Have you always avoided getting yourself a nice miter saw because of their high costs? Well, you might not have to anymore. These tools are handy to have in any workshop. They let you make angled cuts with unparalleled precision and accuracy.
And the best part is, you don’t have to worry about breaking your bank investing in this equipment because there are many affordable models. That said, there are a few things you should consider before buying one of these tools. Ask yourself, is it a dual or single bevel saw? Does it have a 15 amp motor that can handle tough cutting jobs? To help you, we've reviewed the best budget miter saws.
What Can You Expect from Cheaper Miter Saws?
Unless you are a professional woodworker, you don't want to splurge on an expensive miter saw. A budget miter saw performs just as well. It can cut through a variety of materials but it might not be equipped with all handy accessories like a laser guide or lock mechanic.
This miter saw will come with standard blades, say 10-inch blades which are easier to handle and replace. These blades are great for general-purpose projects making them ideal for amateurs and woodworking enthusiasts.
But even though the 10-inch miter saw can perform a range of jobs, it’s important to find the right size for the job.
For example, if a project involves making big cuts, you'll want to invest in a compound miter saw with a powerful motor, say a 15 amp one. Its blade size should also be able to handle tougher jobs, so a 12-inch might be a better option. It will certainly be more expensive, but it puts a lot more power into each cut. On the other hand, a 10-inch miter saw make less aggressive cuts.
However, a cheaper miter saw might not have all the bells and whistles. For instance, not every affordable model will have a dual beveling feature. It's also difficult to find a 12 inch model at more affordable rates, given their versatility and greater cutting capacity.
There's also a possibility that cheaper miter saws will lack powerful motors (like the 15 amp versions) and not laser guides.
Sliding vs Compound When On a Budget
Now that you know what to expect from budget miter saws, you’ll want to pick one that is ideal for your jobs. There are three types namely:
Sliding Miter Saw
A sliding saw has certain features, which make it unique. Specifically, it has rails that let you slide the tool back and forward as you cut your workpiece.
As such, sliding miter saws are the best for making 2x12 or 1x12 cuts on thick pieces of lumber. They are also ideal for users who aren’t space constrained.
Compound Miter Saw
A compound miter saw has one distinct feature, a pivoting arm. This feature makes it possible to tip the blade; hence, make a bevel cut. As such, these saws can make both miter and bevel cuts.
Bevel cuts go through the thickness of the material making angled cuts through vertical surfaces. These cuts come in handy when finishing surfaces, cutting crown molding, and other projects that need angled cuts on horizontal and vertical planes.
Since a standard compound miter is equipped with a blade that tilts in one direction, it can be tasking to make cuts in the opposite direction frequently. This is because you must turn the material around manually and cut it through from the other side.
Dual Compound Sliding Miter Saw
It is this shortcoming that led to the invention of the dual compound sliding miter saw. This has a blade that pivots in both directions (left and right), allowing you to make miter and bevel cuts at any angle. It also has a sliding feature, meaning it can make longer cuts.
Now that you can differentiate between the different types, we’ll look at things to consider when buying a sliding or compound miter saw.
How to Choose the Right Budget Miter Saw
Blade Width
We talked briefly about sliding and compound miter saw sizes, but there’s more to be said. They come in different sizes.
They're available in three main sizes: 8, 10, and 12 inches. The sizes denote the diameters of the blades and those with larger diameters make longer cuts. Therefore, if you’re looking for a miter saw to cut wide lumber, then invest in a blade of 12 inches.
That said, each blade size has its fair share of advantages and limitations. In the case of the 10-inch, you'll find that they're easier and more readily available than their counterparts.
Why does this matter? Let's say you want to replace the slide rails on your compound miter saw. You're more likely to find replacement parts for a 10 inch than a 12 inch model.
A 10 inch miter saw is also more affordable, versatile, and portable. This is not to mean that a 12 inch models are inferior. These ones boast a higher cutting capacity, making them the best suited for large projects. They also tend to have more powerful motors (15 amp) and offer better durability.
Cutting Power
A saw’s cutting power is measured using amps. Most saws use 15 amp blade motors but some are rated as low as 13 amps.
The higher the amps, the more power a motor has and the higher the probability of slicing through large boards without overheating.
For instance, if you'll be making a lot of wide crosscuts or dealing with hardwoods, then a 15 amp is the most suitable. However, if you'll use it to cut thinner materials, then there's no need to spend a chunk of money on the pricey 15 amp one. Instead, choose a less powerful one to save money.
Cutting Guide
If working on a project that requires accurate and clean cuts, look for a compound miter equipped with a cutting guide.
Laser beams have been the standard cutting guide for most miter saws. They shine a beam on the material where the blade hits the material upon lowering it. This way the user knows where to cut before making contact with the saw reducing the risk of error.
Detents and Angle Ranges
All miter saws cut 45 degrees but there’s some variability in the maximum miter and bevel ranges.
Some compound saws have a 48-degree range while dual compound saws can make asymmetric ranges of 62 degrees (right) and 50 degrees (left). You want to look at this feature if working on a project with odd angles.
A good miter saw should have detents too. A detent is a mechanical stop that locks in the movement of a machine until it is released. It ensures there are no guess works when cutting common angles like 90, 45, and 22.5 degrees.
While at it ensure the saw has a smooth detent override too. The feature helps users move the saw without the detent engaging the positive stop along the way and back. You want a saw with bevel detents of at least 0 and 45 degrees.
Material Support and Fences
We’ve heard tales of small stocks flying off the fence when less experienced woodworkers use miter saws.
As such, you want to ensure the saw is equipped with a fence to keep the wood secure during the cut. The fence keeps the material firmly pressed preventing it from jerking when the saw blade starts cutting.
Fences have different heights and some slide out to extend support for extremely long pieces. For example, if cutting a tall crown molding, opt for saws with taller fences. While at it ensure you have material support too. They come in handy when cutting flimsy wood pieces and are placed on either side of the table.
Dust Collection
Whether buying a sliding, compound miter saw or one with both features, it should have some type of dust collection system.
Wood chippings and sawdust not only make a workshop untidy but also present a safety hazard. Buying a saw outfitted with a dust collection system prevents either of the events from happening.
Besides keeping your workplace clean, it prolongs the life of the saw.
A dust bag has a similar operation as a vacuum cleaner as it sucks the dust into the bag and when it is full it’s emptied. Be sure to read the product’s reviews to learn about the effectiveness of the dust control system.
Safety Features
You want a blade that stops spinning as soon you’ve made cuts. A miter saw equipped with electric brakes achieves this easily. It reverses the polarity of the electricity to the blade’s motor once you release the operating trigger stopping the blade from spinning instantly.
Another safety feature to look out for is a blade guard. The majority of these tools have curved blade guards that follow the blade’s circular shape. It’s located on the side closest to the user to prevent anyone from coming into contact with the blade when it’s spinning. It should be easy to replace it when broken or cracked.
Apart from looking for miter saw with all such safety features, you also play a significant role in ensuring safety. This means wearing a pair of eye protection glasses and hearing aids. And if working indoors with a miter saw that hasn't been fitted with a dust extractor, wear a mask.
Top 5 Picks for Budget Miter Saws
1. Best Overall: Metabo HPT C10FCGS Compound Miter Saw
A compound model, the Metabo HPT Single Bevel is the best cheap miter saw. Interestingly, it seems to check all the boxes of what you’d want in a quality compound miter saw.
For starters, this compound miter takes on a blade (10 inches in size), which allows you to make considerably large cuts.
Better yet, it’s driven by a motor (15 amp), which produces a no-load speed of 5,000 RPMs. This is a handy feature because it means your saw can handle intense cutting, and do so for longer.
The big work table that comes with this miter saw is another welcome feature. It allows the saw to offer greater support to the material you’re working with. Plus, it’s equipped with a clamping mechanism, which helps you secure your workpiece firmly.
Important to note though is that the Metabo HPT is a single bevel saw. It means it can only be used for one-directional cuts. Specifically, it can make 0° to 45° bevel cuts to the left.
On the brighter side, it has a lightweight profile, which makes it incredibly easy to carry around; weighs a measly 24.2 lbs.
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2. The Best Sliding Compound: WEN MM1011 Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
A sliding compound miter saw combines the versatility of a compound model with the increased cutting length of a sliding saw. A good example of such a miter saw is the WEN MM1011, which also comes with a really cheap price tag.
This machinery is available in two versions, a 10-inch, which is a single bevel and a 12-inch blade, which is a dual-bevel. However, the model we’re reviewing here is the 10-inch as it’s the more affordable one.
Still, it doesn’t skimp on any functions. For instance, it’s equipped with a motor of 15 amps, capable of providing enough power to slice through 12 inch wide boards with a thickness of 3 ½ inches.
Another key highlight of this low-priced miter saw is the Class II laser guide. What this means is that the laser system emits a pretty visible beam of light; hence, helping you make the most accurate cuts.
Better yet, the sliding compound combo means you can use the saw to miter 45° in any direction or bevel 45° to the left. There’s even a bezel control at the front, which allows you to make swift and easy adjustments.
We also like that this sliding compound miter was designed with the user’s work surface in mind. To keep your workstation as tidy as possible, the saw not only comes with a dust port but also a dust bag.
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3. Best Multi-Purpose Miter Saw: DEWALT DWS713 Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
Whether you’re cutting crown moldings or baseboards, the Dewalt DWS713 Compound Miter Saw can handle anything you throw at it.
There are a couple of things you’ll love about this compound miter tool. To start with, it has a cam-lock miter handle, which allows for easy adjustability. Two, its stainless steel detent plate has up to 14 stops, a factor that increases its accuracy.
The 15 amp, 5000-RPM motor gives you more power to cut with, thus, enabling you to get through the toughest cutting job with ease.
In fact, its bevel capacity has been improved, allowing for more than the conventional 45-degree bevel as it offers another 3 degrees. This makes it suitable to use on tight spots, where you might need to make a few adjustments.
Nonetheless, it is a single bevel, and this means you can only make cuts either to the left or right.
The adjustable fence included in this miter saw is another nice-to-have feature. It lets you slide that tall fence in the left direction, to make room for longer workpieces.
Lastly, this compound miter saw is designed for compatibility with Dewalt DW7187 laser attachment. While it doesn’t come with this product, it’s good to know that you can attach a laser to improve your cutting accuracy.
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4. Most Compact Miter Saw: CRAFTSMAN CMXEMAR120 Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
You’ve probably come across miter saw stands that can be folded. But have you ever seen a foldable miter saw?
If you haven’t, you should check out Craftman’s new CMXEMAR120 compound miter saw. This machinery can be folded into a more compact size, which helps you save on space and adds to the ease of portability.
Like most of the tools in our review, this one is also powered by a motor (a 15 amp), but it’s slightly slower, generating 4500 RPMs.
This saw, which is one of the best budget models, comes equipped with a support base. This feature offers two key benefits. One, it acts as a platform for the saw’s storage. Two, it provides extra support when you’re tackling ultra-long workpieces.
To improve the level of cutting accuracy, the manufacturer has also incorporated a laser guide. Speaking of cutting, this miter saw is a single bevel. It makes miter cuts in the range of 0 to 47° to the left and 0 to 55° to the right of the blade. It can also make bevel cuts ranging between 0 to 47° to the left
Plus, it has a 2 ½-inch dust port, allowing you to connect a vacuum or dust bag; hence, keep your work area clean.
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5. Best Dual Bevel: Skil MS6305 Sliding Miter Saw
If you’re looking for one that is of the best budget, that will offer you convenience in your cutting jobs, a dual bevel model like the 10 inch Skil MS6305 is just what you need.
The advantage that such a tool offers over a single bevel model is that it allows you to make subsequent cuts without having to flip over your workpiece. This not only saves you time but also minimizes the amount of work you have to do. And it’s not too pricey either, so you can invest in this saw without breaking your bank.
In addition to this, the saw can easily chop through 2*12 lumbers at an angle of 90°, and 45° for 2*8 lumbers. With such an impressive cutting capacity, you might even question the need of buying a 12 inch model, which would certainly be heavier to carry around.
The power that this piece of equipment offers is nothing short of exceptional. Its motor is a 15 amp model, helping you get through the toughest job without ever slowing down.
The D-shaped handle is another superb addition to this miter saw. It makes the saw comfortable to hold for prolonged periods of time. Skil has also ensured that this saw can make accurate cuts by incorporating a LED shadow cutline indicator to guide you.
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Wrap Up
Miter saws are versatile equipment, which help you make angled and precise cuts on the toughest of materials. The good thing is, they're available at different prices, so you're guaranteed of finding one within your budget.
Based on our research of the best budget miter saws, the best of the best is the Metabo HPT Single Bevel. It's a compound miter saw, meaning it can make both bevel and miter cuts. You will love the ease of adjusting this tool thanks to the thumb-activated stops.
A powerful 15 amp motor powers the blade, which is 10 inches in size. This allows you to work with dense materials. And to top it all off, it's quite light, making it easy to carry and maneuver. The only problem you might have an issue with are the instructions, which are vague. Plus, the fact that it's a single bevel as it means it can only make cuts in one direction.
In case you prefer one with both sliding and compound functions, the WEN MM1011 single bevel is a good example of a sliding compound miter saw. It's available with a 10- or 12 inch blade. Also on board, is a motor (a 15 amp version), which makes it pretty powerful. It also comes with an array of accessories including two table extensions, a dust port adapter, and a collection bag.