Most miter saws on the market now come with a carbide-tipped blade and have both adequate blade guards and electronic brakes. Expert reviews recommend considering additional features that distinguish the best miter saws:

  • Expect to spend time adjusting the miter saw when you first get it. A few saws are accurate right out of the box, but this isn't something you can count on. You'll need a very accurate square and straightedge at the very least, plus the patience to work through the instructions that come with the saw.
  • A self-retracting blade guard is the safest type, covering the blade completely when the blade is raised.
  • A lock-off switch prevents accidents. This is especially important if children have access to the saw, but reviews say it's too easy for even a skilled adult to accidentally turn on a miter saw while pivoting the blade to set up a cut.
  • Crown molding stops are important if you plan to cut this type of material. These are stops placed exactly where they're usually needed for cutting crown molding, at 31.6 degrees for miter angle and 33.9 degrees for the bevel.
  • For smooth cuts, use a good-quality blade with 60 teeth or more. Some inexpensive miter saws come with 40-tooth blades that are okay for rough cutting lumber, but can't make smooth, accurate cuts for molding or fine woodworking. Replacing the blade can add $50 to $100 to the price of the saw, so it may actually be less expensive to buy a saw that comes with a higher-quality blade.
  • A zero-clearance insert is best. Some miter saws have slots in the throat plate that let small cutoffs fall through or get stuck; a tiny slot minimizes tearout. The best laser guides are adjustable, with their own switch. Twin-laser guides get the best reviews.
  • Dust collection is important. Miter saws produce prodigious amounts of sawdust. Be sure to pick one that comes with a dust bag, though reviews recommend connecting the dust port to a good shop vac. (We have a separate report on shop vacs.)
  • Extension wings help stabilize the workpiece. However, most experts say you'll still need a miter stand with outboard wings or a long workbench to hold long boards at the right height.
  • Plan to use hearing protection. Even the quietest miter saw we found reviewed is loud enough to damage hearing, and most miter saws are much louder.
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