A miter saw is a tool that will save you a lot of time on your job site requiring the work with pieces of wood and the cutting at precise angles. It will also allow you to work in complete safety and offer you a result of superior quality compared to manual work. Whether it is to cut baseboards, paneling, planks, joists, all these parts will at one time or another need to be worked and cut at an angle. The miter saw is perfect for this use. In this article, we will talk about the best miter saw for homeowners.
More and more, DIY is no longer an activity reserved only for professionals: individuals are getting into it more and more and like to do household chores by themselves. Let’s find out together in our comparison and the dedicated buying guide!
Best Miter Saw For Homeowner List
The top miter saws for homeowners are compact, lightweight, and versatile. They have the power to slice through any material with ease. These are our top picks.
1. Hitachi C10FCG Miter Saw for Home Use
It has an elegant design, and it offers impressive sawing. Even with multiple uses, it remains strong. You can manage different projects with its powerful motor. If you are getting started or want to handle DIY projects, this is what the miter saw for you.
Unique Features
- Large table
- Dust collection system
- Accurate, clean bevel cuts
- Miter ranges left 52, right 52, and bevel to 45 to the left.
The C10FCG is portable and lightweight, weighing 24 lbs, but it also has a firm build. Its measurements are 21.5 x 18.1 x 22.9 inches, and you can carry it wherever you want.
You can also fold it and use it with one of the best miter saw stand. If you don’t want to take up too much space, you can store it away. This miter saw is under $200.
This miter saw has your health in mind because of the dust collection port. On the back of the blade shroud, you can put your shop VAC to collect dust. It is not perfect, but it’s good enough.
The C10FCG is perfect for most DIY projects because of the 15 amp 2.74 horsepower motor. Now let’s see what kind of crosscuts it can do. You can use its construction projects for dimensional lumber or flooring projects for hardwoods. Can be used for trim molding, for finishers, or trim and baseboard. You can add a new deck to the house because it can cut decking boards. You can also do some crosscutting of 2x4s or 2x6s.
Pros
Excellent value.
Cons
While it’s a plus that this saw comes with a dust collection system, it can be a little finicky, and the setup guide leaves much to the imagination.
2. TACKLIFE 12-Inch, 15 AMP Sliding Miter Saw
This impressive sliding miter saw by Tacklife has a double bevel cutting design to allow you to make quick adjustments and switch from left 45° to right 45° angle when needed. To achieve better results, you can use its double sliding rail to cut through tougher materials.
Unique Features
For additional precision, the product comes with an integrated laser that you can activate to get a straight cutting line. That way, you will see what you are cutting. As for the power, the 15-amp motor boasts 3800 RPM, which should be more than enough for all your projects. The 12″ 40T blade is strong enough to cut wood and metal, and it can be changed easily. It only requires you to keep an Allen wrench at hand. The cutting capacity here is 4.1″x 13.2″ at 90° x 90°. You’ll get optimal stability thanks to the clamps, and a wide working area ensures proper support for the material. Thus, you won’t have to purchase the tables saw for specific tasks.
With the help of a soft-grip handle, you can use it without putting a strain on your hand, and its efficient dust collection system prevents the mess around the tool.
The dimensions of this homeowner miter saw are 29″ x 13.8″ x 17.3″, and it has a 14″ x 16.5″ base. On top of that, the tool comes well-packed. It is almost ready straight from the box and requires only a couple of adjustments here and there before the first run. The set-up process shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes.
Many customers admit the smooth operation of this machine as well as the clean cuts that it makes. We recommend this unit for weekend warriors and beginners DIY enthusiasts because it has plenty of power. It has a durable build, so it will last for years if you use it properly.
Pros
It cuts smooth on multiple materials at 3800 rpm and has high-grade tungsten carbide-tipped blades that make this saw very accurate.
Cons
It doesn’t come with batteries, and those using this saw for commercial use may be unsatisfied because it’s a bit difficult to get set up and takes time to get used to.
3. DEWALT DWS779
For high quality and compact miter saws, DEWALT is the perfect brand. The DWS779 model is great for professionals and hobbyists. Professionals can appreciate high-quality cuts, precision, and smooth operation.
The versatility of this product is the number one feature. You can do a lot of different jobs, and you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues.
It has a powerful 15 amp motor that doesn’t vibrate too much—no cushion on the grip handle. You can cut dimensional woods at 2×16 and 90 degrees or 2×12 at 45. The dust collection system is nothing impressive, but it’s enough with the dust bag. If you want an impressive dust collection, you should look at other models.
Some of the things we liked the most are the good price, accuracy, and ease of use. Some of the downsides include the dust collection system, and that’s it’s not that lightweight. For this price, the precision is amazing.
If you don’t want to invest a lot of money, this is a smart choice. This doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have impressive features.
Pros
Phenomenal stainless steel miter plate and 0–48-degree bevels. Dual horizontal steel rails. You won’t have to worry about busting this saw as it comes with a 3-year warranty.
Cons
It doesn’t come with a laser guide, and its dust bag could be a bit bigger. It might not be the best choice for pros as there have been some complaints about the accuracy of miter positive stops.
4. Hitachi C12RSH2
The Hitachi C12RSH2 is another model on our list that has a laser to improve the precision of each cut. Its compact design adds to the ease of use. You can also find this product under Metabo HPT name because of the company’s rebranding.
Just like we’ve seen with the previous product, this one also comes with a 15-amp motor that offers up to 4000 RPM under no load to make those tough cuts. For 90° cross cuts, it has a max cutting capacity of 4.19″ x 12.25″ or 4.69″ x 10.19″, and you can also get 0°-57° right and 0°-45° left miter angles. Bevel angles range from 0°-45° for both sides, and you can easily switch between them. Due to the compact slide system, you won’t require to keep any space behind the tool. The overall size of the tool is 25.5″ x 36.63″ x 15.94″, and it weighs 59 pounds. Next, you can adjust the fence up to 5.12″ to cut larger materials, while positive stops and indications will help you to find proper settings. To make sure your tool lasts as long as possible, you can change the brush effortlessly with convenient access. The manufacturer used soft material to cover the handle, so it will help you to reduce the vibrations drastically.
With this power tool, you’ll get a dust bag, vice assembly, and 17mm box wrench. The Hitachi C12RSH2 is protected with a 5-year warranty, so you can rest assured that the product is durable. Additionally, it is pretty safe to use because it has a blade brake. Don’t forget to check that everything is assembled properly before using it. As for the price, it is considerably higher than with the previous model, but you get what you pay for. Most customers give this product positive feedback and recommend it for multiple woodworking projects.
Pros
With a small footprint and adjustable laser guide, this saw offers high performance at a low cost and is highly versatile.
Cons
Like many value saws, the dust collection system leaves something to be desired and coming in at just under 60 pounds, and it is rather burly. Not great for a job site, but a good starting point for beginners.
5. Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Miter Saw
You may not find any product close to the Bosch GCM12SD brand when accuracy and precise cutting are concerned. This model has all the features required to give you a comprehensive and accurate wood cutting in any type of job. It has a vacuum adaptor that provides comfort, a combination of dust chute, a soft-grip ambidextrous handle, and a pre-aligned Squarelock fence, which ensures precision cuts throughout its lifespan.
The Bosch GCM12SD also has easy access controls, simple miter and bevel scales, and a large cutting capacity. The model equally maintains very high customer and user ratings on Amazon and other high-quality retail websites. Its compact Axial-Glide system is made to provide accurate and smooth cuts that give you total control over the saw’s cutting action. With this saw, you are going to minimize the level of mistakes when cutting through any type of wood. The Axial-Glide doesn’t use the conventional rail set-up, which makes it possible to take lesser workspace than most of its competitors.
Additionally, the model features a 15 amp motor that provides a no-load speed of about 3,800 RPM for accurate and quick cuts in a wide range of materials. For versatility and further convenience, the saw can be used effectively with different 12-inch blades.
Even though it’s the high-end when it comes to the price, you will still get more than what you paid for with this model. You will receive a 60 tooth blade, blade wrench, material clamp, dust bag, and vacuum adaptor with the box.
One of the best features is the power and ease of use. Square lock quick-release fence offers precise alignment. The one-touch lock makes alignment super easy. You don’t have to reach around the ack to make bevel adjustments. It goes up to 47 degrees to the right and left, and it’s marked at 0, 33.9, and 45 on right-facing cuts and left ones.
I would recommend you get a miter to stand like the Bosch T48 Gravity-Rise. It will save you a lot of frustration. You will get pro-level performance with this combo. This is the perfect miter saw for construction, repair professionals, and remodeling jobs.
Pros
The patented Axial Glide is relatively raw among miter saws and offers the user increased flexibility in their workspace—saving up to an entire foot of space. In addition, you’ll get more clearance for straight cuts on larger slabs of wood.
Cons
The weight could be an issue for amateurs who will have a more difficult time handling it, making the saw a little less accurate than its lighter competitors.
6. Makita LS1018
This dual Makita model delivers great cutting accuracy and precision that is simply out of the box. You will certainly get all the performance you will ever need in a sliding compound saw for homeowner. Even at this high efficiency, you will be surprised that it weighs just 43 lbs. This makes it very portable and easy to carry around to various job sites. Jobs like crown molding and cutting baseboards will become very simple for you because of the precision cutting this model provides.
Makita LS1018 is ideal for general construction, carpentry, fine woodworking, and lots more. This model of Makita miter saw is powered by a strong 13 AMP motor that generates constant power with no belts to replace or slip. With the electric brake, you are assured of safety when using the tool. Other features of this product include large precision machined-aluminum, ergonomic rubberized D handle, soft start feature for easy start-up, and a compact size for portability.
The LS1018 has great features and is also lightweight. It can cut a 12-inch board at 90 degrees, which means it is good for shelving, plywood, wide dimensional lumber, etc. It can do 45 degrees miter cut on an eight and a half inches board. And the fence is enough for baseboard and crown molding jobs.
You should consider the Makita LS1018 if you want an above-average compound miter saw that can handle the framing, renovating, deck building, or most finish jobs. For home improvement jobs, any DIYer would enjoy this saw. It is a product leaning more to a professional, the woodworkers and hobbyists won’t like the dust system, and it doesn’t have a laser, making the cuts a little harder to create.
People that reviewed this unit said they liked that it can do most remodeling and carpentry jobs, it can do smooth and accurate cuts with the sliding action, and it is lightweight. Others don’t like that it lacks a laser guide and the dust collection system is not perfect.
Pros
I’m giving Makita LS1018 an excellent rating on its smoothness, accuracy, and versatility. It’s also lightweight for its class and has excellent crosscutting ranges. Great CMSS.
Cons
It doesn’t come with a laser and its dust collection, like many other less-expensive miter saws, is sub-par. In addition, bearings on the slide can be of low quality.
7. Genesis GMS1015LC
This is an amazing compound miter saw, considering its price. If you want to get started with frames, base modeling, or other precision woodworking jobs, the GMS1015LC comes equipped with all the accessories needed. It has a 15A 120V motor that runs up to 4600 RPM.
For unsurpassed cutting power and accuracy, it comes with with a 60-tooth carbide-tipped blade. For great precision cutting, it has an electric brake and a powerful laser guide. Also included in the package are two batteries.
The bevel adjusts to 45 degrees on both sides. It also comes with two extension wings, a hex range, and a dust bag. Other things that make it an amazing compound miter saw are the safety features as well and the laser that’s ready out of the box.
This affordable unit has a lot of great features we liked. Some of those include a dust bag, extension wings, powerful motor, electric brake with batteries included. We didn’t really find anything we didn’t like about this tool.
Pros
We did great angle cuts and found out it can easily cut through 2×5 plywood. Need to work with crown molding? Shadow boxes? Picture frames? This is your saw.
Cons
It’s challenging to find a miter saw with a solid laser, and this saw is no different. Unfortunately, the laser doesn’t slide front-to-back.
8. Craftsman 21237
This miter saw model gets the job done with a high level of precision unequaled in the entire industry. It is portable, lightweight, and has a laser precision that slices through any hard material with ease. Craftsman 10inch compound miter saw has a spinning capacity of 4,800 RPM, making it super strong and fast to withstand all types of woodworking tasks. Interestingly, the product is among the cheapest models you will ever find in the market. This is why most customers feel the quality of the product makes it a giveaway at a price. Unlike other miter saw models that make use of larger blades, the Craftsman uses smaller blades that can be easy to maintain.
One great feature of this brand is the 15 amp motor, which delivers high-density woodcutting technology. Other features of this model include extensions laser Trac, blade wrench, dust bag, blade, and a compound miter saw made of pure, durable steel. It is easy to assemble and suitable for different types of woodworking tasks.
Because it has great cutting capabilities, is lightweight, and has a laser guide, this saw is great for woodworkers or professionals. Obviously, the laser guide will make it appealing to woodworkers. They will be able to create quick cuts when rough-cutting boards. This will save time if you make a lot of cuts in a period of time.
Because of its low price, DIYers and hobbyists will love this saw. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money and want a great sliding compound miter saw, this is a great choice.
A downside would be the extended bevel capabilities that are lacking. Because of this, the price is lower.
I liked the saw because it’s great for trim work, sliding, and house projects. Very easy to set-up and use. I can see how someone doesn’t like the dust miter handle that can break, while others can like the plastic used in the design.
Pros
This Craftsman miter saw comes with a blade, blade wrench, and aluminum extensions. A powerful 15-AMP motor that meets the market standard. Includes performance-enhancing accessories.
Cons
The laser is placed in a position that makes it difficult to see on a sunny day, and then sometimes the dust will spray. Its carrying handle is also weak and prone to breaking.
9. Makita XSL06PT
The design was created to save space. It creates smooth cuts and has great accuracy. It has a 2-steel rail sliding system that increases its performance.
The XSL06PT is able to create even cuts on different materials. The vertical capacity is 5-1/4″. Crown molding cutting capacity is 6-5/8 inches. Miter ranges from 0 to 60 right and left and stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, 45, and 60 degrees.
Out of the box, accuracy is impressive, but the portability is not that great as it weighs over 60 lbs.
It will do cuts all day long. The brushless motor has 4400 RPM and was made for long-lasting performance.
Related: Best Cordless Miter Saw
The only reason it is lower on the list is because of the increase in price. Without sacrificing versatility and power, it has a great design and has great usability, durability, and precision.
Pros
Since this miter saw is battery-operated, you aren’t tied down by an electric cord. This means greater flexibility for home repairs. In addition, it has 4,400 RPM, which is great for a saw of its size (10-inches).
Cons
At 60 pounds, it’s a bit heavy compared to its competitors. This could be due to it being battery-powered. As with all heavy miter saws, heaviness causes decreased stability. The laser guide also has a steeper than a standard learning curve.
10. SKIL 3821-01
SKIL is another great brand for miter saws and has affordable prices. The 3821-01 is not the best when it comes to features, but it has a great design that is portable for the price it offers. For improved portability and faster cutting, it features a quick mont system. For medium and small-sized jobs, this is a great user-friendly saw.
The SKIL 3821-01 has nine positive stops. Lock it in place, and you will be able to do more efficient cuts. The detents are 0, 20, 31, 45 degrees for left and right.
The motor has 4500 RPM and 15 amps. A great feature of this saw is the built-in table extension, giving you enough space to work with bigger material. Other models in this price bracket don’t offer this feature. It also comes with a dust collection system that is better than most models on this page. It includes a large dust bag to keep your workplace clean. With the quick-mount system, you can mount the saw on a stand very easily.
A downside would be that the laser cutting guide cannot be seen in bright sunlight. The pros of this product include user-friendliness, lightweight, low price, laser guide, number of detents, or powerful motor.
Who can use this miter saw? It can be used by seasoned woodworkers, small DIY projects, beginners, or other DIY-ers.
Pros
It is excellent for beginners as it comes with user-friendly features and is relatively low-priced. In addition, the motor is high-quality, and the laser guide makes cuts simple.
Cons
The same reasons that make this miter saw is great for beginners are the same reasons that make it less than desirable for experts. Its simple design means that advanced features are missing.
11. ShopSeries RK7136.1 Miter Saw with Stand
The RK7136.1 body is only 10 inches, which is great for portability. This is a very efficient product, and many users gave it five stars.
The motor is 15 amp. The design is great; the coating is made out of aluminum. The dust collecting system is above average. The bevel adjustments go up to 45 degrees. And it also comes with a miter saw stand, to create work more efficiently.
I liked the legs that are adjustable, and the assembly is easy to do. The shoe molding might be defective, and the baseboard device stops functioning.
If you want a miter saw that comes with a stand and is great for homeowners, this is the number 1 choice. If you don’t want the stand, this is the 10th choice on our list. It has a lot of useful features and creates perfect miter cuts.
Final Words
We can conclude, that overall, the best miter saw for homeowner is the Hitachi C10FCG. This is a tool that’s on top of some of our other lists. With the 15 amp and 2.74 hp motor you can do most DIY projects. You can cut decking boards and add new deck to the house. The #1 sliding miter saw for homeowner is the TACKLIFE. It is ready straight from the box, and everyone mentions it has a smooth operation. Great for beginners, DIY enthusiasts and weekend warriors. Will last for year and years and has great functionalities.
