The clear saw guard on the Bosch miter saw is designed not to obstruct the user’s view of the cut throughout the entire process. The saw comes with pull-out material supports on both sides to stabilize boards up to 40 inches long, and it cuts compound bevels in both directions. The Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD 12-inch miter saw comes with a sliding arm that allows the user to cut boards up to 14 inches wide. After we were done, we checked the cut pieces for accuracy.īy the end of all these tests, we were able to identify which saw was best for different needs and put together this head-to-head hands-on guide on the best miter saws.

We even stacked pieces of lumber on top of each other to create a bit more resistance. We cut 2x4s, 1x4s, trim, and other materials. We even went so far as to check each blade for square to ensure it was ready for work.įinally, we started the cutting. We made sure everything was working as it should. Next, we checked out all the features and adjustments, including miters, compound bevels, lasers, work lights, and other convenience features. We attached sharp blades, wings, adjustment knobs, and dust-collection systems to compare how difficult they were to assemble. We put these saws head-to-head so we could suggest only the very best tools.įirst, we took each saw out of the package and put it together, and for some of these models, that was no small feat. Photo: Tom Scalisi How We Tested the Best Miter SawsĮvery test we do is fun, but this one was a blast.

ALSO CONSIDER: Metabo HPT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw with Laser.

BEST ZERO-CLEARANCE: Makita M18 FUEL 10-Inch Sliding Miter Saw.

BEST FOR WOODWORKING: Makita LSO815F 81/2-Inch Slide Compound Miter Saw.

BEST COMPACT: Craftsman V20 Cordless 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Miter Saw Kit.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DeWalt 12-Inch Miter Saw 15-Amp Single Bevel.

RUNNER-UP: DeWalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw.

BEST OVERALL: Bosch GCM12SD 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw.Keep reading to learn more about this essential woodworking tool and what we found when we performed hands-on testing with the following models. Selecting the best miter saw depends on the type of projects you are planning on doing. With trim work requiring so many of these cuts, miter saws are also sometimes called “trim saws” but are also invaluable for making other types of crosscuts as well, such as end cuts on hardwood flooring strips or angle cuts on roof rafters.

Mitering is the process of fitting two boards together at an angle. For anyone who does any type of carpentry work, a miter saw is usually a necessity to get work done on time. Today’s miter saws are a significant improvement over the manual miter boxes of the 1960s.

Dewalt table saw dust collection bag