Top 4 Best Miter Saw for Crown Molding

Crown molding adds a touch of class to any room. To fit into the corners, you’ll need to trim the molding lengths at an angle before installing it. While you can perform the adjustments using a hand saw, crown molding is much easier to cut using a miter saw.

No matter whether you are a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, a high-quality miter saw is a must-have in your equipment. It is good to know that these saws aren’t only efficient to cut crown molding but for performing a variety of other woodworking tasks. With that in mind, we have prepared a list of the best miter saw for crown molding offers.

To help you find the product that meets your needs, we have reviewed the top four miter saws, going over the highlighting features, pros, and cons. We also included an extensive buying guide and FAQ section for starters. Let’s get to it!

Best Miter Saw for Crown Molding

Crown molding is a great way to add detail and style to your room. But it can be difficult to cut if you don’t have the right tools. Check out this article for reviews of the top rated miter saws for this job.

1. DEWALT DWS780 Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Manufactured by Dewalt which is considered to be one of the leading brands in this sphere, it is a sliding compound miter saw set at 24 inches in length, 9 inches in width, and 48 inches in width. It is a corded-electric model and comes with a 12-inch blade. Apart from the double-bevel miter saw, you are getting a dust bag, a vertical material clamp, a blade wrench, and a 12” 60T carbide blade.

CUTLINE Blade Positioning System

The highlighting point of this product has to be the sophisticated blade positioning system that makes this miter saw suitable for beginners. Compared to most of its competitors, the cut line in this product doesn’t need to be adjusted and is automatically positioned depending on the crown molding angle that you are working at. With that in mind, DEWALT DWS780 offers impressive accuracy and is great for clean cuts. The superb accuracy and control are enhanced by the XPS mechanism which casts LED light improving the visibility of your workspace. Lastly, you will be working with a 10-stop miter detent place that will help you get through a crown mold in less time and with more precision.

Oversized Bevel Scale

As for the versatility of this Dewalt miter saw, you will love that it is so simple to make adjustments. All that you need to do is use the oversized bevel scale. As of our experience, this miter saw can be adjusted up to 60-degrees right and 50-degrees left. That, as well as the fact that you can cut 2×14 at 90-degrees and lumber of 2×10 at half that, is ensured by an innovative back fence. One of the coolest design details is the cam lock handle that will allow you to fix the precise cutting angles with less effort.

Tall Sliding Fences

The main reason why we consider it to be the best miter saw for crown molding is because you should be able to cut a crown molding up to 6.75-inches vertically if it is a base, as well 7.5-inch if we are talking about a nested molding. Furthermore, it comes with a spacious dust bag and a sophisticated debris collection system that reduces residues by more than 75%.

Pros

• Offers superb accuracy and control
• You can cut up to 6.75-inch for based crown molds, and 7.5-inch for nested molds
• Simple to adjust, up to 60 degrees right and 50 degrees left
• Comes with an innovative dust collection system
• Travel-friendly, easy to transport
• Highlighted by an adjustment-free cut line

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a guidance laser

2. BOSCH GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw

BOSCH is a brand that we have to mention when talking about high-quality miter saws. The GCM12SD is a 12-inch dual-bevel sliding model that operates at 15 amps and comes with 60 sharp teeth. Similar to the DEWALT product, it is corded electric, friendly for beginners and more experienced users. It comes with a sophisticated bevel mechanism, as well as an ambidextrous handle and an efficient dust collecting mechanism that minimizes the amount of produced waste.

Axial Glide System

Firstly, you will love the innovative gliding guide that this BOSCH miter saw comes with. It will help you achieve clean, cross-cuts while saving up to 12 inches of space. Not only that but it is essential if you are a beginner and aren’t experienced with smooth crown molding finishes. To enhance the precision, it includes a 90-degree lock fence that can be installed or unlocked with a single slide. Once set, the square lock stabilizes the axial glide system providing you with the needed confidence for performing strenuous tasks.

Beginner-friendly Bevel Controls

We do consider this product to be one of the best if you are getting started. It is simple to use and comes with an easy-to-read bevel system. Furthermore, the GCM12SD features a lock lever selected at the top of the miter saw that should help you with adjusting the bevel and setting the miter angle that you are comfortable with. The miter scales go a long way when it comes to adjusting this miter saw 45-degrees to the right or the left.

Expanded Capacity

Apart from the sophisticated dust collection system, this miter saw is ready for heavy-load applications, unlike most miter saws. Thus, you can cut crown molds that are set at 6.5-inches vertically or fence-backed at the same capacity.

Pros

• Simple to use, with easy-to-read bevel and miter scales
• Can be adjusted 45 degrees to the right and left
• Comes with a user-friendly axial glide system
• Saves up to 12 inches of the working area
• It can cut crown molds that are 6.5 inches vertical or against the fence

Cons

• The lock could be longer

3. DEWALT DWS713 Single Bevel, Compound Miter Saw

Moving on with our list, it would be a shame to miss out on this budget-friendly DEWALT offer. What you are looking at is a 24.8 x 20 x 17.72-inch compound miter saw that comes with a 10-inch blade and can reach up to 5000 rotations per minute.

Powerful 15-Amp Motor

The highlighting point of this product is its durability and impressive power. You will be working with a 15-amp motor that operates at 5000RPM while producing clean and accurate cuts. Most importantly, the superb performance doesn’t come at the price of its portability as DEWALT DWS713 is lightweight and simple to transport with an ergonomic carry handle.

Impressive Accuracy

This 10-inch miter comes with a premium steel plate that features 14 positive stops. These work together with the sophisticated back fence system as well as the easy-to-read meter scales to help you get the precise cuts. As for usability, it can work with crown molds that are set at up to 4.5 inches vertically.

CrossCut Capacity

Apart from being efficient to cut crown moldings, it is a miter saw that can work through 2×6” lumbers at an angle of 90 degrees as well as 2×4” at half that. Not to forget, it is simple to adjust and can glide from 0 to 48 degrees to the left and 0 to 3 degrees to the right.

Pros

• Operates with a 15-amp motor at 5000 rotations per minute
• Comes with a simple-to-read miter precision system and 14 positive stops
• Simple to adjust, 48 degrees to the left, 3 degrees to the right
• It has a cut capacity of 4.25-inches vertically
• Portable with an ergonomic carry handle

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a shadow line or a guidance laser

4. Hitachi C12RSH2 Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saws

Last but certainly not least is a Hitachi miter saw that operates with a powerful 15-amp motor and with 60-sharp teeth. It is set at 25 inches in length, 35 inches in width, and 28 inches in height with a blade length of 12 inches.

Sophisticated Laser Marker System

The main advantage of this product is the superb accuracy. It is a result of the sophisticated guidance laser that will allow you to make cross-cuts with the cut line while reducing splinters and waste. Not only that but it works together with the gliding guide system that supports zero clearance and can go over fixed obstacles like rails. As a beginner, these two features can make a huge difference in your cutting capacity.

Superb 15-Amp Motor

Similar to the previous product, this miter saw works with a 5000 RPM motor that makes it suitable for heavier use. Among the cool design, details are that this model comes with a raised fence (5.12”) that will allow cutting crown molding that are set up to 7.5 inches vertically.

Flexible Bevel and Miter System

In the end, the Hitachi C12RSH2 is well-known for its flexibility as you can adjust the miter up to 57 degrees to the right or 45 degrees to the left. Not only that but have the bevel set at 45 degrees right/left if you want to leave the task for a later time.

Pros

• Impressive accuracy with a compact slide system and a sophisticated guidance laser
• Operates at 5000 rotations per minute with a 15-amp motor
• The miter can be adjusted 57 degrees to the right, 45 degrees to left
• Bevel works at 45 degrees left/right
• Cuts crown molds that are up to 7.5 inches vertically

Cons

• Lacks a proper dust collection system

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Buying Guide for the Miter Saw for Crown Molding

Finding a high-quality miter saw for cutting crown molding jobs can be a straightforward process as long as you stay aware of a few essential points:

Powerful Motor

Firstly, you will want to invest in a miter saw that is durable and powerful. To ensure that, you should look for a model that operates on a 15-amp motor. In most cases, it is enough to reach 5000 rotations per minute and take on more complex tasks.

Shadow Line/Guidance Laser

While an experienced woodworker may not need artificial guidance, a shadow line or a guidance laser is essential for a beginner. It will help you achieve precise and clean cuts by following a determined marker line.

Number of Teeth/Blade Size

Maybe the most important feature is the blade. You should see that it is set between 8 to 12 inches in length and has anywhere between 40 and 80 sharp teeth that will ensure smooth cuts through crown moldings.

Capacity

Not to forget, if you are a woodworker looking to create fancy crown moldings you will need a miter saw that can get through crown molds that are set above 6.5-inch vertically or backed to the fence.

Vacuum System

More commonly known as a dust collection system, it is essential for removing dirt/debris and minimizing the created waste.

Portability

Some advantages of cordless miter saws are that it’s more convenient to use, it’s lighter, and it’s easier to transport. It also comes with less risk of tripping over cords at work. However, there are downsides to this tool. For instance, the battery will drain faster than the corded version and it needs more maintenance because there are more pieces that need to be taken apart and put back together after each use.

FAQ

Is There an Ideal Saw for Cutting Crown Molding?

Absolutely. According to our years of experience, they are the power miter saws. As long as you adjust the left or the right size to 45-degrees you should be able to get through the most difficult mold cutting tasks.

What Do You Need to Cut Larger Crown Moldings?

To get through a crown molding that is over 6 inches vertically you will need to invest in a miter saw that comes with a double-bevel gliding system and with a blade that is set at 12 inches in length.

How About Cutting Crown Moldings with a Hand Saw?

While you are best off woodworking with a miter saw you can still use a manual to get through a crown molding. Your best bet? A pull saw (Japanese type) or a traditional backsaw. Keep in mind that both come with a large number of sharp teeth.

What Is the Correct Way to Cut a Crown Molding?

The proper way to do it is by setting the narrow edge against the saw fence and the top at the table. The upside-down cutting direction ensures a smooth and accurate cut.

How Much Does a Saw Miter Cost?

It all depends on the features, structure, and the brand behind it. In our experience, quality miter saws start at $100 and go all the way up to $800.

Do You Need Corner Blocks?

If what you are looking for is to cut square ends on your crown molding, corner blocks are a good piece of equipment to support you in a simple and accurate cut.

Can You Cut Goodside Down?

While it is a possibility, you may end with an odd-looking crown molding. For that reason, you should always make sure that the edge that will rest on the ceiling is set at the table as you are cutting through the molding.

Wrap Up

Ask any experienced woodworker and he will tell you that a high-quality miter saw makes a huge difference in woodworking, and woodworking projects. Apart from being suitable for heavy load applications, it is a tool with which you can make precise and angled miter cuts through crown molding. To do that, you should invest in a powerful and durable miter saw.

Throughout this guide, we explained the most important points by highlighting the best products on the market and answering common questions. As long as you don’t forget about essential points such as motor power, capacity, speed, blade size, and dust collection system you shouldn’t have a tough time finding the best miter saw for crown molding. Make sure that it is a product that suits your skill level and budget. Good luck!