Ranking of the best miter saws for 2020

Today, not every saw is capable of making precise cuts in corners or making cuts in both wood and steel profiles or aluminum blanks. For such tasks, only miter tools, i.e. saws, are ideal. Such equipment is designed for fairly highly specialized sawing work, but it does them just fine. The main areas where such tools will be most in demand are the installation / assembly of entrance doors and external windows, adjustment to the required dimensions of various platbands / moldings, installation work on laying parquet, cutting out roof rafters.

The purpose of the miter saw directly follows from its name - it is designed to make end cuts on workpieces at different angles. Most of such a tool in its functionality involves changing the cutting angle in a fairly wide range. In addition, oblique cutting can be available to them, and professional models are able to simultaneously perform both facing and oblique cutting, which is called a combined cut.

The principle of the miter tool is as follows: the disc contacts the workpiece at a predetermined angle. Such a saw is especially good for large volumes of work, when a considerable number of parts with beveled corners need to be processed. This may be necessary to connect frames or make other seamless connections.

Types of miter saws

This tool should be chosen based on the current construction task, the volume of parts that will be processed, the required angle of the required cuts.

Standard (no broach)

It has a classic configuration and is not adapted to slide over the workpiece, that is, to carry out the so-called “broaching”. This tool can only cut at a given angle. Due to their low functionality, these models have almost disappeared from the market, however, they can still be useful if there is not a large and not very difficult front of homework.

Combined facing

The combined design of such a tool contains, as it were, two saws at once: circular and miter. Such equipment can be used from two sides at once: from above - for cutting the workpiece along the longitudinal part, and from below - for making precise cuts from the end of the part.

It is worth noting that the vast majority of combined devices can only tilt in one direction - to the left. Thus, in order to cut in the opposite direction, you will need to turn the workpiece itself. Still, there are models on the market that tilt in both directions, but they are quite expensive in terms of price.

Crosscut with broach

Broach is one of the improvements to the miter saw. In standard models, the kerf cannot exceed the diameter of the saw blade. They also use a lever that can only be lowered / raised in a vertical position, from which it can be seen that the cutting capabilities will be limited by the diameter of the sawing equipment.

For example, a miter model with a disc diameter of 200 mm is able to cut workpieces with a width limited by this value.

But the model with a "broach" will allow the user to extend the blade further along the cut line. This functionality makes the miter saw with a broach capable of not only cutting bars, but also cutting wide pieces of wood

IMPORTANT! The most expensive and professional models can combine the functionality of all the above samples.

Battery and network

The difference between them lies only in the fact that the mains are powered from a 220 (380) V network, and the rechargeable batteries are more mobile and powered by rechargeable batteries. Most modern models use lithium-ion batteries, they are adapted to work in hard-to-reach places, but have time limits. Professionals advise to purchase two batteries at once, so as not to interrupt work to charge the battery.

Key benefits of miter saws

• They usually have several set angles for cutting: 22, 30, 45, 90 degrees. The cutting angle is set on the tool using a special lock.
• More modern models can highlight the cutoff point using a laser target designator (laser designator). This function greatly facilitates the user's work.
• The stops for trimming equipment may vary. The wider the stop, the larger the workpiece can be processed.
• Some models are equipped with an automatic system for maintaining cleanliness in the workplace: waste sawdust and pieces of wood are sent to a special branch pipe, through the operation of the built-in construction vacuum cleaner.
• Equipping the tool with a soft-start motor increases the safety of working with the equipment, since it slowly spins the blade and you can slowly start cutting.
• If the model provides brushless motors, then the power of such devices increases by 20%, and the operating noise becomes much less. The possibility of overloading the motor is also reduced.
• If the model has a specially designed stand with clamps, then it can be used almost everywhere, setting the equipment on a more or less flat surface (if there is no special workbench or table nearby) and securing it with clamps. This option is extremely important for pull-through units.
• The disc can be installed in special grooves without the help of special keys - the tool of such a machine can be replaced in the shortest possible time.
• Also, the saw can automatically maintain a given power and number of revolutions, which practically minimizes the factor of human error.

Choosing a miter saw correctly

When choosing the right tool among the most popular models, one should expect that most of them will be the same in their functionality in their segment. They can have the same width of stops, the size of the used discs, and adjustable angle stops for cuts / cuts. Thus, it is extremely difficult to find any "exotic" model, for example, with increased power, but in which small-diameter saws are used.

It is worth noting that this equipment is complex, and when buying, it is better to pay attention to models from well-known brands.As a rule, well-known brands offer a wide range of models and a variable price range, so you should not chase after a pseudo-cheapness.

IMPORTANT! The disc itself has a significant impact on the quality. Therefore, his choice must also be approached with all responsibility.

Depth of cuts and disc diameter

This parameter is one of the main limitations in the operation of the sawing equipment. The standard settings are as follows (blade diameter - cutting depth):

• 185 - 50 mm;
• 216 - 65 mm;
• 254 - 90 mm;
• 305 - 105 mm.

IMPORTANT! Here there is one feature that is characteristic only of cordless saws - their blade diameter does not often exceed 185 mm. This is done for the sake of their compactness and mobility.

Permissible slope and range of available angles

Typically a miter tool can be tilted from 0 to 90 degrees. Standard latches are used at 15, 22, 45 and 90 degrees, these are the minimum positions that any saw should have.

Ultimate power

The power of the motors of saws powered by the network can reach from 1000 to 2200 W. Starting from 1500 W, the equipment is capable of working with hard woods and soft metals.

For battery-powered devices, power is measured in Volts and their standard value varies in a smaller range - from 18 to 20 V.

High-speed disc rotation

It is measured in rpm. The higher this indicator, the smoother the cut is. Chain saws are the leader here, with a standard speed of 3000 rpm.

Saw blades

The blade is the heart of the entire saw and its parameters are also very important. Its diameter is responsible only for the depth of the cut, but has little effect on the quality of the cut itself. The following options are responsible for this:

• Maximum number of teeth - the more teeth there are on the disc, the better and smoother the cut is. The standard number of teeth is: 40 pcs. (small), 60-80 (medium), 90 and more (increased number). However, as the number of teeth increases, the load on the saw motor will increase. If, on the contrary, there are fewer teeth, but they are larger, the cut will be carried out faster - this mode is suitable for rough work;
• Disc thickness - is responsible for the consumption of wood (metal) and affects the overall accuracy of making samples;
• The material of the disc, the quality of the sharpening of the teeth - directly affects its wear resistance.

Safety at work

Construction experts classify any electrical tool with cutting / drilling tools as a hazardous source. Even if the saw looks safe, thanks to the covering of the working surface of the blade with a special cover, this does not mean that you can approach work on it with a certain "coolness".

Before starting work, it is always worth checking whether the disc is firmly installed in the grooves, whether the body itself is securely fastened, whether the workpiece to be processed is clearly fixed in the grooves. If it is necessary to change the disk from the equipment, it must be disconnected from the mains, and the batteries of the rechargeable devices must be removed. During the entire period of direct operation of the saw, use protective goggles and a carpenter's coat.

Ranking of the best miter saws for 2020

Below is a rating of both cordless and networked miter saws, as well as devices with a dual power source (battery and mains). The models are arranged in order of increasing power.

Low power saws

3rd place: Makita LS 0714

The unpretentious and small-sized tool is perfect for work at home from time to time. It has an adjustable cutting depth, it copes well with wood, and with plastic, and with thin metal (if there is an appropriate disc). There are special compartments on the pallet for collecting shavings.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, W	1010
Disc diameter, cm	19
Speed, rpm	6000
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	45 and 57
Cut width, cm	5.2 and 30
Price, rubles	26000

• Double insulated casing;
• Light weight and compactness;
• The guide handle is made according to the ergonomic system.

• The valve in the dust container may be stuck.

2nd place: Metabo KGS 216 M

This model has a die-cast aluminum body, due to which the entire structure is lightweight. Clamps for workpieces are made at the highest level, reliably fix the material in the grooves, the device has a laser marker to facilitate work. It is quite suitable for use as stationary equipment in the construction of timber frame structures.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, W	1200
Disc diameter, cm	21
Speed, rpm	5000
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	47 (both directions)
Cut width, cm	6.5 and 30.5
Price, rubles	21000

• Little noise during operation and smooth cut;
• Smooth table extension when broaching;
• Good build quality.

With an increase in power to 1500 W, it can work for only 7 minutes.

1st place: Bosch GCM 800 SJ

The most popular of all low-power models. The design provides for the functions of soft start, spindle blocking, it is possible to separately connect a household vacuum cleaner. The casing is made of durable and transparent plastic, which allows for a certain precision in the production of cuts. The device perfectly cuts laminate and lining.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, W	1400
Disc diameter, cm	21.6
Speed, rpm	5500
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	45 and 47
Cut width, cm	7 and 27
Price, rubles	30000

• Excellent build quality
• High cutting precision;
• Long warranty period (3 years).

• Not found.

Medium saws

3rd place: DeWALT DHS780N

An extremely versatile model and differs in that it has a dual power supply - it can operate both from the mains and from batteries. The design incorporates a brushless motor, which means more power and lower operating noise. The “feed” in the tool is extremely smooth and does not create any inconvenience to the operator. The device works great with dense wood.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, W	1550
Disc diameter, cm	30
Speed, rpm	5400
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	49 and 60
Cut width, cm	11 and 34
Price, rubles	65000

• Variability of power supplies;
• Convenience of work for the operator;
• Good cutting accuracy.

• Neither a charger nor batteries are included (and they are very expensive).

2nd place: Hitachi C10FCE2

Not a bad tool for work of average complexity. The device has a dust extraction system, which is designed to keep the workplace clean, as well as to protect the user's respiratory organs. The set includes a special clamp, which guarantees a more reliable fixation of the workpiece being processed. The model copes well with polymer and metal materials, as well as with hard wood species.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, W	1600
Disc diameter, cm	25
Speed, rpm	5000
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	45 and 42
Cut width, cm	89 and 144
Price, rubles	21000

• Double insulated electrical cables;
• Low cost;
• Good build quality.

• Occasional shifts of the metric scale are possible, which affects the accuracy of the cut.

1st place: Makita DLS714Z

This device is an older brother in relation to the device of the same company "Makita", indicated in the 3rd place of the previous section. Despite the average power, the equipment has retained its mobility and compactness. The model has a soft start, electrodynamic disc braking, electronic control of constant speed. There is also a dual power system available - an electrical network and batteries (which are not included in the kit), but the latter can be replaced with conventional 18-volt batteries.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, V	1600
Disc diameter, cm	19
Speed, rpm	5700
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	45 and 90
Cut width, cm	5.2 and 30
Price, rubles	52000

• The ability to use standard batteries;
• Convenience of transportation;
• Easy to operate.

• Insufficient supply for battery and charger.

Heavy duty saws

3rd place: Enkor Corvette-4-430

An extremely powerful Russian-made machine, in which, nevertheless, the spindle lock function is implemented and the motor is braked by means of electronics. It copes well with all materials - from wood to plastic. The low cost means it is extremely popular for its segment.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, V	1800
Disc diameter, cm	25
Speed, rpm	4800
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	45 and 60
Cut width, cm	7.5 and 43
Price, rubles	15000

• Powerful engine;
• Highly visible laser marker (even in bright sunlight);
• Some consumables are included in the kit (brushes, clamp).

• Sometimes there is a spontaneous return to the factory settings.

2nd place: Bosch GCM 12 GDL

Another more powerful sample, perfect for a wide range of applications. It has a maximum cutting size and is designed for processing large workpieces. The device has two protective covers. The machine is generally considered to be a stationary professional machine.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, V	2000
Disc diameter, cm	30.5
Speed, rpm	3800
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	47 and 60
Cut width, cm	10.4 vs 34.1
Price, rubles	71000

• Upgraded broaching mechanism;
• Smooth start of the disk;
• Increased service life.

• Higher weight and higher cost.

1st place: Metabo KGS 315 Plus

Another tool with increased power. It specializes mainly in cutting soft metals and synthetic materials (it has too powerful engine for fragile wood). The model provides electronic speed control and precise adjustment of the depth of cuts.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, V	2200
Disc diameter, cm	31
Speed, rpm	4100
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	47 and 60
Cut width, cm	12 and 32
Price, rubles	70000

• The working table has increased strength;
• High-quality and clean cut;
• The presence of laser illumination.

• The massive cover can interfere with the production of sharp cuts.

Combined saws

3rd place: "Interskol PTK-250/1500"

This saw belongs to completely professional tools, although it has an average power. The lack of power is compensated for by extended functionality: performing all types of carpentry work, cutting chipboard, MDF, sheet metal. The unit is used in workshops for the production of furniture, in enterprises producing lumber.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, V	1700
Disc diameter, cm	30
Speed, rpm	4300
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	47 and 60
Cut width, cm	10 and 31
Price, rubles	15300

• Affordable price;
• Advanced functionality;
• Increased diameter of the discs used.

• Low blade speed, which can lead to uneven cuts.

2nd Place: Graphite 59G824

This instrument is manufactured in China under the license of a Polish company and is almost a universal instrument. The model provides for the use of various additional components necessary for the convenience of work, such as: a dust collector, additional legs for stable fastening, elbows and pushers, a hex key for unlocking the grooves for changing the saw blade.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, V	1500
Disc diameter, cm	21
Speed, rpm	5000
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	45 and 55
Cut width, cm	21 and 60
Price, rubles	22000

• Extended set of additional consumables;
• Increased speed indicators;
• The machine is easy to maintain.

• Heavy weight - 26 kg!

1st place: Makita LH 1040

Although this saw has advanced options for a circular saw and a miter saw, it cannot be fully attributed to professional models. This is due to the low engine power, which brings this model closer to the segment of low-power saws. However, the model provides protection "from the fool" (from an accidental start), which is typical for high-level equipment. The kit includes a socket wrench, stop plate and adjusting triangle.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Power, V	1400
Disc diameter, cm	21
Speed, rpm	4800
Angles of inclination and rotation, degrees	45 and 90
Cut width, cm	5.3 and 9
Price, rubles	30000

• High-quality assembly;
• The ability to cut the workpiece along, across and longitudinally;
• Decent basic equipment.

• Low-power engine.

Instead of an epilogue

As can be seen from the analysis of the miter saw market in the Russian Federation, the leading positions in almost any segment are occupied by the same brands. However, this does not mean that a Western manufacturer imposes its products on the Russians - it is just a fairly high-quality tool and in the presented lines you can always find a model that corresponds to the future tasks and financial capabilities of the buyer's wallet. However, it is also possible to save on this purchase - you just need to ask about samples from domestic manufacturers, because their prices are much cheaper.