Remember those days when you were a newbie in the world of carpentry and would spend hours trying to make just one angled cut for your DIY projects? Even after your hard work, you’d end up with subpar results.
Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since, as we now have several tools that can help us accomplish this task.
Miter saws are a particularly handy tool. Though it’s a fairly new invention, it’s quickly becoming a staple in workshops. This is because it’s designed to be incredibly precise in cutting angles.
Miter saws come in different sizes, but the two most popular are the 10- and 12-inch models. In this guide, we'll focus on the best 10-inch miter saw, highlighting everything you need to know about this power tool.
What is a 10-Inch Miter Saw?
Miter saws are named based on the size of their cutting blades.
The size of this blade is what determines the size of the workpiece it can cut. For instance, 10-inch miter saws can only tackle workpieces that are 10 inches wide or less.
Typically, miter saws come in one of four sizes: 7-½, 8-½, 10, and 12-inch. But, the one that is highly recommended is the 10-inch model. It’s affordability, compact design, and suitability for tackling both softwood and hardwood makes it an excellent buy.
Types of 10-Inch Miter Saws
1. Standard
These are basic miter saws, which can only make angled cuts and nothing more.
It's suitable for simple woodwork projects like trimming studs, where only a simple cut of about 90 degrees, is needed.
2. Sliding
The most distinctive feature of the sliding model is its arm (s), which allow you to move the blade in a forward or backward direction.
It has rails, which make it possible to slide or glide the saws head backwards and forwards.
This sawing technique results in a higher cutting capacity, in relation to how efficiently it tackles the material’s thickness.
Let’s say, you’re looking for a saw to cut through thick materials like a fence post. For this application, a 10-inch sliding miter saw will get through the material more easily than compound miter saws of the same size.
3. Compound
Compound miter saws do a lot more than simply make angled cuts. This power tool usually has an arm, which spins, allowing the blade to be tipped sideways. This mechanism is what results in a beveled cut.
One of the main benefits of using this kind of saw is that you’re not restricted by any rails.
Furthermore, you have a wider cutting arc than you would if you were using the sliding version. This is a crucial aspect to consider, especially if your current task involves cutting on corner joint moldings.
4. Dual Sliding Compound Saw
The name says it all. This is a miter saw, which combines the functions of compound and sliding saws into one unit.
Getting into the nitty-gritty, this tool is fitted with rails, which are aimed at increasing the cross-cut capacity. However, it also constitutes a left bevel, which enables it to make a compound cut.
In a nutshell, a sliding compound miter saw gives you the flexibility you'd get from a compound along with the added depth of cuts, which come with using sliding saws.
Common Uses of 10-Inch Miter Saws
This power tool can make cuts, which are up to 6 inches in width. This covers the majority of trim and molding boards. Rarely is the trim more than 4 inches, which gives you a lot of wiggle room when working with these saws.
Given its smaller surface area, this saw also rotates faster than its 12-inch counterpart; hence creating smoother cuts.
If you have the same motors powering each of these saws, a 10-inch will yield a higher RPM rate, which translates to a finer finish. For these reasons, 10-inch miter saws are best suited for:
What to Look for When Choosing a 10-inch Miter Saw
We'll now go through the important things to consider when purchasing 10 inch miter saws.
1. Cutting Power
The motor is the heartbeat of the miter saw. It determines how fast and efficiently the blade cuts through different materials.
Now, the power of a miter saw is measured in amperes. Generally, these tools are powered using 10-, 12-, or 15-amp motors. The higher the amp rating, the higher its cutting power.
Now, if you'll be working with mainly hardwoods or making many wide crosscuts, opt for a more powerful motor. However, if your project only entails cutting thin trim, which consists of pine or composite material, a less powerful motor will suffice.
Apart from cutting power, you’ll also need to consider the types of cuts the miter saw can make. Here is a brief guide to help you.
Miter Cuts
This is a cut made at any other angle other than 90 degrees.
Bevel Cut
This cut is made while the blade is in a tilted position.
Miter & Bevel Cut
This is a blend of a miter and bevel cut.
2. Accuracy
The ability to make precise cuts is what makes a miter saw so unique. So you'll want to ensure you're getting a good deal on this.
Consider investing in a saw with a laser guide. Mounted directly on your power tool, this feature projects a laser beam on your workpiece, enabling you to make the most accurate cuts.
3. Blade's TPI
When shopping for a miter saw, one of the things you should pay attention to is its TPI (number of teeth per inch). The higher the teeth count, the more refined the finish.
If your project requires very smooth finishes or involves dealing with hardwoods, then be sure to invest in a saw with a high TPI.
4. Blade’s Adjustment
Another factor you should take into account is the adjustment of the blade angles. There are two main types of adjustments to pick from- a single- or dual bevel.
With a single bevel, the position of the blade angles can only be altered in one direction (to the right or left). However, a dual bevel allows multiple adjustments, that is, to the right and left. It means you can make cuts on both sides of your workpiece, which saves you time.
5. Dust Management System
The dust collection mechanism is one feature that's often overlooked. And yet, it plays such an important role.
Not only does it help to keep your workstation neat and tidy, it also prevents you from inhaling sawdust particles. So ensure the saw has a dust bag.
6. Blade Guards
The best 10-inch miter saws come equipped with blade guards. A guard is a part that covers the top half of the moving blade.
Its role? To protect you when the blade is at work. When you start cutting your workpiece, the safety guard inches up slightly, paving way for the blade to make a full cut.
When inspecting this component, there are two things you should focus on. One, it should be positioned correctly, and two, should be working optimally. Should the guard break or malfunction later on, you’ll need to replace it before you can re-use the miter saw.
7. Stops
With most miters, their design allows you to make accurate one-degree adjustments to the scale. But some come with “stops” or “detents”, which allow the power tool to be set to the most popular angles, such as 15°, 22.5°, 30°, and 45°.
If you anticipate that you’ll be making cuts at these angles, then you’re sure to benefit from a miter saw that includes these stops.
But if you prefer to configure the miter saw to different angles, then look for one that has a detent override mechanism.
Although not common in miter saws, a detent override is a really handy feature, which disconnects the detent system. This gives you the freedom to configure it the way you want.
8. Brakes
Brakes are another feature that you’ll find in the best miter saws. To illustrate just how important electric brakes are, we'll explain the mechanism of how this handy tool works.
Let’s say you were cutting a piece of wood, and wish to stop the process. You’ll have to release the trigger to stop the blade from operating longer. Releasing the trigger prompts a reversal of the electric current.
Reversing this flow of electricity causes the motor to reverse too, so that it can provide the friction needed to bring the blade to a stop. This process causes the blade to stop faster than it would if it were to stop on its own.
Now imagine the damage this blade would cause if it were to continue spinning for 10 or more seconds. This is where electric brakes come in handy. They prevent the blade from spinning any further; hence, protecting you from potential injuries.
9. Portability
A key benefit of 10-inch miter saws is that they’re lighter; hence, more portable than their 12-inch cousins.
Nonetheless, the weight varies from one saw to another. If you expect to carry the power tool around, either within your house or job site, then look for one that is extremely lightweight.
Top 5 Picks for 10-Inch Miter Saws
1. Best Overall: Genesis GMS1015LC Compound Miter Saw
Our favorite pick for a 10-inch miter saw is the Genesis GMS1015LC, and for good reason. It strikes a great balance between pricing and features, making it a worthy buy.
One of its key highlights is the 15-amp motor that powers it. This allows the blade to operate at a no-load speed of 4600 RPM. Speaking of blade, the saw’s version is a 60-tooth carbide-tipped blade, which creates an ultra-smooth cut.
Genesis designed this miter saw with the user’s convenience in mind. It has 9 positive stops along its scale, which makes for easy adjustment of the blade.
It also comes equipped with two extension wings and a clamping system. The extension wings aid in expanding the size of the base to accommodate bigger workpieces. The clamping system is for securing the workpiece; hence guaranteeing a safe operation.
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2. Most Accurate: DEWALT DWS713 Miter Saw
Are you looking for a miter saw that will make the most precise cuts? If so, the DWS713 model by Dewalt won’t disappoint. It comes with a well-designed miter plate, enabling you to cut angles with a high level of accuracy.
This piece of equipment draws power from a 15-ampere motor, which results in a speed of up to 5000 RPM. As you might have guessed, this is more than enough power to tackle most woodcutting tasks. For instance, cutting crown mold is a breeze, since the blade can cut at a 45-degree tilt.
We also like that Dewalt has taken the user’s safety into consideration. This tool is fitted with a transparent safety guard, enabling you to see and monitor the movement of the blade when it’s at work.
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3. Best Budget: Metabo HPT Miter Saw
If you intend to use the miter saw for a one-time project or aren’t planning to use it very often, then you don’t have to spend a chunk of money on its purchase. A simple model like the HPT Compound miter saw, will suffice.
While it comes with a low price tag, it doesn’t skimp on functions. For instance, it boasts an ultra-lightweight design. The saw weighs just 24.2 pounds, enabling you to work for extended periods without feeling fatigued. This also makes it one of the most portable miter saws on the market.
The saw has 24 teeth, allowing it to slice through different materials with remarkable ease and convenience. Speaking of slice, it helps you make miter cuts at 0 to 52 degrees to the left and right; and bevel cuts at 0 to 45 degrees to the left.
Maintaining a clean work area when you’re cutting wood can be a tad difficult. Metabo understands this, which is why they provide a dust bag along with the saw. This way, you have no excuse for not keeping your workshop clean.
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4. Most Lightweight: Hitachi C10FCG Compound Miter Saw
When it comes to machinery, Hitachi is a household name so it makes sense that their miter saw is a top-rated model. The most outstanding feature of their C10FCG is the lightweight design, which makes it easily portable.
Apart from being light, this compound model is a beauty to behold. Its elegant design is one of the things you’ll notice right off the bat. It comes in a gorgeous green color with accents of black and silver.
But this piece of equipment is a lot more than just its aesthetics. It offers a solid sawing performance thanks in part to the 15 amp 2.74hp motor. This allows the blade to spin really fast, clocking in a speed of up to 5000 RPM.
The large tabletop is another impressive feature of the miter saw. It makes it easy to stabilize each workpiece that you’re tackling. This stability translates to greater accuracy for your projects. Better yet, the saw is equipped with a vice clamping system, allowing you to secure your workpiece.
Also important to note is the thumb-actuated positive stops. These feature clear-cut degrees, helping you to lock in your angles and make bevel cuts up to 45 degrees. On the same note, the miter’s angle range is rated at 0 to 52 degrees to the right and left, offering you a high level of flexibility.
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5. Best For Alternative Materials: Evolution Power Tools R255SMS+
If you’re looking for a miter saw that can cut different kinds of materials without having to switch the blades, the Evolution Power Tools R255SMS+ miter saw is your best bet.
To enable it to cut through an array of materials, it comes equipped with a tungsten-carbide tipped blade. Thanks to this, it can be used to cut everything from hardwood to reclaimed wood with nails, aluminum, copper, plexiglass, rubber, mild steel, and composites.
The hi-torque 15-amp motor is another component that makes this miter saw exceptional. It allows the blade to spin relatively fast, clocking in a speed of about 2500 RPM. Better yet, you’ll be able to make super accurate cuts thanks to the laser guidance.
We also like that this saw has an ultra-long power cable. The 3-meter long cord means you can move around your job site with the machinery without having to unplug and plug into different outlets.
Are you hesitant to spend a chunk of money on a power tool you’ve never used before? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that the miter saw is backed by a 3-year warranty.
This gives you leeway to return the equipment for a substitute or full reimbursement in case it breaks down before the three-year period elapses.
In summary, Evolution’s R255SMS+ is one of the few compound sliding miter saws that you’ll find in the market. However, the manufacturer also offers a Sliding Dual Bevel Miter Saw of the same size, in case you don’t need the functions of the compound.
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Tips on How to Use a 10-inch Miter Saw
A 10-inch miter saw offers several advantages over other types of saws. It spins faster, which results in a smoother finish. It’s also cheaper and lighter, which makes for easy portability.
Here are a couple of tips to help you use a 10-inch miter saw the right way:
1. Ease Into It
One mistake that a lot of people do is to drop the blade into the workpiece too fast. Often, this results in uneven cuts and splintered timber. This is particularly the case when you’re dealing with thin, narrow pieces of wood.
The right way to go about this is to ease into the task. Allow the motor ample time to gain momentum or reach the highest speed, then gently lower the blade as you start cutting.
2. Hold It From The Base
10-inch miter saws are quite bulky, a factor that makes them a little difficult to carry. Luckily, some models come equipped with handles, positioned close to the top for easy portability.
If yours doesn’t have a handle, then hold it from the base instead. Carrying it in this manner prevents you from straining your back. This also enables you to go through entryways without hitting it against other objects.
3. Direct the Miter Saw Dust Downwards
It can be challenging to control the dust released when you’re using a miter saw. Some of the collection bags that they come equipped with, don’t help much.
And even with a vacuum attached, a considerable portion of the dust will still fly.
The best tool to use here is a dust chute as it directs the dust downwards. Alternatively, you can conduct your wood-chopping activity in an outdoor setting.
Frequently Asked Questions about a 10-inch Miter Saw
1. Should I get a 10 or 12-inch miter saw?
Unfortunately, there’s no one straightforward answer to this question. The best tool depends on the purpose you intend to use it for.
A 10-inch is appropriate if you’re looking for a saw that:
- Spins faster; hence, allowing you to cut materials with ease
- Has small-sized blades, which makes it portable
- Is durable and versatile
A 12-inch is appropriate if you’re looking for a saw to:
- Cut tougher materials like plywood
- Make furniture
- Cut laminated lumber into several short-length pieces
2. Who makes the most accurate miter saw?
In our opinion, the Dewalt DWS713 is one of the most accurate miter saws. The stainless steel detent plate and turn knob lock provide a high level of precision.
Other features you’ll love about it are the top handle, which makes it easy to carry; and the 15-amp motor that provides a decent amount of power.
3. How big of a board can a 10" sliding miter saw cut?
This particular saw can make both 45- and 90-degree cuts. For the 45-degree cuts, the miter saw can tackle a 2- by 4-inch lumber whereas the 90-degree cut is best made on a 5-½ inch board.
Conclusion
If you're looking for the best 10-inch miter saw, the Genesis GMS1015LC is exactly what you need. It’s versatile enough to be used for a wide variety of jobs.
It has a 15-amp motor, which is powerful enough; and a 60-tooth blade, which makes for ultra-smooth finishes.
You will also have 9 positive stops at your disposal in case you want to fine-tune your saw's placement. And with all these features, the GMS1015LC comes with a price tag that is hard to beat.
However, if you have a shoestring budget, Metabo HPT is an excellent alternative. It’s more affordable and has fairly similar features as our top pick. The only tradeoff is the lack of a laser guide, which would otherwise, help you with more accurate cutting.
You may also choose a sliding compound miter saw like the the Evolution Power Tools R255SMS+. With this one, you enjoy the flexibility of a compound and the added depth brought about by the slide.