This article makes your hunt for the best miter saws much easier. We provide a list of the top rated models and outline the features that give them an edge over other competitors.

#1. DeWalt DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.7 / 5)

These include a vertical capacity of 6-3/4 inches, nested crown capacity of 7-1/2 inches and horizontal capacity of 13-7/8 inches. An exclusive back fence design comes in handy to provide support to taller stocks of 2x12 at 45 degrees and 2x16 at 90 degrees.

This sliding saw gives the convenience of a dual bevel system that lets it tilt on both sides. It tilts 49 degrees both to the left and right. You get precise cuts on specific angles, thanks to the positive stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45 and 49 degrees. What’s more, the saw miters 50 and 60 degrees to the left and right respectively. An adjustable miter plate provides up to 10 stops, a feature that decreases the setup time.

The power cord is channeled through the rail to eliminate interference with the slide. DeWalt DWS780 comes equipped with ultra-bright LED light for improved visibility of the cut line. The saw weighs 56 pounds and is protected by a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year service warranty and 90-day money back guarantee.

#2. Homecraft H26-260L 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.3 / 5)

​This miter saw is powered by a 14-amp motor that rotates the blade at an incredible speed of 5,500 RPM. The 10-inch blade cuts nominal 2x6 and 4x4 at 90 degrees. It bevels 47 degrees to the left and delivers a cut capacity of 2x6. You get positive stops at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 30 degrees and 45 degrees. That means less time needed for setup cuts.

​Fitted with an ergonomic handle, the saw provides a safe and controlled operation. Blade changes are made much easier by an abor lock that secures it in position during the changing process. Homecraft H26-260L compound miter saw is designed to be compatible with virtually any miter saw stand. The saw is protected by a 3-year limited warranty.

#3. DeWalt DW717 10-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.4 / 5)

DeWalt DW717 runs on a 15-amp motor that has a no-load speed of 4,000 RPM. It engages the 10-inch blade that delivers the best in class cross cut capacity of 12 inches at 45 degrees. That’s achieved via an advanced back fence design. The blade bevels 48 degrees to the left and right for efficient and accurate angle cuts.

For increased versatility, the blade is designed to miter 60 degrees to the left and 52 degrees to the right. You get a miter cut capacity of 8 inches at 45 degrees and 14 inches at 90 degrees. This compound miter saw has an impressive crown molding capacity of 10-3/4 inches on the horizontal and 6-1/4 inches on the vertical.

When tilted at 45 degrees angle, DeWalt DW717 has the capacity to hold dimensional lumbar of 2x12 and 2x14. There are 11 positive miter stops for easy adjustment of the miter plate. This miter saw comes with a 3-year limited warranty and 90-day money back guarantee.

#4. Hitachi C10FCE2 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.5 / 5)

This saw provides the convenience of thumb-actuated positive stops that let you set the miter index at different angles. It has the same detents as Homecraft H26-260L (0, 15, 22.5, 30 and 45 degrees) but angle engagement is more simple and quick. The saw miters 0-52 degrees both to the left and right for improved versatility. This makes it perfect for crown molding and other trim pieces. It has the same detents as Homecraft H26-260L (0, 15, 22.5, 30 and 45 degrees) but angle engagement is more simple and quick.

Maximum support is provided by a large fence that extends to 4 inches to accommodate large stocks measuring up to 2-5/16 inches high and 5-21/32 inches deep. An elastomer grip comes in handy to reduce vibration and give you total control. Hitachi C10FCE2 miter saw comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

#5. DeWalt DW716 12-Inch Double-Bevel Compound Miter Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.7 / 5)

DeWalt DW716 is equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor that generates a high-torque no-load cutting speed of 3,600 RPM. With this miter saw, you get up to 11 different positive stops for easy adjustment of the miter index at different angles. With a miter capacity of 0-50 degrees to the right and left, this saw gives versatile angle cuts.

This compound miter saw has a tall fence to support vertical crown molding and base molding of 6-5/8 inches and 6-1/2 inches respectively. That provides accurate and fast cuts on ticker materials. There’s a hardened steel bevel stop on each side, which can be set from 0-48 degrees on the left or right.

At 45 degrees, the saw makes a bevel cut through 2x8 dimensional lumbar. It has a cross cut capacity of 2x10 at 90 degrees. This saw is designed to accept DeWalt DW7187 laser system to provide a clear path. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year service warranty and 90-day money back guarantee.

#6. Bosch GCM12SD 12-Inch DB Glide Miter Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.5 / 5)

One feature that will grab your attention is the compact axial-glide system. With it, you get complete control over the cutting action. What’s more, the axial-glide system helps to provide wider cross cuts and enhanced alignment. The fact that this miter saw doesn’t use a traditional fence lets it take up less space in your workshop.

​Bosch GCM12SD has a 15-amp motor that features a no-load speed of 3,800 RPM. This lets it make quick and accurate cuts on most materials. It’s 12-inch blade has more teeth numbering to 60. The numerous teeth provide a finer cut that’s ideal for finishing.

​Equipped with a lower guard, the blade provides unobstructed visibility of the cut line. It delivers a horizontal cutting capacity of 14 inches, a vertical cut capacity of 6-1/2 inches against base or fence, and a nested crown capacity of 6-1/2 inches at 45 degrees. This makes it ideal for a variety of cuts.

​Two sliding base extensions provide adjustable support for lumbar measuring up to 40 inches long. Simple and precise alignment is achieved via a quick-release fences. The alignment need no adjustment for added convenience.

​Bosch GCM12SD has a bevel capacity of 0-47 degrees on the left and right and sports marked detents at 0, 33.9 and 45 degrees. There’s a high-visibility dual bevel scale for more accurate angle cuts. This miter saw is backed by a 1-year warranty and 30-day money back guarantee.

#7. Craftsman Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.3 / 5)

The blade has the capacity to cut through a board measuring 12 inches wide. Craftsman 10-inch saw has a miter adjustment of 0-50 degrees with positive stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees. It bevels 45 degrees to the left and sports bevel index of 0, 33.9 and 45 degrees. This provides increased versatility for easy angle cuts.

The blade delivers cutting depth of 3-5/8 x 12 inches at 90 degrees and 3-5/8 inches at 45 degrees. The saw comes with telescopic aluminum extensions for additional material support. This miter saw is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.

Who Should Buy?

This is a lightweight and precise cutting tool that comes powerful enough to slice through most materials. This miter saw is versatile and makes a great choice for both DIY projects and professional contractors.

​What is a Miter Saw?

A miter saw is a woodcutting power tool that delivers both performance and accuracy. In the world of wood cutting, the miter saw is the undisputed champion in cutting wood fast and efficiently, at a fraction of the time of other wood cutting power tools. The miter saw is also a portable power tool and a must have in the workshop.

3 Miter Saw Types - The Differences?

As we have seen, there 3 main types of miter saws. While most miter saws regardless of type excel at cutting, understanding their nature will better help you choose one that is more adapted to the job you have at hand. At the end of the day, the quality of your work will directly depend on the type of miter saw you choose.

Here is a rundown…

#1. Basic Miter Saw

If the miter saw type is not specifically described, and simply referred to as a "miter saw", then it is a basic saw that will cut straight lines and perform angular cuts at a fixed angle of 45-degrees. The blade of this type of miter saw is stationary and you will need to work the surrounding material with it.

A basic miter saw is mostly used for making basic perpendicular cuts as in frame corners, trims, moldings, and baseboards.

Benefits:

• The major benefit of a “general” miter saw is that it is generally a basic cutting tool that is lightweight and portable.
• The more simplistic design and function also translates to a lower price.
• This type of saw is ideal for those who are on a tight budget and needs only rudimentary straight cuts or fixed angular cuts.

#2. Compound Miter Saw:

More elaborate than a general miter saw, a compound miter saw can cut angles both laterally (up to 57-degree) and perpendicularly (90-degree).

Benefits:

• The perpendicular and lateral cutting ability makes this saw much more versatile and allows the user to make more elaborate decorative cuts – like cornice moldings.
• A compound miter saw also has more sophisticated measuring cues and great maneuverability.
• Blade can move in both directions, from left to right.

#3. Sliding Compound Miter Saw

This type of miter saw is the best miter saw type money can buy. It incorporates both features of a general miter saw and a compound miter saw with the added benefit of have a flexible and retractable fence arm.

Benefits:

• This type of miter saw is the most versatile of all.
• It can be used to make very complex cut lines, both straight and angular in both directions (left and right).
• Many models have the ability to make straight cuts and angular cuts at the same time.
• It sports a larger blade of 12 to 14 inches, which means that it has a deeper cut depth. This means that you can work with thicker material that your average miter saw or compound miter saw.
• Produces an extremely accurate cut with a splinter-less professional finish.

Types of Cut

A miter saw can make a wide array of cuts. Here are a few of the most common ones you can easily perform with a miter saw, usually straight out of the box:

Source: rona.ca

#1. Straight Cross Cuts

• When set to the default 0-degree position, all miter saws will perform a perpendicular 90-degree straight cross cut
• Straight cross cuts are also ideal for moldings or crown

#2. Mitre Cross Cut

• A mitre cross cut can be performed by setting the blade at an angle other than 90-degree.
• When set at 45-degree, it is ideal for making door or window frames
• Between an angle of 30 – 45-degree, it can make joints or chair rail corners at 45-degree.

#3. Bevel Cut

• By tilting the blade to the left, it can make a single bevel cut. By tilting to both the left and the right, it can make a double bevel cut.
• If the angle is less than 90-degree, it is a single bevel and when more, it is called a dual bevel.
• Bevel cuts can be used to make angular shapes and cuts for joints.

One of the first things to do before buying a miter saw is to look for the features and benefits that you would actually use. You will be amazed how many people spent a lot of money buying a miter saw with features that they never use.

Refer to the attached image below for a more comprehensive overview of the features we are talking about here. Nevertheless, here are a few of the noteworthy things to look for before buying a miter saw:

• Guiding system: The guiding system is what guides you through the process of cutting your material. It can be many things, from a simple marking system to an elaborate laser guided system. Many modern miter saws are using LED instead of laser. Both work equally well and you should be happy with any one of them.
• Dust collection system: When cutting wood, you generate a lot of sawdust. This can quickly become a health hazard. Therefore, it is important that you miter saw has a dust collection system so that tiny particles of wood do not float around in the air and affect your health.
• Motor: You do not want an underperforming motor in a miter saw. The reason for this is simple. A miter saw needs to deliver a consistent and linear performance so that your finish is cut in a standard way. A tiny difference in speed can literally ruin your cut, especially if you want an accurate and splinter less finish. Generally, a 10-Amp motor will suffice for most DIY use. For more heavy-duty work, look for at least a 15-Amp motor in your miter saw.
• Blade: The blade is what comes into contact with the material and does the actual cutting. It is important that you get a high quality blade, or at least, a miter saw that comes equipped with a way for you to change the blade down the line.
• Safety measures: As with any power tool, it is important to take into account the security features incorporated into the miter saw. Functions like a blade brake are very much welcome and me even save you an arm or a few fingers. In any case, a miter saw having basic safety measures like a blade guard is the absolute minimum.
• Third-party accessories: Additionally, you may want to go with a miter saw that make provisions for third-party tools like a custom fence or third party stand. Many good models of miter saw we have reviewed above already have predispositions for those.

What Accessories to Buy for your Miter Saw?

To make the best out of your miter saw and get the most accurate and professional result, you might want to “tweak” your miter saw with some custom additions. You can do so by adding additional accessories to it. Many good brands of miter saw already make provisions for those.

• The blade is vital for the good functioning of the miter saw. Most factory shipped blades are subpar and not the best out there. You might want to shop for more professional carbide tipped blades. Of course, your choice for a blade will depend on the type of material you are cutting.
• A table extension is also a nice addition to your miter saw. As the name suggest, a table extension will extend the range of your miter saw making it even more versatile.
• If your miter saw is not already equipped with a clamping system, you might want to invest in a clamp. It will increase your accuracy and make cutting through material far more effective. Produces an extremely accurate cut with a splinter-less professional finish.

Resource: Rona.ca, toolstop.co.uk, toolguyd.com, familyhandyman.com