When taking on a new project, one of the most critical steps is ensuring you have the right set of tools. With some electric pieces of equipment coming with hefty price tags and taking up a big chunk of real estate on your workbench, it can seem easier to skip the item and opt for the less expensive, manual tool. If you plan on tackling a job that requires multiple angled cuts, do yourself (and your arms) a favor and invest in a miter saw.
Available in a variety of price points and sizes, the miter saw is designed to make fast and accurate angled cuts. Unlike a table saw that cuts in a straight line, miter saws have adjustable angles that are ideal for flooring and trim. Like table saws, miter saws can still make straight cuts and are typically faster at cutting than a table saw. Like table saws, miter saws can cut bevels, but are better designed for this type of cutting than table saws and can cut bevels at a much faster rate.
Designed for narrow boards and typically weighing less than table saws, therefore making them easier to move around a job site, miter saws are perfect for flooring, trim work, cutting frames and more. Check out some of the highest-rated miter saws available below.
1. DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Cut crown molding like a pro using the DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw. The DeWalt can tackle fence design cuts up to 2″ x 16″ dimensional lumber at 90° and 2″ x 12″ at 45°, with the saw able to cut 60° to the right and 50° to the left. Thanks to the saws’ tall sliding fence, the DeWalt can handle crown molding projects up to 7 ½” nested and base molding up to 6 ¾” vertically against the fence. The DeWalt can also be used for bevel cuts and comes with a carbide blade and blade wrench. The powerful 15-amp, 3,800 RPM motor moves quickly through wood at various angles.
Pros: The DeWalt comes with a three-year limited warranty.
Cons: The same model is available with 80T or 90T blades but for an additional price.
2. DEWALT 12-Inch Sliding Compound Double Bevel Miter Saw
If you like the first DeWalt on our list but want something that can better handle bevel cuts, we recommend the DEWALT 12″ Sliding Compound Double Bevel Miter Saw. Like the first DeWalt, this model can tackle back fence design cuts up to 2″ x 16″ dimensional lumber at 90° and 2″ x 12″ at 45°. The DeWalt Double Bevel also has an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate that features 10 position stops for added accuracy and precision. The saw has an integrated XPS cross cut positioning system that provides users with adjustment-free cut line indication making it simple to quickly cut up to a max width of 14” (the miter cut capacity is 4″ x 8″).
Pros: The DeWalt features a dust collection system that traps 75% of the dust generated by the saw.
Cons: The saw does not come with a stand.
3. Bosch 15 Amp 12 Inch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw
For a miter saw that can do it all, go big with the Bosch 15 Amp 12″ Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw. The Bosch features a patented Axial glide system that allows for broader cuts and better alignment without adding more surface space requirements to the saw, saving users 12” of workspace. The Bosch has a 14” horizontal capacity, a nominal 6 ½” vertical capacity against the fence base and a 6 ½” crown capacity against the fence 45 spring. The bevel has detents up to 45° both left and right with a 90° to the table lock fence. The Bosch features a user-friendly one-touch lock/unlock option to slide the fence for added support when cutting. A clear guard provides visibility throughout the cut, with a glide-movement controller enabling users to safely move their material through the cut. The 15 Amp, 3,800 RPM motor can handle wood and laminate with a tip resist stable base, providing a solid footing for the powerful machine.
Pros: For the cleanest workspace possible, the Bosch has a 90% dust collection rate, which is significantly higher than DeWalt’s 75% rate.
Cons: The Bosch has the biggest price tag on our list.
4. Genesis 15-Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
For an affordable miter saw that is still powerful enough to take on projects like trim, picture frames, photo boxes and more, we recommend the Genesis 15-Amp 10″ Compound Miter Saw. The Genesis can make miter cuts 45° either way and has nine preset position stops at the most commonly used angles. The saw comes with a 60T carbide blade already installed, as well as a dust bag to help cut down on workplace mess. The Genesis has a hold-down clamp to keep wood secure during cuts, as well as two extension wings and a blade wrench. The Genesis includes safety features like an electric brake that stops the blade in seconds as well as an Arbor lock that makes it safe and fast to switch out blades.
Pros: The Genesis features a laser cutting guide that shows users exactly where the cut will land, improving accuracy and making it easier to align the wood. We also like that the Genesis includes the two AA batteries required to use the laser.
Cons: The Genesis makes bevel cuts up to 45° to the left but does not make bevel cuts to the right.