Home Depot miter saws come in a range of sizes and options. A power miter saw is a versatile tool that can help with a variety of jobs, but it can be hard to know which one to choose. Understanding which saw to choose can help you select the right Home Depot miter saw stand and Home Depot miter saw accessories.
Home Depot Miter Saw: Dewalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Dewalt’s 12-inch sliding compound miter saw is the top of the line saw available at Home Depot. With a 12 inch blade and a head that extends out on an arm, it can make 90 degree cuts in 2×14 lumber and 45 degree miter cuts in lumber as wide as 6 ¾ inches.
Things we like:
- A big saw with a big cutting capacity
- 15 amp motor won’t bog down
- Can cut 60 degree angles to the right and 50 to the left
- This is a contractor grade saw that can handle everything
- Compatible with Home Depot miter saw stands
Things we don’t like:
- This is an expensive saw that provides more power than most hobbyists need
- No brake on the blade means waiting longer for it to slow down between cuts
Home Depot Miter Saw: Makita 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
Makita’s 12-inch compound miter saw is a powerful saw great for framing or trim cutting. It can make 90 degree cuts in 4×6 lumber and 45 degree cuts in 2×6 stock.
Things we like:
- 12 inch blade and 15 amp motor can cut heavy lumber for framing jobs
- Cuts lumber as thick as 4 ¾ inches….smaller sliding saws can’t match that
- Big enough to handle most DIY and hobby projects
- Lots of power at an affordable price
- Blade brake means you don’t have to wait as long between cuts
- Compatible with Home Depot miter saw stands
Things we don’t like:
- Single bevel design means the head only leans one direction, requiring more manipulation of lumber to get bevel cuts
Home Depot Miter Saw: Bosch 8 ½ Inch Single-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The Bosch 8 ½ inch single-bevel sliding compound miter saw uses a smaller blade with a sliding arm to get more cutting capacity from a smaller package. This saw makes 90 degree cuts in lumber as wide as 12 ¼ inch and 45 degree miter cuts in lumber 8 inches wide.
Things we like:
- A small saw that cuts like a big one
- At just 37 pounds, this saw is a good choice if you need to move the saw around a lot
- Compatible with Home Depot miter saw stands
Things we don’t like:
- If you are going to cut lots of framing lumber, there are more powerful saws available at a lower price
- Single bevel design means the head only leans one direction, requiring more manipulation of lumber to get bevel cuts
Home Depot Miter Saw: Ryobi 7 ¼ Inch Miter Saw
The Ryobi 7 ¼ inch miter saw is a great tool for small projects or jobs that require lots of moving around. It will make 90 degree cuts in lumber four inches wide and 45 degree cuts in lumber three inches wide.
Things we like:
- Home Depot’s most affordable miter saw
- Weighing in at less than nineteen pounds, it is the most portable corded saw available
- Laser cutting guide shows you where the blade will cut before it goes in
- Compatible with Home Depot miter saw stands
Things we don’t like:
- The 7 ¼ inch blade is limited in cutting capacity
- The laser cutting guide can be difficult to calibrate at first
Introduction to the Miter Saw
Miter saws are used to cut boards to length, either with a square end or at an angle. When the end of the board is cut at an angle, this is called a miter cut. These cuts are common when framing roofs and when installing trim inside a house.
Making Miter Cuts
Miter saws have blades that are adjustable to cut at different angles. Some saws have built-in presets for the most common miter angles. The most common presets are 0 degrees for a square end, 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees. Having the presets makes it quick and easy to reset the saw for each cut.
Miter Saw Stands
If you mainly work in a shop, mounting your miter saw on a workbench is the best way to go. You can include extras like preset cutting stops to make measuring faster, quick clamps to hold the lumber, or a dust collector to capture the sawdust.
For work away from the shop, buying a portable miter saw stand is the way to go. Miter saw stands will hold the tool securely while you cut, but are light enough to move around a job site. Some even come with wheels to make moving even easier.
Sliding Miter Saws
Some miter saws have sliding heads. The heads of these saws move backward and forward on an arm, which allows the saw to cut wider lumber. These saws are usually more expensive than fixed-head saws of the same size.
Single- and Double-Bevel Saws
Miter saws that can adjust in the vertical plane are called compound miter saws. These saws can tilt the blade vertically as well as adjusting it horizontally. Saws that tilt in one direction (usually to the left) are called single-bevel miter saws. Saws that tilt left and right are called double-bevel saws. Double-bevel saws allow more flexibility in setup but usually cost more.
Compound Miter Cuts
Some jobs require cuts that involve both a bevel and a miter. These cuts are called compound miters. Compound miters can be tough to figure out, but they can make beautiful projects. The most common use for compound miter cuts is for crown molding. If you are installing crown molding, make sure you buy a saw that has a 31.6 degree miter stop and a 33.9 degree bevel stop.
Our Pick
Of the saws reviewed, our pick is the Makita 12-inch compound miter saw. It will handle everything from fine trim to hefty dimensional lumber, and comes at an affordable price.
If you are just starting out, or are on a tight budget, consider the Ryobi 7 ¼ inch miter saw. It is great for smaller jobs and has a very attractive price. Are you looking for brand-specific miter saw guides? If so, check out Best Ridgid Miter Saw: 2019 Buyer’s Guide, The Best Dewalt Miter Saw, Best Craftsman Miter Saw – Buyer’s Guide for 2019, Best Bosch Miter Saw: See Our Top 3 Picks, and Best Hitachi Miter Saw: Top 3 Picks + Reviews.
