If you’re a professional picture framer, then you already know how difficult it is to find the right miter saws. There are so many different models on the market that it can be hard to tell which one will fit your needs best.
You need a good quality saw that will make quick and accurate cuts for all of your framing jobs. But there’s no way to know if this tool will work for you until after you’ve bought it and taken it home. By then, its often too late…
We compared 5 different miter saws in order to create this review guide for picture framing professionals like yourself who need help making an informed choice when purchasing their next power tool. This article takes into account everything from price point, blade size, motor strength, customer reviews and more! Our goal is to give you as much information as possible so that choosing the right miter saw becomes easier than ever before.
Best Miter Saw For Picture Framing Reviews
There are many reasons to use a miter saw in picture framing. It can be used in complicated picture frames and for cutting moldings. A miter saw is a great tool to have in any shop.
1. DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw is the best miter saw for picture framing for the price. It has a powerful 15 Amp motor with 3800 RPM and can cut through 2x4s like butter. As an added bonus, it also includes laser guide for accurate cuts every time.
One thing that’s not so great about this corded miter saw is that it only comes with one blade which means you end up having to buy more miter saw blades if you want to use any other type of wood than pine or cedar.
The high quality blades are expensive as well, but they do last long; I’ve had my current blade for over two years without needing a replacement yet. Overall, this DEWALT Miter Saw is worth the investment.
Unique Features
- Smooth, powerful operation with the 15 Amp motor
- Precision 0.5 degree adjustments
- Double bevel precision cuts to the left or right
- Smooth cuts a variety of different materials
- Miter detent override system adjusts from 0 to 48 degrees, with positive stops at the most frequently used angles
- Heavy duty aluminum and steel construction
- Extra wide aluminum fence provides a smooth glide for material support, precise cuts and blade visibility
- Works on hard woods, plywood, plastic and melamine
- Comes with push stick for extra user safety
- Provides up to 3,800 RPM for faster cutting
- Easy to use table extensions allow for wider cuts
Cons
- The saw was scratched and had damage to it because of poor packaging
- The saw is not square, and DeWalt does not have a fix for it
2. Kobalt Compact Sliding Miter Saw
The Kobalt Compact Sliding Miter Saw for picture framing is a reliable and affordable saw that can be used for most applications. It has the perfect blade speed for cutting metal, but it may not be suited for fine furniture because of its gritty ball bearing sliders.
The slide is a little rough but consistent, and the motor doesn’t wobble when you slide the saw back. The saw has plenty of power and cuts smoothly without splintering. The only downside is that the slide is gritty, which can make it difficult to accurately measure your miter cuts. Overall, this is a great saw for the money.
The Kobalt Compact Sliding 7-1/4-in 10-Amp Miter saw has a blade speed of 6500 rpms, which is great for cutting aluminum and hardwood smoothly without splintering. However, the blade speed is too high for heavy duty thick lumber, unless you use a narrow kerf framing blade.
The Kobalt Compact Sliding Miter Saw can cut through pressure-treated 2 x 4s easily and 2 x 6s with 2 passes.
Unique Features
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability
- 10 amp motor for powerful cutting performance
- Sliding mechanism makes it easy to cut large pieces of wood
- Single bevel design allows for versatile cuts
- Laser guide helps ensure accurate cuts
- Comes with a dust bag to keep the workspace clean
Cons
- The sliding arm has a little play in it, so accuracy is hit and miss.
3. Metabo C10FSHCT HPT 10-Inch Sliding Miter Saw
The Metabo C10FSHCT is a 10-inch sliding compound miter saw for picture framing that can cut through wood, plastic, and metal. It has a bevel range of 0 to 45 degrees, and a miter range of 0 to 52 degrees. The saw also has a laser guide for accurate cutting. Accuracy of the saw is not the best sometimes.
The blade guard of this corded Miter Saw is one of its weaker points. It’s difficult to adjust and it often gets in the way of the saw. The top assembly also flexes when you use it, which makes it difficult to get a precise cut.
Dust collection on the Metabo C10FSHCT Miter Saw is very poor. The sawdust collects on the table and in the track where the sawdust moves, and it often gets in the way of the workpiece. This makes it difficult to see the line you are cutting.
The Metabo C10FSHCT Miter Saw can cut a variety of materials including wood, plastic, and metal. It is able to make precise cuts with its precision bevel and miter adjustments.
Unique Features
- Precision engineered and built with the professional in mind, the 10″ Metabo C10FSHCT HPT Sliding Miter Saw can provide all of your miter needs while working on a high production level.
- The sliding stand design makes this saw more compact than most other models on the market today. This allows for an easier fit into any workshop or warehouse setting.
- Cutting angles from 0 – 45 degrees left and right with precision laser marking up to 13′ away let you adjust just as accurately as you need them to be.
Cons
- Saw flexes a LOT when using the slide, so you can’t get a smooth edge, it leaves blade marks, and it screws up the angle of the cut
- The laser guide is a joke
4.Genesis GMS1015LC 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
If you’re in the market for a quality compound miter saw for picture framing that is both lightweight and easy to move around, the Genesis GMS1015LC is definitely worth considering. This saw is intelligently designed and well-made, with a number of features that set it apart from the competition. The stand is also top-notch, making it perfect for use with larger saws. So far, I’m extremely pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend this saw to anyone looking for a good value.
The Genesis GMS1015LC Miter Saw Stand is a high-quality stand that is intelligently designed. It is extremely strong for the weight and is made of high-quality materials.
Unique Features
- The Genesis GMS1015LC is a strong and durable miter saw that is perfect for heavy-duty use.
- It has a compact, lightweight design that makes it easy to transport and store.
- The stand is adjustable to fit any workspace, and the saw can be quickly attached or detached from the stand for portable use.
- The bevel range of 45 degrees to the left and right allows for greater flexibility in cutting angles.
- The 15 amp motor provides superior power and speed.
Cons
- Not sure I would want to carry it by the miter saw handle. It’s appears that quality control and safety are not this companies top priorities.
5. Bosch CM10GD Compact Miter Saw
The Bosch CM10GD is a high-quality good miter saw for making picture frames that is perfect for serious woodworkers. It features an accurate blade that can make precise cuts, and it has a durable construction that will last for years. Additionally, the sawdust collection system is efficient and helps keep the work area clean. I also love the pivoting arm that slides to any position.
The weight is heavy, but it is very accurate so I can overlook this detail. The safety features are nice, but the switch for them is a little awkward. Also, I would have liked to have seen Bosch include a laser and light like it did for the Bosch CM12 miter saw.
Overall, I really am impressed with this compact miter saw. It has lived up to my expectations, and I am confident it will help me make even more accurate projects in the future.
Tool Features
- Accurate blade for making precise cuts
- Sawdust collection system efficient and keeps work area clean
- Pivoting arm slides to any position and is durable
- Comes with a warranty
- Safety features nice but switch for them is a little awkward
Cons
- A little heavy
- Bosch did not include a laser or light with this model like it did for the Bosch CM12 miter saw
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Buying Guide for Miter Saws
Miter saws are versatile, powerful tools designed to help you cut wood at specific angles. You can use them for crosscuts or mitered trim, and they make it easy to create patterns.
A miter saw is real wood-cutting powerhouse that will save you time and effort on most woodworking projects. But, with so many different types of miter saws available, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you – and your budget.
Miter Saw Blade
The miter saw blade is important because it, obviously, cuts the wood. A miter saw’s blade must be designed for crosscutting or mitering. You can cut both with a single saw, but you might not get as clean a cut on miters.
In addition to the type of edge it produces, blade size is also an important consideration. A miter saw with a 12-inch miter saw blade is bound to cut wider boards, but you can’t use it for cutting crown molding, or other small-scale trim pieces. Also, a smaller saw’s size and weight makes it easier to transport to job sites.
Features
When choosing a miter saw, all the features that are important to you will impact your purchase decision. For instance, if you’re a hobbyist who doesn’t need an extremely powerful saw, you may want to choose a lightweight saw without a laser guide. On the other hand, if you’re a professional who needs front and back safety guards, a saw with a laser guide and a dust collection port may be better suited for you.
Accessories
When choosing a miter saw, the accessories may be as important as the saw. For instance, some saws come with dust collection bags and others do not. Some include blades and others do not. Buy the accessories that will make the saw easy to use or enhance its performance.
Dust extraction
When choosing a miter saw, the dust extraction capability of the saw is important. If you are sensitive to small particles in the air, look for a model with an integrated vacuum connection. A vacuum attached to the saw helps keep dust off your clothes and out of your face.
Miter Scale
When choosing a miter saw, the miter scale is the most important element to consider. If you are unable to set your miter saw at each of its stops, if it lacks graduations, repeatability, or accuracy is compromised. The miter scale must give you precision so that your angles are exactly the way they should be.
Miter Saw Compatibility
Miter saws can be compatible with any power tool and accessory, but it must be able to fit your specific miter saw. The miter saw needs to be compatible, and the angles that you need must match up with your equipment. Accessories can be a huge part of a miter saw, but they should only be used if the angles are compatible.
Miter Stand
The miter stand is a very important element because it keeps you safe and prevents accidents. When using a miter saw, you should have a firm grip on the handles and must look directly at the material. If you do not look directly at the material and instead look down or away, you will lose control of the saw and it will cause accidents.
FAQ
What saw to use to make picture frames?
A miter saw is the best tool to use to make picture frames. Miter saws are able to make very precise cuts, which is essential when creating a frame that will be stable and look good. There are many different miter saws on the market, so it is important to do your research before purchasing one to find the one that best suits your needs.
Which is the best saw for making 45 angle cuts for a picture frame?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best saw for making 45 angle cuts for a picture frame may vary depending on the type of material you are working with and your personal preferences. However, some of the most popular saws for making these types of cuts include miter saws, and sliding compound miter saws. Whichever type of saw you choose, make sure to practice on a scrap piece of wood before starting on your actual project to ensure accuracy and avoid any costly mistakes.
Will a 10 miter saw cut a 4×6?
Yes, a 10 miter saw can easily cut a 4×6. In fact, most miter saws have a capacity of up to 6×6 inches. This makes them the perfect tool for DIYers who want to frame their own pictures and decorations. When shopping for a miter saw, be sure to get one with good blade angles and an easy-to-use angle adjustment system.
How do you cut a picture frame with a miter?
To cut a picture frame with a miter saw, you need to set the saw to the correct angle. The most common angle is 45 degrees, but you can also set it to 30 or 22.5 degrees if you need to. Once you have set the angle, hold the frame against the fence and cut along the marked line.
How do I make picture frames better quality?
There are a few things you can do to make your picture frames look better quality. First, be sure to use a high-quality wood like maple or oak. Also, use a good finish like lacquer or polyurethane. Finally, make sure the miters (the joints where the frame corners meet) are well-cut and tightly glued. If you take your time and do it right, your picture frames will look great!
What saw is best for cutting miter joints?
The best saw for cutting miter joints is a compound miter saw. A compound miter saw can make both crosscuts and beveled cuts, which is what you need to cut miter joints.
How do you join picture frame corners?
There are a few ways to join picture frame corners. The most common way is to use a miter saw to cut 45-degree angles on the two pieces of wood that make up the frame, then use wood glue and a nail gun or clamps to hold the corners together while the glue dries. You can also use a dowel or metal L-bracket for extra stability.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best miter saw for picture framing, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The most important factor is the size of the blade. You’ll want a saw with a blade that’s at least 10 inches in diameter. Anything smaller than that and you may not be able to cut through larger pieces of wood easily.
Price point, motor strength and customer reviews should also be taken into account when making your decision. We hope our review guide has helped make the process easier for you!
