Best Cordless Miter Saws of 2024 – Expert Reviews and Buying Guide

DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw

The DEWALT DCS361B is a cordless 7-1/4-inch miter saw that runs on DEWALT’s 20V MAX battery system. It is designed to be compact, lightweight, and portable while still delivering the power and accuracy needed for trim work, framing, and other woodworking tasks. The saw weighs only 30 lbs, making it easy to transport to and from job sites. Despite its portability, it boasts impressive cutting capacity, able to handle nested crown molding up to 3-5/8 inches and baseboards up to 3-1/2 inches vertically.

What really sets this miter saw apart is its adjustment-free integrated cut line cross-cut positioning system. This provides superior accuracy and visibility when lining up cuts without tedious adjustments. The adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate also contributes to efficiency with 11 positive stops at common angles.

Key Features:

• Integrated cut line positioning system for accurate cuts
• 11 positive miter detent stops
• 3-5/8″ nested crown molding capacity
• 3-1/2″ base molding vertical capacity
• Weighs just 30 lbs for easy transport
• Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate

Pros:

• Excellent accuracy with adjustment-free cut line system
• Very portable and lightweight at 30 lbs
• Capable of handling larger nested crown and base moldings
• Efficient preset miter detents

Cons:

• Battery and charger sold separately
• Smaller 7-1/4″ blade limits some cutting capacity

Best Suited For

The DEWALT DCS361B is an ideal miter saw for trim carpenters, woodworkers, and contractors who need an accurate and portable saw for finish work like crown molding, baseboards, and trim. Its lightweight design makes it easy to take to job sites. The cut line system provides dead-on accuracy right out of the box.

Makita XSL06PT 18V X2 Cordless 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw Kit

The Makita XSL06PT is a powerful and versatile 10″ dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw that runs on Makita’s 18V X2 LXT lithium-ion battery system. By utilizing two 18V batteries, it achieves 36V performance without having to use a different battery platform. This allows it to deliver corded power and runtime in a cordless package. The saw features an efficient brushless motor that can reach speeds up to 4,400 RPM for fast, clean cuts. It has an innovative direct-drive gearbox and guard design that increases vertical and nested crown molding cutting capacity to best-in-class levels.

In addition to the miter saw itself, this kit includes Makita’s WST06 compact folding miter saw stand with material support extensions. The stand can handle up to 500 lbs of material and has large rubber wheels for easy jobsite mobility when attached to the saw.

Key Features:

• Brushless 36V motor from dual 18V batteries
• Up to 4,400 RPM for fast cutting
• Direct-drive gearbox increases cutting capacity
• 5-1/4″ vertical and 6-5/8″ nested crown capacity
• Crosscuts 4×12 at 90 degrees
• 0-60° miter range with positive stops
• 0-48° bevel range
• Built-in laser guide
• Includes compact folding miter saw stand

Pros:

• Exceptional cordless power and runtime from X2 LXT system
• Class-leading cutting capacities from innovative design
• Accurate cuts with laser guide and bevel/miter detents
• Very portable with lightweight and folding stand included
• Brushless motor promotes efficiency and longer life

Cons:

• Premium price point, though includes stand
• Less brand battery compatibility than some competitors

Best Suited For

The Makita XSL06PT kit is an excellent choice for professional contractors, woodworkers, and serious DIYers who need a high-performance cordless miter saw with maximum portability. Its large cutting capacities make it ideal for trim work and framing. The included stand adds tremendous stability and jobsite mobility.

Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall

The Milwaukee 2719-20 is part of the M18 FUEL line of cordless power tools, utilizing the latest brushless motor technology and advanced electronics. This one-handed reciprocating saw packs impressive cutting power into a compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for working in tight spaces or overhead. It features a POWERSTATE brushless motor that delivers increased cutting speed and power to slice through the toughest materials rapidly.

The REDLINK PLUS intelligence system provides optimized performance by allowing communication between the tool, battery, and charger. This prevents overload, overheating, and over-discharge issues. The REDLITHIUM battery technology also promotes superior pack construction and runtime over the battery’s lifespan.

Key Features:

• POWERSTATE brushless motor for extreme power
• REDLINK PLUS intelligence optimizes performance
• REDLITHIUM battery pack promotes longevity
• 7/8″ long stroke length for faster cutting
• Pivoting shoe maintains constant contact
• One-handed design with only 5.1 lb weight
• Cuts up to 50% faster than competitors
• Up to 4x lower vibration

Pros:

• Incredible cutting power in a compact size
• Advanced electronics maximize runtime and prevent damage
• Fast stroke speed combined with pivoting shoe for smooth cuts
• Lightweight and well-balanced for one-handed use
• Reduces user fatigue from low vibration

Cons:

• As a bare tool, requires purchase of M18 battery/charger
• Premium price point, though justifiable for professionals

Best Suited For

The Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall is an excellent portable reciprocating saw for tradesmen like electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and remodelers who need to make cuts in tight spaces. It excels at cutting pipe, struts, rebar, and other materials one-handed. The power and reduced vibration also make it suited for general contractors.

skilsaw spt88-01Miter Saw

The SKILSAW SPT88-01 12″ Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saw is built for power, accuracy and jobsite portability. At its core is SKILSAW’s legendary worm drive gearing system that has been a hallmark of the brand for decades. The worm drive delivers unrelenting cutting torque and power, able to slice through even the toughest hardwoods with ease. This robust gearing is powered by a 15 amp dual-field motor that stays cooler than traditional motors under heavy use. This allows the SPT88-01 to maintain peak performance for longer while promoting maximum durability and longevity. Despite having a 12″ blade and dual bevel sliding design, the SPT88-01 is the lightest saw in its class at just 51 lbs. This makes it remarkably portable and easy to move around the jobsite using the convenient top handle.

Key Features:

• 12″ blade with worm drive gearing for extreme power
• 15 amp dual-field motor runs cooler and lasts longer
• Dual horizontal bevels for left and right bevel cuts
• Massive 4×14″ cross-cut capacity
• LED shadow light system for precise cut visibility
• Class-leading 51 lb weight for portability
• Adjustable 0/45 degree bevel stops

Pros:

• Worm drive gearing provides unrelenting cutting torque
• Dual-field motor increases efficiency and lifespan
• Dual bevel and huge cross-cut capacity for versatility
• LED shadow light is superior to laser guides
• Very lightweight and portable design
• Adjustable bevel stops increase cutting accuracy

Cons:

• Premium price point, though justifiable
• No positive miter detent stops besides 0 degrees

Best Suited For

The SKILSAW SPT88-01 is an excellent miter saw for professional contractors, builders, framers, trim carpenters and serious woodworkers. Its worm drive gearing makes it a powerhouse suited for heavy-duty cutting apps. The LED shadow light promotes remarkable accuracy. The lightweight yet huge cross-cut capacity maximizes portability and versatility.

Metabo HPT 10-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The Metabo HPT C10FSBS is a powerful 10-inch sliding compound miter saw designed for professional woodworkers, trim carpenters, and framers. Formerly branded as Hitachi, Metabo HPT has packed this saw with premium features while backing it with a 5-year warranty. At its core is a robust 12 amp motor that delivers ample power for tackling tough hardwood and pressure-treated lumber. The C10FSBS offers dual compound bevel capabilities with bevel ranges of 0-45 degrees to both the right and left. This versatility increases jobsite efficiency by allowing bevel cuts in either direction without having to flip the workpiece.

Key Features:

• 10″ blade driven by 12 amp motor
• 0-45° dual compound bevels to the right and left
• 0-57° right miter range, 0-45° left miter range
• Linear ball bearing slide system promotes accuracy
• Electronic speed control maintains constant RPMs
• Electric brake for rapid blade stops
• 5-year warranty from Metabo HPT

Pros:

• Dual compound bevels eliminate having to flip materials
• 12 amp motor provides professional power for hardwoods
• Sliding system with linear ball bearings is smooth and precise
• Electronic speed control prevents blade bogging
• Electric brake enhances safety and productivity
• White on black miter scale is easy to read
• Backed by stellar 5-year warranty

Cons:

• More expensive than some basic sliding miter saws
• No LED cutline blade sight, uses standard laser

Best Suited For

The Metabo HPT C10FSBS is an excellent miter saw choice for professional woodworkers, trim carpenters, builders, and serious DIYers. The dual compound bevels make it very efficient for crown molding, base boards, and other trim work. The powerful 12 amp motor excels at rough framing applications too. Overall, it’s a highly capable and versatile saw backed by Metabo HPT’s quality and warranty.

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What to Consider When Choosing a Miter Saw

When it comes to precision crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts on wood, few tools are as indispensable as a high-quality miter saw. These saws allow you to quickly and accurately trim boards, cut molding, frame windows and doors, and tackle countless other trim and woodworking tasks. However, with the wide variety of miter saws on the market today, selecting the right model for your needs can be daunting. In this comprehensive guide from Tool Mentorship, we’ll cover all the key factors to consider to help you choose the perfect miter saw.

Types of Miter Saws

The first major decision is what type of miter saw best suits your cutting needs. The main categories include:

• Standard Miter Saws – These basic, compact saws pivot only left and right to make mitered cuts up to 45-50 degrees. They are affordable but have limited cutting capacities.
• Compound Miter Saws – A compound miter saw can bevel the blade in addition to mitering it. This allows angled “compound” cuts necessary for trim like crown molding.
• Sliding Compound Miter Saws – These add a sliding rail that allows the saw head to pull out towards you for increased crosscut width capacity on wider stock.
• Dual Compound Miter Saws – The ultimate miter saw can bevel to the left and right for even more cutting versatility without having to flip your workpiece.

Size and Intended Use

Miter saws are primarily sized by their circular blade diameter, with 10″ and 12″ being the most common options. Larger 12″ models provide increased cutting capacities for bigger trim and lumber. But they are heavier and bulkier.

Consider whether you’ll primarily be cutting trim and moldings up to 6″ wide, which can be handled by a 10″ miter saw. Or if you’ll frequently crosscut dimensional lumber over 6″ wide, in which case a 12″ sliding miter saw is better suited.

For jobsite portability, look for lightweight compound saws around 50 lbs or less. Stationary saws in woodshops can be larger and heavier.

Corded or Cordless Miter Saw

A new category that has emerged is cordless miter saws running on lithium-ion battery packs like 18V or 36V systems. These provide cord-free convenience but have limited run-time per charge compared to corded models. Cordless miter saws also tend to have smaller blade sizes like 7-1/4″ for increased portability.

Unless you prioritize portability over cutting capacity, a traditional corded miter saw is still recommended for most woodworkers and contractors. They deliver consistent, reliable power without worrying about battery life.

Cut Line Indicators

To deliver accurate, clean cuts every time, miter saws use some form of cut line indicator. This allows you to easily line up the blade with your marked cut lines.

Basic models use a thin laser line projected onto the workpiece to show the blade path. While effective, these lasers can be difficult to see, especially in bright lighting conditions.

Many pro-grade miter saws now use an LED light that casts a crisp “shadow” line onto the workpiece, providing superior cut line visibility. Some use both a laser and LED system.

Some models, like Dewalt’s XPS system, integrate light sources and precise calibration to cast a precise cut line shadow without having to do any adjustments.

To Stand or Not to Stand

Using a dedicated miter saw stand adds stability and supports longer workpieces so you can cut with confidence. Built-in stands keep the saw at an optimal height and allow easy adjustment and mobility around job sites.

If you’ll primarily be cutting shorter trim and don’t need the mobility, a miter saw can be mounted to a sturdy bench or table.

Motor Power

For most trim carpentry and woodworking, look for miter saws with 10-15 amp motors in the corded category. This provides enough power to easily cut hardwoods and pressure-treated lumber while preventing bogging down.

In the cordless realm, brushless motors are preferable to brushed as they run cooler and more efficiently. Look for reputable pro battery platforms like Dewalt’s FlexVolt, Makita’s 18V X2 LXT system, or Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL lineup.

Additional Features

Beyond the basics, there are a number of convenience features that can make using a miter saw even easier:

• Automatic Electric Brake – Allows the blade to stop spinning rapidly after release for increased productivity and safety.
• Dual Bevel – Allows angled bevel cuts in both directions without having to flip the workpiece over.
• Bevel Detents – Preset positive stops allow quick adjustments to common bevel angles.
• Sliding Fences – Expands the crosscutting range to accommodate very wide workpieces.
• Dust Collection – A dust port, bag, or integrated dust blower help manage the heavy dust produced when cutting.

Safety

Safety needs to be the top priority when operating any saw, especially a powerful miter saw with its spinning circular blade. Look for models with guarding that exposes only the cutting area during use. A blade brake is a nice feature that allows the blade to rapidly stop spinning after you’ve completed your cut.

Never defeat or remove the built-in safety mechanisms. Wear appropriate safety gear like eye protection and take precautions to avoid kickbacks. With proper procedures and respect, a miter saw can be used safely.

Why Trust Tool Mentorship?

At Tool Mentorship, we are passionate about providing comprehensive, unbiased guidance on all types of tools, equipment, and accessories for construction, woodworking, metalworking, and beyond. Our team has extensive hands-on experience coupled with meticulous research into the latest products.

We strive to be a one-stop trusted resource for DIYers, contractors, and makers of all skill levels. Whether you’re tackling projects around the home or running a professional shop, we have insightful articles, product reviews, and tool recommendations to help you work smarter and more efficiently.

For more on choosing the best miter saw as well as other woodworking tools, be sure to check out the extensive guides, advice, and tool spotlights available at ToolMentorship.com.

FAQs:

What’s the difference between a miter saw and a compound miter saw?

A basic miter saw only bevels left and right for mitered cuts, while a compound miter saw can also bevel the blade to make angled “compound” cuts necessary for trim like crown molding.

Are corded or cordless miter saws more powerful?

Generally, corded miter saws have larger blade diameters and more cutting power compared to cordless models which are designed for portability over maximum capacity.

How do I know what blade size miter saw I need?

10″ and 12″ are the most common sizes. 10″ saws handle most trim up to 6″ wide. 12″ sliding models can crosscut wider stock like 4×8 lumber.

How important is having a miter saw stand?

A stand adds stability and supports long workpieces for safer, more accurate cuts. Built-in stands are very convenient but stationary saws can be mounted to benches.

What safety features should I look for on a miter saw?

Prioritize models with good blade guarding, electric brakes, safety switches, and features that increase visibility and control during cuts.

Conclusion

Choosing the right miter saw is crucial for precise cuts on trim, framing, and woodworking projects. Consider blade size, power, miter and bevel capabilities based on your expected uses. Upfront investment in quality pays off with convenient features like electric brakes, positive stops, and cut line indicators that boost accuracy and efficiency. Most importantly, always follow all safety protocols when operating any high-powered saw.