How to choose a miter saw: TOP 10 models rating

Reviews of the miter saw BISON ZPT-255-1800 PL

BOSCH GCM 12 GDL

The BOSCH GCM 12 GDL miter saw is more suitable for professional use - for amateurs it may seem very “sophisticated” and quite expensive. The model is equipped with a laser guide, which ensures high-quality and always even cuts. As it becomes clear, this is a miter saw with a broach, with which you can make a perfect even and clean cut even on metal! Of course, such a saw allows you to connect a vacuum cleaner and a dust collector. If desired, you can adjust the angle stop. The only negative is the heavy weight.

Specifications:

• design – tabletop;
• power – 2000 W;
• height/width of cut – 104/341 mm;
• disc diameter – 305 mm;
• rotation – 3800 rpm;
• cord length – 200 cm.

pros

• a large number of useful functions;
• laser guide;
• allows you to make a clean and even cut;
• works great with different materials;
• you can connect a vacuum cleaner;
• safe use thanks to the protective casing;
• You can limit the depth of cut.

Minuses

• high price;
• heavy weight.

BOSCH GCM 12 GDL

Makita LS1216

A high-quality miter saw with a fairly long broach. This model allows you to adjust the angle of inclination in different planes. You can cut workpieces using straight, angular, and combined methods. By the way, Makita LS1216 works great with both wood and metal - it is still one of the top models. The handle of this saw is rubberized, which provides a comfortable and strong grip. The kit, in addition to the saw itself, includes a saw blade, a clamp, a holder, a template, and a mounting key.

Specifications:

• design – tabletop;
• power – 1650 W;
• height/width of cut – 107/363 mm;
• disc diameter – 305 mm;
• rotation – 3200 rpm;
• cord length – 200 cm.

pros

• smooth start;
• turns off quickly;
• high quality cut;
• works with different materials;
• you can connect a vacuum cleaner;
• comfortable handle;
• long stretch.

Minuses

• high price;
• heavy weight.

Makita LS1216

DeWALT DW 717 XPS

Quite an “old”, but still popular and high-quality miter saw, loved by many professionals. Although its price is quite high, this is explained by a large number of useful functions and capabilities: for example, this model is equipped with a soft start, it has the ability to lock the power on, and you can connect a vacuum cleaner. The DeWALT DW 717 XPS doesn't weigh too much. The design of this miter saw is nice, the body is strong, and it’s convenient to use – an excellent option for specialists.

Specifications:

• design – tabletop;
• power – 1675 W;
• height/width of cut – 88/302 mm;
• disc diameter – 254 mm;
• rotation – 4000 rpm;
• cord length – 200 cm.

pros

• nice design;
• the model copes well with different materials;
• there is a soft start;
• you can block the engine;
• connection of a vacuum cleaner is possible;
• comfortable body.

Minuses

• high price.

DeWALT DW 717 XPS

Which brand of miter saw is best to choose?

The rating includes products from 7 popular manufacturers with good characteristics and numerous reviews from experts and buyers. Among these companies there are German, Russian and some other companies. Here's who's on the leaderboard:

• Hammer is a brand of power tools for professionals, characterized by their compact size, high speed (about 5000 rotations per minute), low noise level and reliable protection against overheating. The devices can easily withstand heavy loads and are successfully used for various types of cutting. They are effective in working not only with wood, but also with thin aluminum surfaces.
• Bison – budget ]power tools[/anchor], among which there are saws. They are used for both simple and complex cutting of blades at different angles of inclination of the disk. The large entry depth of the working elements and their decent diameter guarantee a faster process. The products have a powerful engine that can cope even with high loads.
• Caliber - brand devices are suitable for processing workpieces not only made of wood, but also plastic and aluminum materials. They cope with a wide range of thicknesses due to the large cutting disc, and the amount of waste remains at an acceptable level. The company's products are distinguished by a compact table, reliable stops and clamps, which guarantees safer and more efficient use of miter saws on wood and other materials.
• Metabo is a manufacturer of professional electrical equipment, which is distinguished by high build quality, good motor power, and sharp discs. The company's products are functional and reliably protected from premature failure. The diameter of the cutting elements ranges from 216 to 315 mm, depending on the specific model.
• Makita – the company’s product range is replete with miter saws, the average power of which is 1600 W. The instruments have disks with a diameter of about 20 cm, rotating at a speed of 3000-6000 revolutions per minute. Many of them are equipped with a comfortable table and a broaching mechanism that improves the quality of work.
• Bosch is a German manufacturer of mainly premium products. Its saws are compact in size and adequate in weight, equipped with a comfortable handle and durable stops. The company’s designs are distinguished by high-quality assembly and are made from durable materials. They have easy-to-replace cutting elements and intuitive controls.
• DeWALT - brand saws are valued for their good quality and high level of safety for the user. They leave the work surface clean and are equipped with a dust collector. Most of the assortment is represented by network models that are powered from an outlet. The average power of the product is 1300 W, the cutting depth is about 3 cm, however, the tools weigh about 15 kg.

Design features that you need to pay attention to when choosing

There are several more characteristics, after studying which it will be easier to choose the right version of the miter saw:

1. Speed ​​of revolutions. Some models have the ability to adjust engine speed. This allows you to optimally configure the machine to work with materials of different hardness.
2. Cutting depth. To make a deeper cut, you need a unit with a large sawing disk. In appliances for domestic use, a disk with a diameter of 20 cm is usually installed, in professional equipment - 25 cm.
3. Width of the groove for the disk. A groove is a special place where the disc goes. The quality of work depends on the width of the groove. If it is no more than 10 mm, then the cut will be of high quality, with a minimum amount of chips and sawdust.

4. Sole quality. The stability of the miter saw depends on this structural element. Experts advise paying attention to options with a cast sole, which is stable and not damaged. It is also important that it is not too thin.
5. Width of broach. The length that the saw can pass through the workpiece material. Everything is simple here: the wider the broach, the wider the workpieces can be processed on the machine. You need to choose taking into account what materials will be processed: for skirting boards, a saw with a broach of up to 100 mm is enough; if the products are larger, then a machine will be required with a larger broach.
6. Rotary saw design. The miter saw design has guides that allow you to adjust the angle of inclination when cutting. For professional devices, the tilt angle is up to 57°, for simpler options – 45°.
7. Weight. The mobility of the unit largely depends on it. The less it weighs, the easier it is to take it for field work to sites.

Knowing the basic characteristics will allow you to choose a miter saw with a broach according to your requirements.

Rating of the best miter saws

The main selection parameters included the effectiveness, safety and ease of use of the devices. Before including miter saws in the rating, we analyzed product characteristics and customer reviews.

Here are some other criteria used to compare the instruments:

• Power;
• Rotational speed;
• Depth and width of cut;
• Methods of processing canvases;
• Types of materials the tool works with;
• Noise level;
• Power supply methods and cord length;
• Engine protection;
• Disc diameter and sharpness;
• Possibilities for expanding the table;
• Dust container size;
• Weight;
• Equipment;
• Illumination of the working surface;
• Easy to replace cutting elements.

One of the selection criteria was the price-quality ratio of goods, their functionality and accessibility.

Additional features and security

Manufacturers are constantly trying to make the miter saw more convenient and versatile. Some models may have the following additional features:

1. Adjustable table width. Allows you to configure the machine to work with dimensional workpiece materials.
2. Precise angle adjustment. Special fixing elements in the design allow you to quickly adjust the saw to work with the most common angles.
3. Speed ​​adjustment. You can reduce or increase the speed.
4. Additional clamping devices.
5. Stands. They will help you conveniently set up a workplace on the floor.

The miter saw safety system consists of the following elements and functions:

• A casing that completely covers the disk when turned off;
• electrodynamic brake for a smooth stop of the motor when turned off;
• blocking operation when replacing the saw blade;
• protection against breakdown of the housing;
• automatic stop of the machine in emergency situations.

Also, do not forget about the safety of the master himself who works with a miter saw. Safety glasses, gloves and thick fabric clothing are required.

The best professional miter saws

Such models are premium and usually cost more than 15,000 rubles. They are easy to use, safe for humans and versatile - used for various types of cuts. Their choice from manufacturers is not as wide as in the case of budget models and middle-class options. Of the 10 offers, 4 tools are included in the TOP, the best according to customer reviews.

Makita LS1216

The device is not cheap and is considered a professional option due to its capabilities. The tool easily tilts vertically to the right and left at an angle from 0 to 45º, in a horizontal position - up to 52-60º. Safety and efficiency of use are ensured by a well-designed engine braking system and a smooth start mechanism that prevents the product from malfunctioning. Instead of two long guides, the model uses 4 short ones to perform oblique, transverse and longitudinal cuts.

Advantages

• Deep tilt of the disk with the possibility of fixation;
• Structural strength;
• Sharp disc;
• Low noise level;
• High-quality assembly;
• Doesn't heat up;
• Cuts neatly.

Flaws

• No laser cut mark;
• Idle speed - 3200 rpm.

The Makita LS1216 model weighs 26.3 kg and, in fact, is a full-fledged machine for professional use, however, moving it may pose some difficulties.

Bosch GCM 8 SJL

This is a cheaper option compared to the previous one, although it does not lose in functionality. The improved two-point dust extraction system guarantees high quality and ease of use. The ability to make a horizontal cut of 31.2 cm allows the device to be used at different angles and for processing long workpieces. The accuracy of the results is ensured by laser marking and lateral broaching mechanisms. The tool copes well with grooves due to the limited depth. The product is quite easy to transport due to the built-in handle, although it weighs 18 kg.

Advantages

• Good performance;
• Rotation speed – 5500 rpm;
• Power – 1600 W;
• Flexibility to adjust the angle of inclination;
• Excellent dust removal;
• Clean work surface.

Flaws

• Not detected.

DeWALT DW717XPS

This miter saw is considered best for use for longitudinal cutting, although it also works well with cross cutting. It is effective for both light and heavy-duty jobs thanks to its powerful 1675 W motor. However, even under high load, the motor does not heat up and lasts quite a long time, according to reviews. What makes the model interesting is the ability to control the working line thanks to the shadow of the disk. The XPS system, which is responsible for this, does not require settings and guarantees the accuracy of placing the material in the right place, as well as good visibility of the surface.

Advantages

• Disc with 60 teeth;
• The key for it is included in the set;
• Capacious dust collector;
• Saws at an angle of 90 degrees to a depth of up to 15.2 cm;
• The diameter of the cutting element is 25 cm;
• Surface stability;
• Idle speed parameters – 4000 rpm.

Flaws

• Weight 23 kg.

Metabo KGS 315 Plus

The device is included in the rating due to its high performance, which can be attributed to the powerful 2200 W motor, as well as due to the speed of up to 4100 per minute. If necessary, this parameter can be adjusted, which allows you to select the best value for cutting plastic, wood or aluminum profiles. It is convenient to process long workpieces due to the broaching mechanism. Working with the saw is quite simple, in particular because there is no sawdust left on the surface.

Advantages

• Possibility of table expansion;
• Guiding laser that improves cut quality;
• High stops;
• Increased disk sizes;
• Easy to replace cutting element;
• Performs a large amount of work.

Flaws

• Poor suction of chips.

Metabo KGS 315 Plus has simple operation, all its elements and scales are visible from the working position. With its help, it is possible to make high-quality grooves thanks to the limiting stop. Precise cutting is ensured by a clamp for fixing the workpiece and additional extensions for the table.

Premium models

For professional work you will need the appropriate tools. The ranking presents the best of the best options for miter saws.

MAKITA LS1216

Equipment characteristics:

• Power: 1655 W;
• Weight: 26.1 kg;
• Cutting depth 45/90° – 107/107 mm;
• Cutting width 45/90° – 255/363 mm.

Professional cross-cutting machine used in many enterprises. Convenient tilt and angle adjustment, as well as a wide cut allow you to work with workpieces of different sizes. In the LS1216 model, safety is also thought out to the maximum: smooth starting, braking, transparent protective cover.

DeWALT DW717XPS

Equipment characteristics:

• Power: 1675 W;
• Weight: 24 kg;
• Cutting depth 45/90° – 56/89 mm;
• The maximum cutting width is 302 mm.

A high-quality option from an American manufacturer. The characteristics of the unit are similar to the previous version from Makita. Reviews from owners speak of the high quality of the engine, it runs smoothly, does not heat up even at maximum speed and lasts a long time.

BOSCH GCM 12 GDL Professional

Equipment characteristics:

• Power: 2000 W;
• Weight: 39.6 kg;
• Cutting depth 45/90° – 51/104 mm;
• Cutting width 45/90° – 240/341 mm.

A real professional machine. This miter saw costs a lot, but it can easily cope with tasks of any complexity.

Having familiarized yourself with the main technical characteristics, popular manufacturers and models of miter saws, the choice will be easy to make. The main thing is that the machine meets the performance requirements and is convenient to use.

Which miter saw is best to buy?

For occasional woodworking, it doesn’t make much sense to buy professional models, which are more relevant for significant volumes of work. The main indicator of device performance is power, the minimum recommended value here is 1000 W, and the higher it is, the less the parts will heat up.

Here's the best miter saw to choose, depending on your goals:

• For working with aluminum surfaces, Hammer STL1400/210, Metabo KGS 315 Plus or Zubr ZPT-210-1400 l will be relevant.
• The model “Caliber PTE-1750/255-Am” or Metabo KS 216 M Lasercut will do an excellent job with plastic.
• Hammer STL1200/210C is ideal for longitudinal spreading.
• It is most convenient to work with long workpieces using the Makita LS1040F.
• Bosch PCM 8 S or Zubr ZPT-190-1200 PL will help you make high-quality grooves.
• For those looking for a cheaper machine alternative, the Makita LS1216 is worth a look.
• For miter cuts, the best option would be Bosch GCM 8 SJL.
• The DeWALT DW717XPS can handle complex jobs with dignity.

Before choosing a suitable option from the rating of miter saws, you should first decide on your budget, because this is what the capabilities of the devices depend on.