereas the miter cut means the edge of the board still has a 90-degree angle to the board’s face.
Potential buyers should understand that some miter saws cannot make bevel cuts.
FAQ
Q. Which miter saw is best for wider boards and cuts in either bevel direction?
A. The DeWalt 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw combines a sliding mechanism with a blade that bevels in both directions. The slide helps accommodate wider boards, while double-bevel adjustment reduces the need to flip the workpiece. It is our top pick for a versatile woodworking setup.
Q. What is a good miter saw for home DIY projects?
A. The Craftsman Sliding Miter Saw Kit is our value pick for home woodworking. Its sliding design offers more flexibility for wider material, and its relatively lightweight construction helps when moving it between work areas. Compare its cutting capacity with the lumber and trim you plan to use.
Q. Which miter saw should I consider if portability matters?
A. The Bosch Single-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw offers a compact design that is easier to transport than bulkier models. It is a useful option if you want sliding cutting capability without a large saw. Keep in mind that a single-bevel design tilts in one direction, so some cuts require repositioning the workpiece.
Q. Which budget miter saw includes a laser guide?
A. The Skil Quick-Mount Compound Miter Saw has a laser guide to help line up the blade with your cut mark. It is worth considering if you want a less expensive compound saw with a visible cutting reference. Confirm the setup and make a test cut before relying on the guide for finished work.
Q. Do I need a sliding miter saw for every project?
A. No. A non-sliding compound saw such as the DeWalt 15-Amp 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw can handle projects where the material fits within its cutting capacity. A sliding model becomes useful when you regularly cut wider boards. Check the manufacturer’s capacity chart for the angles and board sizes your projects require.
