Every workshop has a novelty item on which the solemn purpose of the workshop lies. In case of wood workers, this stapled item is a miter saw.
Thanks to the ability of the miter saw to make cuts at any given angle, it is one of the most common and most widely accepted tool that woodworkers use.
As any good handyman knows, your tools are the most important part of the job. Without the right tools, ones that work effectively and efficiently, your job is so much more difficult and uselessly laborious.
A good miter saw offers excellent features that work well for trim pieces like crown molding. For instant with the sliding feature, you can also handle larger widths for your work pieces.
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Top 10 Best Miter Saw Under 200 – Buyers Guide Line Review In 2021:
1. Tacklife EMS01A:
Every TACKLIFE tool comes with 2-year warranty and permanent after-sale guidance. Its richer accessories provide a wide range of choice, two 10″ 40T TCT blades for wood and plastic, and one multifunctional 10″ 48T TCT blade for versatile use. Solid iron self-retracting saw shield is more durable than plastic and transparent one, covering the teeth of the cutting blade to protect you from accidental mishaps.
With the single press of the switch, you can convert between two speeds (3200 RPM or 4500 RPM) with ease for more precise cutting, high speed for wood while low speed for metal. Sliding cutting design allows for cutting longer boards. Built from stainless steel castings, it provides you with a solid saw that is able to withstand the daily rigors that come with working on a job site.
Additional chip bag connects directly to the saw, and helps to collect sawdust away from the workpiece during cutting. 35mm dust port allows you to connect your vacuum cleaner with a adapter to capture more of the dust. Extension table with vice clamping provides better support and balance, adding stability when cutting.
2. Hitachi C10FCG:
The Hitachi C10FCG has a great laser-marking system that you can easily activate with a switch and which helps you make the most precise cuts. Its miter angle ranges from 0 to 52 degrees left and right while its bevel angle ranges from 0 to 45 degrees left.
Furthermore, it only weighs 26.5 pounds which means you can easily carry it around to different sites. The blade is a 10-inch 24-tooth one so it works on a wide range of materials and doesn’t require constant replacement.
The impressive thing about it is that it works quietly as well. Moreover, the Hitachi C10FCG has a 15 AMP motor which gives you enough sawing power to cut through tough materials with a blade that spins at speeds up to 5,000 rotations per minute.
This helps you minimize errors and make difficult delicate cuts. 24.2 pounds to facilitate maneuverability and easier transport. Dust collector attachment included to minimize airborne particle.
3. Hitachi C10FCH2:
The Hitachi brand is also another premium name in the business, and they’re known to make very durable miter saws. The sliding system is very compact, and the way the saw head slides along the fixed rails removes 12 extra inches from the footprint of the unit. With the sliding fence feature, you can work on crown molding measuring up to 7.5 inches. The miter angle range to the left is 45 degrees, and to the right it reaches up to 57 degrees.
It also offers a wide range of bevel cuts, with up to 45 degrees on both the left and right sides. you usually have a decent warranty period. During that time, you’ll appreciate the various benefits offered by the C12RSH2 design. It’s equipped with a 15-amp motor, so you have the power and the large b-l-a-d-e to deal with thicker and larger pieces It’s very easy to make bevel and miter adjustments, since the scales are large and easy to read.
You also get greater accuracy for your cuts because of the built-in laser marker. The elastomer grip makes it soft to the touch, and it even reduces the level of the vibrations that reach your hand. That’s why This miter saw is also very comfortable and easy to hold. This is a great choice for many, as it’s very dependable, useful, and easy to use. Just double check the warranty period, so you can confirm how long it’s supposed to last.
4. Makita LS1040:
Combines power, performance, and ease of use for most common miter cuts including a range of applications including woodworking, cabinetry, deck building, framing, and more. This miter saw has a powerful 15 AMP motor is the one that spins the blade.
It is at 4,600 rotations per minute. The miter angle ranges from an effective 0 to 45 degrees left, moreover 0 to 52 degrees right whilst its bevel angle is such that it ranges from 0 to 45 degrees left. It is possible to lock the miter stop, particularly to nine angles. The precision-machined aluminum base ensures accurate cuts. Its 27.3 pounds’ weight makes it highly portable. But the machine lacks a stand. It gives you the accuracy of performance due to its fence along with the precision-machined aluminum base. With this, no wiggling will occur. It will be able to hold the work piece firmly in place whilst making cuts. Ease-of-use and comfort features include a fluorescent light that works independently of the blade rotation to clearly illuminate the work surface, and a compact size (weighs only 27.3 lbs.) for easy portability. Best in Class for a Range of Applications The LS1040 is engineered for a broad range of trades, including finish carpenters, professional woodworkers, case and base installers, cabinet installers, decking and flooring applications, siding installers, general contractors seeking a best-in-class 10” compound miter saw for the jobsite or the benchtop.
5. Metabo HPT C12FDHS:
The C12FDHS 12″ Dual Compound miter saw features Metabo HPT’s laser marker system for cutting accuracy. The miter saw head bevels to the right or left, allowing the material to stay securely in place for ultimate cutting efficiency.
It cuts various types of wood, crown molding, plywood, decorative panels, soft fiberboard, hardboard, and aluminum sashes. A large base allows for better support and balance to prevent material from warping.
It has Plenty of power due to the 15-amp motor with 1950 watts of power. laser marker system and micro BEVELING provide for ultimate precision. tall, pivoting aluminum fence that stands at a height of 5-1/8″ Allows Crown molding to be cut vertically for convenience.
Elastomer compound coats the horizontal handle, reducing vibration, while adding comfort and preventing slippage. Miter scale ranges from 0-52 degrees, both to the right and left, for a broader range of cuts. Bevel scale ranges from 0-48 degrees to the left and right
6. Wen 70716:
The WEN 70716 has a convenient carrying handle which lets you transfer the saw when going from one site to some other one. Due to the clamp, the work will be quicker, and fewer errors are likely to occur. With the robust fence added, you will have accuracy and stability. It gives you much table space to let accurate miter cuts occur on large boards. A dust-free work environment is impossible when using a miter saw, but this one does a good job of allowing it to be clear.
It collects most of the unwanted sawdust. It gives you a good fence along with a sturdy clamp. These two features define the quality of the miter cuts as well as crown molding. Considering the accuracy of the cuts, these are enhanced due to the 60-tooth carbide blade. The miter saw cuts cleanly via any size wood employing crosscuts and miter cuts.
7. Wen MM1011:
This machine includes a 10-inch 40-Tooth carbide-tipped blade (W/ 5/8-inch arbor), two table extensions, one clamp assembly, a class II laser guide, a dust port adapter, and a dust bag. The onboard laser illuminates the line of cut for maximum accuracy while the dust Collection port allows for connection to either the included dust bag or your dust Collection device of choice.
And, because it’s a WEN product, your Miter saw comes backed by a two-year warranty, a stocked inventory of replacement parts, and a friendly customer help line, all to make. This spacious saw also features a 7-1/2-inch crown molding nested capacity and a 6-3/4-inch base board vertical capacity.
The compact design makes for great portability and storage between uses. Measuring in at 17.5 by 28 by 16.5 inches, you’ll never have to worry about your rail system interfering with your wall again. powerful 15-amp motor slices through even the hardest of woods, rotating the blade up to 4500 times per minute. This versatile saw miters up to 45 degrees in either direction and bevels up to 45 degrees to the left. Cut boards up to 12 inches wide and 3-1/2 inches thick or make compound cuts (45-degree bevel and 45-degree miter) in boards 8-1/4 inches wide and 2- 1/5 inches thick.
The saw features 9 positive Miter stops: Two at 15 degrees, two at 22.5 degrees, two at 30 degrees, two at 45 degrees and one at 0. However, if a more unique angle is preferred, The Miter Lock still allows the saw to lock at any angle between those stops.
8. Tacklife PMS01X:
This tacklife miter comes with Tacklife PMS01X Miter Saw, 24 Tooth TCT blade, Carbon brush, Extension rods, Allen wrenches, Dust bag, Clamping device, User Manual, Warranty Card, as package contents. Its efficient dust collection system captures large amount of dust.
Extensible table for better material support with vice clamping system to secure work piece. Cam-lock with miter detent override. The locking device can secure the machine head at a lower position, convenient to carry, safer to work.
This miter saw allows for square cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts, maximum cutting capacity: (0° x 0° – 60 x 300 mm) / (0° x 45° – 60 x 210 mm) / (45° x 0° – 35 x 300 mm) / (45° x 45° – 35 x 210 mm), which can adapt to cutting work in a variety of occasions. The blade is made of ultra-high grade 24 tooth tungsten carbide tipped blade allows to cut wood, soft metal, plastics, and etc. with ease. With 22 lbs. weight only, to facilitate maneuverability and easier transport.
If we talk about its motor and its efficiency, the 12.5Amp, 4500 rpm motor and 8-1/4” (210 mm) blade deliver great power, durability and professional cutting performance. Cutting depth can be adjusted for grooving and trenching. The stroke length is up to 7.87 inches (200 mm), providing more possibility for your cutting.
9. Black Decker M1850BD:
This product is from the all famous brand, black and decker. It has a compact size which makes it portable and helps in increasing saw accuracy. It is an ideal saw for trims, framing and craft projects. The 9.0-amp ball bearing motor provides the power to cut up to 2″ x 4″ (dimensional) at 90° and 2″ x 3″ at 45°.
The saw has nine positive stops at the most used miter angles with a range of 0-45° left and right. The saw head tilts to the left up to 45° for bevel and compound cut angles. It comes with a die cast aluminum construction for an overall weight of under 17 pounds. Its miter angle ranges from 0-45° left and right, with nine positive stops.
10. Evolution Power R185SMS:
The Evolution R185SMS is a compact & portable 7-¼” sliding compound miter saw with multi-material cutting technology capable of cutting wood, wood with embedded nails, plastic, ferrous & non-ferrous metals, composite decking & more! The powerful 8. 3amp motor delivers a 3700 rpm no load speed and is fed by a 6 ft power cord limiting the need for extensions.
This multi-material cutting saw is extremely versatile and backed by a 3-year and our friendly US-based customer service team. The blade is made of 7-¼” 16t tungsten carbide tipped blade for accurate, smooth cuts through a variety of materials. It will even cut mild steel with virtually no heat, burrs or sparks.
This saw will cut wood, wood with embedded nails, composite decking, mild steel, plastic & more with one blade. In terms of versatile cutting, the 0 ̊- 45 ̊bevel tilt and 50 ̊- 50 ̊miter covers all common cutting angles accurately and easily. 8-¼” slide for high cutting capacity. It is the smallest sliding miter saw in the family, the R185SMS is easily portable and ideal for use in confined spaces without compromising on power & versatility.
Importance Of Using The Right Tool For The Job:
Each tool is precisely designed for a specific purpose, so choosing the correct tool will also decrease the amount of effort required to get a job done right without causing damage to either the equipment or the surface being worked on. Moreover, modern tools are very handy and are comparatively more durable and have many more features.
What Is A Miter Saw?
A miter saw is an ideal piece of equipment which is used to make accurate crosscuts and miters in a work piece, by pulling a large backsaw or a mounted circular saw blade down onto a board in a quick motion. In simple terms, a miter saw is a tool, used to cut material at an angle. It has a blade mounted on a frame and comes in different sizes and voltages.
Why Use A Miter Saw?
If woodworking is your profession or you are just a hobbyist it is will always be important to invest in a good miter saw because it will make your work easier. A miter saw will allow you to cut a precise angle on the end of your wood piece.
They offer you distinct advantages when working with wood. Miter saw will allow you to make precise and accurate cuts repeatedly. By using the miter saw, the amount of time you can save is immeasurable. This can be critical for those working on projects with similar dimensioned wood. You can get a miter saw in a variety of sizes. There are two sizes that are the most popular, the 10- inch and the 12-inch miter saws are the two most common sizes you will come across in a woodworker’s shop.
The first and presumably the most important decision that you need to make is whether to go for a 10-inch or 12-inch miter saw. Both are very helpful for woodworking but are also suitable for different purposes and situations. Although their blade size is their main difference, there are many things that you need to understand before you make your pick.
Three Things To Consider Before Buying A Miter Saw:
- Size of the blade
- Presence of laser guide
- Sliding vs compound miter saw
Size of Blade:
Size of blade is one of the most important things to consider while buying a miter saw. Usually the miter saw has 2 sizes of blades. 12-inch and a 10-inch blade.
What Makes The 10 Inch Miter Saw Special?
A 10-inch blade will also spin faster than a 12-inch one. Usually, both size saws have the same size motor, resulting in the smaller, lighter blade spinning faster. This faster speed leads to a finer finish and faster cutting time. Many 10-inch miter saws are also compatible with a table saw blades which means you can grab a blade off of your table saw and use it for your miter saw.
10-inch miter saws are usually cheaper than 12-inch ones. They are also lighter and smaller, allowing them to fit into small workspaces and be more portable. One of the most important things is the depth of the cut while cutting high moldings such as tall baseboards or large crown. So you can buy new 10-inch slider saws have that capability. 10-inch blades are also easier to find because 10-inch saws are more popular.
You can usually find a 10-inch blade in just about any style for a good price. If you buy a 10-inch slider it will give you the same cutting capacity as 12 inch and blades are less expensive too. For obvious reasons, it is also cheaper to have a 10-inch blade sharpened than it is to have a 12-inch blade sharpened. Smaller blades also tend to wobble and deflect less option than larger blades.
While this is not typically that big of a problem, it is something to keep in mind. One of the best thing about 10” is you can cut molding up to 12″ when working on a flat table and using the bevel and sliding feature
What Makes The 12 Inch Saw Special?
A larger saw can also cut through larger pieces of wood. With a 12-inch saw, you’ll be able to cut through 4x6s in just one pass. They’re also ideal for any harder materials like plywood, which tend to come in larger sizes anyway. They’re just larger and more powerful, which can mean steep price increases. The blades are also pricier and cost more to sharpen, leading to less money in your pocket over time.
However, 12-inch miter saws usually host powerful, 15-amp motors. This means more power, and more power means you can cut harder materials. Some 12-inch saws are also compatible with 10-inch blades. A 15-amp motor spinning a 10-inch blade creates insanely fine, smooth cuts. Since they’re designed for heavy-duty cutting, 12-inch saws are usually more durable and tend to last longer.
Do You Need A Laser Guide?
Keep in mind the laser is harder to see under bright light, so this is best for indoor use. Laser essentially acts as a guide by shining a beam onto the material where the blade will hit upon lowering. This way, a woodworker will know precisely where the blade will cut before contact is made.
This decreases the risk of error and is a safer way to use the tool. Purchasing a laser for your miter saw would be a good idea if you if a project requires accurate cuts, but it is not a necessity.one can do just fine without a laser. So make your choice wisely.
10 Inch Vs 12 Inch Miter Saw, Which One Is Better For You?
10-Inch Miter Saw:
Since the 10-inch blade is small it will not be subject to a lot of deflection, and it does not wobble a lot unlike with the larger ones it also tends to produce more precise cuts and so when making cuts that require a lot of accuracy like when working on an interior trim, it is one of the best options
Pros:
- The 10-inch blades are also cheaper than the 12-inch ones. Although there are some that can be more expensive in general they are cheaper and so the 10-inch miter saw is both cheap to buy and own. significant advantage is, the cost of sharpening them is lower than what you pay for a 12-inch blade one which a when doing woodworking projects on a tight budget.
- Most table saws come with a 10-inch blade, and so it is possible to switch blades between any two machines or just have one for both of them. 10-inch miter saws are smaller than the 12-inch ones. And this makes them very portable, and so they are perfect for use in different locations. Considering the space issues, let me tell you that the 10-inch miter saws do not take up a lot of space and are easy to carry from one place to another
- The 10-inch blade is easier to find than the 12-inch blade, and so you will always have an easier time when you need a replacement. Most stores will have a large selection of 10-inch blades, and so you can always be sure of finding something for your particular miter saw. This availability means that you will never have to stop or delay your project to shop for a new blade.
Cons:
- It will not be very suitable as you have to keep turning the material to make the cut because This saw can cut up to 6 inches of material. So if you are undertaking a massive project like replacing a deck, the 10-inch miter saw is not the tool for the job.
12-Inch Miter Saw:
Most 12-inch miter saws can also accommodate the 10-inch blade if you need to use one which makes then quite versatile. Moreover, a 12-inch miter saw can do all the cuts that the 10-inch one makes but the vice versa is not true. so this means that you can get the benefit of many revolutions from the 10-inch blade and the power of a 12-inch blade in one saw. Thus making the 12-inch miter saw an ideal and handy tool to have at home for both small and big woodworking projects.
Pros:
- It will remain sharp for long and also lasts longer due to the high amperage of the 12-inch saw means that it does not have to strain as hard as the 10-inch one to make a cut or go through a piece of wood. the 12-inch miter saw never has to struggle when making a cut.
- This saw has a maximum cutting width of 12 inches which it can make in two passes, and it can cut a 4 by 6 piece of wood in a single pass, and so it helps to speed up your projects. A 12-inch miter saw is always the best for larger projects, and the main reason for this is its ability to cut or work with dense materials
- Most 12-inch miter saws produce a higher tooth speed because it has a very powerful motor. This saw has a bigger blade which means when using this saw more teeth on the blade will be touching the material at any particular time, making you job easy and fast. What all this means is that The massive amounts of power that you get with this tool will increase your cutting efficiency and hence help you work faster than when using the 10-inch saws.
Cons:
- 12-inch miter saws are in most instances more expensive than the 10-inch ones. Not only that but the large motor on a 12-inch saw consumes a lot of energy Apart from the original cost of buying the saw, replacement blades are also expensive, and so it has a high cost of ownership.
Consider all the above mention pros and cons and make an informed decision regarding your needs and budget.
6 Miter Saw Safety Rules:
Safety Clamps:
Safety clamps are one of the most important miter saw safety features when it comes to making cuts with your miter saw. Safety clamps help to secure the wood while cutting. If the wood slips during a cut, it can cause injury. Safety clamps or vise can prevent this from occurring.
They help to keep your material in one fixed location which allows you to make your miter cuts without worrying about the wood flying out from the saw. It will also ensure that each of your cuts is precise, even and smooth.
The Electric Brake:
Some miter saws have an electric brake; however, this safety feature is not found on all of them. If you are concerned about safety, this is one feature you should make sure that your miter saw has. This causes the blade to stop rotating as soon as you let go of the safety trigger.
When the miter saw’s blade is spinning, it spins at thousands of revolutions per minute. Without an electric brake, the blade can continue spinning which can be a safety issue. With an electric brake, the saw will stop spinning in a few seconds, rather than a minute or longer.
Blade Guards:
A blade guard is one of the most important safety features on any miter saw. This guard covers the outer edge of the blade. As the blade touches the wood, the guard lifts up. Blade guards can either be transparent or opaque. Transparent guards allow you to see where the blade is hitting, which many woodworkers find beneficial.
Lockout Triggers:
Most miter saws come with a lockout trigger. This safety feature is a switch on the handle that must be depressed for the blade of the saw to spin. This safety feature prevents the saw from accidentally being turned on. In order to turn your saw on, you will need to turn on the switch and depress the safety lockout trigger. Only then will the saw blade turn and you will be able to make your cuts.
Dust Extraction:
Most miter saws do not have an effective dust collection system. A dust collection system is very important when you are cutting materials. This will prevent sawdust from flying up into your eyes, mouth and ears which can be dangerous.
If your miter saw has a dust bag, learn how to attach a shop vac to the miter saw for an effective dust extraction system. In addition to protecting you against flying debris, an extraction system can lengthen the life expectancy of your miter saw. Finally, sawdust can create a fire hazard if it is not removed from the miter saw.
Extension Cords:
The last thing that you should consider when it comes to safety is extension cords. An extension cord does not come standard with a miter saw; however, most people will use an extension cord at one time or another. For safety sake, you should ensure that your extension cord is compatible with your miter saw. Different extension cords can handle different current loads.
To avoid a fire, make sure that the extension cord is rated to handle the amperage load of your miter saw. Finally, check to make sure that the number of prongs on your miter saw matches the extension cord. Typically, a miter saw will have a ground plug (the bottom round prong on your miter saw’s power cord). If your miter saw has this prong, make sure that your extension cord has the correct number of holes to match your prong.
FAQs:
What is a miter aw?
A miter saw is an ideal piece of equipment which is used to make accurate crosscuts and miters in a work piece, by pulling a large backsaw or a mounted circular saw blade down onto a board in a quick motion. In simple terms, a miter saw is a tool, used to cut material at an angle. It has a blade mounted on a frame and comes in different sizes and voltages.
What size should I buy?
Depending upon you needs you can choose between a 12-inch and a 10-inch blade size. If you are a professional, I suggest you to buy the 12 inched miter saw because the 12 inch saw can do all the work of the 10 inch saw but it is not vice versa
Can miter saw cut through metal?
Depending upon the hardness, miter saws can cut through a variety of surfaces, even metal and concrete.
How to change miter saw blade?
Make sure that the machine is switched off, unscrew the blade guard, you will see another screw holding the blade. Unscrew that too. Make sure that the spindle is tight when you do it. If its loose, tighten it with a wrench. Safely remove the blade, put the new blade on the same place and reverse the process.