How to choose a miter saw

Want to buy a miter saw but not sure where to start? Here are some helpful tips to help you get on the right track.

Shop all miter saws and accessories:

Blade size, cut capacity, as well as knowing how you will be using it are all some of the primary considerations to make. Heavier-duty use by professionals will likely require a larger saw, while DIYers and homeowners will be able to get away with a smaller one. Larger blades and sliding miter saws will be able to make larger cuts, and dual-bevel capability means less time between cuts than single-bevel. Big sliding saws will need more space to operate though, so be aware of how much room you will have to work in.

Safety features are critical also. A solid blade guard will protect you from the spinning blade, and should never be overlooked. Trigger locks prevent accidentally energizing the tool, but can sometimes be right-or left-handed and become troublesome, so ambidextrous safety switches address the issue.

Most models are corded, but battery-powered configurations have been created in recent years for workers on the move who need a tool to take with them. Cordless models have smaller blades that can limit cutting ability, but allow the unit to be much smaller and lighter for easy transport.

Miter saws are great tools to have around. It should last a very long time, so take the time to choose the right one that you will love for years. Most major manufacturers put their own unique spin on the basic design, but there are still common features across all of them that can help you determine which is best for your needs.

[jayrific]

Layer it out perfect and answer every question I never even needed to ask. Great job.

[kikoman]

Thanks a lot for this great video. No BS., just straight to the point. Job well done!

[walter.bellini]

Really nice video, thank you for the short strong packed informational byte.

[lurklingX]

dude, thank you. this was quick and thorough. everything i needed to know.

[loganeubank]

I never comment on videos but...
Well done guys thank you for doing this 👏

[judithrob]

This test is only if you want to saw with precision, with a miter saw. (test is not for rough work).
Tips and Test:
Very important if you would like to saw with precision. (avoid torsion as much as possible)!
Always choose a Miter saw with a handle positioned in a VERTICAL line above the saw blade.
Everything must be aligned, slide rails, handle, and saw blade, it is much better this way the blade will not tilt.
Because there is some torsion in the aluminum housing .
And choose an engine with softstart on it to prevent wear of the gear and worm shaft.
It is very important that everything is aligned.
Here are some examples to show how the handle must be positioned above the blade.
Bosch gcm 800 sj / Bosch gcm 8 sjl / Evolution rage 3 / FESTOOL KS 60 / Bosch GCM 8 SDE / FESTOOL KS 60 E KAPEX / Metabo KGSV 72 Xact / Bosch PCM 8 SD / Hitachi C10FSH / Ridgid MS255SR 10-inch / Evolution Fury3-S / Evolution R255SMS.

(This also is the case with the Miter saw without the slide rails).

(If you want). You can test it yourself at home if there is torsion in the aluminum housing.

Step-1. First you make a saw cut from +-5 mm deep in to a flat piece of wood about +- 20 mm thick to this with the normal handle positioned on the right side of the Miter saw (the wood it will remain in place until the test is completed).

Step-2. Then repeat this by pushing the saw blade down with your hand (finger) on the aluminum protective cover were the saw blade is cased in. Just now only do this without the running engine.

Step-3. Now you can see if the saw blade will be positioned in or next to the saw cut. If the saw blade is (+- 0, 2 / 0, 5 mm) next to the saw cut then there is torsion in the aluminum housing (test is completed).

Step-4. Therefor it is much better to choose a Miter saw with the handle positioned VERTICAL in line above the saw blade.
The second option is the handle positioned horizontal in line above the saw blade.

Step-5. When you measure the vertical angle square of you're sawblade don't forget that there is always some torsion in the aluminum housing.

Conclusion: how further away the handle is from the saw blade how more chance of torsion in the aluminum housing.(don't go for that).

Also with a cheap slide miter saw it is still better the handgriff in line a above the saw blade than on the right side. Maybe they will make it someday then we have a winner...

[irmaztamal]

This video really help me to choose the best miter saw for my needs

[lisalovelylpa]

Omg so much to think about lol
I have a 25 year old Delta 10 inch miter saw, the blade guard is busted but I still use the saw and the bevel lock is broke, so I can’t easily get the saw to cut bevels, I have a small shop mostly cubicle in design and I have a contractor table saw.
So, whatever lol not sure if I need a sliding saw. A simple 12 inch would most likely do the trick, I make mostly frames and canvases for my art.

[BLAZEPSI]

Kobalt miter...best bang for the buck.

[DutchVai]

These saw's are making me thirsty !!

[codacreator]

I still have questions. Next vid, please.

[bugsea]

What am I looking for to cut 7 1/2" wide baseboard. It's confusing.

[fortsawdust]

Thank you! I have been trying my brain comparing miter saw types & sizes for two months! I'm pretty settled on a compound miter saw, just the blade size I'm now focusing on. Would you please tell me, in your own opinion, if a home woodworking/DIY'er can get away with using a 71/2" saw blade over a 10"?

[versatileduplicity]

think ima get a mitre saw with a plug. that battery crap isn't a good idea for every tool !!

[richardschiller]

"You might be able to put the same blade in your table saw [as your miter saw]" - REALLY! Don't table saw blades need positive rake and mitre saws need negative rake? Are you sure that this is a sound, responsible statement? Isn't this a SAFETY ISSUE?

For those new to miter saws, the rake of the blade is the slight angle between the orientation of the teeth and being perfectly radial. It is used to apply securing force to the wood. The positive rake on a table saw pulls the wood toward the spindle. The table is below the blade, so it pulls the wood onto the table. On a mitre saw, the table is effectively above the blade (imagine the mitre saw upside down). Here, negative rake pushes the material away from the spindle (down on a miter saw) and so onto the table. Use the wrong rake, and the wood is not pushed or pulled toward the table but lifted off it, allowing the saw to then propel the material at speed out of the saw.

[hemidesign]

The best are the DeWalt, Bosch and HF Hercules.. the rest is ALL garbage..