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A miter saw is a circular power saw on a pivoting arm, built to make accurate crosscuts and angled cuts in stock. The table turns to set a miter; the blade tilts to set a bevel. A compound cut uses both. Keep the work supported against the fence and table, and follow the instructions for your specific saw.
What a miter saw does
The blade and motor sit on a hinged arm above a base. To cut, the operator lowers the arm so the circular blade passes through a slot in the base and the supported workpiece. This setup is suited to cutting across a board at a square or angled end. OSHA describes the tool and its hazards in its miter saw eTool.
“Miter” and “bevel” refer to different saw adjustments. Knowing which one you need helps you set up a cut correctly.
Miter, bevel, compound, and sliding cuts
| Cut or saw feature | What moves | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Miter | The table rotates | The cut angle across the face of the board |
| Bevel | The blade tilts | The angle through the board’s thickness |
| Compound | The table rotates and the blade tilts | A cut that combines a miter and a bevel |
| Sliding head | The saw head travels forward and back | Allows a wider cut than a fixed-head design may manage; actual capacity depends on the model |
WorkSafe New Zealand explains the distinction between standard miter saws, which rotate the table, and compound saws, which also allow bevel cuts, in its mitre saw guidance. That page cautions that it has not been updated to reflect current legislation, so use it for the basic terminology rather than as a statement of current legal requirements.
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#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL 15 AMP MOTOR - Delivers 4,800 RPM for quick, detailed cuts
- DUAL BEVEL – Perform cuts in four positive stop positions at 48° & 45° left, 0°, and 45° right
- LED SHADOW LINE - Provides high precision cuts with greater accuracy than lasers
- 2x12 CUTTING CAPACITY – Cross cuts lumber up to 2x12 at 90 degrees, and 2x8 lumber at 45 degrees
- CUTS AT COMMON ANGLES - Cuts up to 50 degrees left and right with 11 positive stops at most used angles
Set up and make a cut safely
Use the owner’s manual for your model’s settings, adjustment ranges, operating sequence, and cutting capacity. General safety advice cannot replace the manual or workplace rules that apply to your job.
- Read the manual. Confirm the saw is appropriate for the material and cut, and learn how its controls, adjustments, and guard operate.
- Check the saw and blade. Make sure the guard functions properly and the blade is sharp. If replacing a blade, verify its size, arbor, and speed rating against the saw manual and blade requirements.
- Support the workpiece. Rest it securely on the table and against the fence. Keep hands clear of the blade path; do not reach around or behind the blade.
- Set and secure adjustments. Adjust the miter, bevel, or both as needed, then secure the settings before cutting. Wear eye and face protection.
- Cut using the manual’s sequence. Keep your hands on the intended controls and away from the blade. Do not let a hand slip off the stock toward the blade.
- Wait for the guard. After the cut, keep hold of the handle until the lower guard fully covers the blade, then release it.
These precautions reflect guidance from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety and OSHA. OSHA notes that hands slipping off stock or being too close to the blade can cause injury; its eTool calls for a guard over the blade portion above the table that adjusts to the stock thickness.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL AND PRECISE: This 10-inch single bevel compound miter saw features a 15-Amp motor delivering high power for effortless cuts. The power saw generates a no-load speed up to 5,000 RPM, ensuring precise cuts for all your woodworking projects.
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: The miter saw includes an improved miter scale and controls for accurate adjustments. Its large table saw 10 inch provides better material support, and the vice clamping system secures the workpiece for precision and safety.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: Weighing only 24 lbs, this second generation power saw is easy to maneuver and transport to any job site. The compact design allows for easy storage and increased portability without sacrificing power or performance.
- VERSATILE CUTTING CAPABILITIES: With a 0-52° miter angle range left and right and an adjustable bevel range of 0-45° left, this compound miter saw offers flexibility. Adjustable bevel stops ensure precision cuts for various woodworking applications.
- GO FOR THE METABO HPT EXPERIENCE: This durable miter saw comes with the Metabo HPT 5-year warranty. Choose our durable Japanese-engineered power tools to carry out all your professional-grade work, get more at the Metabo HPT store.
Choosing the right type for the cut
Start with the cut you need: a square crosscut, a miter, a bevel, or a compound cut. A sliding head can help with wider stock, but the manual—not the general label—determines the saw’s actual capacity. Compare a particular model’s cutting capacity, adjustment ranges, and dust collection using the manufacturer’s specifications; the general type descriptions above do not establish model-specific performance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stainless-steel miter detent plate of 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 14 positive stops
- The mitre saw features the precise miter system and machined base fence support
- Tall sliding fence of DEWALT miter saw supports 5-1/2-inch base vertically
- Bevels 0 degree - 48degree to the left and 0 degree- 3degree to the right. Tool height-15 inch
- 2-inch x 8-inch dimensional lumber cross cut capacity at 90 degree and 2-inch x 6-inch dimensional lumber at 45 degree
Rank #4
- Dimensions - 35cm x 45cm x 25cm
- Powerful 1100 watt 15 amp, 3,800 rpm motor designed for heavy duty applications delivers extended power and durability
- Integrated cutline blade positioning system provides adjustment free cut line indication for better accuracy and visibility
- XPS LED shadow line technology projects a shadow for precise cutting alignment
- Super-efficient dust collection system captures over 75% of dust generated
Rank #3
- MAXIMUM CUTTING CAPACITIES - Up to 2x10 crosscut at 0; up to 3-1/2-inch crown moulding nested; up to 2x6 at 45 degrees Left/Right miter
- FIXED COMPACT RAIL SYSTEM - Minimizes the saw’s benchtop-to-wall footprint for working in tight spaces including working flush against walls
- LED SHADOW LINE - Delivers precise cuts with greater accuracy than lasers whether you're cutting baseboards, casing, and crown moulding, or need planks for shelves and bookcases
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT - Tool weighs under 25 lbs for easy transport and storage
- QUICK MITER LOCK - Delivers quick and accurate miter angles
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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