We save you money by finding the best small miter saw for your shop whatever your budget whether your a woodworking pro, a weekend DIY'er or a woodshop hobbyist.
In A Hurry? Go straight to the Best Small Miter Saw Winners in every category.
You buy power tools to help your woodworking out in the field or your shop. As consumers, we find ourselves overwhelmed with the number of tool designs manufacturers come up with to compete in today's market. A perfect example is a small miter saw, which has gained popularity in recent years for a few reasons, including:
Size and weight
Improved components
What it cuts. Accuracy of cuts
Small chop saw – Size/weight
Like most power tools, the non sliding miter saw began life as something carpenters used to maintain accuracy while speeding up repeated cutting of building lumber. Size and weight reduction were not a concern with crews available to move it around.
Today's smallest miter saw designs filled the needs of casual woodworkers. The DIY market has become a dominating force in power tools, with smaller and lighter products becoming a sales point for weekend builders, woodworking hobbyists, and carpenters working alone. The mini miter saw is more capable on the hobby work bench and will be the subject of a separate review article.
Small Miter Saw – Built Better
Today's small chop saw shares only the basic design and function with previous generations of tools. Replacing cast iron with composites and light metals reduces weight. Better electric motors increase power, generate less heat, and create better rotation, all while taking up less room.
Folding wings, adjustable fences, and electronic controls have decreased the need for a larger saw footprint and heavy components.
Small miter saw – woods used
Most DIYers and woodworking hobbyists use framing lumber to make things, especially for beginner/intermediate jobs. Today's smallest miter saw products can cut 2 x products with a single pass. Sliding designs can cut boards up to 12-inches across, or less, which is what many of us work in most cases.
Smallest Compound Miter SawAdding a bevel cutting ability to the miter saw allows a small compound miter saw to cut bevels, a miter cut, or combinations of both. Some inexpensive products lack that versatility, even on the small cordless miter saw designs.
Home wood shops building things like picture frames would benefit from a small compound miter saw. The smallest compound miter saw can make quick work of crown molding, turning a weekend project into something completed in an afternoon. If you have woodworking projects that use angled cuts on two planes, a smaller compound miter saw will excel with those cuts.
The small compound miter saw is the standard build for many compact designs, and you should even find a small cordless miter saw that makes compound cuts without difficulty. An improvement in power output and battery life have made the small cordless miter saw a go-to for cutting molding and trim in the field.
Beveled angles reduce cutting depth on the smallest compound miter saw power tools, so remember that while shopping.
The Best Small Miter Saw
Our goal is to find the best small chop saw for you. Each of us has a unique combination of budgets, wants, needs, and skillsets as woodworkers. That means that the best small miter saw for one person might not be the best for another.
What should the best miter saw for small shop use provide you?
Versatility – The best compact miter saws provide miter cuts, beveled edges, and compound cuts. They also have a greater reach
Budget and future-proofing – The best miter saw for small shop users covers current and future needs. Spending more upfront saves from costly upgrades (purchasing the best compact sliding miter saw now vs. buying it and a cheaper design now).
Those two points are critical when deciding on the best miter saw for small shop use. The best small chop saw features are secondary to them. We recommend the best compact sliding miter saw you can afford to provide maximum versatility and bang-for-your-buck.
Small Miter Saw Reviews
Many of you are looking for a miter saw for small projects. If you work with 2×4 or smaller pieces of lumber and need repeated cuts for jewelry boxes, the features you need differ from someone using a small miter saw for trim.
What are some of the things that our small miter saw reviews cover?
Blade size – Most industry people consider 10-inch saw blades compact, but a small miter saw for trim work can use 7.25-inch
Product dimensions and weight – Limited space, portability, and storage are important to those looking at smaller miter saws
Power and type – A miter saw for small projects still needs power to cut through hardwoods, while compound cuts and sliding reach might be factors with your purchase
Controls, safety, and convenience – From ergonomics to computer-controlled engines, what does the miter saw provide you within its small footprint?
If you're shopping for a small miter saw for projects in your shop, then read on! Both DIYers and professionals needing a small miter saw for trim should also read through the seven small miter saw reviews that follow.
Whilst Makita Milwaukee and Craftsman are represented in this review DeWALT is noticeably absent because of the lack of a suitable compact miter saw in their range leaning towards 12 inch miter saw and 10 inch miter saws. The DeWALT dws779 for instance an extremely versatile but with it's size and powerful 15 amp motor it weighs at 56lbs!
Harbor Freight is also not represented here due to a lack of a small mitre saw in their range.
Best Overall Professional Grade Small Miter Saw – Winner Makita XSL05Z
Makita XSL05Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6 1-2 inch Compact Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw Tool Only – No battery
Recommended for: Carpenters moving between jobs, DIYers with projects in several rooms, and hobbyists working in shared spaces.
4.8 out of 5.0 stars4.8
If you need to move around, the XSL05Z dimensions of 17 x 21.2 x 14.6 inches and 14.6 pounds with a battery pack should prove portable. The purchase gets you into the 18 LXT TOOLS system with over 175 Makita tools.
Makita XSL05Z – Features
The saw uses a 6.5-inch saw blade for crosscuts. It can make up to 270 cuts per charge and delivers enough power to make those cuts in a .5-inch x 3.5-inch baseboard. Miter adjustments left and right reach to 52-degrees, and bevel angles on both sides go to 46-degrees.
It is not a slider, so cutting capacities are 1.813-inches x 3.625-inches at 90-degrees and 1.813-inches x 2.563-inches at 45-degrees. Built-in laser, ergonomic handles, and three-year warranty are just some of the other features we appreciate.
Makita XSL05Z – Things We Like
The cordless design is highly-portable for woodworkers on the go. It weighs only 14.5 pounds with the battery pack installed
Makita uses its BL brushless induction electric motor. The lack of carbon brushes creates less heat, runs more efficiently, and has fewer moving parts that break down over time
Control circuitry improves overall performance. Using electronic controls maintains cutting speed, prevents damage to the tool, and uses battery power more effectively.
Accurate cuts
Makita XSL05Z – Not So Good
The Makita XSL05Z 6.5-inch circular saw blade can not cut as deep as a larger diameter saw blade can. Single cuts go to a depth of 1.813 inches (1 13/16-inches) before a second pass is needed
The small miter saw is not a slider, limiting the width of cut you can make. It will give precise cuts to a 2×4 at 90-degrees, but not when adjusted to a 45-degree miter angle.
Best Overall Professional Grade Small Miter Saw – Runner Up – Milwaukee 2733-20
Recommended for: For carpenters, DIYers, or woodworking enthusiasts who need hundreds of cuts all day long with just one charge.
4.9 out of 5.0 stars4.9
Let's be clear from the get go, the Milwaukee 2733-20 is a superb compact miter saw. The ONLY reason it didn't take the crown is simple, it's slightly bigger and certainly heavier then the Makita by 17 lbs. Quite a difference. But an awesome small miter saw none the less.
Milwaukee Tool's 2733-20 is intended for all-day use, operating in a footprint of 24.8 x 16.14 x 25 inches. It weighs 31.9 pounds with a battery pack installed, which is easy enough for one person to move, but double the weight of the Makita.
Milwaukee 2733-20 – Features
It uses a 7.25-inch saw blade, which is standard for compact models. The stand-out feature for us is the number of cuts you can get with one charge. The M18 REDLITHIUM packs produce over 600 crosscuts when using the 5.0 amp-hour batteries.
You can adjust the miter angle on either side up to 45-degrees and create beveled edges to the left or right of the saw blade at 48-degrees.
Milwaukee 2733-20 – Things We Like
The M18 REDLITHIUM battery platform allows you to make over 600 cuts on a single battery charge. M18 products receive more power and have a longer battery life than other 18-volt battery designs
It has a cutting capacity that can handle 2×8 lumber when it is laying flat. That will be enough cutting width for most projects involving framing lumber or prefabricated molding and trim and gives smoother cuts then most saws
Milwaukee Tools offers five-year warranty coverage on product lines, including 2733-20. It is one of the longest coverage plans that power tool manufacturers provide straight out of the box.
Milwaukee 2733-20 – Not So Good
A shadow cut line is used in place of a laser guide. It can take a while to get comfortable with this alignment system, especially for those new to power tools
You will spend more on this cordless small miter saw. The price might put it out of reach for new woodworkers or those with a small budget
Best Mid Range Job Site Small Miter Saw Winner – CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1
Recommended for: Anyone making repeated miter cuts on standard framing lumber will appreciate the quick set elements on the CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1.
4.7 out of 5.0 stars4.7
We really do like this miter saw, it's an excellent saw for the money and a great design. Craftsman has created a cordless product with reasonable measurements of 26 x 19.25 x 14.5 inches. It weighs about 21.8 lbs, which is light enough to move around the shop, or from their vehicle to a workstation. The design favors material resting to the left, so you might not need as much clearance to the right of the miter saw.
CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1 – Features
Its induction motor uses carbon brushes, but it still offers enough power to generate 3,800 RPMs under no-load and maintain good saw blade speed except in thicker hardwoods pushing maximum load capacity. The V20 MAX battery packs run nominally at 18-volts and should produce over 580 crosscuts per charge.
It can crosscut eight inches at 90-degrees and 5.5-inches at 45-degrees. Miter angles on the left and right reach 48-degrees, and 48-degree bevel cuts are possible to the left of the saw blade.
CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1 – Things We Like
Several miter detent stop points make alignment for popular angles quick to do. The stops are tight, so accuracy will not be affected by movements within the detents
There is an LED cut line system on this small miter saw. That allows you to quickly align board after board once everything is set up
The material clamp on the left side holds workpieces securely. Its knobs are textured and have wings that make them easy to operate with your fingers.
CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1 – Not So Good
The dust collection system can be overwhelmed. The chute can clog if you make several cuts without clearing it
A single bevel design to the left means you will need to flip boards. That simplified design keeps the price point lower but adds to set up time.
CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1 V20 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Cordless Miter Saw Kit Video
Best Mid Range Job Site Small Miter Saw Runner Up – HYCHIKA Compound Miter Saw
HYCHIKA MS255 15 Amp 10 inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Recommended for: Carpenters, DIYers, and hobbyists that don't mind the lack of mobility with a cord will appreciate the job site applications offered here.
4.6 out of 5.0 stars4.6
You will notice a size difference between this corded model at 20.5 x 20.5 x 16 inches. The weight of 37.7 pounds is heavier but still manageable for one person. Keeping the slide rods forward means you will not need extra clearance room in the back.
HYCHIKA MS255 – Features
While battery packs generate as much power as corded designs, they run down and require charge time. The 15-amp motor on this miter saw runs as long as you need it and offers a constant output that cordless products can not match. It generates the torque required to rotate a 10-inch saw blade through wood without bogging down in the middle of a crosscut.
You can make 12-inch crosscuts at 90-degrees and 3.5-inch deep with no bevel angle applied. Miter capacity is 45-degrees to the left and right of the blade, but you are limited to left-sided bevels (45-degrees maximum).
HYCHIKA MS255 – Things We Like
Its extension wings, miter latch, and rotary handle are removable. That allows you to break it down for travel and storage
The 10-inch circular saw blade is the largest for a small miter saw. It will cut deeper than standard 2x materials
A powerful 15-amp electric motor with 1,800 watt rating. It can produce 4,500 RPMs without a load consistently.
HYCHIKA MS255 – Not So Good
The component materials are not the highest quality. Casual use will be fine, but heavy-duty use will likely affect it quickly
The splits in the handle and minimal vibration dampening make it less comfortable to use. That will become more of an issue if you have to make cuts with it throughout the day.
Best Budget Small Miter Saw Winner – Metabo HPT C10FCGS
Metabo HPT C10FCGS 10-Inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
Recommended for: Those beginning in carpentry, DIYing, and woodworking that wants to start their power tool collection with a miter saw will appreciate what they get for the price.
4.7 out of 5.0 stars4.7
Entry-level for most woodworkers means that a power tool is friendly on the wallet, and budget-conscious shoppers will find a minimal price tag that gets them this Metabo HPT at 20.3 x 15.25 x 14.25 inches. The weight is a stand-out feature for us at 24.2 pounds, which is light for a 10-inch miter saw.
Metabo HPT C10FCGS – Features
Hitachi's North American brand name might have changed, but the power from the 15-amp motor highlights that output has not. You can get up to 5,000 RPMs under no-load conditions, which is still within range of most circular saw blade ratings.
It is a left bevel adjustment design that reaches up to 45-degrees. The miter angle range is impressive, going from 0 to 52-degrees to the left and right. Something else that is impressive is Metabo HPT's five-year warranty.
Metabo HPT C10FCGS – Things We Like
The miter saw comes with miter angle ranges to the left and right of 52-degrees. That can be advantageous where wide angles are required
A horizontal operating handle position is more natural. You can tell the difference if you have to use it all day long
It weighs just over 24 pounds. Carpenters and DIYers will appreciate that, especially if they have to move the saw a lot.
Metabo HPT C10FCGS – Not So Good
There is no LED or laser cut guide on this small miter saw. That would have improved its usefulness for novices who shop in this price range
It includes a dust bag that is more gimmick than function. You will only gather about half the debris you generate, so it will be better to use a shop vac.
Best Budget Small Miter Saw Runner Up – Evolution R185SMS+
Evolution R185SMS+ 7 1-4 In Multi Material Single Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
Recommended for: Anyone that works with more than wood will find the one-blade-cuts-all design convenient and more affordable than buying several saw blades for different materials.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
Evolution's miter saw is not only small in price, but it has a diminutive footprint of only 18 x 17.2 x 12 inches. Matched with its weight of 19.6 pounds, you have a highly-portable saw for novices on a budget.
Evolution R185SMS+ – Features
A 10-amp electric motor rotates the 7.25-inch saw blade. That power rating would be underwhelming if not for the high-torque design, which transfers power to the arbor with minimal power loss.
You might find saw bade selection more limiting if you want to take advantage of the multiple materials cutting capabilities provided by the Premium TCT blade.
A left-only bevel capacity reaches 45-degrees. Miter adjustments on both sides of the saw blade reach a maximum angle of 50-degrees. You can make 8.25-inch wide crosscuts with this sliding design.
Evolution R185SMS+ – Things We Like
A high-torque electric motor design transfers more energy. That allows Evolution to use a 10-amp electric motor with saw blades cutting into dense materials, like metals
Its integrated carry handles make it easy to carry. They also stay out of the way when the miter saw is in use
The miter saw comes with a 10-foot electrical cord. That extra length is convenient and can eliminate the need for running off of extension cords.
Evolution R185SMS+ – Not So Good
It uses a 10-amp electric motor paired with high-torque gears to cut through various materials. That does not mean this small miter saw will not build up the heat if cutting dense material through the workday
The key to cutting different materials is the saw blade. Woodworkers might notice rough edges on boards after the Tungsten-Carbide-Tipped teeth cut through mild steel.
Best Budget Small Miter Saw Contender – Genesis GMS1015LC
Recommended for: Carpenters, DIYers, and beginning woodworkers will find this a cheap alternative for rough crosscutting where precision is not a requirement.
4.4 out of 5.0 stars4.4
For a 10-inch miter saw, the Genesis is compact at 19.5 x 16.25 x 15 inches. It weighs about 24 pounds, which is in range for most users to carry without complaint.
Genesis GMS1015LC – Features
While the design and build of the Genesis GMS1015LC are simplistic, the 15-amp electric motor is sufficient and generates up to 4,600 RPMs under no-load conditions. You should see minimal speed drop unless you are cutting through thicker hardwoods.
Its low price point purchases a left-only bevel angle capacity, with a range from 0 to 45-degrees. Miter angle adjustments can be made on both sides, with a range from 0 to 45-degrees as well. The miter range has nine detents located at popular angles.
The Genesis GMS1015LCwill crosscut a maximum of 4.75-inches, which cuts a 2×4 with one pass but will not crosscut a 2×6. Contrasting markings and a laser guide help with setup.
Genesis GMS1015LC – Things We Like
The miter saw comes with extension wings on both sides of the saw blade. They are small enough to be unobtrusive while adding stability when needed
Safety features include an electric brake and arbor lock. These are a good addition for any power tool that novice woodworkers will shop for
It is an entry-level miter saw with a great price tag. It makes an adequate first crosscut power tool, or the small miter saw will make a great backup.
Genesis GMS1015LC – Not So Good
Build quality, and components, should not be an issue for casual use. Those needing a go-to tool for everyday shop use might be disappointed in its durability
Its laser guide does not denote the exact cut line. The highlight is for rough alignment, which can be frustrating for those new to miter saws.
Small Miter Saw: The Final Cut
As you can see by the product reviews above, a small miter saw does not limit your options for features. Each product represents what we feel are the best of professional, mid-range, and budget models found online or in stores with power tool departments.
Our layout should clue you in on where to start your research; with your budget. Professional grade chop saws with all the latest in features will cost several hundred dollars. Mid-ranged tools are about half the price, and budget-friendly miter saws cost just north of a hundred bucks.
The best small miter saw needs to meet your size and portability requirements. There is a big difference between tools that weigh 40 pounds and those that weigh half that. Miter saws that break down into several pieces or are small, to begin with, are easy to find work and storage space.
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