Educate me on Miter Saws

[astrohip]

I want to buy a miter saw. I think it would help me on several projects I want to tackle. I am an advanced beginner (or very basic intermediate) as far as skill level. All my wood cuts are currently made with a circular saw (or hand saws).

My challenge is I know nothing about them, so I don't know where to start. I see 10" and 12", I see bevels and compounds, etc.

My needs are basic. For example, I'm going to make a wood ladder, so I will need to cut some 2x4s and some 1x4s. It would be nice if it could handle a 4x4, but not critical. I won't use it daily, so a heavy-duty workhorse isn't needed. I'd like to be able to cut angles too.

I don't mind spending a little more to get (1) a quality saw that will last, and (2) one that has some features that will end up being handy. But I don't need to spend $500+ to get a commercial workhorse or features an amateur will never use. Let's say approx $300 for a cap.

This will be in my shop, so I don't need a cordless. Also, are there any accessories I should buy right off the bat?

Thanks for helping a newbie. I love reading all these threads, and am envious of those of you with years of tool working experience. I was an office drone for 40 years, and my workshop duties were limited to a few minor household tasks. But since I retired to the country, I've been enjoying learning an entire new skill set!

PS: I did a search, no recent threads on this subject.

PS2: I also have scoured the Internet, but find that hearing advice from actual users is the best way to get started.

 

[zendriver]

The bigger the blade, the wider the cut, if you think you might need it.

I was doing a floor job, with 6" wide pieces. I could not find a 10" that would cut wide enough.

Just make sure it's a tight unit, so the cuts are perfectly square 100% of the time.

Ended up buying a mid priced Dewalt, under $200 a decade ago.

The only "accessory" I needed was a portable folding table (already had a B&D workmate) to set it on and an inexpensive roller stand, to steady board feeding.

 

[astrohip]

The bigger the blade, the wider the cut, if you think you might need it.

I was doing a floor job, with 6" wide pieces. I could not find a 10" that would cut wide enough.

Just make sure it's a tight unit, so the cuts are perfectly square 100% of the time.

Ended up buying a mid priced Dewalt, under $200 a decade ago.

The only "accessory" I needed was a portable folding table (already had a B&D workmate) to set it on and an inexpensive roller stand, to steady board feeding.

Just to be clear, it was a 2x6 you were cutting (or trying to)? So a 12" would handle it?

I have a nice portable & folding worktable my wife gave me for . Roller stand sounds like a great addition.

 

[astrohip]

That was weird. I typed the letters "x m a s" without spaces, and it came out as a smilie.

 

[mrvm]

My Dewalt 10" mitersaw has performed well over several remodeling jobs and decks, etc. What it couldn't cut in its range was flipped over and recut. The 10" is perfect for small jobs such as trim work or 2x4s. If you can spend a bit more consider a slider mitersaw for more range in cut width. Most slider mitersaws will require extra room for the sliding mechanism. The 12" is nice if you have the room. Its heavier to transport and the blades are probably more expensive. I own two mitersaws: Dewalt 10" and Makita 10" slider. You won't go wrong with either mitersaw or the Bosch, Ridgid, etc. The Ridgid usually has a lifetime service agreement LSA advantage or not. The new mitersaws should come fully aligned but alignment of any mitersaw is not difficult for the DIYer. Once a year Home Depot has a special on the Ridgid mitersaw stand for $99. Its very handy for transport or setting up shop anywhere. Big wheels, sturdy, and folds nicely. The only con for most stands is when combined with the mitersaw=heavy. Planned accordingly I can get the combo into a pickup alone. I like keeping the mitersaw fairly simple for less parts to wear out or break. I'm not a fan of accessory laser lighting as cool as it is for example.

 

[CTyankee]

I won't even try to suggest which brand saw to buy. Instead I'll just offer MO on what features I think are important.

Buy a slider. It allows you to cut wider material. It also allows you to "hit" your measure mark on the wood because you can move the contact point of blade along the whole length of the material. Lasers are a way around this issue, but I've never been a fan of them for various reasons, and wouldn't let the fact that a saw doesn't have one be a deciding factor in choosing one.

I think most sliders 10" or larger bevel in both directions, but be sure it does. The actual degree markings for angles and beveling should be easy to read, easy to adjust and easy to lock.

Go with a 10" saw instead of a 12". I''ll refrain from all the pluses and minuses, but just tell you this. We have both sizes available on our job sites. And for the past 15+ years, I doubt there has been more than a dozen times anyone has reached for the 12" besides for when there was a need for a second saw. Added benefit..less chance of blade deflection, cheaper blades and less weight.

Any saw should be checked for accuracy right out of the box and adjustments made if needed. Buy a decent blade or 2 if the material you cut are going to vary.

A miter saw stand is a good thing to have. It makes the supporting of the material much less of a hassle. They aren't terribly expensive, but if you really want to cut corners and the saw will remain in one spot 90% of the time, a simple flat surface and blocks will make do.

Again, just my opinion based on my experience using them.....YMMV

 

[DeadPedal]

I bought a 12" non sliding unit last year and, to be honest, it's sort of too big. I use it on a stand in the driveway (when it's warm outside) so I don't have to sweep up sawdust. It's heavy and slightly cumbersome to setup. I went with this model because it was the cheapest I could find that would bevel left and right. I'm a novice when it comes to this stuff and bad at angles so I didn't want to have to figure out how to flip workpieces to cut opposite angles.

Other than finding a spot to store the monster it's been great so far. If you can work with a single bevel I'd get a sliding 10" as others have said. I also subscribe to the theory of less moving parts means less to go wrong, but I didn't really come across any complaints related to sliders when doing my research.

Home Depot and lowes run a deal a couple times a year when the dewalt saws come with a free stand. I got the heavy duty stand and it's pretty beefy. But again, heavy and hard to store due to its size.


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[Voi]

My needs are basic. For example, I'm going to make a wood ladder, so I will need to cut some 2x4s and some 1x4s. It would be nice if it could handle a 4x4, but not critical. I won't use it daily, so a heavy-duty workhorse isn't needed. I'd like to be able to cut angles too.

For basic needs like you mentioned I think a 10" non slider is a good compromise between accuracy, blade affordability and decent capacity. I just built a ladder for our cabin and cut 27.5 degree angles across 2x6 with my 10" saw. I don't know if I could get full 45 degree angles across 2x6 material.

Mine is a Dewalt that I don't think is a great saw but the deal with the folding work stand was too good to pass up. I have no idea what Dewalt has out today or what other companies have for that matter. But I do think the 10" non-slider is a good sweet spot.

To be fair, I have access to a full cabinet shop. If I didn't I'd probably want a 10" to 12" slider. Most likely a 10" Bosch Axial Glide.

 

[zendriver]

Just to be clear, it was a 2x6 you were cutting (or trying to)? So a 12" would handle it?

I have a nice portable & folding worktable my wife gave me for . Roller stand sounds like a great addition.

No, it was ma-made t & G flooring, probably 3/8" thick. It will still cut a 2x6 I I think.

Every power Miter saw, lists "maximum width" of a cut, which is basically how big of blade diameter and how far it will drop during a cut.

You can get a decent roller stand from HF, for a few bucks.

 

[Outlander]

I have had a smaller non-sliding for years. Does everything from flower boxes to scrap for kindling. I have found it lacking for larger pieces so I would recommend a slider. Hmm..I wonder if Mrs Outlander feels guilty enough for her trip to Mexico that one could land in the shop soon.....

 

[zendriver]

I have had a smaller non-sliding for years. Does everything from flower boxes to scrap for kindling. I have found it lacking for larger pieces so I would recommend a slider. Hmm..I wonder if Mrs Outlander feels guilty enough for her trip to Mexico that one could land in the shop soon.....

I would have to agree that maybe this is a better way to go.

If I remember right, sliders were way more expensive, when I purchased mine, specifically for my wider plank flooring jobs.

12" is not really that large of a saw, regardless, IMO

 

[Todd.Brock]

I had a 10" Ryobi that bevels one way for years. It's light and easy to move around. Finished a full basement and shed and hardi plank siding with it. I still have it.
I bought a new house with baseboard that is too tall. I bought a 12" compound dewalt slider. It was way too heavy to lug around. It went back.

I bought a hitachi 12" compound at Lowe's and love it. Still heavy, but not as bad as the dewalt slider. I think it was about 300 bucks in late 2014

 

[CNGsaves]

For OP's needs, a 10" miter saw will be fine . . ie normal non-slider.

My 10" Ryobi (2 way bevel) that I bought used for $45 has done everything I've needed.

I'd recommend Ryobi, Craftsman or DeWalt which will be affordable.

Heck unless a saw has been abused, a garage sale miter saw would be fine.

 

[jdlong]

I agree for south of 300 bucks, a quality, no frills, 10" compound non slider is fine for general carpentry. High amp, tight, robust, and without a bunch of plastic **** hanging off it.

 

[tarbellb]

Get yourself a 10" slider and dont look back. It will cut 90% of what a high level DIY person would want.

Supposedly the cheaper end models like Kobalt/Craftsman/Ryobi have been getting better, and for someone not super set on precision this might be a good choice.

But I would just go all in and spend the $350-500 on a Ridgid, Dewalt, or Makita and know tha it will perform all day long.

Good luck.

Oh, things to get right off the bat. Either a dedicated bench top w/ supports, proper saw horses, or a rolling cart.

A decent blade if going with a cheaper model, Makita makes a killer blade for $30.

 

[crewchief888]

i "agonized" over my saw purchase trying to decide what would be best for me, price vs. features... searched the web, visited stores, compared prices, features, and checked reviews.

a year later i finally broke down and bought a 10" compound slider.

found a stand on clearance at another big box store, already had 2 HF roller stands i use with my abrasive chop saw.

for me, the 10" saw is lighter, uses the same size blades as my table saw.

the saw lives in the basement, but it's easy enough to get it upstairs and outside if i need to.

 

[scissorman]

I have a Dewalt 12" double bevel miter saw and have been very happy with it.

 

[TexasShooter]

I like my 10" Hitachi. Does majority of what I need, but there have been times I had to flip my board and cut to go finish. I got mine in clearance at Lowes for $119. Amazon is running a spend $100 on Hitachi and get like $20 off. Add this to your cart, with prime membership, and get her for about $124. I do love my dads 12" Dewalt tho!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NKB3LW/?tag=atomicindus08-20


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[astrohip]

Done! Bought the 10" Ryobi sliding miter. Wasn't a huge price difference between that one and the non-sliding, so it seemed like a no-brainer. Went ahead and got the stand at the same time. Both together still under my budget. And two extra blades, a 40 and an 80.

Got it all put together and set up... and now it's time to start the grill*, so the fun will continue tomorrow. I'm going to make some shelving out of cedar planks to get familiar with it, then tackle the ladder next.

Thanks everyone for the GREAT feedback. It really helped me make a quick decision.


* Shrimp kabobs, corn on the cob, asparagus--all on the grill.