How to choose the right miter saw: review of 10 popular models

Where are they used?

Miter saws are used for making carpentry, furniture, cutting baseboards, siding, laminate, and parquet boards. In addition to wood, wood-based composites or plastic, even thin metal can be cut, as long as the power of the tool is adequate for the task at hand.

Among the variety of miter saws, there are models designed for processing parts in a vertical plane, while others can cut at an angle to the horizontal. Combined equipment with a longitudinal cutting function is also produced, which allows the tool to be widely used on construction sites, in carpentry or furniture shops, and home workshops.

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Criterias of choice

Manufacturers produce miter saws for the home with different technical capabilities, a set of additional functions and, accordingly, different price levels.

When choosing a tool, the purpose is first taken into account:

• Household models are easy to use, do not require maintenance, and are affordable. They are used for amateur purposes.
• Professional saws have much greater functionality and a higher cost, which, however, quickly pays off thanks to high-quality, high-speed processing of parts.

Key characteristics to consider when choosing a saw:

• power - from 800 to 2500 W;
• disk diameter - 190-355 mm depending on the power, the higher it is, the larger the disk size can be;
• rotation speed - 3500-6000 rpm;
• cut dimensions - optimal depth of at least 50 mm, width 80-180 mm;
• the presence of a broach - the possibility of horizontal movement, provided by special guides to increase the cutting width to 310 mm.

Additional useful features make working with the trimmer easier and extend its service life:

• smooth start avoids engine overloads;
• automatic shutdown eliminates an emergency situation when jammed;
• laser marking helps to visually determine the cutting line;
• local lighting increases the level of illumination of the working area.

Types and choice of engine for trimming

Most often, the miter saw motor is located to the right of the work blade. However, on some units it is moved back to maximize the view of the working surface (regardless of which hand the operator is working with) and not create obstacles when making an inclined cut - such saws, as a rule, have the working head tilted in both directions.

Two types of electric motors are installed on trimming machines - asynchronous and commutator.

Asynchronous motor

An asynchronous motor is considered more economical, reliable and silent. There are no contacts in it, which means there is nothing to make noise, overheat and fail under the influence of external factors - dust, humidity, vibration. Apart from the bearings, there is simply nothing to wear out there, so such units can serve without any complaints for decades.

However, not all manufacturers of power tools strive to equip their products with such seemingly ideal engines, since they have asynchronous motors and have their own significant drawback - low power with a fairly large weight.

For example, a 2-kilowatt engine of this type weighs more than 20 kilograms. Agree, it is quite difficult to manually move a working unit with such an additional weight. In addition, when powered by industrial frequency current, an asynchronous motor is, in principle, unable to reach a speed of more than 2850 rpm. Of course, the use of modern materials and powering the motor with high-frequency current to some extent eliminates these problems, but does not eliminate them completely.

Brushed motor

In terms of size and power ratio, brushed motors look much more attractive. With a comparable mass, the torque of a commutator motor is several times greater than that of an asynchronous motor. It is capable of delivering up to 5-10 thousand rpm, and the organization of the control system and speed stabilization is much simpler.

It is not surprising that despite the disadvantages of commutator motors (high noise level, the need for regular maintenance, which consists of replacing commutator brushes), most miter saws are equipped with them.

Brushless motor

However, there is another option, based on modern semiconductor technologies - the golden mean between asynchronous and commutator types of motor. We are talking about valve-type or brushless motors (marked with the letters BL from the English brushless). In valve motors, the brush-commutator assembly is replaced by an electronic unit, characterized by negligible resistance and enormous switching speed of electronic power valves.

Motors of this type combine all the advantages of asynchronous and commutator motors - high torque and efficiency, quiet operation, unpretentiousness to external factors, long service life, no need for regular maintenance. On modern high-quality miter saws, valve motors are increasingly being installed, because their only drawback - the high price - is more than compensated for by so many advantages.

Miter saw Zubr ZPT-210-1600 PL

A budget model from a Russian manufacturer for everyday use. Motor power 1600 W, disc diameter 210 mm. The size of the table is increased with the help of two extensions; a clamp securely fixes the part on the work surface.

Cutting is carried out at an angle of up to 45°. At the same time, the position of the saw can be adjusted in the vertical plane by turning it to the left by 45°C. To set the cutting depth, a special adjusting bolt is provided, which allows you to make selections in lumber of the desired size. Disadvantages include the lack of a handle and inconvenience when carrying, as well as an inefficiently designed dust collection system. Minor deficiencies are compensated by the lightness and small size of the unit, and a very affordable price.

Combined "trimming"

You can cut parts in much the same way using a compound miter saw. There are not very many such “two-in-one” models on the market, but they deserve close attention.

The peculiarity of their design is that the saw blade works on two sides: the lower part is used for facing and sawing at an angle, the upper part is used for sawing workpieces lengthwise. For this purpose, a special platform is provided above the electric motor, like a stationary circular saw. The guide stop allows you to set the width of the sawn part.

Of course, in terms of their characteristics, such models are somewhat inferior to their highly specialized counterparts in terms of accuracy of operation, but their strength lies in their versatility.

If for some reason you are limited in choice and need to settle on one tool, a combination miter saw will be the best choice due to its versatility.

Professional craftsmen love tools like these. For example, when installing doors, a “trimming” will help connect the frame parts and platbands “on the mustache”, and on the upper platform you can quickly saw off the extensions to the required width.

Household miter saw Enkor Corvette 3

The model of joint Russian-Chinese production is compact and unpretentious in maintenance. Used for carpentry and finishing work in small workshops or at home.

Disc diameter 255 mm, motor power 1650 W. The angle of inclination of the saw blade is not adjustable and is 90°, the cutting width is 63 mm. The table rotates 45°, while the cut is reduced to 40 mm. Encore Corvette 3 is the optimal choice for a home or cottage, combining ease of operation and good quality of processing of the ends of parts.

Some useful tips

• Very often, the manufacturer equips the tools with inexpensive discs for quick rough cutting. If the cleanliness of the cut is important to you, it is better to replace it immediately.
• Make sure the cutting edges of the teeth are sharp. A dull disc cuts poorly, and the load on the electric motor also increases greatly.
• Do not overheat power tools - take breaks while working. Turn on the saw several times without load - the built-in fan will speed up cooling.
• Thick parts can be sawed with a circular saw in two passes: first, a cut is made to half the thickness of the part, then it is turned over and cut to the remaining thickness.
• Don’t be lazy to make accurate and clear markings, especially on large workpieces. Stops and guides help, but are not all-powerful.

Model Bosch PCM 8 S

A compact miter saw for cutting hard or soft wood from a well-known German brand can be used for both amateur and professional purposes. The unit is easy to carry, as its weight is quite small - 18.6 kg. The maximum cutting depth is 65 mm, width 220 mm, which corresponds to the dimensions of the most common lumber.

The model has wide functionality:

• cuts workpieces at an angle of up to 47°;
• the working tool can be rotated in a vertical plane by 45°;
• adjustable laser beam helps determine the cutting line;
• a special screw is used to set the required cutting depth;
• Retractable and portable stands are used to extend the desktop.

The device is equipped with a 1200 W motor that provides high performance. Clean cutting is carried out using a 210 mm diameter blade at a speed of 5200 rpm.

Rating of the TOP 15 best models

Combination miter saw Ryobi Rtms1800g

The model from the Japanese manufacturer combines the functions of trimming and longitudinal cutting of material, which is very convenient for use in construction and finishing works. The body is made of lightweight aluminum with a polymer coating. There are 2 work tables - upper and lower. The engine is quite powerful - 1800 W. Disc with 48 teeth, diameter 254 mm.

The upper table, measuring 457x340 mm, is reinforced with stiffening ribs. It is used when dissolving lumber up to 60 mm thick. On the lower platform, designed for trimming, you can process boards or timber up to 70 mm thick and up to 130 mm wide. Modes are switched using the start button.

The cutting angle is adjustable horizontally and vertically by 45°C. The saw is equipped with a soft start device, 2 pipes for removing chips from each processing zone with the ability to connect a chip pump.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

1. Pay attention to power and speed . The first parameter affects the performance and diameter of the installation disk. The optimal indicator is 1.5-2 kW. Any saw with a power of 2 kW or more allows the use of discs with a diameter of 25.4x26 cm. The second parameter determines the quality of the cut. Sufficient speed is from 5,000 rpm.
2. To the width of the cut . Affects the time it takes to complete the work. The optimal indicator is from 30 cm. The larger, the faster the processing occurs.
3. For built-in options . Manufacturers provide tools with the function of broaching, laser, circular, scales, sliding support, and so on. A good set of options increases the functionality of the saw.
4. For additional opportunities . The device must have a soft start system, engine brakes, speed control, overheating protection, and blocking against accidental activation. The functions determine the level of operator safety during operation.
5. To the brand . Each buyer gives preference to a specific manufacturer. But it is important to study the technical characteristics of the chosen model and reviews so as not to regret your purchase. The brands Metabo, Zubr, and Makita are especially popular.

Miter saw Makita Ls1018L

The Japanese-assembled model is thoughtful and functional. The motor power is 1430 W, which ensures high-quality cutting of lumber up to 91 mm thick and 310 mm wide.

The Makita Ls1018L allows you to make straight, miter and bevel cuts cleanly and accurately. The table can be rotated to the right at angles up to 45°, to the left up to 60°. The saw can be tilted in two directions at an angle of up to 45°.

Startup is smooth and the device is very quiet. A dust collector is installed to accumulate processing waste. To make working with long workpieces easier, table extensions and pull-out rulers are included. Laser marking is provided for visualization.

Model Metabo kgs 315 Plus

The headquarters of this brand is located in Germany, and production is located in China. This explains the high quality of the products at a fairly affordable price.

Metabo kgs 315 Plus is a powerful professional tool for working with wood, soft metal or synthetic materials. The dimensions of the unit are 1070x105x365 mm, which allows cutting large workpieces. Saw blade diameter 315 mm, motor power 2200 W.

The table can be rotated up to 47°. The maximum cutting depth is 120 mm if processing is carried out at an angle of 90°, or 76 mm at 45°. The saw can be tilted to the left or right by 46°.

The model is equipped with additional options:

• metabo klic - quick disk replacement without using any tools;
• cutting depth adjustment;
• backlight;
• laser pointer;
• smooth start;
• constant speed under load.

Metabo kgs 315 Plus is a high-precision machining capability for large parts that is in demand among professionals.

Model DeWALT Dws780

This is the most powerful tool in the line of miter saws manufactured by DeWALT, an American brand with production sites in various countries. The equipment allows you to saw workpieces up to 110 mm thick. The weight of the device is 24.8 kg, dimensions are 470x396x770 mm.

The 305 mm diameter disc rotates at 3800 rpm, processing the end with high cleanliness and precision. The tool provides cutting of parts at an angle of up to 60° and with an end bevel of up to 49°. The depth and width of the cut are 110 and 345 mm, respectively, so the DeWALT Dws780 is in demand when working with large-section beams and lumber.

Additional functions for ease of use include smooth speed control, the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner or attach a dust collector.

Additional accessories

Almost all modern models of miter saws have some additional devices and functions aimed at making work easier and increasing safety. At the selection stage, the future user of the tool will have to figure out for himself which of them are really necessary to solve the typical tasks he faces, and which will be an unjustified waste of money.

1. The dust removal system consists of a pipe and a dust bag or a hose of an industrial vacuum cleaner connected to it. The second option is preferable because it allows you to more effectively capture fine dust of the material being processed, which is formed when performing a precise cut when the saw operates at high speeds and/or with disks with an increased number of teeth.

The dust extraction system should not be considered as an additional, optional feature, even if you are faced with the task of choosing a miter saw for your home, i.e. low-intensity occasional work on it is assumed. By working without a dust extraction system, you risk not only the safety of the equipment in the workshop (and primarily the saw itself), but also your own health.

2. The protective cover completely covers the working blade until it is immersed in the material being cut, which significantly reduces the risk of accidents when working with a miter saw.

3. Limiting the cutting depth is used to carry out work on cutting grooves or trimming profiles.

4. The laser “draws” a guide line on the workpiece in the place where the saw will make the cut. The presence of this option increases the cutting accuracy (especially when sawing at angles other than 90 degrees), facilitates the work, and reduces pre-preparation time.

5. Illumination of the work area can be useful when working in workshops or workshops with insufficient general lighting.

6. Soft start ensures a gradual increase in engine speed when turned on, which prevents the tool from “jerking” at start-up, reducing the risk of the saw failing due to a sharp jump in current and the likelihood of the equipment jamming at the beginning of work.

7. Automatic shutdown when the saw blade jams is another useful feature aimed at increasing safety when working with a miter saw.

8. Adjusting the number of revolutions allows you to vary the cutting speed. Most miter saw models do not have this feature. However, it allows you to better adjust the sawing process to the characteristics of the material being processed. Recommended for those who plan to work not only with wood, but with various wood-based materials, plastic, plexiglass, etc.

9. Maintain constant speed during load increases. With this function, the engine speed does not drop under heavy pressure, since the electronics make adjustments to the speed. The end result is a neat and clean cut.

Miter saw Einhell TH SM 2534 dual

Power tools from a German brand, made in China, are designed for processing workpieces made of wood, plastic or composites both in the vertical direction and at an angle. The engine power at constant load is 2100 W, at short-term load 2350 W. The diameter and rotation speed of the saw blade are 250 mm and 4000 rpm, respectively.

A design feature of the Einhell TH SM 2534 dual is the presence of a broach. Thanks to this, the cutting width at an angle of 90° reaches 340 mm. This allows you to process large parts, trim several narrow workpieces at the same time, or make a series of sequential cuts without lifting the saw.

Einhell TH SM 2534 dual is the ability to process ends and make cuts on parts of the required depth using one tool. The cutting height is controlled by a cutting depth control system. The model is equipped with a convenient carrying handle, laser markings, a bag for sawdust, and a built-in desktop extender.

Types of gearboxes, their advantages and disadvantages

The connecting link between the electric motor and the saw blade is a gearbox that transmits and converts the engine torque. There are two types of gearboxes used on miter saws - gear or belt drive.

Gears, which provide a rigid connection of shafts, seem more reliable. They don't slip or fly off like a belt, and there's nothing to break there. It would seem that miter saw manufacturers should give preference to such a reliable system. However, in practice, belt drives are seen more often on these tools than gear drives.

What is the reason? Gear reliability has a downside. If an emergency situation occurs, the gear reducer may fail, and then it will require a complete replacement or serious repairs in a specialized service center, but you can also look at the belt drive with different eyes. Yes, sometimes the belt falls off or even breaks, but installing it in place or replacing it with a new one does not require special knowledge and skills - an ordinary user can handle this task. In addition, the belt provides some dampening of radial and axial vibrations, which helps reduce wear on bearings and other engine components.

In the event of an emergency overload of the tool (for example, when a saw blade jams), even a well-tensioned belt will slip, which will save the metal parts of the motor from destruction. And a saw with a belt drive produces incomparably less noise, which is also a fairly significant factor.

Miter saw with belt drive.

By the way, some manufacturers (including such reputable ones as Bosch and DeWalt) have completely eliminated the gear unit from a number of their models, installing the saw blade directly on the motor shaft. This solution also has its pros and cons. On the one hand, the load on the bearings increases, on the other, the noise emitted by the tool is reduced, the reliability of the design increases, and maintenance and repair are simplified.

Miter saw DWT Kgs12 190 P

A powerful and high-speed power tool from the well-known international brand DWT is designed for cutting workpieces made of soft or hard wood and plastic. The horizontal movement of the body during broaching allows processing parts up to 295 mm wide.

The cutting depth is 30-55 mm, which is optimal for cutting boards of standard thickness, lining, skirting boards, laminated finishing materials, and siding. Parts are cut at an angle of up to 45°, both vertically and at an angle. To collect files, there is a pipe where you can connect a vacuum cleaner or use a special bag. The work table is extended using brackets.

Cordless miter saw Makita DLS600 Z

It is not always possible to connect power tools to the network at a construction site. In this case, the Makita DLS 600 Z cross-cutting machine with a lithium-ion battery (purchased separately) will help. This is a miniature novelty that has great functionality typical of chain saws.

Makita DLS 600 Z is compact - it weighs only 6.6 kg. With small dimensions, it allows you to obtain straight or oblique cuts with high cleanliness and accuracy. The cutting depth at an angle of 45° is 30 mm, which is optimal for most finishing work.

Due to minimal losses, the brushless motor provides an efficiency of about 90% and has a long working life. The device is equipped with a backlight, a dust collection bag, and a holder for a hex key. Users note the convenience of this unit, the disadvantage is the rather high price.

Crosscutting with broaching, which one to choose.

How can you cut a timber or board diagonally?

If speed is important, and not strict compliance with size, and the work is one-time, and not massive, then use a circular saw. If the main thing is the accuracy of the parameters and their repeatability on several workpieces, then no device can compare with the trimmer. The very name of the tool suggests that lumber is processed not along its length, but across the grain. If, by picking up a circular saw, a master can cut a board of any length, then the design of the angle cutter will not allow him to take a size larger than the several tens of centimeters laid down by the design. The advantage of a wood miter saw is the ability to obtain a clear end of a beam or board at a right angle or at any given angle and the high speed of production of identical workpieces.

Sources:

https://lesoteka.com/instrument-i-oborudovanie/kakuyu-vybrat-tortsovochnuyu-pilu-s-protyazhkoj https://ss-p.ru/remont/tortsovochnie-pili-zubr-osobennosti-i-modelnii-ryad .html https://e-1.com.ua/catalog/display/category/10/subcategory/115