Miter saws are essential tools for anyone involved in woodworking, carpentry, or home improvement projects. They offer precise cuts for moldings, frames, and various materials, providing versatility for different applications. There are different types of miter saws, each with unique features suitable for specific tasks. This guide will break down the key types of miter saws, blade sizes, power options, speed ratings, and some top models on the market.
Types of Miter Saws
Sliding or Fixed Miter:
These saws have their blade mounted to a metal track, this design allows you to push the blade forward instead of down and increases the cutting capacity for wider materials. They can perform crosscuts, miter cuts, and are typically heavier than other types of miter saws. There are several types of slides, most commonly slides come out the rear of the saw however this requires additional space which is not ideal in a tight shop or jobsites. Front facing slides keep the footprint of the saw much more compact but also have a premium price point. Bosch is only exception with the Axial Glide mechanism which functions like a slide with a 3 axis arm. This style is also ideal for shop use as can be flush mounted against a wall.
Compound Miter:
These saws have the blade mounted to the arm for downward cutting motion. It can be rotated left and right to cut crosscuts, miter cuts, and tilts for bevel and compound cuts. Dual-bevel models allow bevel and compound cuts in both directions without having to move your material. Compound miter saws are ideal for narrower materials.
Sliding Compound Miter:
These miter saws combine all the advantages of both sliding and compound miter saws.
Blade Diameter:
Standard size is 7-¼”, 8.5”, 10” and 12”
Larger blades are ideal for longer cuts, thicker material, cutting wider crown molding, and hip rafters. The larger the blade the larger the motor required to power it, also larger saws with more features will weigh more and require more space. This can be more difficult getting on and off the job site.
Larger blades often can have more flex in harder materials. Compared to smaller blades that are ideal for more precise cuts and smaller materials. Smaller 8.5- and 7.25-inch versions are more compact and ideal for on and off jobsites and with slides can have similar depth capacity
Weight:
Average sits at 35-40 lbs. More powerful models are closer to 50+ lbs.
If you consistently travel with your saw it would be best to invest in a lighter weight option with either a smaller blade and slide or fixed larger blade. For shop or standard use larger and heavier saws with 10” or 12” blades will give you more versatility with your cutting options.
Power:
Smaller blades like 7-¼” or 8-1/2” saws typically need less power for cordless solutions so they average around 9-11 amps equivalents which can power these very effectively. Compared to standard size 10” and 12” saws their motors have an average of 13 to 15 amps these are more commonly corded saws but cordless power has come a long way these can very effectively be powered by cordless platforms today.
Speed:
On average a 15 amp 10” miter saw averages around 5000 RPMs, and 12” miter saws average 3800-4000 RPMs. Smaller blade saws will be 5000+ RPMs as less power is required to spin smaller blades.
Essential Accessories:
To enhance the performance of a miter saw, consider these accessories:
- Dust Collection: Helps keep the workspace clean.
- Zero Clearance Throat Plate: Prevents tear-out for cleaner cuts.
- Hold-Down Stick: Ensures the material is secured and keeps the user safe during cutting.
These are the top 10 Miter Saws we have heard from our customers:
| Product Image | Sku # | Product Name |
 | LS0815F | Makita 8-½” Slide Compound |
 | 575306 | Festool Kapex KS 120 REB 10-¼” |
 | GCM12SD | Bosch 12” Dual-Bevel Axial Glide |
 | DWS779 | DeWalt 12” Double-Bevel Sliding Compound |
 | LS1019L | Makita 10” Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound |
 | GCM18V-12GDCN | Bosch ProFactor 18V 12” Bevel Glide |
 | 2734-20 | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 10” Bevel Sliding Compound |
 | GCM18V-07SN | Bosch PROFACTOR 18V Surgeon 7-1/4″ Miter Saw Single-Bevel Slide |
 | 2733-20 | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Dual Bevel Sliding Compound |
 | DCS781B | DeWalt 60V FlexVolt 12″ Double Bevel Sliding |
Let’s go further into depth on each of these top miter saws:
Choosing the right miter saw depends on the type of projects you’ll be tackling, the material sizes you’ll be cutting, and whether portability is a priority. Whether you need the versatility of a sliding compound miter saw or the precision of a compound saw, understanding the specifications and features will help you make the best decision for your needs. You can find your perfect miter saw at Ohio Power Tool today!
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