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Milwaukee Miter Saw Review

By:

Woodsmith Review Team

Last updated on October 23, 2023

Boasting a 15-amp direct-drive motor, this saw offers unparalleled cutting performance and accuracy that will leave you in awe. The detent override feature allows you to make fine adjustments to your cuts, ensuring precision every time.

Our Score: 4.4

Milwaukee’s Miter Saw is the ultimate powerhouse tool for all your cutting needs!

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From the Manufacturer

With the dual integral job site, you can easily make angle cuts without moving your material, making your work faster and more efficient. Even better, the digital readout makes it easy to measure and mark your work — and it’s all built into a compact unit that can be easily stored on the job site. And when it comes to cleanliness, the integral dust channel ensures that your work area stays free from dust and debris so you can focus on the task at hand.

Customer Review

Customers have been raving about the Milwaukee Miter Saw, praising its precision and power. In fact, one satisfied customer said, “This is quite possibly my favorite power tool, ever. Several years ago, I bought a solid cast iron top contractor type table saw to do accurate cutting, only to find out that, even with a good saw, you have to build or buy an accurate miter gauge to really get accurate results. I moved and needed to downsize, sold the table saw and got this. Now I'm wondering why I ever had a table saw in the first place. This cuts as good or better than my table saw did. It cost less, is easier to use, weighs less and is more portable. Plenty accurate enough for interior finish trim work. Try cutting a 45 in a 16ft 2x8 on a table saw! This saw does it with ease! I even use it to cut rebates, as it has a very nice depth adjustment screw. The one issue I had was that I noticed the blade was missing a tooth after I made several cuts. I didn't notice any significant issue with the cut quality, so I haven't done anything about it.”

Pros

High-performance powerful motor
Detent override for precise cuts
Digital readout
Integrated dust channel

Cons

Fence must be adjusted periodically

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Buying Guide: Miter Saws

Buying a miter saw is an investment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are some important factors to consider before buying a miter saw:

Blade Size and Type

The miter saw blade will determine its cutting efficiency. Ideally, it should have a carbide-tipped blade, which is designed to withstand the heat generated by the saw and will be more effective in cutting through harder materials. Most saws come with blade sizes ranging from eight to 12 inches, with smaller blades able to cut more intricate details and larger blades providing more power for faster, larger cuts.

Power Rating

When selecting a miter saw, the power rating should be taken into consideration. The higher the power rating, the more powerful the motor will be, which can increase the speed and accuracy of your cuts. Look for a miter saw with a high-powered motor, usually over 15 amps, to ensure you get the best performance. Some models may also have variable speed settings that allow you to adjust the cutting speed depending on the type of material you are using. Additionally, look for miter saws that feature an internal cooling system to protect against overheating and extend the life of your saw’s motor.

Bevel Capacity

Bevel capacity indicates how far down or up a blade can tilt. This feature is especially important if you plan on making angled cuts or chamfering edges. The majority of miter saws can make angles ranging from 0 to 45 degrees, with some even featuring a 50-degree angle range. That said, some lower-end models may only have an adjustable range of up to 35 degrees, so it is important to check this feature before making your purchase.

Fence System

A reliable fence system will provide accuracy when making cuts and give better results in the end. Check for one that locks securely into place and has minimal play or warping when adjusted.

Depth Stops

Depth stops are used to indicate desired blade depth and help ensure consistent cuts. Most saws allow you to adjust the depth stop setting to easily create accurate cuts with any material thickness you are working with. A good depth stop should be easy to use and provide sufficient accuracy while also offering quick adjustments when needed.

Dust Collection System

A dust collection system is essential in keeping the work area clean during and after using the saw. Most miter saws are equipped with dust collection ports, but some may require additional accessories to connect to a vacuum or shop vac in order to capture debris while working with this type of tool.

Laser Guide and Led Lights

Gone are the days when you had to settle for a mediocre miter saw. These days, miter saws come with laser guides and LED lights that help improve accuracy when cutting materials of various thicknesses. Laser guides provide a clear line of sight for precision cuts, while LED lights illuminate dark areas for better visibility when working in dark environments. Many models come with both laser guides and LED lights for convenience and enhanced performance, so be sure to check that your miter saw has this feature before purchasing it.

Weight and Portability

When shopping for a miter saw, consider how often it will need to be moved between job sites or stored away after each use; lighter models tend to be easier to transport from one place to another while still providing adequate power for tasks requiring precision cutting results such as trim work or cabinetry installation projects. For projects that require more heavy-duty performance, opt for a more robust model with a powerful motor.

Why Trust Us?

At Woodsmith, we take pride in being your go-to source for woodworking product reviews. We believe that with the right tools, you can do anything — whether you’re making a kitchen cabinet or building a deck. We understand that making a purchase can be a significant investment, so we strive to provide you with accurate and reliable information you can trust. Our team of experts carefully researches and analyzes each product, taking into consideration factors such as customer reviews, specifications, and brand reputation. We also look for unique features and benefits that set a product apart from the rest. This way, you can be confident that you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

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