5 Best Miter Saw For Beginners Woodworking & DIY Projects

Even if you are a beginner woodworker, you will undoubtedly understand the value of having a miter saw in your workplace. As a craftsman, having one of the best miter saw for beginners so that you could make crown moldings, furnishings, decorative trimmings, and a variety of other things. Each of these jobs necessitate a miter saw which can handle a wide range of mitering and beveled angles while sawing with the utmost precision.

Before going into detailed reviews of each product, we have selected BOSCH GCM12SD as the Best Miter Saw For Beginners for its great handling and performance which every beginner will enjoy. This product has been analyzed by us before recommending it to everyone.

There are a lot of miter saws available, but not all are for beginners. It has been our mission to narrow down the many options to a select few. Hopefully you will agree with our selection of miter saws for a beginner.

Best Miter Saw For Beginners

Below, we will show you the top 5 miter saws that are available on the market. We hope our reviews and buyer’s guide will help you choose the best miter saw for woodworking.

1. BOSCH GCM12SD 15-Amp 12-Inch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw with 60 Tooth Saw Blade – Overall Best

BOSCH Power Tools GCM12SD

Bosch is a respected brand name when it comes to power tools for home workshops. And the corded, double-bevel miter saw lives up to Bosch’s reputation.

This high-quality, precise power saw is ideal for beginners and professionals alike. It has a superior build quality, accuracy, and power unrivaled in its price range.

Why do we recommend a professional-grade miter saw if you are developing your woodworking hobby? Simply put, it is hard to ignore the quality you get with this Bosch model.

In addition, buying the product online is cheaper than directly from Bosch. In addition, it’s one of the easiest miter saws to use, making it ideal for beginners.

What can you expect if you invest in this robust, value-for-money dual-bevel miter saw? Please read on to find out.

Cut quality

Cut quality is the most crucial feature when choosing a miter saw to purchase. This Bosch model features the Axial-Glide System to ensure utmost accuracy when cutting lumber. This innovative system has an ultra-smooth cutting action that is easy to master — even if you are just starting out. In addition, it has a large 14” horizontal capacity and 6-1/2” vertical capacity, making it one of the best in this review.

Power

The powerful miter saw has a 15-amp motor that hits speeds of up to 3,800 RPM. Even with the stock blade, the saw will easily slice through the toughest hardwoods. What we liked about this model is that it’s easy to control with the soft trigger handle.  

Mitering and beveling

One area where the Bosch 12” double-bevel miter saw excels is when cutting bevels and miters. The saw has a bevel capacity of 48° to the left and right and has three bevel stops for ease of use. Additionally, it has an impressive miter capacity of 60° to the right and 52° to the left. You’ll also love the six miter detents that ensure accurate and precise cutting.

Ease of use

For beginners, finding a sliding compound miter saw that is easy to use can be challenging. In this respect, the Bosch GCM12SD ticks all the boxes. First, it has quick-release fences to ensure precise alignment. And there is a one-touch release or lock feature that makes alignment more straightforward.

A great design feature of this Bosch miter saw is that you can make bevel adjustments at the front of the saw. To assist, there are marked detents at 0°, 33.9°, and 45°, and you can make right or left-facing cuts.

Design

Its compact design is one feature that appeals to hobbyists and professionals. Sometimes, miter saws can be excessively bulky and take up a lot of room. However, not so with this Bosch model. The Axial-Glide system ensures complete control in compact work spaces. Additionally, it has tables and fences on both sides of the blade, all expertly machined for precision.

Dust collection

The dust collection system on the Bosch GCM12SD is one of the best we’ve seen. According to the manufacturers, this can extract up to 90 percent of sawdust. And from user reviews online, it seems that this claim is mostly true. In addition, you can either attach a dust bag or a shop vac to the dust extraction port.

BOSCH GCM12SD Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Powerful motor and large 12” cutting blade
  • Axial-Gliding system for ultimate precision
  • Soft grip with trigger suitable for right or left-handed users
  • Easy lock and unlock feature
  • Robust design
  • Has extra safety features
  • Excellent dust extraction system

Cons

  • It’s heavy weighing in at 65 lbs.
  • No laser guide or LED positioning cut line system

2. DEWALT DHS790T2 FLEXVOLT 120V MAX Double Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw Kit

The DeWalt is one of the best compound sliding miter saws currently for sale. The outstanding miter saw is based on DeWalt’s revolutionary FlexVolt technology that switches between 20V and 60V depending on requirements.

This feature is advertised as having the “convenience of cordless with the performance of corded.” However, does the miter saw kit warrant its high price tag? We’ve reviewed this power horse to find out.

First, it has to be said about this impressive piece of kit that it is powered by a corded 120vAC adapter or two 60V/20V FlexVolt batteries. This powers the 15-amp brushless motor to spin the 12-inch blade at 3,800 RPM. But let’s look in more detail at what you get for your money with this corded/cordless miter saw.

Precise blade position indicator

The DeWalt miter saw has a cutline blade positioning system using a series of LED lights. These create a shadow precisely on the cut line to ensure perfect cuts every time. As a result, even in regular daylight, the cut line is easy to see.

Miter and bevel adjustments

One of the essential features of a high-end compound miter saw is solid miter and bevel locks. First, it is straightforward to set the miter angles. And the detent override is a helpful function to avoid the lock catching in the 11 preset detents. You can also specify precise angles anywhere from 0° to 60° to the right or 50° to the left.

Regarding beveling, the DeWalt DHS790 can make left or right bevels at any angle up to 45°. You will notice that the movements are generally smooth and easy to adjust.

We have a complete detailed guide on Best Miter Saw as well, you can check that out too!

Cutting power

An impressive feature of the DeWalt FlexVolt 120V is that it performs just as well connected to a power source as on battery power. As a result, it is possible to easily slice through pressure treated 2×4” pine without any problem — something that other miter saws have trouble with. In addition, the large 12”, 60-toothed blade that comes included also does an impressive job of cutting. In many cases, the stock blade is enough to get started with.

Here are some cutting specs of the DeWalt FlexVolt 120V you may be interested in:

  • Crosscut capacity: 16”
  • Cutting height: 6-3/4”
  • 45° miter capacity: 8”
  • Nested crown capacity: 7-1/2”

Dust collection

As with many DeWalt compound miter saws, the dust collection capabilities are somewhat lacking. Unfortunately, the FlexVolt 120V doesn’t show any improvement. The unit tends to leave a fair bit of dust after sawing. And even connecting the dust extraction port to a shop vac doesn’t eliminate all the sawdust.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • It has a belt-driven brushless 15-amp motor
  • In cordless mode, it’s as powerful as a corded miter saw
  • The cutline blade positioning system helps improve accuracy
  • Excellent battery life
  • Large 12” blade
  • Batteries and fast charger included
  • Three-year limited warranty

Cons

  • Bevel adjustments are the rear

3. RYOBI 7-1/4 in. Miter Saw – Budget Pick

RYOBI 7-1/4

Ryobi is no stranger to the world of power tools. They’ve been making durable technology for decades and have gained a loyal following. Their P551 cordless miter saw has been in existence for around 7 years, and it’s reasonable to assume it’s a successful item if it’s been around for that long.

This Ryobi 7-1/4-inch Cordless (Battery Powered) Miter Saw is ideal for all types of modest DIY tasks, home improvements, or contractors working on many jobs, particularly those in multiple places.

It is extremely light and portable in any vehicle. This saw is more lightweight and portable for those who have minimum space and don’t have a permanent spot for a miter saw. Simply take it from its storage site and set it up anywhere.

This cordless miter saw will cater to anyone who saws wood as a job, such as architects, or as a pastime, such as woodworkers. It may not have the same range of possibilities as a sliding compound miter saw for pros, but it will enable you to do the bulk of cuts that you will require. The cuts will be crisp and accurate with carbide tipped blades. It’s possible to bevel from 0 – 45 degrees, with 9 pre-set intervals.

There’s also a 4-1/4-inch capacity for cross cutting. Additional functionality include a dust collection system, a spinning lock for when the blades have to be replaced, and a laser guidance for the highest accuracy of cutting possible.

Pros
  • Has a warranty of 3 years
  • Accessories are included
  • Dust port is used to link a dust compactor
  • Laser light guide with LEDs
  • Lighter in weight
  • Reasonable price
Cons
  • Item will not be supplied in its original packing
  • The small size is inappropriate

The Ryobi P551 Miter Saw is bound to be on top of anyone’s list of possibilities if they’re looking for a great cordless (Battery Powered) miter saw that does everything properly, is easy to transport, and won’t break the budget.

It’s from a reputable brand, features a laser guidance to make cutting easier, as well as the grip has been engineered to make any task easier.

4. CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1 Miter Saw|Amazon Choice

CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1

After its re-launch in 2018, Craftsman has produced a slew of fantastic tools. While it isn’t flawless, there is indeed a lot to like about this saw’s good feature set. A wide range of users can benefit from this 7 1/4″ sliding miter saw.

This saw is a winner because of its mobility and low pricing. The Craftsman V20 battery system powers the model. The saw is capable of making 585 cuts in 3-1/4 inch MDF boards using the accompanying 4Ah battery. This CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1 miter saw is 12 inches in height, 23 inches in diameter, and 21.8 lbs. in weight.

The motor’s 3800 Revolutions per minute provide adequate ability to cut through 2X dimensional wood. There is also an electronic brake that allows the blade to instantly cease spinning when released. Just above the handle, there is a power button.

When a battery is being fitted, this is a protective measure to avoid inadvertent starting. The main trigger is a button that makes it simple to activate while clutching the handle.

For complex cuts, a single-bevel layout enables for up to a 47-degree angle. Miter cuts up to 47° left and right, having nine distinct detent stops incorporated for improved precision. When positioned at 90 degrees, the moving capability provides for an 8-inch crosscut capability.

Also Get Your Hands On Best Miter Saw For Crown Molding

The motor slides along two rails with a locking system for smooth movement and greater safety. When used, an LED cut line provides enhanced visibility and reliability.  The saw also comes with a 7-1/4-inch Blade with carbide tips and 40 teeth.

The arbor on the saw is 0.625 inches, which is common for the blade length. For convenient mobility, this miter saw features handles integrated into the table, and also a tool for blade replacements and changes on board.

Clamps were also added by Craftsman to keep the material steady during the cutting process. The saw also comes with a dust bag that may be used in place of a shop vac during dust cleanup. Finally, and most crucially, this tool comes with a 3-year warranty coverage from Craftsman.

Pros
  • Unique sliding design
  • Cutting can be done using LED guide
  • 9 miter dents for fine-tuning
  • Increased cutting capacity
  • Cordless
  • Excellent for crown moldings
Cons
  • Not as powerful as electric models.
  • Before use, it must be charged

Overall, the saw is a really interesting unit that can be used by a wide range of users. In comparison to full-sized miter saws, the tiny footprint and low weight allow for considerably improved portability.

With the sliding ability, you can still make decent cuts. This finest sliding compound miter saw will give the most exact cuts thanks to the LED cut lines positioning technology.

5. Metabo HPT C10FCGS Miter Saw

Metabo HPT C10FCGS

Metabo is a Hitachi-owned firm dedicated to producing high-quality power tools in a variety of cost ranges. This is a simple saw made for builders, woodworkers, and constructors. When Hitachi designed this saw, it was clear that precision and dependability were top priorities.

Without fear, you can perform crosscuts, miter cuts, and complex cuts with this saw. The saw is 24.2 lbs. in weight, so you won’t get weary when using it. In fact, even with a 10 inch blade, it is still one of the lightest compound miter saws available. The Metabo HPT C10FCGS is propelled by a 15 amp engine that can be plugged into any 120V wall outlet.

The motor is corded, with a 6-foot cable connecting it to the power source. The motor can spin the blades at speeds of up to 5000 RPM when there is no load on it. The blade length isn’t awful either; it has a 10-inch blade with 24-teeth.

The blade, has an optimum cutting depth of 2-5/16 inches and is included with the purchase. The blade’s bevel capability lets it tilt to the left up to 45 degrees. If you want to use the blade for complex cuts, it can slope to the left up to 45 degrees and miter to the left and right to 45 degrees.

Pros
  • Durable
  • Powerful motor
  • Affordable
  • 5 year tool warranty
Cons
  • Manual is difficult to understand
  • Collection method for dust is ineffective

This miter saw has a fence that keeps the piece steady and fixed in place when the saw is ripping through it. The table also has vice clamps to keep the work piece firmly embedded on the table for maximum cutting stability.

Finally, a blade guard is included for safety, protecting the user’s hands while the blade is in motion.

How to Use a Miter Saw for Beginners?

If you are on the lookout for the best miter saw for DIY projects or beginner woodcutting jobs, you must also know how to use it. Beginners should operate a miter saw in the very same way that professionals and experts do.

You begin by identifying your material, fastening it, selecting the angles and cuts you wish to make on the saw, and then sawing. Saw upkeep is also necessary for maintaining your machinery in good shape.

what is xps technology on dewalt miter saw

Best Miter Saw For Beginners-FAQ’s

How to choose a miter saw beginner guide?

There are a variety of factors that beginners must keep in mind before purchasing a miter saw. Things such as the design, durability, cutting capacity, angles, intended usage, battery life and dust collection ports should be kept in consideration.

What is the best miter saw for beginners?

Among all the models of the best miter saw for beginner woodworking projects, the Bosch GCM12SD tops the list and can be called as the finest miter saw that novices can use, owing to its portability and features.

Wrapping Up The Best Miter Saw For Beginners

A woodworker’s miter saw is unquestionably a necessary and useful cutting equipment. They must be capable of making precise and adaptable cuts for a variety of woodworking jobs. However, considering the plethora of options available, purchasing one could be a bit perplexing.

Using our list of the best miter saw for beginners, though, you can quickly come to a decision and select a model that meets your requirements.

Although all of the models mentioned are excellent in their own right, we’ve compiled a list of the best three for your convenience.

Bosch GCM12SD Miter Saw: Because of the power and precision with which it can cut. Furthermore, it has variable speed for greater miter saw control. This saw is the finest since it has an Axial-Glide function that allows you to optimize your workspace!

RYOBI 7-1/4 in. Miter Saw: Because of the cost-effectiveness of the product. The saw is lightweight and comes with a strong 15-amp direct drive engine that spins at 5,100 RPM, making it ideal for heavy-duty work.

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