Best Miter Saw For The Money

Last Update: October, 2023

A miter saw is one of the most indispensable power tools that you can have in your workshop. Whether you are a professional contractor or someone creating projects from home, this is a necessary tool.

So, what does a miter saw do?

Well, the answer is simple – they are used to make very accurate angled cuts and crosscuts. The mounted circular saw drops down onto whatever is being cut in a very swift quick motion which can be dangerous if not applied properly. Miter saws can also be called drop saws or abrasive cut saws or even chop saws.

Finding the best miter saw for you and the work that you create can be challenging. You want a saw with features that will fit your needs, while still maintaining that ideal quality that is worth investing in. We have compiled this buying guide to help assist in that process.

Let’s embark on this journey and find the perfect miter saw for you.

More About The Hitachi C10FCG

This Hitachi miter saw is idyllic for new and familiar users. It provides exactly what you need with no frills or gimmicks. Weighing in at just over 24 pounds, this saw is easy to transport. Though light, it still delivers high power with a 15-amp motor and 2.57 horsepower. Don’t worry, it also has a vibration reducing grip.
The dust collector attachment minimizes the number of airborne particles that get released. The cage extender allows for ample support of the material you’re sawing, while the vice clamping system and base stabilizer bar lets you feel assured that your material is secure.
You can make quick adjustments with your thumb for positive stops.

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More About The Dewalt DWS779

This DWS779 gives you one of the highest accuracy in cutting and visibility on the market. With its ingenious clamping system, dual steel rails and linear ball bearings, you’d be able to rely on this miter saw to deliver.
Backed by Dewalt’s 3 year limited warranty, this reliable saw comes at a competitive price and can utilize various blades to cut through alternative materials. Its powerful 15 amp motor really delivers and it even has a hyper efficient system that collects over 75% of dust so you have lesser cleaning up to do.

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More about The Dewalt DW715

This Dewalt saw is a powerhouse with a 12” blade. It comes with a carbide blade, dust bag, blade wrench, and side handles for comfort in the base. The 4 hardened steel bevel delivers versatility at common angles and 11 positive stops. This saw is heavier, weighing in at 42 pounds, but it comes equipped with a carry handle for easier portability.
Let’s dig a little deeper.
For perfect angles, this saw comes with a cam lock miter handle with miter detent override. This means you will not have to twist on the handle to lock your preferred angle in. Its powerful motor and supreme adjustability will cut through everything from baseboards to crown molding.

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More About The Delta S26-263L

This Delta saw comes equipped with a built-in laser to help you align your blade and guide your cuts for a smooth, exact finish. This saw allows for long workpieces with the help of table extensions. If you need more space in your work area, this saw's lightweight design makes moving to a new space a simple task.
This is a single bevel saw. The bevels left from 0-45 degrees and cuts nominal 2x12 at full bevel. The 24-count blade is great for daily jobs and provides smooth cuts. If the blade nut is loosened or removed, there is a spindle lock that offers a secure hold for the spindle.
The Delta S26-263L is steady and sturdy enough for trim carpentry.

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More About The Bosch Compound Miter Saw

This high-quality Bosch compound miter saw is a heavy hitter with 3 horsepower and a 15-amp motor. Its transparent lower guard allows for clear, unobstructed visibility as you cut. It is heavy, weighing in at just over 88 pounds, but this weight provides a supremely stable base.
The saw is easily adjustable with a uniform bevel and stainless-steel miter scales. A 14” horizontal cutting capacity, 6.5” vertical capacity, and 6.5” crown capacity all for an unequaled range of cuts.
And the best part?
This unit was built for daily use and won't slow or weaken with time. The soft trigger handle offers maximum comfort for long duration jobs. The bevel lock is conveniently located in the front which eliminates the need to reach behind the saw. This unit is a dual bevel miter saw.

Features to Look Out For

By now you’ll have realized that miter saws can be quite diverse.
We need to get to an understanding of what each unit offers and what features will be best suited for you. Do you need to move your power tools around to different worksites?
Are you wanting a machine for DIY projects?
Would you benefit from a laser guide?

Weight

Miter saws come in all different shapes and sizes. If you are needing a machine that you can move around, you will want to consider a lighter model if applicable to the work you’re doing. Some machines are quite heavy and will require team lifting – for your back’s sake and the machine.

Amp

You might think that the most powerful amp size means it is better. But that is not always the case, especially for everyone’s varied needs. Most manufacturers build saws with 15-amp motors; however, these can sometimes be more powerful than a user may need. Consider what your goals are with what you produce, and a 10-amp motor might be perfectly suited for you.

Blade Size and Type

Blade size and type are extremely important to consider when picking a new saw.
Think about it.
You want to ensure that you get a blade big enough for the jobs that you are completing. A 10” blade might work extremely well for some jobs. But if you’re working with bigger materials, a 12” might be more practical for you. The most common sized blades are 8, 10, and 12 inches.Horsepower doesn't work by the ‘bigger is better' rule. If you go for a saw that's overpowered for your project you can end up with a poor cut, and a safety hazard. Likewise and underpowered saw can cause the same issues.

So check the specifications to make sure it'll work with your typical projects. Also, make sure the saw can plug into a standard socket if your work area isn't equipped for heavy duty sockets.

Laser Precision

It all comes down to your skill level.
If you can smoothly cut through any material with a saw without the laser guide, that is great. However, for most people, a simple laser addition will make a world of difference in the work you create.
How’s that?
The lasers can be bought separately for some machines, and many have one built-in. The laser casts a bright light for you to see where you’re cutting – even through the dust. For every job, precision matters, and a laser will help reach that goal.

Positive and Depth Stops

The detent plates on saws adjust at different stops to allow you to improve your cutting accuracy and performance. The number of positive stops varies per machine.
What’s the deal?
The more stops, the more accurate of a cut you can get. They allow you to control for height and how deep the blade will cut into the material.

Table Extensions

This feature is necessary if you work with large and/or long materials. The extension will provide you with added space.

Electric Brakes

Safety first.
Some saws come with electric brakes that will stop the saw’s rotating in mere seconds. This works by reversing the electricity going into the machine when you release the trigger.

Dust Chutes and Bags

The fact is that saws create dust.
That dust can be potentially harmful to breathe in and can damage the eyes. Aluminum and other metals could blow into outlets and cause issues. Dust can disrupt your vision or your coworker who is not even using a saw.
While safety gear like masks and eyewear should always be considered, you should also consider where you’ll be working and if a dust chute/bag attachment will benefit you.
Odds are that these will benefit you.
A dust chute helps to remove sawdust from your work zone, while dust bags are mounted onto the saw and collects sawdust as it accumulates.

Different Kinds of Miter Saw

There are also different types of miter saws available.
The four main types are below:
Standard miter saw
Compound miter saw
Dual-Compound miter saw
Sliding compound miter saw
Let’s go into a bit more detail on each type.

Standard Miter Saw

This is the most basic design that allows you to make simple crosscuts. A standard saw is typically inexpensive and lightweight. However, they do limit what you’re able to do since they do not tilt, so you cannot make an angled or bevel cut. On top of that, the depth and width of your cuts are also limited.
This is where more complex saws come into play.

Compound Miter Saw

This type of saw can pivot from side to side, allowing you to make angled and beveled cuts. They are typically housed on stable bases to help with accuracy and tend to be heavier overall. These cutting techniques allow you to make picture frames and cut crown molding.
Remember: You will have to end up making some cuts upside-down with this machine.

Dual-Compound Miter Saw

What’s so different about this saw?
Not much, really. As its name implies, it is a dual compound saw. This machine will significantly reduce working time by removing the need to cut things upside-down.

Sliding Compound Miter Saw

This saw is different from both compound saws. It works by sliding the material you are working with through it and is not limited by the space it resides. Not only can you cut longer materials with this, but you can also cut those materials into thicker pieces.

A tool to Fit your Needs

The tool you end up choosing needs to match your needs.
Make a list of all the jobs you do and materials you tend to use and go from there. Once you get a list going, you will be able to quickly check off saws that do not fit your needs.

Conclusion

All in all, miter saws vary from simple to quite complex, from basic to fully equipped with lasers beams and dust bags. While there is a saw for everyone, not every saw will benefit everyone else. Start with the ones we have listed in this guide and you’ll be on the right track. You can be more confident that you are investing in a quality unit that is perfect for you and your needs.