It takes a whole team of experts and various kinds of stress tests to present to you the best of the best products and in this case, it is the DEWALT DW715 15-Amp Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw that has been given the title of the best pick on our highly reliable list of the best miter saw. Regarded as the little brother of the DEWALT DWS780, this best miter saw is anything but little. With fast and precise functionality, the DEWALT DW715 surprised us with on point 90 degrees cuts for each and every task that we performed with the machine.
In our tests, the DEWALT DW715 provided an exceptional speed of 4,000 RPM. Equipped with a strong and dependable 15 Amp motor, this best miter saw did remarkably well in terms of miter cutting, molding, cross and frame cutting. Compared to other best miter saws, the DEWALT DW715 has a stronger and more stable design that allows for an elastic and versatile setup with maximum precision for many different cutting operations. It is armed with a sharp and efficient 32 tooth blade that enables you to cut through any type of wood faster and in a smoother manner. We found the price of this best miter saw simply perfect for the kind of features and functionality it provides in terms of design, comfort and efficiency.
If the DEWALT DW715 isn’t available or if you want to invest a bigger amount in order to achieve unbeatable high-quality results, then we would happily recommend the Bosch CM10GD 15-Amp Dual Bevel Glide Miter Saw. This high-priced best miter saw possesses a unique Axial-Glide system that provides utmost and consistent accuracy that doesn’t wear out with time. The Bosch CM10GD has many exclusive features such as upfront bevel controls, chop/crown lock, flexible miter detents, and simple yet large uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales of maximum miter capacity that provide the operator with many reasons to purchase the product. Our research team concluded that though this best miter saw is a tad pricey, it definitely holds the engineering advantage over other best miter saws on our list.
The Factory Reconditioned Ryobi ZRTS1143L Miter Saw was the least expensive best miter saw we reviewed. Specifically selected for money-saving, or as we like to call them, smart consumers, this best miter saw is great value for the money. The unit is well constructed with attention to detail, especially the inch markings on the fence. Our experienced team of testers found this best miter saw to be extremely dynamic and productive to use due to its exactline adjustable laser alignment system that permits the operator to align the cut line with the blade right on point. With a stable, horizontal D handle along with a 2×4 cutting capacity and a 3 and a half inch cross-cut capability, the Ryobi ZRTS1143L Miter Saw does exactly what you’ve bought it for.
Why you should trust us
Our team of testers and researchers has worked with many best miter saws on the market for a significant period of time, and some of them have even worked as carpenters, foremen and professional woodworkers or supervisors in charge of vast construction jobs. Our team has also been in the business of reviewing such home tools and appliances for several years now, so we have the potential in telling the good from the bad.
We have reviewed and written about best miter saws on many platforms and media, which means that our team has carried out pretty large-scale experiments on the best miter saws, both for professional and personal users. And we simply don’t just rely on our own conclusions and findings, but also weigh them against popular, renowned online studies and reviews from valued sources to ensure that we provide you with the best, most updated products on the market.
Features to take into consideration
Blade Guard
Upon reviewing many best miter saws, we feel it is our duty to stress the importance of safety while using the machine. As you all know that operating any power tool with sharp rotating blades can be quite a dangerous activity, so it’s absolutely necessary to take precautionary measures. The best miter saw is always equipped with a blade guard that completely wraps itself around the blade. Once you lower your arm to carry out the cutting, the blade guard shifts up out of the way and moves back down as soon as you lift your arm. Also, make sure that your best miter saw comes with an interlocking trigger so as to avoid unexpected startups.
Blade Size
Ideally, the best miter saw on the market has an average blade size of 12 inches. We reviewed more than 30 miter saws and came to a conclusion that the best miter saw with a 12-inch blade can generate a cut up to 6-1/2 inches when working with base molding, whereas framing materials of 4×4 posts can also be worked with without posing any difficulties. In fact, a result of 5-1/4 inches crown molding can also be achieved with the help of a 12-inch blade. So in order to make your cutting experience smoother and easier, pick the right-sized miter saw blade.
Portability
What’s the point in buying the best miter saw when due to its hefty design you can’t move it from one place to another. The weight of this machine should not exceed 50 pounds at the max. The lighter the weight, the more it can be put to use for various applications. Our research team also states that every best miter saw is equipped with a strong and sturdy carrying handle, so look out for that “handy” feature.
Beveling Capability
Beginners may not know this, so let us explain what a single bevel compound miter saw means. Single-bevel is a feature that enables its operator to cut two angles, both to the left and the right, with just one swipe of the blade. With such an exceptional beveling capacity, one can produce cuts in both the directions at an angle of maximum 50 degrees, which makes the best miter saw optimal for efficiently working with windows and door trims.
Automatic Stop System
Our testers have a considerable amount of experience in carrying out interior and exterior trimming applications, so they are quite mindful of the different kinds of cutting angles that can be used to carry out the procedure smoothly and effectively. And if you don’t possess this kind of knowledge, then you need not worry as the best miter saw is built with automatic stops at these various angles in order to let the arm or blade lock itself into that particular position to initiate an accurate and definite cut. 11 stops are more than enough if you want to achieve better results with your cutting.
Power
Why not use your best miter saw as a chop saw as well? When you have the opportunity, why not make use of it! Upon reviewing many best miter saws on the market, we have finally come to a conclusion that a 15 Amp motor packed with a speed of at least 4,000 RPM is simply perfect for easily slicing through thick framing with considerably higher moisture level.
Types of best miter saw
There are 3 different types of popular best miter saws out there with many distinctive and special features along with their own unique benefits. And our research team has tried to simplify them all so that you can easily tell the difference between them.
1. Compound miter saw
Best for working with crown molding, the best compound miter saw has the ability to work at various different angles, but it inclines in only one direction, which is the left, to carry out the cut. This type of the best miter saw was useful when we wanted to make a single cut at two different angles.
2. Dual bevel compound miter saw
As its name suggests, this type of best miter saw inclines in both the left and right direction. While using the best dual bevel compound miter saw, we were able to cut bevels at a variety of angles without going through the trouble of constantly turning over the workpiece.
3. Sliding compound miter saw
Specially made for heavy-duty operations and professional woodworkers, the best sliding compound miter saw has a pretty unique and exclusive feature that permits the operator to easily and quite conveniently slide the unit back and forth. Due to the easy movement of the blade, we were able to work with comparatively wider wooden materials.
Our best pick: DEWALT DW715 15-Amp Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
DEWALT DW715 15-Amp Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
After researching more than 30 miter saws and putting more than the best 15 from those through various kinds of thorough stress tests, the DEWALT DW715 15-Amp Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw performed exceptionally well. With its 15 Amp motor, the DEWALT DW715 has the ability to perform the tasks of molding, frame, cross and miter cutting quite easily and effortlessly due to its outstanding speed of 4,000 RPM.
Upon thoroughly examining this best miter saw, we found that it has a wider miter capability ranging from 0 to 50 degrees to the right and the left in order to provide additional flexibility to the operator. The machine is also well-equipped with quite a reliable and adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate offering 11 positive stops. The best miter saw always starts with power and excellent design, and the DEWALT DW715 offers these features in abundance. Along with an efficiently smooth and flexible cam-lock miter handle, this best miter saw also comes with an attached carry handle and a tall, sliding fence that makes working with crown and base molding easier and quicker. We didn’t find such an exceptionally high level of precision in miter and bevel adjustments in any other best miter saw models that we’ve tested so far.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
A very well-known and might we say, the only flaw that caught our attention in this best miter saw was its comparatively smaller dust bag. But this particular glitch doesn’t even come close to offsetting all that we like about the phenomenal machine. Our team of testers had to frequently carry out the dumping process due to the small size of the dust bag. But, comparatively, it was not such a big problem as getting rid of these dust bags is already quite a commonplace procedure with all miter saws that we’ve worked with so far. And when everything else about this best miter saw is as sturdy as one wants it to be, such a tiny little drawback amounts to nothing at all.
Our step-up pick: Bosch CM10GD 15-Amp Dual Bevel Glide Miter Saw
Bosch CM10GD 15-Amp Dual Bevel Glide Miter Saw
Bosch has created something special and unique yet again. The Bosch CM10GD 15-Amp Dual Bevel Glide Miter Saw is not just an upgraded model on our list of the best miter saw, but it’s also a very practical and efficient product manufactured by a company that has totally revamped the physical appearance of miter saws. The Bosch CM10GD has an exclusive and patented Axial-Glide system that contributes to the machine’s smooth mechanism along with offering a wonderful space saving opportunity.
It’s pretty obvious that if you’re spending such a huge amount on the best miter saw, you expect the product to shell out a few special and new innovations that you won’t find in other best miter saws on the market. So keeping this mind, the Bosch CM10GD has an immaculate design with the main handle equipped with ambidextrous switch release buttons, along with smooth texturing on the switch and an effectively dented rubberized cover on the front of the handle for additional comfort, in the case of regular use. Upon studying the sturdy design and reliable functionality of this best miter saw, we noticed that the Bosch unit is all metal with a smooth painted or machined finish. One special feature that we appreciated to the fullest is this best miter saw’s ability to enable the operator to hold stock by hand even when mitering at 45 degrees. The Bosch CM10GD was the only best miter saw that our testers didn’t have to fiddle with in order to get the unit to carry out straight cutting.
Our budget-friendly pick: Factory Reconditioned Ryobi ZRTS1143L Miter Saw
Factory Reconditioned Ryobi ZRTS1143L Miter Saw
When it comes to buying a practical and economical product that is easy on the wallet and will stand the test of time, then the Ryobi ZRTS1143L is an outstanding tool. It was by far the lightest and least expensive best miter saw we tested and it’s difficult to find one exactly like this with an equally remarkable combination of great features and low price. Even though this best miter saw doesn’t slide, as opposed to the other best miter saws on our list, it still belongs to the high-quality category due to the unit’s 9 Amp motor and 5,800 RPM speed. The Ryobi ZRTS1143L is a lightweight machine that is an ideal choice for trim carpenters, or home DIY enthusiasts.
One of the many special features we found on this budget-friendly best miter saw was its laser, which can be dialed in to achieve a flawlessly precise and definite cut. In order to determine the Ryobi ZRTS1143L model’s capacity level, we put it through various cutting operations and realized, to our surprise, that the unit was able to produce more than satisfactory mitering (at a capacity of 45 degrees left and right) and beveling (at a capacity of 45 degrees left) experiences. Our testers found some difficulties in accurately locking in positive stops, but that can be easily dealt with when you know that such a budget-friendly pick is guarded with an exceptional 3-year warranty.
Best miter saw for crown molding
DEWALT DWS780 Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
We tested another model of DEWALT and discovered that this best miter saw is perfect for crown molding. The DEWALT DWS780 is armed with a sharp and efficient carbide blade that can also be used to work with plastic and various kinds of aluminum materials. We used this best miter saw to carry out complicated cuts, both horizontal and vertical, with only a single application. The sliding system present in the DEWALT DWS780 enabled us to achieve a comparatively larger cutting width. At zero degrees, this best miter saw was able to cut boards up to 13 to 16 inches wide. But this feature comes with a tiny drawback; in order for the rails to slide properly, the DEWALT DWS780 demands some additional space behind it. But, nevertheless, this best miter saw is a truly versatile tool solidly built to carry out heavy-duty tasks such as crown molding, and more.
Hitachi C10FCE2 15-Amp Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
With a 5-year warranty and a remarkable functionality for crown molding and cutting larger stock, the Hitachi C10FCE2 is considered to be the number one pick on the market. This best miter saw is designed to provide comfort along with versatility with its large and extended flip fence and built-in carbide tooth saw blade. Our testers were able to get a 0-52 degrees miter capacity and a 0-45 degrees bevel angle range, which made cutting in both directions more flexible and accurate. With its lightweight construction, you will not have to worry about carrying it around. A machine that can work at a speed of 5,000 RPM can be easily used for tough and massive operations.
Bosch 5312 Dual Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw
Professionals will tell how reliable, durable, accurate and simple it is to work with the Bosch 5312 Dual Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw. With so many great qualities, crown molding was a piece of cake for our testers. This best miter saw has an easy-to-use, adjustable mechanism with a speed of 3,800 RPM. In fact, the Bosch 5312 is not only the best but also the topmost miter saw for crown molding due to its practical design of a 25-1/2″ base that is equipped with built-in cast sliding extensions, along with elevated 4-1/2″ speed-track sliding fences to enable easy bevel set-ups. Even though this best miter saw takes up a pretty large space, its high-quality features make it an unbeatable piece of invention on the market.
Hitachi C12RSH 15 Amp Sliding Compound Miter Saw
We had heard about this best miter saw to be the go-to option for tasks such as crown molding by remodeling contractors and other professional workers so we had to test it out ourselves. And as was anticipated, the Hitachi C12RSH 15 Amp Sliding Compound Miter Saw surpassed all our expectations. This best miter saw is loaded with a 15 Amp motor and a 60-tooth, 3/32-inch wide carbide blade that has the strength and ability to work with hardwoods, veneers as well as laminated stock with a flawlessly smooth finish. One of the striking elements of the Hitachi C12RSH is its innovative laser feature that comes with an ON/OFF switch, as opposed to other best miter saws with a laser. The laser granted our testers the wonderful opportunity to use both their hands in order to easily place and clamp the material before carrying out the operation. With an appropriately-sized table and fence along with a considerably larger dust bag, this best miter saw is a superior quality power tool that provides maximum cutting capacity and is ideal for individuals working in limited spaces.
Best miter saw for woodworking
Makita LS1016L Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
There are a number of best miter saws that performed exceptionally well when it came to both professional and personal woodworking tasks and the Makita LS1016L Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw topped that list. This best miter saw has some great innovative features, such as a cutting capacity of 12 inches at 90 degrees, ability to vertically cut 4-3/4 inches wood boards, and a crown molding cutting capability of 6-5/8 inches along with a patented Four-Steel Rail Gliding System that is extremely versatile to work with due to its ability to move upward and downward in order to efficiently carry out accurate miter and bevel cuts. Although there were some complaints about the manufacturer’s manual but that didn’t seem to matter much as this best miter saw is a simple machine with a design and functionality that you will definitely appreciate.
Craftsman Compact Sliding Compound Miter Saw
A newbie on the market, our research team was pretty excited to test the Craftsman Compact Sliding Compound Miter Saw. And to our surprise, this best miter saw faired pretty well in terms of heavy-duty as well as low-profile woodworking jobs. The Craftsman Compact Sliding Compound Miter Saw has a unique tubular rail design that you will not find in any other models on our list. And instead of being placed next to each other, these rails are offset from one another so as to enable a significantly smoother and deeper cut. This best miter saw ranks high on portability as well, but this particular advantageous feature has its disadvantages too. Due to its compact structure, the table surfaces are built in a smaller size, which limits width capacity of your workpiece. Packed with a 15 Amp motor that provides maximum power and a Laser Track TM that contributes to an on point cut line without ever running out of batteries, the Craftsman Compact Sliding Compound Miter Saw has hit the market with the immense value that enhances the whole user experience altogether.
DEWALT DW717 Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
With the amount of DEWALT models appearing on our every best something list, you should be surprised if you don’t find even a single DEWALT power tool at any job site around you. The DEWALT DW717 has a 15 Amp motor that generates a speed of 4,000 RPM. Our testers are always quite pleased with DEWALT’s accuracy levels. This best miter saw carries the perfect kind of bevel settings and stops to provide unmatched, maximum precision. We also found that the unit’s miter detents at 0 can be quite conveniently altered by the operator. Since the trigger feature is omitted from this best miter saw, most controls on the device are ambidextrous. The DEWALT DW717 comes with a fairly smooth slide mechanism, although without bumpers. But our testers quite easily fixed this issue with the help of rubber o-rings. All in all, this best miter saw with its remarkable time-saving feature of seven different pre-sets on the bevel along with its capacity to vertically cut 6-inch high molding, the DEWALT DW717 proved to be a handy power tool in more ways than you can imagine.
Best miter saw for trim work
Makita LS1221 Compound Miter Saw
Upon reviewing many best miter saws for various purposes, we found the Makita LS1221 Compound Miter Saw to be an ideal choice for trim work by professional woodworkers and carpenters. Our testers can assert that this best miter saw is a great combination of high performance, efficient function, and uncomplicated handling. The Makita model has a 15 Amp motor with a speed of 4,000 RPM. This best miter saw is created using advanced technology; it has a special soft-start technology feature along with electronic speed that offer a smooth and consistent working experience. The Makita LS1221 is specially designed with a rotating fence so you can use larger materials quite conveniently. Our testers were able to easily make bevel cuts up to 45 degrees to the left. Miter adjustments can be made from 0 to 45 degrees left and 0 to 52 degrees right. This shows that the cutting capacity of this best miter saw is quite perfect to skillfully carry out trim work. You get 9 positive miter stops at many different angles on both the sides, as opposed to some best miter saws that you’ll find on the market. So the Makita LS1221 is a simple, basic-designed machine that provides a great balance between cost, weight, and capacity.
Hitachi C12FDH 15 Amp Dual Bevel Miter Saw
As is the case with many power tools, the performance of the Hitachi C12FDH 15 Amp Dual Bevel Miter Saw varies depending on its purpose. Our testers carried out various kinds of experiments and tests on this best miter saw and have finally concluded that it is one of the best choices for performing tasks related to trim work. The Hitachi C12FDH demonstrated that it can easily cut through 7 inches of wooden boards, even hardwood and other materials like oak, maple, and aluminum netting. One exclusive feature that you will find in each and every best Hitachi miter saw is its strong and durable aluminum-built alloy fence that has the ability to keep the workpiece in position and improve overall work stability. This best miter saw is well-equipped with a laser for additional control and accuracy. To make using this machine even more practical and progressive, Hitachi has added an innovative depth-control mechanism that gives the operator the delightful opportunity to pre-set maximum cut depth to efficiently carry out substantially generous projects.
WEN 70716 Sliding Compound Miter Saw
If you’re looking for the best miter saw for trim work and have a pretty tight budget to work with, then we would recommend the WEN 70716 Sliding Compound Miter Saw. This isn’t by any means a DEWALT or Hitachi or even a Bosch but, nevertheless, it gets the job done and pretty neatly too. This best miter saw that is also a pretty reasonably-priced unit has a 15 Amp motor, just like the rest of the best miter saws on our list, with a speed of 5,500 RPM. So you know that the power and speed are not compromised. In fact, the WEN 70716 is solidly constructed with a sharp and efficient 60-tooth carbide blade that can make deeper cuts through thick boards with maximum ease and precision. One wonderfully unexpected feature that our research team found in this best miter saw is the unit’s comparatively larger dust collection bag. It is by far the best one we’ve spotted after reviewing at least more than 30 best miter saws.
Wrapping it up
Miter saws, irrespective of their type or variety, are considered to be very useful and handy power tools for both professional and personal purposes. Construction site workers, remodelers, DIY enthusiasts, and other woodworkers highly depend on this power tool to get their jobs done in the most skilled, efficient and smooth manner. But remember that the biggest problem while buying the best miter saw is in deciding which miter saw will suit your needs in the most productive manner, which is why we’ve listed the types of best miter saws on the market along with their 3 different uses, namely; the best miter saw for crown molding, best miter saw for woodworkers, and best miter saw for trim work. For any other purposes, you can make a choice from our best pick (DEWALT DW715 15-Amp Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw ), step-up pick (Bosch CM10GD), and budget-friendly pick (Ryobi ZRTS1143L), based on the amount you are willing to pay for your favorite best miter saw.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.