Best Miter Saw For Beginners – Top 8 Picks with Buying Guide

If you frequently make bevel or miter cuts, you would undoubtedly know the worth of a miter saw in your workshop. Moreover, your presence here suggests that you were looking for the most suitable starter miter saw for woodworking.

As an apprentice, you might be working on making crown moldings, furniture, decorative trims, etc. All these jobs require a miter saw that is versatile enough to offer a broad mitering and bevel range with the most precise cutting.

Finding the right miter saw for beginners can be tricky if you don’t know where to start and look for reliable information. Thus, we developed this roundup to simplify your problem and put together the industry’s 8 most capable miter saws in one place. After a rigorous examination of tens of products, we created this guide to ensure each one of them offers value for your money.

• DEWALT DWS780 – Best 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
• DEWALT DWS779 – Best 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
• DEWALT DWS779 w/80T Blade – Best 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
• HITACHI C10FCH2 15-Amp – Best 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
• BOSCH Power Tools GCM12SD – Best 12 Inch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw
• DEWALT DWS713 – Best 10-Inch 15-Amp Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
• METABO HPT C10FCGS – Best METABO 10-Inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
• Genesis GMS1015LC – Best 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw with Laser Guide

8 Best miter saws for beginners – Our Top Picks

Product Image	Product Name/Features	Score	Price
Editor’s Choice	DEWALT DWS780 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw New Precise Miter System Double Bevel Easy Adjustment 15AMP 3800 RPM 60° R 50°L	9.9	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	DEWALT DWS779 – 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw Super Efficient Dust Collection Easy Adjustment Cam Lock Miter Handle Precise and Smooth Cuts Pretty Quite For Its Size	9.8	Check Price
Best Value	DEWALT DWS779 12″ w/80T Blade With 80 Tooth Blade Dust Collection Efficiency  15 AMP 3800 RPM Easy Adjustment Best Value For The Money	9.8	Check Price
Best Budget	Hitachi C10FCH2 15-Amp 10-inch Hitachi’s Laser Marker Powerful Motor Large Pivoting Flip Fence Thumb Actuated Positive Stops Horizontal Handle	9.7	Check Price
	BOSCH Power Tools GCM12SD 60 Tooth Saw Blade Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Expanded cutting capacity Ultimate Precision Easy To Use	9.7	Check Price
	DEWALT DWS713 10-Inch 15 AMP Single Bevel Precise miter system Optimal Cross Cut Capacity Easy to Assemble Lightweight And Powerful Quality Finishing Blade	9.7	Check Price
	METABO C10FCGS 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw 0-52° Miter Angle Large Size Table 0-45° Bevel Range Cuts Straight Easy to Handle	9.5	Check Price

Best DEWALT Miter Saw for Beginners

DEWALT DWS780

DEWALT DWS780 miter saw offers a combination of various features of practical value. First of all, it has a powerful 15-amp motor that provides a rotation capacity of 3,800 RPM to speed up your work. Other exclusive and cool features of this machine include the presence of a belt-drive design and gearbox. This combination will help you achieve high-quality vertical cutting.

Secondly, the back fence design can cut lumber with dimensions of 2X14 at 90 degrees. At 45 degrees, it can cut 2 by 12 pieces of lumber. The CAM lock miter handle offers easy adjustments corresponding to your working requirements in the working area. This sliding miter can make 12-inch double bevel cuts.

For positioning, there is XPS cross-cut system in the DEWALT DWS780 miter saw. The XPS light system puts light on the wooden board to indicate an accurate cutting line. Meanwhile, it also illuminates the entire work area.

The stainless-steel miter plate with 10 positive stops helps you achieve an excellent level of accuracy. Additionally, this miter saw can move 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left, offering a comprehensive range of cutting options.

Accompanying this miter saw machine are a carbide blade, a blade wrench, a material clamp, and a dust collection bag.

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Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw for Beginners, 12-Inch

DEWALT DWS779

DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw offers you precision and accuracy with powerful 15 Amps motor that offers robust performance. The larger 12-inch carbide blade is not only sturdy and long-lasting, but it can also manage bigger woodworking tasks as well.

It differs from the earlier mentioned miter saw concerning price and the presence of LED or laser cutting guide. The earlier mentioned miter saw comes with an XPS cross-cut system, while this technology is absent in DWS779. But, the difference also makes DWS779 the best value miter saw, suitable for budget-conscious users.

The motor in the miter saw rotates at 3800 RPM to cut 6.75-inch wide wooden pieces. The exclusive back fence design offers support and can make broader cuts in 2×14 dimensional lumber at 90 degrees and 2×12 at 45 degrees.

One of the coolest features of this miter saw is its ability to capture 75% of dust during the miter cuts. This high-performing miter saw comes with the main miter saw machine, a carbide blade, blade wrench, and user guide. Reading through the user guide is highly recommended to avoid possible ambiguities about its working.

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Best Dual Bevel Miter Saw For Beginners

DEWALT DWS779 w/ 80T Blade

A constellation of commendable features coupled with wide bevel and mitering angles makes it worth mentioning as the best dual bevel miter saw with a 12-inch blade.

You might find many similar features as present in the above models of miter saws offered by Dewalt. However, this tool comes as a packaged deal of an 80 Tooth ATB Thin Kerf Crosscutting Miter Saw Blade and a miter saw machine.

We call it the most accurate miter saw; care to know why? Let me explain!

Generally, more teeth on the blade refer to improved and clean cutting ability. Thus, an 80-tooth blade with thin Kerf will produce accurate cuts with the narrowest cutting width. Consequently, less sawdust is produced with minimum undue strain on the motor.

The miter handle with CAM lock makes it highly user-friendly and does not intimidate trainee miter saw users. This powerful miter saw comes with a 15-amp motor, producing 3800 RPPM. Thus, you can use this saw for a variety of jobs in the working area.

The tool does not produce excessive vibrations due to Computer balanced plate. The back fence design offers support and control. Additionally, the commendable dust collection system will collect 75% of the dust.

The sliding miter saw gives you more room for making extended cuts through 2×14 dimension lumber at 90 degrees and 2×12 at 45 degrees. Above all, the name of Dewalt lets you have a sigh of relief.

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Best Beginner Miter Saw with Laser Marker

Hitachi C10FCH2

Hitachi power tools have changed the name to Metabo HPT, though they offer the same quality and terrific performance in their miter saws. The tool comes with Hitachi’s Laser Marker System to enhance the cutting accuracy of your projects.

There is a 15 Amp motor to offer the same consistent performance through thicker pieces of lumber. The miter angle range of 0 to 52 degrees provides more flexibility and options while keeping the accuracy level high.

The additional RIGHT & LEFT movements with 0 to 45-degree bevel angle range make it a performer compound miter saw. Thus, the machine is more flexible and offers you higher performance with multiple cutting ideas.

There is a horizontal handle for support and grip during cutting with this machine. There are various reasons for Hitachi C10FCH2 Compound Miter Saw to be the best miter saw for beginners. One such reason is the perfect handle, and the second is the Elastomer grip on the handle.

Handling this high-performance sliding compound miter saw is comfortable in any working space. Additionally, a beginner will definitely commend its vibration-reducing firm grip and control.

The miter saw is powerful due to a 950W maximum output and 1520W power input motor. The Large pivoting flip fence can be raised 4 inches and is excellent for vertical cutting of crown moldings. This miter saw is useful for woodworkers working on projects with no more than 5.5-inch cutting depth at a right angle.

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Best Bosch Miter Saw For Beginners

Bosch GCM12SD

If you recently started working with a miter saw, the unrivaled precision, accuracy, and durability of these machines might overwhelm you. But simultaneously, these are the feature making them the best miter saw for starters.

The wide 14-inch cutting capacity sets it apart from others. Moreover, the smooth Axial gliding system helps you achieve accuracy and control in your cutting with improved alignment

The larger blade makes it a little big and not suitable for frequent movement. But this versatile best 12-inch miter saw, you can perform a variety of cuts. The easy-to-read dual bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw can move in both directions to help you be creative with your woodworking projects

Bosch GCM12SD comes with roof pitch angles, stainless steel miter scales, and marked distantes. Its 90 percent dust collection capacity retains most of the sawdust. Furthermore, the square lock quick release fence offers additional support and grip during cutting. Thus, it maximizes user’s safety in any working area.

All the settings, such as bevel controls and bevel lock lever, are easily accessible for making precise changes. This expanded cutting capacity miter saw is supported by hundreds of positive customer reviews. Therefore, you can buy this best rated miter saw for 14 inches horizontal and nominal 6.5-inch vertical cuttings.  

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Best Value Miter Saw For Beginners

DEWALT DWS713

With the stainless-steel détente plate having 14 positive stops, you can make accurate markings for error-free cutting. The miter saw comes with a Precise miter system for extra precision and works as a performer during various DIY and professional projects.  

This machine is a combination of durability and performance due to a stainless steel plate and works as a powerhouse with a 15-amp motor. The 5000RPM speeds make it different from other models mentioned by the same brand.  It will let you make a cleaner cut through softer wood and complete your tasks quickly with absolute accuracy.

If you are learning to sheer off clean wooden chips, this power tool might be the most suitable miter saw for novices like you. You will get additional support with the tall sliding machined base fence support. Hence, you won’t feel intimidated as there is added support and grip during working.

The price makes it a cheap miter saw, but the performance and features make it perform as a worthy miter saw for the money. With the added support of the fence, it can cut 4-1/4 inches base vertically.

This single bevel compound miter saw comes with a left turning angle of 0° – 48°, while it can move 0°- 3° to the right. Its mitering capacity is also remarkable, with 2 X 6 inches cross-cutting lumber capacity and 2 X 4 inches lumber capacity at 45°.

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Best Budget Miter Saw For Beginners

METABO C10FCGS

For all the Metabo lovers, you have landed at the Metabo C10fCHGS review finally.

When you get an extended miter angle range, you can enjoy more flexibility during cutting. The feature makes the tool an appropriate miter saw for amateurs because they can have a broader range of cutting options.

You can cut through the softest woods with a load speed of 5000 RPM produced by a robust 15-amp motor. Additionally, with a more comprehensive bevel range of 0-45 degrees, the machine can make the most challenging and complex cutting jobs look like an easy-breezy exercise.

Its performance makes it one of the most desirable machines on our list. For miter cutting, the device can move 0-52 degrees in the left and right direction. Moreover, the blade helps you make cleaner cuts. Therefore, it is famous as the best 10-inch miter saw for its extended cutting capacity full accuracy with a ten-inch blade.

If you are a beginner, the 24.2 lbs. lightweight design of the machine will help you work confidently. You can even make precision cuts using the adjustable bevel stops.

The large table size will adjustable bevel stops help you with the right positioning and control during cutting. Lastly, its extended warranty of five years makes it the most suitable small compound miter saw for beginners.

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Best Budget Miter Saw For Beginners

Genesis GMS1015LC

Genesis GMS1015LC comes with a laser guide that can help you with razor-sharp and accurate cutting. This feature makes it versatile due to a feature that you might only find in pricey machines.  

You might be surprised to see the price of slightly more than $100. Thus, it is an accurate yet cheap miter saw. You will always make the right cuts in your woodworking projects with this power tool. Changing the blade can sometimes be a hassle,  but not anymore; there is an arbor locking system to change the blade quickly.

Combining a decent two-year warranty, 4600 RPM motor speed, and laser-guided precision presents it as the best miter saw for beginners. Having control of your work is an essential requirement during woodworking;  the praiseworthy electric brake system offers the required control level.

Another nifty feature is the 60T Carbide blade that comes pre-installed. Additionally, we call it an excellent compound saw package for amateurs because it comes with two AAA batteries for laser, dust bag, and two extension wings.

Genesis GMS1015LC enhances your cutting accuracy with its nine position stops at regularly used angles. The mitering ability with up to 45 degrees to left and right is also commendable. Thus, this is the finest compound saw for crown molding, picture frames, and much more.

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Best Entry Level Shop Miter Saw

DELTA S26-262L

This miter saw is suitable for people who are ready to dispense a few extra bucks for more power but discount the hassle of managing cords.

We found out that people looking for high precision and accuracy go for Delta S26-262L. This small compound miter saw comes in a lightweight body compared to other models.

This is a powerful tool with its ability manifested in its 15-amp motor that produces 5500RPM. This feature allows it to compete with many others, making it the best miter saw for beginners. The flexibility of this miter saw will enable it to be used with any miter saw stand.

Changing the blade is hassle-free as the spindle lock grips the spindle firmly during the process. Its cutting ability is also commendable as it cuts 4×4 and 2×6 at a 90-degree angle.

The laser marker makes this lightweight miter saw highly accurate and suitable for your work area. Finally, an accompanying three-year warranty completes this machine perfectly.

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Buying Guide about the best miter saw for beginners

Miter saw blade

At the first point is the blade in your power tool. The presence of the right blades enhances your working efficiency by offering accurate cutting. The easy-to-replace feature can further improve your comfort.

Choosing the blade is essential to achieve the right height and depth of your cuts. You may find blades in various sizes, such as 8, 10, and 12 inches. The more teeth you have on the blade, the more sharp cuts you can achieve.  Thus, make the wise choice to make your tool the best value miter saw.

Fencing system

Another feature you might focus on in your best affordable miter saw is the fencing system. The fence offers support, control, and correct placement when woodworking in the shop.

To achieve the maximum benefits of the miter saw fence, make sure the lumber or wooden piece is securely placed against the fence.

The fences come at different heights, so make sure you choose the right height according to projects and cutting requirements. For larger pieces with more height, it is better to go for a higher fence.

Brand selection

You might already know that there are so many brands for miter saws present in the market. We suggest you go for the best brand for a miter saw for beginners to remove the ambiguity. Choosing one of the brands found in the above list can help you avoid making mistakes.

Budget

Many a time, budget is the deciding criteria when you are buying a machine. Thus, we highly recommend looking at the price when you shortlist the device according to other features. There are many cheap miter saws present in this review as well. The coolest part is they offer commendable features too.

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FAQs

What is the first feature to look at while buying the best miter saw for beginners?

The first thing that determines the size of your miter saw is the size of the blade. The right side of the blade will help to achieve the most precise and accurate cutting. When selecting the blade, make sure it has a bigger number of teeth because a higher number offers a sharper cutting.

I plan to do crown molding in my house; what is the most appropriate size of the miter saw?

This is one of the most common projects that DIY workers take up in their houses. The best blade for such a task is the 10-inch blade size in the miter saw.

Which is the best miter saw for beginners?

This might be one of the trickiest questions that people ask, though it seems simple. You can never call a miter saw best if it does not correspond to your needs.

So generally, we suggest you go for one that corresponds to most of your needs with fewer trad-offs. Finally, make sure it comes from a highly praise-worthy manufacturer like Botch, Dewalt, or similar.

What is a kerf of a miter saw?

If you are a beginner, you might want to know more about the term KERF used in the description of the best dewalt miter saw above. The Kerf refers to the thickness of the cut in the wood when you cut with a miter saw. The knowledge about Kerf size will help you decide the total size of the wooden piece when trying to cut it into two equal lengths.

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Conclusion

Finding the right tool that offers value for money is indispensable. Therefore, an unbiased information source such as this review can cut on time looking for such a machine.

If you are working on hardwood, you might go with a miter saw with less RPM, such as DEWALT miter saws, to achieve accuracy. Otherwise, for softer material, a miter saw more RPMs correspond to more clean cutting. 

Simultaneously, as a beginner, if you are looking for precision and accuracy, miter saws with a laser guiding system in Genesis GMS1015LC or XPS LED light in DEWALT DWS780 are highly suitable. Ultimately, which might saw to choose depends on your inclinations towards certain features and your project’s requirement.

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