Miter saws are quite useful tools to have in your arsenal. However, there are a whole lot of them to choose from, which can make coming to a final purchasing decision pretty tough. In this article, we will be reviewing five of the best miter saws on the market to help you find one that will work best for your needs.
Related Article: Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw For 2023
Comparison Table
| Product | Name | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. Bosch GCM12SD Compound Miter Saw |
| CHECK PRICE |
RUNNER UP | 2. Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 3. DEWALT DWS709 Slide Compound Miter Saw |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 4. DEWALT DW717 Sliding Compound Miter Saw |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 5. Hitachi C12RSH2 Compound Miter Saw |
| CHECK PRICE |
Best Miter Saw: Reviews
1. DEWALT DWS709 Slide Compound Miter Saw
If you need a good-sized miter saw with a whole lot of power to cut through some pretty tough pieces of wood, the DEWALT DWS709 Slide Compound Miter Saw might be a good option for you to look in to. It’s a fairly portable miter saw which comes with a plethora of features to help increase cutting accuracy.
Product Highlights
The DEWALT DWS709 Slide Compound Miter Saw comes with a really powerful 15-amp motor that can deliver blade speeds of up to 3,800 RPM, which should be powerful enough to deal with most pieces of wood with ease. The carbide blade is not only very sharp and can make quick work out of projects, but is also very durable too.
The DEWALT DWS709 Slide Compound Miter Saw has a large mitering capacity, and can miter 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left. What is also nice is that it has an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 13 positive stops. It comes with tall sliding fences and an exclusive back fence, both of which help in terms of accuracy and increased cutting capacity. It even comes with an oversized bevel scale.
The DEWALT DWS709 Slide Compound Miter Saw is a fairly portable miter saw. It does weigh a bit over 50 pounds, which is not all that lightweight, but for a miter saw, it’s actually not too heavy. It’s also somewhat compact, which helps with portability. If you are wondering about the maximum size of wood it can handle, it would be a plank of 2 by 14 inches. What you might also appreciate is that you get a dust bag included which makes cleanup time a bit easier.
The Good
The good part about the DEWALT DWS709 Slide Compound Miter Saw is that it has quite a bit of cutting capacity in every way imaginable, which is especially impressive considering this saw is fairly compact. And yes, on that same note, you should like how compact and portable this particular model is, not to mention that it is very durable and has a good amount of power.
The Bad
One of the bad things about the DEWALT DWS709 Slide Compound Miter Saw is that the dust really never makes it into the dust bag and creates quite the mess. On a side note, the blade nut and belt tend to loosen with prolonged use.
Pros
- Lots of power
- Can deal with fairly large projects
- Many features for accuracy
- Somewhat portable
Cons
- Issues with the blade nut and belt
- Dust collection system is rather useless
2. Bosch GCM12SD Compound Miter Saw
If you need a slightly larger miter saw with a larger cutting capacity, the Bosch GCM12SD Compound Miter Saw might be a good option for you to take a look at. It’s a bit big and heavy, but it comes with features that makes it an effective power tool.
Product Highlights
The Bosch GCM12SD Compound Miter Saw has a powerful 15-amp 3,800 RPM motor; it has more than enough power and cutting speed to deal with some pretty tough pieces of wood. As we mentioned before, this model is a good deal larger than the miter saw we reviewed above, as it weighs around 90 pounds. So, this model is not exactly lightweight or portable, and is best used in one area, such as a workshop.
The Bosch GCM12SD Compound Miter Saw has a large cutting capacity, with a 14-inch horizontal, 6.5-inch vertical, and 6.5-inch crown cutting capacity; it can handle some fairly large pieces of wood. On a side note, it has the ability to cut laminate thanks to the extra-sharp and durable carbide blade. The soft grip handle helps make things a bit more comfortable. As well, the Bosch GCM12SD Compound Miter Saw comes with a dust chute.
The Bosch GCM12SD Compound Miter Saw has a number of features which help with both safety and cutting accuracy. It comes with a precision square-lock release fence that can move up to 90 degrees in either direction. The glide control movement system, combined with the quick-stop detent, plus the easy read bevel system, all help with cutting accuracy. Finally, this model comes with a state-of-the art blade guard to help keep your fingers safe.
The Good
We like how the Bosch GCM12SD Compound Miter Saw has a lot of power, which is combined with a really high-quality blade, which allows you to make quick work of wood and laminate. Also, the bevel system, strong detent plate with quick stops, and the square lock-fence system help make life quite a bit easier. It’s a tough, powerful, accurate, and reliable miter saw.
The Bad
One thing which we do not like about the Bosch GCM12SD Compound Miter Saw is that it is so large and heavy. It weighs around 90 pounds, which does not help in terms of portability. Also, many people have noted how the two square-lock fences, one for each side, do not line up, plus there is no laser line either.
Pros
- Extremely powerful
- Large cutting capacity
- Great bevel and detent plate
Cons
- Very heavy
- Issues with lining up the fences
3. Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw
Now, going in the other direction, the Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw is a very small and portable miter saw, one that comes in at a mere fraction of the price of both the other options we have reviewed. If you need a small but fairly powerful and cost-effective miter saw for small jobs, the Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw might just be the best option for you to look at.
Product Highlights
One thing which really stands out about the Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw is the fact that it is very lightweight and portable. When it comes down to it, this has to be one of the most portable miter saws out on the market right now. It weighs under 25 pounds, and is very compact, making it one of those models that you can take with you pretty much anywhere. Of course, it’s cutting capacity is not nearly as great as the other saws we have looked at, but this is a tradeoff you get with the high level of portability.
The Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw has a 15-amp motor, which is quite impressive for a small miter saw of this size. Even better, it manages to deliver a no-load RPM speed of 5,000 RPM. It might not be able to handle really large jobs, but it can surely cut through some really tough and hard pieces of wood with ease. Other than that, the Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw has a couple of other good features too.
For one, this miter saw has a 0 to 52 degree miter angle range, which is true both to the left and right. Moreover, the Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw has a 0 to 45 degree bevel range to the left, but not the right. It also has thumb-actuated positive stops for accurate and clean cuts. We like how it also comes with a vice clamping system for security, plus a good blade guard system for added safety. The horizontal handle with a secure grip definitely helps as well.
The Good
Perhaps the best part about the Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw is that it is so small, lightweight, and portable. It’s one of those miter saws that can easily leave the shop and be taken to work sites with you. Moreover, it is also a very cost-effective miter saw, one that won’t ruin your budget, yet can still deliver a lot of power and decent accuracy.
The Bad
The bad part about the Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw is that it has a really limited cutting capacity due to its small size. Moreover, it does not have a good fence system. The other issue here is that this miter saw does not come with anything that even slightly resembles a good warranty.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Fairly powerful
- Good bevel system
Cons
- No real warranty
- No real fence system
- Limited cutting capacity
4. DEWALT DW717 Sliding Compound Miter Saw
If you want a compound miter saw with a decent amount of cutting capacity, a lot of power, and one that can still be considered portable, the DEWALT DW717 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a good option for you to consider.
Product Highlights
The DEWALT DW717 Sliding Compound Miter Saw comes with a fairly powerful 15-amp motor, which seems to be the standard for miter saws like this, so we have nothing to complain about here. What is impressive is that it delivers a no-load speed of 4,000 RPM, which is quite a whole lot for a saw of this size. Keep in mind that this is a 10-inch sliding miter saw, whereas the other DEWALT model we looked at was a 12 incher. While this model does not have the largest cutting capacity, it still manages to deliver a good deal of power.
On that same note, this miter saw is fairly portable; it’s neither the heaviest nor the lightest saw on our list today, but it is lightweight and compact enough so you could take it to jobsites and back if need be. On a side note, while the DEWALT DW717 Sliding Compound Miter Saw does not come with its own laser alignment system, it is compatible with the DEWALT laser system. However, it does come with its own dust collection system and dust bag, although it’s not too effective.
The DEWALT DW717 Sliding Compound Miter Saw has some other nifty features. For one, it comes with a tall sliding fence for crown and base moldings, one that is accurate, durable, and easy to use. You also get two horizontal steel rails which help with creating accurate blade travel.
The DEWALT DW717 Sliding Compound Miter Saw also comes with 4 hardened steel bevel stops on each side for added versatility, plus an adjustable stainless steel detent miter plate with 11 positive stops. The miter capacity of this saw is 60 degrees to the left and up to 52 degrees to the right.
The Good
The good part about the DEWALT DW717 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is that it comes with a good mix of size, power, and portability. It’s large enough to handle decent-size jobs, yet small enough to be considered portable, plus it comes with more than enough RPMs and overall power to handle some pretty tough jobs.
The Bad
One thing which is not great about the DEWALT DW717 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is the lackluster dust collection system, which just does not work all that well. Also, the bevel on this saw does not stay tight for long, especially with heavy use. The detent override lock does not work too well either.
Pros
- Fairly portable
- Good deal of power
- Very durable
- Cutting accuracy
Cons
- Bevel and detent system are hard to work with
- Lackluster dust collection system
5. Hitachi C12RSH2 Compound Miter Saw
If you are on the hunt for a new miter saw, one that comes with a lot of power and some really good features, the Hitachi C12RSH2 Compound Miter Saw could be a good option for you. It’s not the lightest or smallest saw around, and it definitely costs a pretty penny, but we think that it is well worth the investment.
Product Highlights
The Hitachi C12RSH2 Compound Miter Saw comes with a soft and vibration-reducing elastomer handle; the handle is very comfortable to hold, it is soft, has a good grip, and doesn’t transfer the saw’s vibrations to your hands. Another feature of the Hitachi C12RSH2 Compound Miter Saw is that it comes with a compact slide system which allows the saw head to slide along the rails without needing rear clearance.
This miter saw also has very large sliding fences that raises to 5-1/8 inches and can cut up to 7.5-inch crown molding. Furthermore, when it comes to the miter angle, it can go up to 57 degrees to the right and 45 degrees to the left, which is OK, but there are saws out there which can go further. However, the Hitachi C12RSH2 Compound Miter Saw has a 0 to 45 degree bevel angle range, both to the left and right. Both the bevel and miter scales come with positive stops and indications for user-friendliness and accuracy.
Keep in mind that this model comes with a fairly powerful 15-amp motor. As mentioned before, this is not exactly the lightest saw around, nor the smallest, as it does have some heft to it, coming it at nearly 60 pounds. It might not be super portable, but it is very powerful, durable, and reliable too.
The Good
The good part about the Hitachi C12RSH2 Compound Miter Saw is that it just comes with a good mix of durability, accuracy, power, and safety. While it is not the cheapest miter saw around, it is a product that should last for a very long time to come, and it comes with more than enough features to ensure constant cutting accuracy.
The Bad
One thing which we do not particularly like about the Hitachi C12RSH2 Compound Miter Saw is that both the bevel and miter ranges could be a bit greater, but then again, this is no deal breaker. Moreover, weighing 60 pounds does not exactly make it portable.
Pros
- Quite powerful
- Features for cutting accuracy
- Very durable
Cons
- On the heavy side
- Miter and bevel ranges could be broader
Miter Saw Buyer’s Guide
There are a few key features that you should look for before you purchase any miter saw, so let’s go over the most important right now.
Blade Size
One important thing you need to look out for when buying any kind of miter saw is the blade size. Most miter saws like this will have an 8-, 10-, or 12-inch blade, so consider the size of the materials you will be working with, which should help you decide on blade size.
Amps and RPM
Another feature you want to look for when buying a miter saw is how powerful the motor is and how fast the blade spins. Some can have 10-amp motors, some 15, and some higher, and some have 3,000 RPM, some 4,000, and some even more. The more you will be using the saw, and the tougher the materials you are working with, the more power it needs to have.
Sliding Feature
Having a sliding miter saw, or in other words, one where you can move the blade back and forth using a sliding rail system, helps increase cutting versatility, capacity, and accuracy. It’s a feature you should always look for.
Compound or Dual Compound – The Bevel
Another feature to look out for is if the miter saw is a compound miter saw, a dual compound miter saw, or just a miter saw. A compound miter saw is one with bevels or tilts to allow for angled cuts. A compound model can bevel in one direction, whereas a dual compound miter saw can bevel in both directions.
Safety Features
Any good miter saw needs to have adequate safety features. At the very least, a retracting blade guard is needed, and an electric brake system never hurts.
**Planning on getting additional woodworking tool? Read our complete miter saw guide here!!!**
FAQ
Do you push or pull a miter saw?
With a sliding miter saw, you push the blade against its rotation and against the fence.
What are the different types of miter saws?
There are basic miter saws, compound miter saws, sliding compound miter saws, and double-bevel compound miter saws.
What kind of cuts can a miter saw make?
In essence, a miter saw makes cross cuts. Depending on the type of miter saw you have, it should be able to make both angled and tilted cuts.
Can I use a circular saw instead of a miter saw?
While a circular saw can achieve many of the same cuts as a miter saw, a miter saw is more versatile, safer, and allows for a greater degree of control and accuracy over cuts than a circular saw.
What is the difference between a single- and dual-bevel miter saw?
Both can make bevel cuts, but a single bevel miter saw only bevels in one direction, therefore requiring you to flip the work piece when wanting to make bevel cuts in the other direction. A dual bevel model can bevel to both sides, thus eliminating the need to flip the work piece.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, the option we would most highly recommend is the Bosch GCM12SD Compound Miter Saw. It’s big, it’s powerful, and it can handle virtually any job around. If you want something a bit smaller, cheaper, and more portable, the Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw is the option that comes to mind.
