Buying guide for Best miter saws
It is possible to get by without a miter saw. However, if you want to do the best job possible while also being quick and efficient, you won't want to tackle trim and molding work without one. If you've never used a miter saw before, you'll need some help picking out a model that has the right features for your particular needs.
Miter saws can make perfect cuts that create a 90° 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°. For wider wood, you will need a sliding miter saw. A powerful high-speed motor is preferred.
If you'd like a little more information on what a miter saw can do and how it does it, keep reading. If you're ready to make a purchase, know that our miter saws were handpicked because they are some of the best models on the market.
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° cuts that are perpendicular to the wood’s face. You can also make cuts at varying angles to the wood’s face (30°, 45°, and so on) with a miter saw.
All miter saws will come with a handle that makes it easier to pull the saw without endangering your hands. We consider how easy each option is to hold over long periods of time.
Miter saws allow for precision cuts that can’t be obtained otherwise. We assess how accurate each option is for cutting a wide variety of materials.
Certain miter saws are designed to be taken on the go with a rechargeable battery. We take a deep dive into how well these options work for heavy-duty projects.
Sliding miter saws allow for precision cuts over a wide angle. We research how far each product can slide over a single piece of wood and whether it maintains an even cut the whole way through.
Compound miter saws can be tilted in a number of ways to make beveled cuts. We research how much each option can be adjusted during use.
One of the most important considerations to make when purchasing a miter saw is how powerful it is. We investigate how productive each option is under professional circumstances.
The blade size of a miter saw will typically come in 8-, 10-, or 12-inch diameters. While some saws can be adjusted based on size, not all can. We consider options that utilize a variety of different blades.
The rpm of a miter saw will determine how many cuts it can make in a single minute. We weigh the speed of each option and whether it allows for adjustable speeds.
Most miter saws will come with a blade guard to protect users when the saw is not in use. We investigate the safety features of each option that we consider for our list.
Miter saws can weigh anywhere from 20 to 70 pounds. Heavier options will tend to offer a lot more power, while smaller ones can be taken anywhere. We research the drawbacks of each size.
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° 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° 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°, 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°, 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° angle to the board’s face.
Potential buyers should understand that some miter saws cannot make bevel cuts.
FAQ
Q. What’s the best location for a miter saw?
A. You’ll want to place your miter saw in a location that allows you to cut different sizes of wood. For example, if you work primarily with 2x4 wood with an eight-foot length (one of the most common sizes of wood), you need plenty of space on either side of the miter saw to accommodate the length. Keep in mind that miter saws generate a lot of sawdust, even if the saw has a collection bag attached, which will be messy.
It’s also important to note that miter saws put out a lot of noise. This noise output could affect where you place and use your miter saw.
Q. How do I secure a miter saw?
A. You should mount your miter saw to a workbench or support frame. Miter saws have holes in the base for placing screws or bolts to secure the saw. If you plan to move the miter saw from location to location, consider securing the saw to a piece of plywood. Then carry the plywood sheet to the new location and place it on sawhorses.
Q. How can I safely provide power to my miter saw?
A. Most miter saws run from a power cord plugged into an electrical outlet. That said, most miter saw cords stretch only a few feet. For this reason, you may need to break out an extension cord.
Make sure you purchase an extension cord that can handle at least the number of amps the miter saw requires. Using an inadequate extension cord could cause overheating of the saw’s motor or the cord.
A few miter saws on today’s market run from rechargeable batteries, which may fit your needs better.
