A miter saw is one of the most versatile tools in a typical toolbox. If you are looking to get one, we can help you out. Today, we present to you the best compound miter saw that can you can possibly find nowadays.
Other than reviewing the top five miter saws, we will also throw in some shopping tips.
If you want to get a quick recommendation, we suggest that you go with the WEN MM1214 15 Compound Miter Saw. This miter saw is unlike anything else you will find in its price range.
Best Compound Miter Saw Discussed:
1. Metabo HPT C10FCGS Miter Saw
Although it’s not a big brand name, the Metabo HPT C10FCGS Miter Saw is a highly suitable device for DIY projects. It has the same power output as other (15 amp) high-end saws sold nowadays, which should tell you that this isn’t a mediocre miter saw.
On the contrary, this best compound miter saw is a bomb, in its own rights. Seriously, its cutting capacity is second to none. As advertised, it cuts straight, smooth, and fast with high precision.
At the same time, it’s not freaking expensive. Plus, the saw comes with a five-year warranty. That said, this saw doesn’t come with a laser, which can be added at a later stage. But then, it’s more solid than saws that come with a laser.
Product Features:
This 10-inch model isn’t very heavy to handle. Furthermore, it has a simplistic design to it. So, it’s not too difficult to operate, even if you are a raw beginner. Even though it’s designed for a right-handed person, it works just fine for a left-hander too. Not to mention that it offers a good bevel range of 0-45 degrees to provide clean and precise cuts.
The blade swap on this device is a breeze as well. Of course, you are expected to read the instructions carefully to get things done right. That said, the stock blades are good enough to last long. The saw also looks good in the hands. So, don’t be hesitant to get this miter saw just because it doesn’t carry a high price tag.
Advantages:
-The fact that it’s lightweight, it can be easily transported from one job site to another without any difficulty.
-The sawdust collection bag does its job very well. It collects most of the cut dust without any issues.
-This thing is not too hard to assemble. In fact, you will be astonished at how quickly this miter saw can be put together.
Disadvantages:
-The cord length is not up to the mark. It would be great if the makers ship the future batch with longer cords.
2. Genesis GMS1015LC Miter Saw
Your search for a decent and inexpensive miter saw can end with the Genesis GM1015LC Miter Saw. Even though it’s an inexpensive saw, it doesn’t have any design flaws to it. In fact, it’s intelligently designed to keep up with relatively heavy use.
Of course, it’s not meant for commercial use. But then, it’s a great tool for DIY projects that pop up every now and then. Yes, this thing is powerful enough to cut most things thrown its way. Not to mention that it has a strong built-quality to it as well.
Seriously, it can survive a rare drop or two. Obviously, don’t put this statement to the test by dropping the unit intentionally. You never know, it might not make it alive. The point here is that this best compound miter saw cuts like a pro, and it’s sturdy enough to last long.
Product Features:
The Genesis GMS1015LC Miter Saw is not too difficult to put together and align, out of the box. Once assembled, you will notice that the saw is easy to adjust, and it offers proper cutting angles. It comes with a laser too, which will help you cut easily in low light conditions as well. Not to mention that this thing also comes with wheels that make it easy to move the saw around without any problem.
Therefore, weekend warriors can seriously consider getting this saw. Given how well it performs, you won’t be able to wait for another project. Seriously, you will be left wondering why you didn’t get this power tool sooner. Both the quality and the price of this miter saw are too good.
Advantages:
-As marketed, it’s a very cost-effective miter saw for fixing things around one’s house or garage.
-The accuracy and the durability of this miter saw is a cut above the scope, especially for its price.
-Given how well it operates, the saw makes most home projects more fun and enjoyable than usual.
Disadvantages:
-As hinted earlier, this miter saw is not meant for commercial use. For hardcore use, you should be prepared to spend more.
3. DEWALT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw
For commercial projects, the DEWALT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw should be a no-brainer choice. Regular cuts aside, it’s solid and powerful enough to cut through stubborn materials as well.
Seriously, it’s so good that even though you might have bought it for a one-time job, the next thing you know, you could be undertaking home projects after projects as if cutting wood is your main profession.
Basically, the DEWALT Miter Saw will motivate you to work on a lot of home projects. Not to mention that this best compound miter saw is compact enough to easily fit in an unused corner of your storeroom. At no point would you feel that this saw could have been better designed. It will definitely prove to be a nice investment for a shop that makes use of a tool of this nature.
Product Features:
The set-up process barely takes a couple of minutes. Seriously, you won’t have to take a look at the product manual to assemble this miter saw. Once you fire this thing up, you will be surprised by its cutting ability.
For those who don’t know, it’s powered by a 15-amp motor that generates 4,000 RPM output like nobody’s business. Also, this saw has a sliding fence, enabling you to extend/shorten the length of the material based on your convenience.
Unlike the competition, you can do heavy-duty cutting with the DEWALT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw. Believe it or not, this thing can cut uneven pieces of thick tree trunk without any fuss.
Advantages:
-As advertised, it’s easy to change the blade on the DEWALT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw.
-The dust bag catches most of the crap. This is where most other miter saws fail miserably.
-The DEWALT saw comes with a host of accessories, such as a blade wrench, carbide blade, dust collection bag, and more.
-If you have read more reviews, you might already know that this miter saw has been well-received by past buyers.
Disadvantages:
-Given how well-built this DEWALT miter saw is, you will find it a bit heavy to move around.
4. WEN MM1214 15 Compound Miter Saw
If you have owned other WEN tools before, you might already know that they build reliable and long-lasting power tools. Gladly enough, the WEN MM1214 15 Compound Miter Saw lives up to the brand’s image. Yes, this saw works well enough to get the intended job done without any issues. It’s not only perfect for small tasks around the house, but it can also be used in a commercial environment. It’s reasonably light too, making it easy to carry around, even by someone suffering from a shoulder injury. New generation folks will also love the look of this miter saw. Seriously, you will like this miter saw so much that you might buy more tools from the same brand.
Product Features:
This miter saw is fitted with a 15-amp motor, which is responsible for its powerful performance. It goes from 0 to 45 degrees in both directions, allowing you to cut with great precision. Not to mention that it features an LED light, which empowers a user to work with maximum possible clarity.
The blades are sharp as hell too. Therefore, you are expected to be careful when using this tool, or else you might lose your little pinky finger, which, of course, won’t be the product’s fault.
It’s sharp on purpose to help you get the intended job done more efficiently than usual. The product comes with a dust bag too, and the makers cover the saw with a two-year warranty. Also, this miter saw is easy to assemble, despite the fact that the included instructions are not very clear.
Advantages:
-Even though it’s lightweight, it feels pretty solid in the hands. As advertised, it cuts very accurately and smoothly.
-According to past purchasers, this miter saw performs like new for a long time.
-The included dust collector works really well. As a result, the work area won’t be a big mess.
-This power tool can be considered by an occasional woodworker and by someone who makes a living with a tool of this nature.
Disadvantages:
-It’s a bit expensive. But then, you will still love this best compound miter saw for what it is.
-The included assembly instructions could have been better. The makers should rewrite some part of it to make things clearer to the audience.
5. Black+Decker M1850BD
The Black+Decker M1850BD is an affordable miter saw that can be used for small projects around the house. It’s a bit underpowered. Therefore, it cannot be used by a professional. But then, it does make cuts like a champ.
The saw is also easy to adjust and use. It comes with a blade too. The stock blade is pretty sharp, allowing you to make cuts faster than usual. The circumference of the blade is also good, enabling you to make larger cuts. Moreover, it doesn’t take a lot of adjustments to change angles on this device. Plus, this thing is safe to work with because it doesn’t have any flimsy parts to it.
Product Features:
The construction quality of this miter saw is right on the money, which you can easily tell because this cutting tool won’t wobble during use. And, it does everything that’s written on the product description.
Even if it’s your first power saw, you will find this tool relatively easy to use. Although it’s a bare-bones saw without anything flashy on it, it’s highly functional. You will be amazed at how easily this miter saw cuts objects with just one pass.
Basically, this miter saw lives up to the hype surrounding it. The included dust bag comes handy as well. Once the job is done, the bag will be properly filled.
Advantages:
-Even though the Black+Decker M1850BD saw doesn’t cost a lot, it doesn’t have a cheap or flimsy feel to it.
-Unlike other inferior miter saws, the degree measurements on this unit are not off.
-The motor on this thing can handle a lot of use. It won’t burn out even after many years of use.
-The length of the cord is good. As a result, you won’t feel the need to invest in an extension cord.
Disadvantages:
-The parts of the Black+Decker M1850BD miter saw is a bit difficult to acquire, especially when the parts you need run out of stock.
Best Compound Miter Saw: Buying Guide
This buying guide will explain all the different factors that you need to consider when shopping for a high-quality compound miter saw. Let’s look at them:
Size:
Generally speaking, miter saw blades come in two sizes: 10 or 12-inches. For home projects, 10-inch blades will work well. But then, a 10-inch blade won’t be suitable for larger projects. Frequent users should opt for a 12-inch blade.
As expected, it will cost more. However, the benefits outweigh the cost, considering the fact that you can get a lot more done with the help of a larger blade. To put it simply, larger blades can make longer cuts without any issues. They can also deliver cleaner and smoother cuts.
Motor Power:
The power of a miter saw is measured in amps. The ones with higher amps will carry more cutting power. Generally speaking, 15 amps of motor power is suitable for commercial projects. Anything less than 15 amps may not be ideal for large projects.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t get a saw with low motor power. It can be considered for home projects because it will be lighter in weight and easier to handle. Plus, it won’t cost as much as other high-powered motor saws out there.
Laser Guide:
A laser guide is an optional feature. Therefore, some miter saws don’t come with this feature. It will be a good idea to get a saw with a laser light if your project requires accurate cuts.
The shining beam coming from the laser light will help you make precise cuts by eliminating the risk of user error to a great extent. Of course, your experience will also count when it comes to delivering precise cuts. The laser just makes the job a little easier than usual.
Dust Collection System:
Most miter saws suck in this area of use. Of course, this causes a lot of mess in the work area. Mess aside, lack of a good dust collection system can also harm a user’s health. If you don’t know, it can cause lung diseases.
Therefore, it’s of paramount importance to choose a miter saw that comes with a good dust bag for collecting all the dust. This will eliminate all the annoying situations that can arise due to the lack of it.
More Shopping Tips:
-Pay attention to the length of the cord as well. Usually, they run short, leading you to spend money on an extension cord.
-If you use a miter saw frequently, make sure that you are getting a compact and lightweight saw so that it’s easy to move around.
-Don’t go for a dirt-cheap miter saw just because the price is too low. Read reviews to see how the saw has treated others.
-Inspect if the shortlisted miter saw is efficient or not. After all, you would hate to end up with a higher than usual power bill.
-Given the infinite choices available these days, you will definitely be spoilt for choices. Take your time and don’t make a hasty decision.
Word of Advice:
Unless you are a professional, you can walk past a 12-inch double bevel sliding compound meter saw because a unit of this nature is larger in size, and it can be a bit difficult to handle by a novice user. Not to mention that you will find the cost a little high for home projects. Of course, make sure to wear all the safety gear when using a miter saw, such as a safety goggle, mask, etc.
Conclusion:
Having read everything, finding the best compound miter saw shouldn’t be as hard as solving a murder mystery, which means that you must have shortlisted a product by now. Do share your favorite pick with us by posting a comment below.