As a carpenter, the fine details and finishes of your work hinge on your choice of miter saw. You need a tool that gives you the portability, accuracy and power you need to create clean and precise creations. Whether it's the adaptability of a 10-inch blade for intricate, smaller projects, or a 12-inch blade for larger-scale tasks, the best miter saws for carpenters enable you to be the best carpenter you can be.
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- DeWalt: 12-Inch Miter Saw (DWS715)
- BOSCH: 15 Amp 12 Inch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw (GCM12SD)
- Metabo: HPT 10-Inch Miter Saw (C10FCGS)
- Skil: 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (MS6305-00)
- Makita: 10" Compound Miter Saw (LS1040)
1. DeWalt: 12-Inch Miter Saw (DWS715)
This is the saw that turned Jack’s beanstalk into a dining set! The number one best seller of Amazon’s Power Miter Saws, DeWalt's 12-inch Miter Saw means serious business. It has a 15-amp motor, 12-inch blade and a bevel range of 0 to 48 degrees left and 0 to 3 degrees right— allowing for complex angled cuts. Predominantly made with stainless steel and weighing 42.8 pounds, it works best as a permanent fixture. For those keen to get it on a mobile station, just note there are limited spots for clamping due to the cross supports on the fence's back and the flush base - so if you do plan to secure it to a board use oversized clamps. Another factor to consider is the reliability of the dust bag. While comparable to similar products, the power and size of the saw mean that working within confined spaces may result in a less-than-ideal dust situation. It's also important to be aware of the different version labels of the miter saw (Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3) when purchasing accessories, as not all are compatible with each version.
Review: “The build quality is excellent and every small detail, (the texturing on the back plate, sliding plates, highly visible numbers, cutouts on the side for carrying, table-ready feet with holes to bolt down) make it clear that this is a tool made for people who value their work by people who understand what work is.”
Key Features:
- 15-Amp motor.
- 12-inch blade.
- Bevel range of 0-48 degrees left and 0-3 degrees right.
- Effective dust collection system.
- Stainless steel miter detent plate with 14 positive stops.
- Tall sliding fence supporting a 5-1/2-inch base vertically.
- Corded electric power source.
2. BOSCH: 15 Amp 12-Inch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw (GCM12SD)
The BOSCH 15 Amp 12-inch Miter Saw, despite its considerable size, has proved to be relatively easy to handle and adjust. However, it is important to note that some adjustments might be necessary for alignment right out of the box. BOSCH's 12-inch saw offers a 14-inch horizontal capacity and a 6 1/2-inch vertical capacity when cutting against the fence base. Its design allows for cutting from either side, with the safety switch easily accessible for both left and right-handed users, plus, its axial glide system enables wider cross-cuts and ensures better alignment.
One of the notable features of this saw is its ability to sit flush against a wall, significantly reducing the space it occupies on a workbench. Compared to similar models, this saw also is considered quieter and produces less dust.
Review: “I'm extremely pleased with this saw. It is solid if you don't throw it out of a truck, and it performs magnificently. I have a dozen or so Bosch tools and this one is by far my favorite... If a lighter 10-inch version comes out, I will be very tempted to get one.”
Key Features:
- 15 Amp motor with a 12-inch blade.
- Dual-bevel sliding glide.
- Patented axial glide system for wider cuts.
- Expanded cutting capacity with easy adjustments.
- Uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales.
- Easy-to-use bevel controls and quick-release fences.
- Effective dust collection optimised for 2x material.
3. Metabo: HPT 10-Inch Miter Saw (C10FCGS)
For carpenters looking for the most power for their money, the Metabo 10-inch Mitre Saw provides amazing value - and with a 5-year warranty, it’s clear the company is proud to back its product. It comes calibrated for precise cuts, with a design that balances lightweight portability with durable materials. The saw's easy setup and user-friendly features make it a go-to tool for a variety of projects. However, it's worth noting the blade guard feels a bit flimsy, and the dust collection system is not the most efficient. Despite these points, it's a reliable saw that offers excellent value for money.
Review: “This miter saw strikes me as being a quality tool that will work out of the box with minimal setup and adjustments, and do 99% of what 99% of people need a miter saw for.”
Key Features:
- Lightweight design (24.2 lbs).
- 15 Amp motor with a no-load speed of up to 5,000 RPM.
- Miter angle range of 0-52 degrees.
- Bevel range of 0-45 degrees with adjustable stops.
- Large table with a vice clamping system for better material support.
- Thumb-actuated positive stops for quick adjustments.
- Horizontal handle for a secure grip.
4. Skil: 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (MS6305-00)
The Skil 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, weighing about 40 lbs and equipped with a top handle, features a precise LED shadow line, a powerful 15 AMP motor, and a dual bevel design with four positive stop positions. Its 2x12 cutting capacity is impressive for a 10-inch saw, allowing for a wide range of cuts, from standard to complex. However, our tip to adjust the bevel setting on the saw is to locate the large red thumb screw at the back of the saw. This screw locks the saw at a 0-degree angle. Ensure this thumb screw is tightly secured, as unlike other models, the Skil saw does not have a definitive 'click stop' to indicate the 0-degree position.
Review: “They say the world was built with Skil saws, I know it to be true. My first encounter with one was in the 1960s, what a roarer they were. This model lives up to the reputation. Everything is just perfect, no complaints at all, very, very happy… Love this brand.”
Key Features:
- 15 AMP motor delivering 4,800 RPM.
- Dual bevel capability with four positive stop positions.
- LED shadow line for greater accuracy.
- Capable of cross-cutting 2x12 lumber at 90 degrees.
- Cuts up to 50 degrees left and right with multiple stops.
- Lightweight and portable design.
5. Makita: 10" Compound Miter Saw (LS1040)
Makita’s 10" Compound Miter Saw is lightweight, compatible and fits easily on a shelf in a truck, making it perfect for transporting between job sites. Despite being noisier than some might prefer, this saw excels in accuracy and offers a variety of miter and bevel cuts, making it especially suitable for trim work. While the LS1040 is a favourite among both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, its compact nature may limit its suitability for very large or intricate projects. However, for those seeking a reliable and straightforward saw without the bulkiness and complexity of larger models, it’s a reliable choice.
Review: “This saw is amazing! I do own a DeWalt 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw, it is big and heavy and does a great job. This saw is much smaller and lighter, I use it constantly. When you pull the trigger to start the saw you can feel the torque of the motor and you realize the saw will handle anything.”
Key Features:
- Powerful 15 AMP direct drive motor.
- Miter cuts 0°-45° left and 0°-52° right.
- Positive miter stops at nine settings.
- Bevel cuts up to 45° to the left.
- Dual post compound pivoting arm.
- Lightweight design for easy portability.
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