The best miter saws - user ratings, comparisons, reviews
An objective miter saw rating can only be compiled based on the opinions of users who have been using the devices for a long time and have identified their advantages and disadvantages in various operating modes. The models that got into the TOP have excellent factory characteristics, plus the best balance between positive and negative reviews from owners that have been using them for more than a year. Which miter saw is better, it is worthwhile to decide based on the conditions in which the operation is planned.
Rating miter saws with a broach
A feature of the devices is an additional mechanism that allows you to move the saw blade in a horizontal plane during operation. This allows you to make high-quality cuts of wide billets in one pass of the disc. The pulling mechanism itself for the presented models is made without complaints from users.
Single reviews indicate a small backlash of the disk, with a maximum extension of the guide, but this is a common problem for devices of this class. Due to the pulling mechanism, such saws cannot be installed close to the wall, or you will have to make a niche for it.
Dewalt DWS 780 | Makita LS 1216 | Bosch GCM 8 SJL Professional | Ryobi EMS254L | |||||||
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Landing diameter of a disk, mm | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | ||||||
Diameter of a disk, mm | 305 | 305 | 216 | 254 | ||||||
Power, W | 1675 | 1650 | 1600 | 2000 | ||||||
Saw ability to tilt left / right | 49 / 49 | 45 / 45 | 47 / 2 | - / 0-45 | ||||||
Table adjustment left / right, hail | 50 / 60 | 52 / 60 | 45 / 45 | 0-45 / 0-45 | ||||||
Max depth cut at an angle of 45 °, mm | 56 | 107 | 48 | 58 | ||||||
Max depth cut at an angle of 90 °, mm | 112 | 107 | 70 | 90 | ||||||
Max width cut at an angle of 90 °, mm | 349 | 363 | 312 | 300 | ||||||
Max width cut at an angle of 45 °, mm | 244 | 255 | 214 | 200 | ||||||
Speed adjustment | ||||||||||
The number of revolutions, rpm | 1900 - 3800 | 3200 | 5500 | 4500 | ||||||
Depth adjustment | ||||||||||
Backlight | ||||||||||
Laser | ||||||||||
Smooth start | ||||||||||
Constant rpm system under load | ||||||||||
Weight, kg | 24,8 | 26,1 | 17,3 | 16,2 |
Dewalt DWS 780
+ Pros of the Dewalt DWS 780
- high engine power;
- rigid stable design;
- high quality materials and assembly;
- a large disk provides comfortable work with wide workpieces;
- the illumination system of the cutting line is not clogged with dust, which affects laser pointers;
- convenient and easy change of cut angles;
- a wide range of angle settings, the ability to tilt the saw itself in different directions;
- belt transmission provides a quieter operation of the device, relative to models of a similar type.
- Cons Dewalt DWS 780
- if you use a saw in the sun, then the shadow of the disk is not visible, showing the cut line;
- the dust extraction system does not work out well enough - it passes sawdust;
- the angle setting depends on one part - if you need more accuracy, you must additionally drill a hole for the stopper;
- poor-quality clamp and a disk from a factory complete set;
- can wedge a protective cap (can be solved by a small file processing);
- a sufficiently large weight (24.8 kg) - if the saw is often transferred from place to place, then this indicator should definitely be taken into account.
Summary. Professional tool for working with wooden blanks. Landing diameter of the disc - 30 mm, full - 305 mm. Maximum engine power - 1,675 kW, plus speed control. For precise positioning of the disc, the XPS system is used to highlight the workpiece - the cut line coincides with the shadow of the disc. The saw is made for professionals who value reliability, usability and multifunctionality.
Makita LS 1216
+ Pros of Makita LS 1216
- one of the largest depths of cut blanks and angles of rotation of the mechanism among devices of this class;
- double guides provide uniform movement of a saw and excellent quality of a cut;
- reliable fixation of the working position with a screw clamp;
- long warranty period - up to five years, depending on the dealer;
- good protection - an electric engine stop.
- Cons Makita LS 1216
- guides are not protected from dust;
- factory settings often "do not reach" the buyer - you have to adjust on the spot;
- inconvenient adjustment of the angle of rotation;
- the need to buy a laser pointer of the cut line;
- difficult to use as a portable saw.
Summary. The saw is designed for wood or plastic. Landing diameter of the disc - 30 mm, full - 305 mm. Engine power - 1.65 kW, without speed control. The factory equipment does not include a backlight or a laser - if necessary, they are bought separately. The best miter saw for carpentry workshops that work with large workpieces and require high quality cuts. The large reach of the saw suggests the appropriate weight and dimensions - it is better to use the device as a stationary machine.
Bosch GCM 8 SJL Professional
+ Pros of Bosch GCM 8 SJL Professional
- precision and smoothness of the cut - without biting, it copes with materials on which an additional coating is applied;
- a large number of settings, ease of setting;
- angle clamps allow you to "remember" the settings;
- reliable dust collection system;
- smooth start-up and ease of linear stroke of the disc;
- laser protection against pollution;
- 3 year manufacturer's warranty.
- Cons Bosch GCM 8 SJL Professional
- small diameter of the disk;
- tilt of the "head" in only one direction;
- the relatively small weight of the structure affects its stability;
- Chinese assembly - does not affect quality, but if there are prejudices on this topic, you will have to choose another model;
- most likely you will have to adjust the laser, but this is quite simple.
Summary. Professional miter saw. The landing diameter of the used disk is 30 mm, full - 216 mm. Maximum engine power - 1.6 kW, without speed control. A laser pointer is used for an accurate cut. There is no built-in illumination of the workplace. The saw is useful to those who require reliability, accuracy and quality of the cut from the tool. Light weight allows you to use it as a portable model, and if you use it in tandem with the table, then the stability and usability are improved by an order of magnitude.
Ryobi EMS254L
+ Pros of Ryobi EMS254L
- compactness and light weight - easy to assemble for storage;
- high engine power;
- price-quality ratio;
- detailed setup instructions;
- The broaching system is made according to its own technology, which saves 50% of free space in front of the wall.
- Cons Ryobi EMS254L
- poor quality dust collector;
- the lateral tilt mechanism clogs very quickly and without cleaning it, the head does not return to its original position after a turn - it is treated by installing a plastic shutter in front of it;
- the cutter depth limiter does not let his head reach the end of the workpiece - if you need to make a continuous groove, you have to substitute an additional beam;
- guides “do not let” beams through themselves thicker than 10 mm;
- the head bends only in one direction;
- the marking of the corners is made on a sticker, albeit of high quality.
Summary. The saw is designed to work with wood blanks. Landing diameter of the disc - 30 mm, full - 254 mm. Maximum engine power - 2 kW, without speed control. A laser pointer is used for precise positioning of the disc, plus the highlight of the work area. A good budget device with the necessary features and settings. For professionals, the latter may not be enough, but if you need a saw to make repairs at home, then this model is quite enough - it will work out its price.
Miter saw rating without broach
Far from always, carpentry workshops process such large parts that they will need a broach of the head of the miter saw, and this mechanism significantly increases the overall cost of the device. The difference in price can range from one hundred to two hundred percent, but there are no differences in working with small details. An important advantage when choosing may be the compactness of the device - it just requires less installation space, plus it weighs a dozen and a half kilograms less analogs with a broach.
If these considerations are important, then to determine which miter saw is better, the rating of models without a pulling mechanism will help.
Dewalt DW 713 | Makita LS 1040 F | Metabo KS 216 M Lasercut | |||||||
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Landing diameter of a disk, mm | 30 | 30 | 30 | ||||||
Diameter of a disk, mm | 250 | 260 | 216 | ||||||
Power, W | 1600 | 1650 | 1100 | ||||||
Saw ability to tilt left / right | 48 / 3 | 45 / - | 47 / 2 | ||||||
Table adjustment left / right, hail | 50 / 50 | 45 / 45 | 47 / 47 | ||||||
Max depth cut at an angle of 45 °, mm | 89 | 67 | 45 | ||||||
Max depth cut at an angle of 90 °, mm | 89 | 93 | 60 | ||||||
Max width cut at an angle of 90 °, mm | 162 | 95 | 120 | ||||||
Max width cut at an angle of 45 °, mm | 114 | 93 | 80 | ||||||
Speed adjustment | |||||||||
The number of revolutions, rpm | 5000 | 4600 | 5000 | ||||||
Depth adjustment | |||||||||
Backlight | |||||||||
Laser | |||||||||
Smooth start | |||||||||
Constant rpm system under load | |||||||||
Weight, kg | 13.6 | 11 | 9.4 |
Dewalt DW 713
+ Pros of Dewalt DW 713
- quality components and assembly;
- fine tuning out of the box;
- high ergonomics and overall reliability of the device;
- convenient design of clamps with which the cut angles are set;
- the angle scale is made by stamping on an adjustable plate - if you need to adjust it, this is done by unscrewing one mounting bolt;
- a small amount of dust, provided that a good vacuum cleaner is connected;
- large work surface;
- finished grooves for commonly used corners.
- engine power allows you to work with various materials: wood, plastic, aluminum, polyurethane.
- Cons Dewalt DW 713
- there is no smooth start - at start-up the handle pulls up a little;
- the difficulty of finding components;
- the drawback is not specifically this model, but all Dewalt products - a small number of service centers.
Summary. Landing diameter of the disc - 30 mm, full - 250 mm. Maximum engine power - 1.6 kW, without speed control. Laser pointer and backlight are missing. User opinions characterize the DW 713 as a reliable workhorse that, regardless of environmental conditions, will give a good result. A good choice for domestic and professional use when processing small workpieces.
Makita LS 1040 F
+ Pros Makita LS 1040 F
- Rigid construction guaranteeing precision cuts;
- Well-fitting components to each other;
- due to the presence of a smooth start, the saw remains stable during start-up and braking;
- the weight of the device is well selected - it is enough that the saw is stable, but does not cause discomfort when moving to another place;
- if it is necessary to replace the brushes, a quick access system is provided;
- low noise.
- Cons Makita LS 1040 F
- start-up and braking mechanisms do not always work out correctly - for treatment, all electrical equipment must be sorted out;
- frequent complaints about the fuse of the backlight fuse, and in rare cases the lamps themselves;
Summary. The tool is designed to work with wood, plastic, aluminum and laminate. Designed for discs with a landing diameter of 30 mm, full - 260 mm. The maximum engine power is 1.65 kW, without adjusting the number of revolutions. There is a highlight of the working area, a laser pointer is missing. Reliable miter saw, but with the likelihood of periodic vagaries of electronics. If there is no fear of getting into the control unit to replace the fuse or correct contacts, then the price-quality ratio, in comparison with analogues from competitors, is in favor of this model.
Metabo KS 216 M Lasercut
+ Pros of Metabo KS 216 M Lasercut
- the saw is designed for maximum ease of use - all settings are in sight, easily clamped and released;
- solid body for increased strength;
- laser illumination is located in the least dusty place, which allows it to "last" longer without cleaning;
- light weight makes it easy to carry the saw from place to place;
- well-designed ergonomics of the device.
- Cons Metabo KS 216 M Lasercut
- frequent complaints about the rapid failure of the laser and the backlight;
- light weight is good for transportation, but because of this, the rigidity of the workpiece attachment suffers;
- during transportation, there is a high probability of “flying” settings - it is advisable to double-check them after transportation;
- for the device to work well, it is advisable to sort and lubricate it after purchase (of course, without breaking the seals).
Summary. Face saw for cutting small wooden blanks. Works with disks with a landing diameter of 30 mm, full - 216 mm. 1.1 kW electric motor, without speed control. It is completed with illumination of a working zone and a laser pointer. The saw is definitely not suitable for professional work - it is designed for a small disk and the general rigidity of the structure, provided continuous use, leaves much to be desired. Although, subject to the ability and desire to periodically sort out and lubricate the chassis, it can serve the owner faithfully for many years.
When selecting a tool, one must remember that not a single rating reflects the whole picture. There are many models of various devices on the market and it is simply impossible to compare all of them with each other. User reviews help to make up the big picture, but here it must be remembered that people are more likely to leave negative feedback than positive, so this information must be taken into account when choosing, but do not trust it unconditionally. The best factor is knowing the conditions of use and the budget you can count on.
The selection of goods was carried out on the basis of reviews, opinions and ratings of users posted on various resources on the Internet. All information is taken from public sources. We do not cooperate with manufacturers and trademarks and do not call for the purchase of certain products. The article is for informational purposes only.