Best Miter Saws (2026)

The DWS715 is a 12 inch compound miter saw with a 15 amp motor, a stainless steel miter detent plate with 14 positive stops and a machined base fence support. Its tall sliding fence supports a 5-1/2 inch baseboard standing vertically, which is useful for tall trim. The single bevel tilts the blade in one direction.

Compared with the 10 inch DWS713 it cuts wider boards and handles taller stock, at the cost of more weight. Against the sliding DWS780 it has less crosscut capacity but is simpler and lighter. It is the saw most carpenters point to as a reliable all rounder.

It is a fixed saw, so wide boards need a flip cut. Check the fence for square and clean sawdust from the detent plate regularly. A shop vacuum on the dust port removes about half of the dust, which improves the line of sight.

The DWS713 uses a 10 inch blade with the same 15 amp motor, stainless steel detent plate and precise miter system as the DWS715. The tall sliding fence supports a 4-1/4 inch base vertically, a bit shorter than the 12 inch model. The saw is lighter and easier to carry.

Compared with the DWS715 it cuts a narrower board, around a 2x6 in a single pass, but costs less and is more portable. Against the Metabo HPT C10FCG2 it offers a more proven fence and detent system. It is a strong fit for finish carpenters and remodelers.

A 10 inch blade is cheaper to replace than a 12 inch one. Keep the base clean and check the miter scale annually. Add an outfeed support to hold long boards level with the table.

The Metabo HPT C10FCG2 is a 10 inch single bevel compound miter saw with a 15 amp motor, an improved miter scale and a weight of only 24 lb. A 24 tooth carbide blade comes with it. It is a second generation design aimed at precision and portability.

Compared with the DeWalt DWS713 it is lighter and usually costs less, while the DeWalt has the more established fence system. Against the cordless DeWalt DCS361B it has far more power for sustained cuts. It is a good choice for homeowners and light trim work.

The stock 24 tooth blade is a rough cutter, so replace it with a 60 tooth blade for finish work. Check the fence alignment out of the box. A 60 tooth blade transforms the stock cut quality on this saw.

The DWS780 is a double bevel sliding compound saw with a 12 inch blade, a 15 amp, 3,800 rpm motor and DeWalt's XPS LED shadow light. The sliding head extends the crosscut capacity far beyond a fixed saw, and double bevel means you tilt both ways without flipping the board. The cutline positioning system shows where the blade will cut.

Compared with the DWS715 it cuts wider boards and handles crown moulding in more positions, at a much higher weight and cost. Against the Makita LS1219L it is similar in capability, with a different rail system. It is the saw for finish carpenters who cut wide stock.

A sliding saw needs more bench room and clearance behind it. Keep the rails clean and lubricated. Clamp the stock for long or thin pieces rather than holding it by hand.

The DCS361B is a 7-1/4 inch cordless miter saw with an integrated cut line positioning system, an adjustable stainless steel detent plate with 11 positive stops and capacity for 3-5/8 inch nested crown and 3-1/2 inch base standing vertically. It runs on 20V MAX batteries. It is a lightweight saw for trim.

Compared with the corded DWS713 it cuts smaller stock and has less power for sustained use, but it goes where you cannot plug in. Against the Skil 7-1/4 inch saw it has a battery platform and a better detent plate. It suits trim installers.

It is a bare tool, so buy a 5 Ah battery. Keep the blade sharp and the base clean. Use a stand with extension wings for long boards.

The Skil 7-1/4 inch miter saw uses a fixed compact rail system that shrinks the saw's benchtop to wall footprint, so it works in tight spaces. Up to a 2x10 crosscut at 0 degrees is possible, and 3-1/2 inch crown moulding nests. An LED shadow line gives greater accuracy than a laser.

Compared with the DeWalt DWS713 it is smaller and lighter, and it is sold at a much lower price. The 10 amp motor is less powerful than the 15 amp saws. It suits small trim jobs in a garage.

A stand is sold separately. Keep the rail clean and replace the blade for fine cuts. Pair it with a lightweight folding stand for jobs away from the shop.