5 Best Cordless Miter Saws of 2024 – Review & Buying Guide
Cordless miter saws are ideal for working on the go. You will not have the restrictions of having to wok near a power source. But they come with a drop off in power compared to their corded counterparts.
Buying the right cordless miter saw requires an in-depth analysis to ensure that you get a tool that doesn’t compromise on power and efficiency. This review analyzes the 5 best cordless miter saws in the market to help you make a better a buying decision.
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Right Cordless Miter Saw
Beguiled by the allure of freedom and power, I saw it fit to switch to a cordless miter saw a few years down my woodworking career. Fake marketing is all you have to watch out for when shopping for such power tools.
So many times, I bought saws that were marketed to have significant cutting depths and capacities, only, in reality, they didn’t.
I had to do all the flipping, switching, and some more gymnastics to successfully finish my cabinetry pieces. This considerably ate into my productivity.
When I finally bought a properly working cordless miter saw, my job became less stressful. Here is what to look for in a cordless miter saw:
Look for high voltage battery power
Downtimes can be frustrating when your saw’s battery runs out. I have been there too, so many times than I can count. Be sure to buy a saw that comes with or uses high voltage batteries. Anything below 18 volts is a danger to your productivity.
High-speed motor
The speed of the engine is measured in rotations per minute (RPM). This speed is dependent on battery power. A high speed will enable you to make accurate, clean cuts with minimal cases of material chipping. 4000 RPM and above is the recommended no-load speed.
Look out for assuring safety features
Miter saws cause an estimated 6800 injuries annually in the US. It is essential, therefore, to look for assuring safety features in a saw before you buy it. These features include a blade guard to protect you.
Also, ensure that the miter saw is correctly weighted for stability. A brushless motor, on the other hand, prevents the saw’s engine from overheating and causing problems.
The saw should be highly portable
It would be pointless to get a bulky cordless miter saw that you can’t actually carry around. Find a saw with a lower weight for ease of transport. An ergonomic design and properly positioned carrying handles can also help with portability.
Bevel angles and cutting depth
You need a cordless miter saw that will enable you to cut at different angles. The right saw models are dual beveled, helping you to make 45 degrees cuts left and right. Also, choose a saw that comes with many positive stops to ease the process of setting bevel angles.
The cutting depth should also be deep enough so you can work with thicker materials.
Other features to look out for include:
- Cutline indicator
- Sliding system
- Dustbag
Best Cordless Miter Saws in the Market
1. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 7-1/4 inch Cordless Miter Saw - P551
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model is extremely lightweight. It weighs 17.4 pounds, which is lighter than all the other saws coming up in the review. It’s not a sliding saw, but you might still get to do a substantial crosscut on a 2×4 material.
The Ryobi P551 Cordless Miter Saw is a dual bevel saw, so you will be able to get 45-degree cuts on the left and right. You also have several miter angle stops between 0 and 45 degrees on the left and right.
The 7-1/4 inch and 24 Teeth blade deliver a maximum cutting depth of 1-1/2 inch. That means that you can cut considerably thick materials without having to flip them over. The cutting capacity is 4-1/4″ at 90 degrees and 3″ at 45 degrees
I also like the fact that there is an included laser guide that might help you achieve high accuracy in various cutting jobs. The 9 amp motor yields a speed of 4500 RPM, which likely enhances the efficiency of the saw.
The Ryobi saw is powered by the 18 V One-Plus battery. You might be required to replace this with Lithium-ion batteries for improved performance.
Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 7-1/4 inch Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight build
- Laser guide system
- Dual bevel saw
- Powerful motor
Cons
- The handle could use a rubber Grip Zone
- You might need to upgrade the blade from 24 teeth to get smoother cuts
2. Milwaukee 2734-20 M18
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The biggest highlight of the Milwaukee 2734-20 is its M18 battery. It can deliver a maximum of 400 cuts per charge. That’s a remarkable battery-life, you must admit.
The other thing is that if you have any other Milwaukee power tools, you might be able to share batteries and chargers. That might help to saves costs.
Working with this tool can also help you tap into the limitless benefits of cordless power tools. It’s freedom without the risk of tripping over wires, or the restriction of having to work near a wall outlet.
The saw features a 20-inch blade that could be vital in achieving deep clean cuts in your operations. The 60 tooth blade, backed by a 4000 RPM motor, could make it easier to achieve smoother cuts.
The saw can cut a base up to 5-3/4″ in height or 5-1/4″ nested against the fence. The horizontal cutting capacity is 2×12 at 90 degrees and 2×12 at 45 degrees.
The dual bevel in this saw has 9 stops that could make it possible to achieve accurate cuts on many angles. This high number of positive stops will possibly reduce the amount of time it takes to set up cuts.
Another notable feature here is the LED light that sits directly over the front of the blade. This lights up your cut line and can help you achieve accurate cuts even in dim conditions.
One thing that might be off-putting with the Milwaukee 2734-20 cordless miter saw is its weight. At around 45 pounds, this machine can be strenuous to carry around. Cordless power tools by nature are supposed to be portable, remember.
Milwaukee 2734-20 M18 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long-life battery
- Powerful motor with a reliable speed for cleaner cuts
- Dual beveling abilities
- Easy access blade change
Cons
- Heavy
- No dust collection
3. DEWALT DCS361B - Cordless Sliding Miter Saw
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This cordless miter saw has a sturdy look that might tickle you if you are after durability. Unlike its Milwaukee counterpart assessed earlier, this one comes with a sliding feature.
With a sliding miter saw you might get to make cuts at impossible angles. One can move the head back and forth during operations, and this also increases the length of cut.
This DEWALT DSC361B features a stainless steel detent that gives you 11 positive stops. This stops could enable you to make angled cuts much faster since the measurements are accurately preset.
The DEWALT sliding cordless miter saw runs on a 20 volts motor that yields a maximum speed of 3750 RPM. This speed falls slightly behind what you would get with the Milwaukee 18.
The saw is compatible with 7-1/4inch blades. It can cut 5-3/4 inches in vertical position nested against the fence. In a flat position, the extent of cut is 2×12 inches at 90 degrees and 5-1/4 inches at 45 degrees. The included cam-lock miter handle might help you achieve miter cuts much faster.
This machine weighs 30 pounds which makes it much more maneuverable than the Milwaukee saw.
A shadow light blade indicator, in this case, helps you maintain precise cuts. It might be more accurate than laser systems found on many saws.
DEWALT DCS361B Pros & Cons
Pros
- Powerful motor and reliable speed
- It can cut between 2×8-inch and 3-⅝-inch thick wood
- The 11 positive stops make it easier to set the beveling angles
- Shadow light indicator helps to achieve accurate cuts
- It comes with a dust bag
Cons
- It comes as a tool only, you have to buy accessories separately
- Blade spin might be too slow in some projects
4. RYOBI 18V ONE+ONE 10 IN. SLIDING MITER SAW P3650B
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ryobi has introduced a 10-inch brushless saw that can deliver the same performance as the Milwaukee 2734-20 M18. The biggest highlight here is the brushless motor that possibly makes this saw more powerful and energy-efficient than all the rest.
The P3650B miter saw is the latest in the One Plus line to use two of the 18V One Plus batteries. That implies that you get maximum power here, up to 36 V. That power far surpasses the voltages of the earlier reviewed cordless miter saws.
The two batteries deliver 370 cuts per charge.
4000RPM is the speed you get from the Ryobi’s brushless motor. This speed goes toe to toe with the Milwaukee’s 2734-20 M18. Together with a 10-inch blade of 40 teeth, you might be able to make smoother cuts with little chances of chipping.
The aluminum design of this cordless saw comes out as sturdy. You might be able to get many years of service from this tool. The saw has small rubber feet on the base that keeps it steady during operations.
This machine weighs 34 pounds; you will likely face no difficulties carrying it around, unlike the case with Milwaukee 2734-20 M18. There is also a carry handle positioned on top so you can easily move the saw wherever your workday takes you.
The Ryobi saw’s cutting capacities are 3.5 inches maximum thickness, 2″ x8″ at 45 degrees crosscut and 2″ x 12″ at 90 degrees crosscut. Remember that this is also a dual bevel saw that can give you about 45 degrees maximum miter cuts on the left and right.
Ryobi has included an EXACTLINE laser guiding system that might help you achieve flawless cuts with this cordless miter saw. This feature complements the function of the 10 positive stops that make it easier to set beveling angles.
RYOBI 18V ONE+ONE 10 IN. Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reliable battery power
- Maximum speed for heavy-duty operations
- Dual bevel saw with brushless motor
- LED light for improved visibility
- EXACTLINE laser guiding system
- Dust bag to keep your project site clean
- Much more affordable
Cons
- It might be a challenge to work with wider/thicker pieces
- The low fence on the left doesn’t provide enough support for nested cuts
5. Ridgid R48607K Cordless Sliding Miter Saw
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a lightweight cordless miter saw that weighs just 24 pounds. That likely translates to unencumbered portability and effortless working.
Another feature that you might find exciting on the Ridgid R48607K miter saw is the LED light for free working in low light conditions. You might be able to improve the accuracy of your cuts in light of that.
The saw runs on an 18 V battery that pits it right against the Milwaukee M18 and the DEWALT DCS361B miter saws.
This is also a dual bevel saw that could manage 45-degree cuts left and right. The included 10 positive stops allow moving the saw head with ease for quick and precisely angled cuts.
The blade diameter, in this case, is 7-1/4 inch and gives a maximum crosscut capacity of 2″ x 8″ at 90 degrees and 2″ x 6″ at 45 degrees. Beware though that you might find the motor speed of 3650 RPM to be lagging in massive projects.
Ridgid R48607K Cordless Pros & Cons
Pros
- It is lighter than the rest
- An acceptable range of cutting angles
- LED light for visibility
- Powerful battery
Cons
- No laser guide
- No dust collection
- The cutting depth might be limiting
The Best Pick
The RYOBI P3650B cordless sliding miter saw stands out as the superior choice. It brings a brushless motor to the game, which in a nutshell is a sign of longevity, better performance, and energy efficiency.
The saw is powered by 2 18V One Plus batteries. The sum of 36 V yields maximum power that towers over all the others in the review. Subsequently, the motor speed is 4000 RPM, and you get at least 370 cuts per charge.
You might be able to get smoother and deeper cuts with this saw owing to its 10-inch blade and 40 teeth. The maximum cutting depth is 3.5 inches, which is the largest in the review. You can also get beveled and mitered cuts at various angles.
The laser guide system helps to achieve accurate cuts. 10 positive stops make it easier to set up angled cuts. The saw is also highly portable weighing 34 pounds. Affordability is also in the cards
These and other features make the Ryobi P3650B saw a worthwhile acquisition for improved productivity.
Last Updated on September 9, 2019 by Tom Bradly