Best Miter Saws for Your Project

A miter saw is essential for almost everyone who does carpentry work. Mitering is the process of fitting two boards together at an angle. Miter saws are also known as trim saws. That's because trim work requires so many miter cuts.

Miter saws are valuable for making other types of crosscuts as well. Examples include end cuts on hardwood flooring strips and angle cuts for roof rafters.

The types of projects you plan to do and size of boards will determine what saw is right for you.

The best miter saws come with a wide range of features. These include positive stops, electric brakes and laser guides. Features that fit your needs can make your projects go more smoothly.

• Wide miter range: Find a range that fits the project you have in mind. Miter saws offer maximum cuts that range from 50 inches to more than 60 inches.
• Easy-to-read indexes: Check miter and bevel indexes. This is to make sure they are visible for fast, accurate cuts.
• Positive stops: Makes adjusting for common angles faster and easier.
• Sliding fence: Provides full-height support for miter cuts. It slides out of the way for bevel cuts.
• Adjustable handle: Allows you to adjust your grip. This gives you maximum comfort and control.
• Electric brake: Enhances safety. It stops the blade seconds after you release the trigger.
• Easy-change blade system: Features one-step blade changes.
• Laser guide: Ensures blade is lined up correctly with intended cut line.
• Stands: Folding stands and stands with wheels provide enhanced portability.
• Non-slip grip: Some miter saws come with handles that don’t get as slick while you work. This makes them easier to hold.
• Dust collection options: Making cuts can produce a lot of dust. Some miter saws come with dust-collection bags. These help cut down on the amount of sawdust everywhere. Others have dust-collection ports that can be hooked up to a shop vac. These ports pull the dust away from your workspace.
• Zero-clearance arms: These allow the saw to sit close to a wall without limiting the blade's travel.

While there are several types of miter saws to choose from. Basic miter saws with no bevel or slide can be hard to find. These are also known as chop saws.

A standard or basic miter saw is:

• Easier, faster and more accurate than manual miter boxes/handsaws.
• More comfortable to operate for simple tasks with lightweight models.
• Recommended for crosscuts or miter cuts.
• Designed with a swing arm. The swing arm pivots to the appropriate angle, then chops through materials.

Other types of miter saws include compound saws, single bevel compound miter saws, dual bevel compound miter saws, cordless miter saws and compound sliding miter saws.

Blade diameter and the ability to slide are key factors when determining cutting capacity of a miter saw. A range of blade diameters also makes it easier to use a miter saw. The standard diameter for miter saws is 10 inches and 12 inches.

Most widely available miter saws are compound saws or sliding compound saws. Compound miter saws have either a single or a dual bevel. Sliding compound miter saws have a blade that slides out to cut wider boards. Miter saws come in both corded and cordless versions. With cordless saws, extra batteries and rapid recharging reduce downtime.

A single-bevel compound miter saw is:

• Designed with a swing arm that can tilt in one direction. It usually tilts to the left to cut a beveled and miter cut. Some models can tilt up to 50 degrees.
• Handy for installing crown molding and roof rafters.
• Recommended for crosscuts, miter cuts and bevel cuts.

A dual-bevel compound miter saw is:

• Designed with a swing arm that can tilt in both directions. This feature is primarily for convenience. You don't have to flip a workpiece to cut a bevel in both directions. It saves you a step in the sawing process.
• Available with bevel from -50 to +50 degrees.
• Recommended for crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts (miter + bevel).

A cordless miter saw is:

• Great for builders on the go with easy portability.
• Workable without the need for extension cords or portable generator.
• Typically 18V for powering.

A compound sliding miter saw is:

• Similar to the benefits of a compound miter saw, with sliding functionality.
• The best choice if you're cutting wide boards. It's better than non-sliding saws that can only cut a few inches narrower than their blade diameter.