Like most devices, miter saws come with user manuals. Even though they may seem pretty much the same, they may have some critical differences concerning their operation. That's why you always need to take your time and read the user manual. If anything remains unclear to you, then you have YouTube at your service. It's packed with manuals and tips on operating all sorts of miter saws, or the best chainsaw under 200, or anything else we might imagine.
What Is The Best Miter Saw Of 2021? Reviews And Guide
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Last Updated: 15 June 2021
Professional contractors and craftsmen, as well as DIY enthusiasts and average homeowners who simply need a bit of cutting done now and then — all are equally interested in the best miter saw. Of course, they may have different demands for this device. But, despite any details, it all boils down to the same: everybody wants an instrument to get the job done for you, the way you want it, and, preferably, before you even know how you want it. Hard-working people are usually raised better than to admit such a wish, but only so long as the wish is impossible.
Fortunately, that's not the case today. The world's leading manufacturers have worked hard to bring us the best miter saws for any possible buyer and any possible purpose. Naturally, there is no universal solution for everybody. So, the manufacturers must customize to the maximum to cover every need or even whim that you, their buyer, may have. We have put together our Top 10 Best Miter Saw 2020 list to see what they have come up with this year.
Home Maker Guide created for informational purposes only. Thus, we neither endorse you in any way to buy specific products in our reviews, nor making you act like it’s written in our guides. We are reserving the rights for you to make your personal decision.
ARCHIE ADAMS
Editor-in-Chief of the Home Maker Guide
Comparison Table of the 10 Best Miter Saw
Best Overall: Long-lasting Battery - Dewalt 20V Max Cordless Miter Saw Review
Dewalt 20V Max Cordless Miter Saw
As you'd expect from a 4-inch best miter saw, DEWALT's DCS361M1 saw is quite compact and lightweight. But don't let it trick you – this aluminum may feel light, but it's an actually heavy gauge, and it's more powerful and durable than one may guess. This battery-operated miter saw is compatible with any 20V max battery between a compact 1.5AH and a long-life 12AH, but you can also use this best cordless miter saw with a 120V AC cord. This model doesn't have a laser line but features an oversized bevel scale and an integrated XPS positioning system for increased accuracy.
We place this DEWALT best miter saw on the top of our list because of its portability and comfort of use that both pros and newbie amateurs can appreciate.
Why We Like It
- Cordless and portable
- Compact and lightweight
- High accuracy
Quick And Easy Bevel Setting: Most COnvenient - Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Review
Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD
For their GCM12SD dual-bevel miter saw, Bosch has developed a patented axial glide system that has allowed for extra smoothness of cut and overall compactness. With this compactness, this best dual bevel miter saw has 4-inch horizontal cutting capacity, 6-1/2-inch vertical capacity, and a 6-1/2-inch crown capacity, which makes it one of the most versatile models on the market and excellent for all sorts of cuts, including dados. Its other great perk is Bosch's one-touch lock that adds to the stability. And let's not forget the supreme dust collector that deals with 90% of sawdust leaving next to no mess.
This Bosch's best miter saw will become a loyal friend of any contractor who loves his/her job and wants to work only with the best-made tools.
Why We Like It
- Mess-free
- Adjustable bevel angles
- Outstanding versatility and stability
Durable: Dewalt 12 Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw Review
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Dewalt 12 Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
DEWALT's 12-inch sliding compound miter saw has a 15 amp 3800 rpm motor that ensures smooth sliding, as well as power and durability. This sliding miter saw can deal with up to 2x16 dimensional lumber at 90 degrees and 2x12 at 45 degrees. With an efficient dust collector (up to 75%), you get a welcome addition to your toolset. There is no in-built guiding laser with this 12-inch miter saw; you can order one extra and adjust it yourself. But, if you want to increase precision even further, then it's more efficient to spend that extra buck on the rolling stand.
This compound miter saw is an excellent solution for those who have to deal with bigger bits of lumber but still need the cuts to be smooth and precise.
Why We Like It
- Fine precision even without laser or XPS guidance
- Deals with huge pieces of lumber effortlessly
- You can often catch this power miter saw on special offers
Low Noise Level: Ryobi 10 Amp Sliding Miter Saw Review
Ryobi 10 Amp Sliding Miter Saw
This miter saw from Ryobi boasts a 10 amp 5350 rpm motor that's not typical for 4-inch miter saws. Given this, it's even more surprising how silent the device runs. No wonder that the combination of these features puts this instrument on the pricier side. For additional precision, this best compound miter saw has laser guidance operating on separate batteries and an angle meter with nine most common angle stops. And a firm-grip horizontal D handle and a spindle lock add to the comfort of use making this Ryobi miter saw the best hand miter saw.
This small-looking best miter saw wields more power than one may think and will be a welcome addition to any toolset for occasional or regular use.
Pros
- One of the most powerful 4-inch miter saws
- Operates smoothly and silently
- Laser guide for additional accuracy
Cons
- Rather pricey
- You'll need to spend some extra time making adjustments for miter cuts
Smooth And Precise: CRAFTSMAN V20 Sliding Miter Saw Kit Review
CRAFTSMAN V20 Sliding Miter Saw Kit
This sliding miter saw cuts smoothly and accurately, and the 0-47 degree miter with nine positive stops allows you to make adjustments even on the go. One needs to assemble and adjust this 10-inch miter saw strictly following the user manual. But, it also makes this 10 compound miter saw easily portable between sites, which is a definite plus for such devices. Ten miters saw reviews call this miter saw the best product that Craftsman ever came up with.
Even though you have to spend some extra time to set up this instrument, it's quite worth the effort. A craftsman miter saw is one of the most comfortable 10-inch saws in both adjustment, operation, and transportation.
Pros
- Easily adjustable
- More portable than similar devices from other companies
- The laser guide doesn't need additional batteries
Cons
- The laser guide isn't very bright
- For optimal performance, it's recommended to buy Craftsman's best miter saw stand for this saw
Best For Vertical Cutting: Dewalt Double Bevel 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw Review
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Dewalt Double Bevel 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
DEWALT's DWS780 double-bevel 12-inch miter saw is one of this company's products still manufactured in the USA, so there will be no 'Chinesium' in this best 12-inch miter saw. Made of stainless steel, this model combines fine precision and rugged durability. But what makes it ultimately special is its unique design that increases its cutting capacity: support crown molding up to 7-1/2'', nested and base molding up to 6-3/4'' vertically against the fence. It is the best miter saw for vertical cutting on our list. An easily adjustable miter with positive stops in both left and right directions makes this best sliding compound miter saw operation effortless and enjoyable.
This best sliding miter saw will be especially appreciated for craftsmen and contractors who need to cut vertically and know how to appreciate true American quality.
Pros
- Convenient shadow line for extra precision
- Made from durable stainless steel
- Positive stops are effortless and don't interfere with your workflow
Cons
- For ultimate comfort, you'll need to buy DEWALT's rolling stand for this instrument separately
- Needs extra skill for some types of cuts – for example, sliding cuts or cutting at a level depth-stop
Excellent For Compound Cuts: Genesis GMS1015LC 15-amp 10-inch Compound Miter Saw Review
Genesis GMS1015LC 15-amp 10-inch Compound Miter Saw
When talking about various crafts or crown molding or shadow boxes, etc., we usually think about a smaller miter saw. Still, GMS1015LC 10-inch compound miter saw from Genesis is excellent for all sorts of cuts necessary for crafts. This best 10 compound miter saw feels quite sturdy in the hand even though it weighs only 24lbs. This, along with this instrument's stability and ease of setup, makes it an excellent choice for hobbies or occasional use. As a cherry on top, the blade that Genesis includes in the package is great, which doesn't happen as often as we'd like.
This model from Genesis is an excellent tool for DIY enthusiasts and other non-pros.
Pros
- Effortless compound cuts
- Laser guide that works on AAA batteries (batteries included)
- The best miter saw review state that their customer support is outstandingly friendly and efficient
Cons
- Clamping design is somewhat inconvenient when used on the right side
- The handle is plastic and easy to break when used too roughly
Great Portability: TACKLIFE 10-Inch Sliding Miter Saw Review
TACKLIFE 10-Inch Sliding Miter Saw
TACKLIFE sliding miter saw must be the best miter saw for those who need the device to be portable. For example, you will surely appreciate it if you have bits of work to do on different floors – like trimming or framing. To be exact, it weighs only 31.5 pounds. There are five positive stops within 45 degrees left and right, and the saw tilts left 45 degrees for bevel and compound angles. But – because of this TACKLIFE miter saw the compact size, it requires some extra skill for angles under 60 degrees.
This 10-inch miter saw is excellent when you are a contractor or handyman and have smaller bits of work scattered around the site.
Pros
- Compact, relatively light, and easy to carry between sites
- Great adjustability
- You can use it on almost any material, including PVC
Cons
- Not very tidy
- Difficult to find replacement parts
Budget Pick: Delta Miter Saw With Laser Review
Delta Miter Saw With Laser
Delta's 10-inch miter saw's greatest point of attraction is its price, which is always welcome in a device that positions itself as a basic miter saw, or the best beginner miter saw. For this great deal of a price, you get an instrument with a 15 amp 5500 rpm motor: such power is outstanding for this money. It cuts 4x4 inches or 2x6 inches at 90 degrees. The electric brake is highly efficient, too. However, the control arm for the angles is vulnerable, and the positive stops are subtle, — so you need to be on the watch out for the accuracy of angles.
For this price, Delta's miter saw is a great tool for a hobby or even occasional home use. For something more serious, we suggest that you spend a little more money.
Pros
- The best miter saw for the money
- Compatible with almost all stands and spare parts
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Laser guidance isn't very accurate
- Need to watch the angles yourself, control arm and positive stops are unreliable
Versatile: Hitachi C10FCH2 15-amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw Review
Hitachi C10FCH2 15-amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
C10FCH2 10-inch miter saw from Hitachi has a powerful 12 amp motor, but we should say that its biggest winning point is its versatility. It's great for most types of cuts, and this is achieved by two factors. The first one is precision: it will always give you exactly the angle that you want and keep it. The other one is the stable, vibration-reducing, and soft handle that will secure you a firm grip on the process. Add to that the device's ease of setup and operation, and you get an excellent solution for a beginner or occasional user.
This Hitachi miter saw is great for beginners and occasional users – particularly, for those who want to get better acquainted with this work before moving on further.
Pros
- Adjustable bevel stops for precision cuts
- Straightforward to assemble and operate
- Pivoting flip fence can raise 4 inches for crown cuts
Cons
- Since the angles are very accurate, you should always double-check your measurements and not rely on intuition
- The dust collector isn't very efficient
Buyer's Guide: Your Best Miter Saw
What Is a Miter Saw?
It is an electric saw with which you make accurate crosscuts or miters in a board or other workpiece. The accuracy of a cut is achieved as the blade of a mounted circular saw, or a backsaw is quickly pulled onto the workpiece in a stable position. A miter saw may sometimes also be referred to as a drop saw. Someone might call it the best electric chainsaw, but that wouldn’t be entirely correct.
How to Choose the Best Miter Saw
First, establish what you want to do with the tool. What kind of work will it be? How often do you want to do it? Do you want to do some occasional bits of work around the house, or do you want to become a DIY enthusiast? Then, go browsing through catalogs of some online stores that sell hardware.
Naturally, your choice of a miter saw will depend on what exactly you plan to do with it. Even then, there will be plenty of specifications to investigate. That’s what miter saw reviews are for. Still, there are a few common details that every buyer should know:
Motor Power
Today, there’s no need to be concerned about whether or not your miter saw motor will be powerful enough. Most products on our list, for example, have powerful 15 amp motors that will suffice for almost all needs you may have. But, homemakers should use proper wiring. Customers often complain about the motors getting burned after short use. Here, improper extension cords are to blame. According to our research, the proper extension cord for a 15 amp motor saw must be 12/3 or 10/3.
Laser Guidance
This is a fancy gimmick, but professionals admit that a laser guide is of no use under normal circumstances. Usually, you can barely see it when you work in the daylight or in a well-lit workshop. So, you shouldn’t pay too much attention to that perk.
Dust Collector
This feature ensures a mess-free workflow. Manufacturers often state that their dust collector takes care of 70-75% of your sawdust. You should mind that the remaining 25% is still a lot for most types of work you may be doing. So, if this issue is critical to you, you need a dust collector that collects no less than 90% of the sawdust.
Portability
Portability is not an issue at smaller 4-inch miter saws. But if you need to carry a larger device around – for example, a 10-inch miter saw — then it might be harder. A possible solution that you might consider is to get a device that you can assemble and disassemble yourself whenever you want.
Price and Brand Recognition
It’s logical to assume that a more expensive product from a more renowned manufacturer is a better one. But – it’s not always the case. Brand recognition and price are shaped not only by the quality of the product. Often, you may see a pricy product from the best miter saw a brand that will be totally unsuitable for you. Other times, you will come across exactly what you need coming from a relatively unknown company.
Best Miter Saw Types
Single Bevel
With a single bevel miter saw, you can only move the bevel in one direction at a time. It means that if you want to make matching cuts on two sides of your workpiece, you’ll need to flip it over for the second cut. That requires some extra time and skill.
Duo Bevel
Unlike single bevel miter saws, a double bevel miter saw allows you to make cuts in two directions. This is particularly useful, for example, when you have to do some crown molding. Given that technically, you can perform jobs like that with a single bevel miter saw, you will save quite some time (and nerve) with a dual bevel one.
Compound
Previous (and already outdated) standard miter saws only allowed you to make 45- or 90-degree cuts. As opposed to them, a present-day compound miter saw allows you to rotate the head and the blade to make cuts of custom angles. Compound miter saw reviews celebrate how it has allowed for more complex cutting work. Compound models can be single or dual, meaning that they can cut either in only one direction or two.
Sliding
Sliding miter saws employ an additional sliding rail for you to move the tool’s head back and forth, allowing more flexibility with your cuts. Sliding compound miter saw reviews also like to point out how you can cut wider workpieces with a sliding miter saw but not thicker ones because the sliding rail will be in your way.
Our Recommendation for 2021
Today, we are far beyond the times where there were the same models of saws for both professional and amateur use. The more recognized the manufacturing company is, the more sophisticated their best miter saws are. So, for us at Homemakerguide.com, it was no easy task to point out the best miter saw 2021. Still, DEWALT’s DCS361M1 is the first model in our experience to have everything we’d ask of a device like that. It is lightweight and portable and is also compatible with various batteries. The XPS positioning works fine, and the precision leaves no room for complaint. Given all its undeniable advantages, the price is practically a steal, and it is, indeed, the best miter saw 2021!
Contents
- 1 Comparison Table of the 10 Best Miter Saw
- 1.1 Best Overall: Long-lasting Battery - Dewalt 20V Max Cordless Miter Saw Review
- 1.2 Quick And Easy Bevel Setting: Most COnvenient - Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Review
- 1.3 Durable: Dewalt 12 Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw Review
- 1.4 Low Noise Level: Ryobi 10 Amp Sliding Miter Saw Review
- 1.5 Smooth And Precise: CRAFTSMAN V20 Sliding Miter Saw Kit Review
- 1.6 Best For Vertical Cutting: Dewalt Double Bevel 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw Review
- 1.7 Excellent For Compound Cuts: Genesis GMS1015LC 15-amp 10-inch Compound Miter Saw Review
- 1.8 Great Portability: TACKLIFE 10-Inch Sliding Miter Saw Review
- 1.9 Budget Pick: Delta Miter Saw With Laser Review
- 1.10 Versatile: Hitachi C10FCH2 15-amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw Review
- 2 Buyer's Guide: Your Best Miter Saw
- 3 Our Recommendation for 2021
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saws
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A non-compound miter saw can usually pivot up to 45 degrees left and right. In addition to that, a compound miter saw can rotate horizontally. It is helpful when you need to make a tricky cut. For example, when you need to locate a piece of trim in a peculiar location that has both a horizontal and a vertical angle. For most jobs around the house, a simple non-compound model together with the best small chainsaw will do.
Even though people often use these two terms interchangeably, there is a difference between miter and chop saws. A chop saw is a simpler device that uses an abrasive disc to make 90-degree cuts. A miter model, on the other hand, uses metal blades with teeth. They ensure more versatility and accuracy concerning angles. So yes, you can use a miter saw as a chop saw, or even the best table saw to make a plain 90-degree cut.
The term "single bevel" means that this miter saw can make bevel cuts in only one direction (left or right) at a time. It suffices for most jobs, but when you need matching cuts both on the left and on the right, you need to flip your workpiece and double-check the angle.
A compound sliding miter saw has a rail that you use to move the blade forward and backward. This allows the blade to reach places on a workpiece that a regular compound miter saw cannot reach. Still, this rail stands in the way of the cutting arm, which is especially noticeable when your workpiece is somewhat thick. So, sliding miter saw reviews always have to mention that these models are only better/more comfortable for thinner workpieces.
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