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Miter Saw Review

Double vs. Single Bevel 

 If the differences between Miter and Bevel are confusing to you click here. 
Double bevel miter saws are able to tilt either direction while single will only bevel in one. I would like to make it completely clear that anything you can do with a double bevel you can also accomplish with a single bevel saw.  The issue you will run into with a single bevel saw is having to rotate your material or flip it to cut the proper angles.  With a double bevel you can just switch the bevel direction, making your life a lot easier in certain situations.
- For the Homeowner -
For the homeowner or craftsman,  you don't need a double bevel.  If you are going to do crown moulding or even a lot of baseboard you might think about it, but double miter saws can cost a lot more and really do nothing a single miter can't.  And unless you are working with 16' or longer lumber rotating it really isn't that hard.  
- For the Professional -
Even as a professional a double miter is really not necessary.  I personally do have one because I do a lot of trim work and decks.  For decks you'll sometimes have very large framing members.  I'm talking at least 16' 2x8s - 2x12s.  Pulling these boards off the lumber pile and rotating them is not very efficient and not easy.  Also you need a lot of room to maneuver your lumber, which you wont always have.  In these situations, having the double bevel is a life saver.  Plus you'll work so much faster and make less mistakes.  If efficiency is key and you work in a lot of confined spaces then I would get the double bevel.  I do know handymen that have single bevel saws, but for a professional carpenter I recommend the double.  

Blade Size and Sliding vs Non-Sliding

Weather you are a professional or a homeowner, this is choice to make based on the work you will be doing.  For most jobs a 10" miter saw is plenty (non-sliding).  With a 10" blade you can cut a 2 by 6 at 90 degrees and a 2 by 4 at 45 degrees.  With a 12" you can cut a 2 by 8 at 90 degrees and a 2 by 6 at 45 degrees.  With sliding Miters you can cut up to 2x16, with most models.  

Now that you understand the basics of picking a blade size we'll get into sliding miter saws specifically.  If you are only cutting 2 by's or thinner they do sell smaller miter saws that have the blade size of a circular saw (7 1/4").  Since it slides you'll still be able to cut wide material and you save a lot of money on blades.  The larger the blade the more expensive and you'll need a couple different tooth counts for different work.  The other bonus is when you slide the blade it negates "low points" in your cut.  Since the blade is circular it doesn't cut to one depth the whole width.  Sometimes you want to make partial cuts through your lumber.  With a slider miter saw you can set your depth and slide the saw the width of your material to get an even partial cut.  

Homeowner & Professional Recommendations

- For the Homeowner -
RYOBI TSS102L Sliding Miter Saw with Laser 15-Amp 10 in.
I recommend getting a 10" Single Bevel Miter Saw.  Of course this is just a general recommendation, as stated above, it all depends on the work you will be doing.  But in reality you probably won't do any work that calls for more than this.  This Ryobi saw is a sliding chop saw, which you probably wont need, but for the price it's perfect for the DIYer.  The only issue with this saw is durability. If you're going to be using this chop saw for hundreds of cuts a week, it wont hold up for too long. But for the DIYer it's perfect.
- Top of The Line -
Bosch GCM12SD 120-Volt 12-Inch DB Glide Miter Saw
This saw is amazing.  The best thing to happen to Miter Saws since they started sliding.  The glide system makes it so you can place this saw right up against a wall.  You can't do this with most sliding miter saws, since they have poles sticking out the back.  This saw has everything and is definitely the best Miter Saw on the market.  There is one big con and that's the price.  Being the best also makes it the most expensive.  My runner up is the Dewalt 12" double bevel below.  The Dewalt 12" Sliding Miter Saw is the one I personally use day to day.
DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw


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​Website by Connor Montross LLC
  • Montross Bros.
  • Do-It-Yourself
    • Tool Basics >
      • Power Tools >
        • Circular Saw
        • Jig Saw
        • Miter Saw
        • Oscillating Multi-Tool
        • Power Drill vs Impact Driver
        • Reciprocating Saw
        • Table Saw
      • Hand Tools >
        • Hammer
        • Measuring Tape
        • Pry Bars
        • Speed Square
      • Gardening Tools >
        • Hori Hori Knife
    • Recommendations >
      • A DIY Power Tool Kit
      • Circular Saw Recommendation
      • Corded VS Cordless Tools
      • Festool
      • Framing Nail Guns
      • Miter Saw Recommendation
      • Porter Cable
    • Tutorials
  • Quote Sheet