When it comes to woodworking, there are numerous tools out there that can get the job done. However, no one can argue that the miter saw is one of the best tools to use when you need to get a job done! That is why we’re going to be looking into the 5 best budget miter saws for you today! After that, you’ll be sure that this is the tool you were looking for!
Best Budget Miter Saw Comparison Chart
Miter Saw | Name | Size (inch) | Rating | Price |
  | DEWALT DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw (Discontinued) | 12 inch | 4.8/5 | |
  | Hitachi C10FCG 15-Amp 10" Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw | 10 inch | 4.7/5 | |
  | SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Quick Mount Compound Miter Saw with Laser | 12 inch | 4.5/5 | |
  | Homecraft H26-260L 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw by Delta Power Tools | 10 inch | 4.4/5 | |
  | Makita 10" Compound Miter Saw, Makita LS1040 10" Compound Miter Saw | 10 inch | 4.3/5 |
Now you know that these are our handpicked top 5 best budget miter saws. Let’s get into why and how they’ve made it there!
5 Best Budget Miter Saw Reviews
Dewalt DW715, Best Budget 12 inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
The first and best value miter saw we have to show you is the Dewalt DW715 miter saw. Now we know what you may be thinking; Dewalt and cheap? Yes, that’s right. Compared to how efficient and functional this miter saw is, Dewalt have done a good job to keep it within budget.
Now the obvious lacking here is that this miter saw is single bevel. So, you’ll be missing out on some versatility, however, as you go on you’ll see that double bevel miter saws don’t usually come at a price like this. Especially if they’re of good quality. On the plus side though, this miter saw can make 11 positive stops with its blade with the stainless steel adjustable miter detent plate it has. So you’ll be getting a greater range of cuts, and make your repeated cuts precise and accurate. The bevel angle you’ll get with this saw is 0 to 48 degree angles to the left and 0 to 3 degree angles to the right. In case of miter angles, you’ll get 0 to 50 degrees on both sides of the blade.
Overall this miter saw can really come in handy for you if you’re on a budget. Not to mention, with the precise repetitive cuts, you’ll find it very handy when it comes to crown molding as well! This is helped by the tall sliding fence also available on the miter saw. All of this alongside the fact that this miter saw is very lightweight, only helps to sell it. However, it is sad that it doesn’t come along with a cutting guide. This is definitely our best miter saw for the money!
Hitachi C10FCG, best budget 10 inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
Our second product is the Hitachi C10FCG, and it is one of the cheapest miter saw we have on show here. Why? Well, in terms of performance it performs the same as the Dewalt DW715, but is 10 inches. That to be fair is the main reason why this lacks behind the Dewalt blade.
This poses no problem for any woodworker however, if they do not care for the extra versatility provided by the 12 inch parameter. Not to mention, this is also a compound miter saw, and the Hitachi C10FCG miter saw also has the same bevel angles as the Dewalt DW715 (0 to 48 degree angles on each side). On top of this, you get benefits on the miter angles with each side ranging from 0 to 52 degrees on each side. You’ll definitely get more flexibility with your blade in that sense.
With the way the Hitachi C10FCG miter saw is built, once you find your angles and get to cutting, you’ll be sure to have straight clean cuts all the way through. It also comes equipped with a dust cleaning system, ensuring you are efficient with cleaning your miter saw. You’ll also love using it when you realize how lightweight this miter saw is, making it extremely portable.
Skil 3821-01, 12 inch Compound Miter Saw
Our third product on show is the Skil 3821-01 compound miter saw, and this comes very close to competing with the Dewalt DW715. In terms of price, it is considerably higher than the Hitachi C10FCG and also higher than the Dewalt DW715. However, there is a reason for that. The laser on this compound miter saw ensures that once you start making a cut, you’ll be sure to have it done perfectly.
Along with the laser perks of the Skil 3821-01 miter saw, you also have 9 positive miter stops on it, to ensure you feel ease and comfort when using this miter saw. You’ll always be in control of the saw and make the perfect cuts at desired angles. You can also notice a glaring similarity this miter saw has with the Dewalt DW715, is that they are both 12 inch miter saws. This does inherently mean both of these miter saws will be more versatile when cutting larger pieces of wood.
Unfortunately this miter saw does come with the added liability of being very heavy at around 45 pounds and being twice the weight of the Hitachi C10FCG. However, it is similar to the Dewalt miter saw, and if you don’t mind adding a bit more cash to splash, then this miter saw’s laser cutting might just give it the edge!
Homecraft H26-260L, 10 inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
The Homecraft H26-260L is the next option on our list, and is one of the cheapest options you’ll come across. This is another 10 inch single bevel compound miter saw like the Hitachi C10FCG miter saw, with only a few variations to it.
Unfortunately the Homecrafft H26-260L falls lower on the list due to its lack of available stops. You can only move the blade to 5 different stops. While this may lower your versatility in terms of cuts, the blade is powerful enough to make cuts through pieces of wood in one swift movement. Not to mention, it will stay true to its cut. This saw is built for the comfort of its owner and is considered very ergonomic. You have an electronic brake that helps you when you start working, and also a firm and sturdy grip on the saw that helps provide you comfort during long stretches of cutting.
Overall this is a very worthwhile compound miter saw if you’re looking to reduce the amount of money you end up spending. Not to mention, the Homecraft H26-260L is quite lightweight and will be very portable in case you need to move around.
Makita LS1040, 10 inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
Our last product is the Makita LS1040 compound miter saw. This miter saw comes in at around the price of the Dewalt DW715 and Skil 3821-01. However, it’s only a 10 inch miter saw; so where’s that extra increase in price coming from? Well, this miter saw is built with an aluminium base alongside other features such as its rails, making it one of the best built miter saws out there. You can rely on this machine to last ages.
Does that mean the others aren’t that durable? On the contrary, that just means that this miter saw is much more reliable than the already durable machines we have talked about in this article. The saw goes up till 45 degree angles to the left for you to make your bevel cuts, and 0 to 45 degree angles to the left for miter cuts and 0 to 52 degree angles to the right.
All in all the Makita LS1040 miter saw is a clean and precise miter saw allowing you to get your desired cuts. You can also use the 9 positive stops within the mechanism to help you get the exact angles you need. It helps further knowing that this durable machine loses its aesthetics to help its functionality, along with the fact that it is very lightweight and portable!
Considerations to Make When Buying A Miter Saw
10 inch or 12 inch Miter Saw?
What is the difference when it comes to these sizes? Well, the 10 and 12 inch determine the type of blades you’ll be able to use with your miter saw. How does that differ normally? Well, with 12 inch blades, they’ll be more expensive. That’s mostly based on the fact that they will have more teeth on them, which allows for cleaner cuts on your pieces of wood. However, that mostly comes into play for very intricate woodworking needs.
If you’re new to woodworking or are involved with simple tasks around the house, a 10 inch miter saw should do the trick for you. Professionals however, should always opt for a 12 inch miter saw! That’s why we have made available a few different choices, between 10 and 12 inch miter saws; where some are more expensive and others less.
Best Inexpensive Miter Saw Requirements
When it comes to buying your saw on a budget, you’ll need to have a few things in mind. Maybe you want to engage in crown molding, but don’t want to splash your money into it. We’ll tell you what these factors are that you need to keep in check!
Laser Guide
A laser guide does what it says. It is a laser built within your miter saw that helps you keep track of your cuts, and make them as precise and accurate as possible. No matter how cheap you want to go on your miter saw, make sure it has a sufficiently working laser guide.
Motor
When it comes to your saw, a motor is a very key component of it. Without a powerful motor, you won’t be able to fully appreciate a miter saw. A 15-amp motor is pretty much the advisable motor to be going for when you are searching for your saw. This will allow your blade to easily slice through the piece of wood you’re cutting. It’ll also allow you to have cleaner cuts, and make tasks such as crown molding easier.
Blade Guard
One of the most important features of a miter saw. Never ever use your saw without having a blade guard attached to it. Blade guards work in the sense of covering your blade whenever it is not in use, and slowly moving out of the way when you bring your blade down to make a cut. With how powerful a 15 amp motor or any motor can be, you don’t want to take any risks.
Standard or Compound Miter Saws?
A standard miter saw is one that will only come fitted with a miter gauge and allow you to make either crosscuts or miter cuts. While they are useful, we always advise you to get a compound miter saw. These come with bevel gauges and allow you to make bevel cuts. However, in addition to bevel cuts, you can mix both of these cuts together to create compound cuts. Your blade will have both a bevel angle and a miter angle. In the case you ever want to branch out into further work, a standard miter saw will disallow you from doing so. However, a compound miter saw is always handy to have, and it is handy to learn more about compound miter saws.
There are also a few differences in compound miter saws as well, as we will discuss below.
Single or Dual Bevel?
Bevel cuts are very much required in many forms of wood cutting. If you’re doing any sort of complicated work, you’ll need to make bevel cuts. A single bevel miter saw allows you that luxury. However, you can only swing your blade to one side with it. When it comes to a dual bevel miter saw, you can swing it both ways and allow yourself a lot of increased flexibility and comfortability when it comes to making cuts. Not to mention, crown molding or any work becomes a lot easier; even working in tight spaces!
When it comes to selecting the best affordable miter saw, you will find it hard to manage a double bevel compound miter saw. That’s why the ones we have displayed are single bevel miter saws which get the job done very well. They only hinder you a little bit, so it isn’t the biggest worry.
Miter Saw Stand
Saw stands are a relatively handy thing to have whenever you’re working with heavy machinery, such as these. However, it’s not completely necessary you have one. These do help you out tons though. If you’re working in a different area and not your ordinary set up, then you could use a miter saw stand to help you keep your saw up at a comfortable height. You can definitely do with learning all about miter saw stands, if you ever feel the need to acquire one! Help keep yourself safe from the blade!
FAQ
- What is a miter saw?
A miter saw is a woodworking tool that allows you to cut wood pieces with different types of cuts. You can make cross cuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts. You can only make bevel and compound cuts if your miter saw has a bevel gauge on it. Miter saws are one of the most useful tools in someone’s arsenal. - Is a sliding miter saw worth it?
A sliding miter saw is definitely an upgrade from a standard one. However, the most important thing about a miter saw is its ability to cut with accuracy, and also its durability. If a sliding miter saw can offer longevity and precise cuts, then it is definitely an upgrade you should get. - Do I need a miter saw stand?
Miter saw stands are very useful to woodworkers, especially if they do it on a regular basis. Besides the ergonomic usefulness it provides, it also allows the users to have better accuracy and more stability when working. So if you can afford it and have the space, you should definitely look into it.
The Takeaway
We hope you could come to a conclusion on what the best budget miter saw is for you! For us? We’d have to pick the Dewalt DW715 miter saw. This provides all of the necessary perks you’re going to need along with a reasonable price. If you’re familiar with Dewalt, you’d know that their prices can be a little jacked up when it comes to products. However, the quality is always there regardless. So to get such an affordable piece of hardware with their reassured quality? Great deal. Not to mention, the clean and sophisticated cuts available with this miter saw, you won’t have any problems! The Hitachi C10FCG also has a great deal of these benefits, but the Dewalt DW715 being a 12 inch miter saw, beats the Hitachi with ease. Hopefully you feel right about one of the saws we’ve showcased, and manage to get the best budget miter saw for you!
Hey there, my name’s Braden Smith and all my lifeI’ve been passionate about woodworking. As such, I spent more time learning about and experimenting with power tools. Over time, I learned to help spread my knowledge by articulating my words thanks to my academic knowledge in the English Language as well.