Whether you have no experience with miter saws or you’re already familiar with them, you might be skeptical about deciding which one to buy. Especially when there are so many brands on the market, leaving you confused about which one has all the features you need, with the most compatible price with your budget. So from there, you start doing research randomly, and things get even more complicated, letting you feeling lost. While making the list we’re about to offer you; we reviewed a significant number of products. We then picked the best ones based on specific factors, such as the saw’s features, the power, the portability, and its value for the money. Making sure whoever is going to choose from our list will get one of the best miter saws in the market. So, let’s dive into it.
Best Miter Saws For Beginners – Our Top Picks
5. Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD (15-Amp 12 Inch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw with 60 Tooth Saw Blade)
Let’s get started with this workhorse of a miter saw; it is the GSM12SD, that would make your life much easier. Its numerous features make the fact that it’s one of the top-rated products in the market, not surprising at all.
Capacity
The GCM12SD sports a 15-amp motor that delivers no-load speeds of 3,800 rpm for quick, accurate cuts in many materials
It is a 12-inch dual-bevel sliding miter saw, which means it uses a 12-inch blade with a 5/8″ arbor, making it the largest model.
The Cut
With this saw, you can cut clear about 13-inches and go up to 14 if you lift the piece with this saw.
You are also able to change the angle; its miter angle goes from 0 to 60 degrees. And the bevel angle from 0 to 45 degrees, you can tweak that a little bit more for an unusual angle.
All the controls are accessible at the front of the saw, including the large stainless scale at the bottom with pre-built detents at every 15 degrees to be sure that you’re locking in.
It also has an adjustable depth stop allowing you to set it to whatever you want. And even extension wings if you’re working in the field; its fences are also expandable so you can unlock them and slide them out.
Ease of Use
The built-in dust port is one of the most effective dust collection systems. In the GCM12SD, it effectively collects more than 50% of the dust to keep the workplace clean, allowing you to quickly make cuts without needing to dust down your workpiece every time.
This Bosch machine’s powerful motor is a brushed motor, and both of the brushes are accessible right on the head of the unit. One thing is sure out of this; you won’t have to worry in terms of durability and overheating during extended use.
To finish, we want to talk about a remarkable quality about this saw, which is the glide system’s smoothness.
You will be able to push it back and forth effortlessly, even with just one finger. That means you can use this saw on the job site or in your shop day in day out cutting, and it won’t put any stress on your hands since it’s highly ergonomic.
Pros:
- Space-saving.
- It can be used for a vast array of applications and projects.
- The Axial-glide system expands the range of the saw.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Heavy.
- The saw doesn’t include a dual laser guideline.
- Not very suitable for beginners.
4. DEWALT DWS715 (12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound)
This one is a single-bevel compound miter saw, of the famous DEWALT. The model is pretty light and guarantees quick and accurate cuts for all jobs. It is totally the best saw for the money once you get to know all the innovative features it offers.
Capacity
The saw is backed by a robust and reliable 15-amp motor, which offers an insanely fast speed of 4000 Rpm. This makes the tasks of cross-cutting, molding, frame cutting, and miter cutting very easy.
At a 45-degree angle miter cut, you can cut through a 2″ x 6″ board in a single pass. This is impressive and makes it an excellent saw for framers.
The capacity of this miter saw makes it also great for any woodworking job. What makes many woodworkers happy with this type of saw. Plus, the lower tool-weight is a significant benefit to those who work in a small shop.
Ease of Use
Regarding the construction of the saw, it’s mostly made up of cast aluminum, which makes it nicely lightweight and easy to move around since you’ll find a handle in the center of gravity, allowing you to pick it up with one hand and carry it around. Although it is just 42lbs, it keeps all the rigidity to give you an excellent cut quality.
One con about the DWS715 is that the dust collection port does not catch much dust. Therefore, if you’re working outside, that’s not going to be a big deal. But if dust collection is a real problem for you, you can add a shop vac and gather a larger percentage of dust, but that still won’t be extremely efficient.
The Cut
The cam lock miter handle of the DWS715 offers a quick and accurate setting of angles up to 50 degrees left and 50 degrees right, while bevels at 48 degrees left and 3 degrees right, providing increased capacity and letting you perform an accurate cutting.
The tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 5 ¼” in nested and base molding up to 6 ½” vertically against the fences, while easily sliding out for bevel cuts.
Regarding the steel miter detent table, it comes with a total of 14 positive stops ensuring precise cutting.
Pros:
- Reasonable price
- Very portable
- Powerful and fast
Cons:
- Doesn’t includes a laser guide
- Poor dust collection
- Single beveled
3. Metabo HPT C10FCGS (Compound Miter Saw, 10-Inch, Single Bevel, 15-Amp Motor)
Before getting started with our 3rd best recommendation, in case you’re not familiar with the brand’s name, it is simply the well-known Hitachi Power Tools who changed their name to Metabo HPT back in 2018. Available on amazon since March 26, 2019, the Metabo C10FCGS miter saw is designed for framers, trim carpenters, and woodworkers who demand accuracy and versatility on the job.
Capacity
The machine is provided with a 15-amp motor that generates a no-load speed of up to 5000 Rpm, making it the fastest saw we reviewed until now.
It has a 10″ blade with 24-teeth on it, powerful enough to use for the toughest cutting application to make cross-cuts and miters with ease. Including its flexible miter angles and compound cutting capacity that makes it the ideal tool for a professional finish.
The Cut
This miter saw provides smooth, accurate cuts on wood, plywood, soft fiberboard, hardboard, and even aluminum sashes when using the proper blade. This particular saw’s miter angle range goes from 0 to 52 degrees to the right and left for increased flexibility. Regarding the bevel range, it’s from 0 to 45 degreesto the left, providing clean and accurate bevel cuts.
It also has a large table with a vise clamping system to hold your workpiece safely in place. And a simple thumb-adjustment lever that can easily set the miter angle to the desired location.
Ease of Use
The Metabo HPT saw is the solution for easier portability, weighing 24.2 lbs only. Which makes it the lightest 10″ compound miter saw in its class yet. And the most convenient to move around the jobsite.
And to keep your workspace clean, a dust port located at the rear of the saw can easily be connected to a shop vac or other dust collection system, helping you minimize the accumulation of dust and particles.
Pros:
- High speed.
- Very affordable.
- Light-weighted.
- Accurate.
Cons:
- No laser guide.
- Poor dust collection.
- Single beveled.
2 .DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch (DWS779)
A second DEWALT product on our list is a 12″ double bevel sliding compound miter saw. A very versatile machine with a large cutting capacity up to 16″ that will finish your work with the best accuracy. Plus, this is one of the easiest models to use within this category, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Capacity
Powered by a robust 15-amp motor, the DWS779 spins at 3800 rpm, to terminate its work efficiently in a short moment.
It can cut through dimensional lumber up to 2×14″ at 90° and 2×10″ material at 45°. Finish carpenters will enjoy its ability to cut nested crown molding up to 7 ½” and base molding up to 6 ¾” vertically against the fence.
The Cut
The miter saw is a double bevel with 45 degrees cuts on each side, with a maximum cut thickness of 6.75″. It has some angle stops built-in for easy and repeatable bevel angle cuts on both the left and right side bevel. The Maximum miter to the right is 60 degrees, and 50 degrees to the left, which is pretty generous. One main advantage of this saw is that it works like a champ even on complicated angles. leaving you very satisfied with the cuts.
Ease of Use
The tall double fence system in this saw is convenient, easy to use. There is a knob to loosen the screw, and the upper fence will slide left and right. The saw also comes with a rust-resistant finish, so there’s no need to put any rust preventive oils or inhibitors on the surface.
Its compact, lightweight design (56 lbs) allows for easy transport and storage. In the other hand, the dust collecting capabilities are not impressive, like many saws on the market. That’s why we recommend removing the dust bag and attach a small shop vac to the dust tube instead; this will help you better.
Pros:
- Large cutting capacity
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons:
- Bad dust collection
- No laser guide
1. DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
At the top of our list of recommendations for you, it’s another DEWALT miter saw; this one is model DWS780. A 12″ double bevel sliding compound miter saw. One of the most top-rated miter saws on the market, Comprising a large capacity, accuracy, durability, portability, and ease of use features. In other terms, it completes everything that other saws of the brand misses.
Let’s look over those features in detail.
The Cut
First, it comes with a 15-amp, a 60-tooth TCT blade, that’s designed to stay sharper for longer and runs out at about 3800 rpm of no-load.
The miter settings can go to 60° to the right and 50° to the left; this is easy to operate with a miter cam lock so that you can set and change the angles quickly. Combining that with the bevel angles will allow you to cut some very neat and accurate angles with large material pieces.
Capacity
The DEWALT DW780 provides 13 ¾” horizontal capacity to cut 2X14 lumber, and up to 16″ horizontal capacity when using the back-fence feature.
When cutting base molding, Its capacity is 6 ¾” vertically, combined with a 7 ½” nested crown capacity.
This saw is a highly adjustable unit which provides a vast accuracy over its lifetime.
Ease of Use
The machine has a number of features designed to make cutting and clean up easy, including:
-A high visibility bevel scale with an easy-to-adjust system that makes bevel cuts easy and fast.
-An accurate cam lock miter locking system for cuts.
-A dust shot and deflector, collecting over 75% of the dust created.
-A range of accessories that includes: material sports for larger materials, clamps, and stops to assist with repetitive cuts.
What makes this saw unique is the DeWalt’s XPS cutline feature.
It is a light above the blade that shines down, and the blade itself creates a shadow that will guide you accurately where you’re going to cut. Some other brands used laser systems, but many users prefer the DeWalt blade’s shadow saying it’s the most accurate and actually the best guiding system that they’ve used.
When it comes to portability, this 56lbs saw is lighter than its competitors. It folds down to make carrying and storage easy; handles are also available on both sides of the base and the top of the saw, giving the user a firm grip during transport.
Pros:
- Massive cutting capacity
- The XPS cutline feature
- Great dust control
Cons:
- Large unit
- Heavy
- Needs professional adjustment
BUYING GUIDE:
Now that you attentively read all of our recommendations we thoroughly made for you, we want to make sure that you will pick the miter saw that is right for you.
Regardless of how experienced you are, you must take a step back and analyze the saw well before buying it. If you just go out there and buy the first one you come across, without reading about it, you could end up making a mistake and consequently wasting both your time and money.
That’s why we made a quick guide for you; here are three essential questions to answer yourself before taking action:
1- What type do you need?
Sliding miter saw:
Compound miter saw
Compound sliding miter saw
Dual compound miter saw
2-What size of blade do you need?
you must already know a miter saw’s blade comes in 3 sizes
The 12″ will give you the most versatility since it can cut larger-sized boards, ideal for finishing work, such as crown moldings or baseboard.
The 10″ cut to the depth of 3 and a half inches, and it’s the most common size for homeowners.
The 7 1/4″ blade cut to a depth of two inches, portable and handy for smaller projects.
3-What kind of feature do you need?
Positive stops: pre-marked notches that let you lock in the wood for common angles allow you to make accurate cuts quickly and easily.
Laser guides: projects a sharp line onto the surface, helping you make accurate cuts without marking the manual look.
Dust collection system: helps keep your work clean and safe, reduces the amount of particles that accumulate inside the machine allowing you to prolong the machine’s life.
Soft start feature: manage the intensity of the motor startup offering you a more refined performance.
Those were the main points you need to be aware of before making a purchase. Especially if you’re new to miter saws, you can also check the Amazon reviews to read the personal experiences of people who already got the product.
Conclusion
We hope this article was pretty useful for you and helped you recognize the products, the brands on the market, and your needs better.
In the end, our favorite overall was the DEWALT DWS780. This beast covers all the features that other saws miss and more, providing even an XPS cutline feature. And is easy to use for you as a beginner.
On the cheaper side of the spectrum, we have the Metabo HTP C10FCGS . It’s budget-friendly, easy to transport, the fastest among all saws, and provides some really nice cuts.