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Best Miter Saws 2022 [The Complete Guide]
- By Tools Bros
- Last Update: April 28, 2024
If you’ve got any DIY projects around the house, such as cutting mold or any precision cuts, you’ll need a reliable miter saw. However, these tools differ in size, power, price, and functionality.
So, before you make a decision, make sure you’re well-informed about all the options.
On this list, I’ve gathered all the best miter saws you’ll find on the market so that you can compare more easily and pick the one that best suits your needs.
The 5 Best Miter Saws for 2022 - Full Comparison
The Bosch GCM12SD delivers smooth cuts and accurate performance in a space-saving package.
The Bosch GCM12SD runs on a strong 15 amp motor that spins its wheel at a 3,800-RPM speed. With this power and speed, it can make miter cuts up to 60 degrees to the right and 52 degrees to the left. It can also make 48-degree bevel cuts to both the right and left.
Both the miter and bevel scales are easy to read and have detents at common angles to make the saw easier to use.
Bosch’s axial-glide system is the main reason why this unit is so compact, as this exclusive design was made for this purpose.
Yet, the two sliding integrated base extensions allow you to work with materials of a length up to 40 inches long as they act as adjustable support.
Moreover, the Bosch GCM12SD comes with pre-aligned Squarelock fences that maintain the saw’s precision at a consistent level.
The soft-grip ambidextrous handle, vacuum adapter, and dust chute work on providing you with comfortable and smooth operation.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Comfortable to use
- Durable
Cons:
- Making straight cuts can be tricky
- A little pricey
- Speed:
- 3,800 RPM
- Motor:
- 15 amp
- Size:
- 12 inches
Our Rating
5/5
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a very capable 12-inch miter saw, I highly recommend the Bosch GCM12SD Power Tools. It has some of the widest angle capabilities and delivers the cuts with amazing accuracy. Although it’s a little pricey, it’s definitely worth the money.
The DeWalt DWS780 can easily qualify as the best 12-inch sliding compound miter saw as it delivers superb performance, precision, and durability.
It suits both job site workers as well as casual DIYers at home.
The DeWalt DWS780 comes with a precise miter system as well as a revolutionary XPS cross cut positioning system that enables you to make adjustment-free cuts for faster and more efficient workflow.
Moreover, the DeWalt DWS780 has a high cutting capacity as it allows you to cut up to 2 x 16 pieces of lumber at 90 degrees and 2 x 12 pieces at 45 degrees.
Its bezel cuts range from zero to 49 degrees in both directions, with stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45, and 49 degrees.
Combine that with its powerful 15 amp motor and 3,800 RPM speed, and you’ll get a very robust and reliable saw.
As for the construction, the DeWalt DWS780 has stainless steel castings and provides you with a sharp saw that will withstand the test of time with its carbide blade and machined base fence support.
And to keep your job site clear and visible, this model comes with a built-in dust collection system.
It also has a laser system included to let you know where the blade is going to meet the workpiece.
Pros:
- 3-year warranty
- Portable
Cons:
- Doesn’t have adjustable bearings
- Sticky sliding function
- Speed:
- 3,800 RPM
- Motor:
- 15 amp
- Size:
- 12 inches
Our Rating
5/5
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for the best value for your money, there’s none better than the DeWalt DWS780. It suits both beginners and more experienced users alike and has plenty of features that make it durable, easy to use, and versatile.
The impressive part about the Hitachi C10FCH2 is that it comes at a very affordable price for its features. This sliding compound miter saw delivers excellent performance and is made from quality materials.
Running on a 15 amp motor, the Hitachi C10FCH2 can spin its 10-inch blade at speed up to 5,000 RPM.
This 10-inch sliding miter saw can make bevel cuts between 0 to 45 degrees to the left and miter cuts between 0 and 52 degrees. The thumb actuated miter stops make it very easy to maneuver.
Moreover, for more precise cuts, the Hitachi C10FCH2 is equipped with a laser guide that shows you exactly where your blade is going to cut the workpiece.
It also has large extended flip fences that enable you to work with larger pieces.
As for the assembly, adjustability, and use, they’re all quite straightforward. The item is ready to use out and accurate out of the box.
However, the dust extraction of this model isn’t the most reliable.
Pros:
- Portable design
- The handle absorbs vibration
- Accurate operation out of the box
- Easy to set up, use, and adjust
Cons:
- Dust collection is substandard
- Limited cutting capacity
- Metal construction isn’t that solid
- Speed:
- 5,000 RPM
- Motor:
- 15 amp
- Size:
- 10 inches
Our Rating
5/5
Bottom Line:
If you’re going to be using your miter saw for light-duty to medium-duty tasks, then the Hitachi C10FCH2 would be a great choice for you.
Although the Festool Kapex KS 120 is the most expensive choice on the list, it still has some unique features to offer.
For starters, this miter saw comes with a variable speed 10 amp motor that can spin the wheel at speed ranging from 1,400 to 3,400 RPM.
And while this isn’t the fastest performance, it provides you with fantastic versatility to take on different types of tasks.
The Festool Kapex KS 120 has effective dust extraction, easy adjustments, and is constructed from high-quality components that justify its price tag.
Its miter range reaches up to 50 degrees to the left and 60 to the right, while the bevel reaches up to 47 degrees. The rail forward design maximizes precision while maintaining a compact footprint and preventing head play.
The micro-adjustments, large bevel scale, and fine pointers make it easy to set precise bevel angles using the up-front rotary knob.
Finally, the Festool Kapex KS 120 has up to 91% dust extraction to keep any dust and debris out of your way.
Pros:
- Works with both tough and soft materials
- Variable speed motor
- Dual lasers to provide you with extra accuracy during cutting
- Easy and safe blade changes
Cons:
- Very hefty price tag
- Laser alignment can be inconvenient
- Motor might overload during heavy-duty professional jobs
- Speed:
- 1,400 to 3,400 RPM
- Motor:
- 10 amp
- Size:
- 10 inches
Our Rating
5/5
Bottom Line:
This first thing to notice about this 10-inch miter saw is its variable-speed motor that gives you the ultimate versatility to work with a variety of materials. It’s robust, durable, and very efficient. However, it’s considerably more expensive than all the other choices.
The Hitachi C10FCG runs on a 15 amp motor that’s able to spin its wheel at a speed of 5,000 RPM.
It comes with a flexible angle range as it can reach up to 52 degrees to both the right and left directions for miter cuts and up to 45 degrees to the left for bevel cuts.
Since it weighs less than 25 pounds, it’s one of the most portable models. It’s also quite affordable and provides you with a bang for your buck.
It also comes with thumb-activated positive stops that allow you to make quick miter adjustments. And to minimize airborne particles, the Hitachi C10FCG comes with a dust collector attachment.
Moreover, it comes with a large table to support your material and a vice clamping system to secure your workpiece in place.
But then again, you shouldn’t expect anything too big. The quality of its parts isn’t the best, and while they can last a good number of years, they probably won’t last a decade.
On top of that, the Hitachi C10FCG doesn’t have the best alignment out of the box, so you’ll have to figure it out.
Pros:
- Vibration-reducing grip
- Comes with a large supporting table
- Flexible angle range
- Lightweight design
- Powerful motor
Cons:
- Parts aren’t of high quality
- Speed:
- 5,000 RPM
- Motor:
- 15 amp
- Size:
- 10 inches
Our Rating
5/5
Bottom Line:
The Hitachi C10FCG is a simple tool that features pretty much all you might need in a saw. Out of the box, this compound miter saw is powerful, versatile, and ready to use. Although it’s not the most robust, it’s still a great budget miter saw.
How to Pick a Miter Saw for Homeowners?
Before you set out to buy a miter saw, make sure you learn about your own needs before you learn about the features of the tool.
If you’re not quite sure what to look for, here are the essential features on any miter saw.
Your Requirements
Not every DIY-er needs the top-notch choice on the market or the one with the most features. Sometimes, it’s better to be economical.
If you’re doing heavier-duty work, you should look for something that’s easily transported, powerful, and precise.
However, for more casual users, you can look for something that’s easier to use and focuses on ergonomics and budget-friendliness.
Power
The miter saw you choose must produce enough power to meet the types of jobs and projects you want to tackle.
For the smoothest operation, you should look for a unit with a robust motor.
For casual uses and DIY jobs, a 15 amp motor that rotates at 3,500 RPM would be more than enough to take on any kind of project.
Blade
he size of the blade is another crucial aspect to consider when you’re buying a miter saw.
Larger blades enable you to make larger cuts, so if you’re not going to do that, you might not need a 12-inch blade. But if you do get one, you won’t be able to use a 10-inch blade due to mechanics.
Another thing to consider is the tooth count on the blade or the grit.
Larger blades usually have more teeth and consequently result in smoother finishes.
However, if you’re cutting through tougher or thicker material, you should go for a lower tooth count. This would give you more power to drive through the material.
Dust Extraction
Any power tool that cuts materials invariably produces a lot of dust and debris from the cut material. That’s why you should get a tool with a reliable dust extraction system.
This is to help keep your work area clean and tidy. It also works on keeping these particles from getting into your eyes and prevents you from breathing them in.
Some miter saws come with hoses that blow air to clean up the area and provide you with more visibility. However, this may result in a big mess.
Safety
You should make sure that your saw has reliable saw guards to protect you from any mishaps.
Moreover, electric brakes are a great way to quickly stop the blade from spinning in case of an emergency. It works by reversing the flow of electricity and brings the blade to a halt in a matter of seconds.
What is the Difference Between a Compound and a Sliding Compound Saw?
A compound miter saw is the type whose blade can pivot from left to right. This movement allows you to make angled cuts that are used when cutting molding, picture frames, and other objects that have angles.
The ability to pivot that way enables you to make beveled cuts. These are used when cutting pieces of wood that require cuts on two planes.
This versatility, accuracy, and wide range of motion makes compound miter saws a lot superior to conventional electric saws.
On the other hand, a sliding compound miter saw is even more versatile as the sliding feature enables users to cut longer boards without any hassle by having the wood move through it.
Moreover, they also help you make longer cuts, so they can be used for crown moldings.
If you’re not going to make longer cuts that often, you can settle for a non-sliding compound miter saw, which is still great for a DIY-er.
What is a Double Bevel Miter Saw?
A double bevel miter saw is a compound saw which tilts to either direction: left or right so you can bevel in both directions without having to flip the workpiece manually.
Final Thoughts
Each of the choices I’ve mentioned above can be considered the best miter saw –depending on what you’re looking for from your tool.
If you’re looking for versatility, power, and reliability, you should go for the Bosch GCM12SD.
However, if you want a more budget-friendly choice, you should go for the Hitachi C10FCH2.
If you’re looking for something that combines quality and affordability, then the DeWalt DWS780 would be the best option for you.
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