Best Budget Miter Saw Under $300 – SawsPoint.com

Miter saws are motor-powered gadgets that have powerful blades to cut through wood or metal. It is a highly popular piece of equipment in the woodworking, carpentry, and metal-product industry, and a great learning tool for craftsmen, hobbyists, and DIY engineers or architects.

There is a wide variety of miter saws available in the market. Some have larger blades, while others have wide rotation angles. Some run on a direct power supply, while others run on batteries and are portable. You might be looking for a miter saw that fits your budget. So, how will you choose the best budget miter saw?

This article will provide you with information that will assist you in making the best purchasing decision when it comes to budget miter saws for your projects.

Let’s not wait any longer and jump right into it!

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Buyers Guide For Choosing The Best Budget Miter Saw

Before going to the miter saw buyers guide, let’s have a look at the below video on “How to choose a Miter Saw (3 Steps)”. Here enlisted the information about three different types of miter saw existing in the saw tools market and shows their using technique and application as well.

One of the best innovations in the wooden and metal industry is a miter saw. It is because of its ergonomic structure and design, that woodworkers all around the world have been able to produce wooden crafts or objects with the most intricate cross-cuts or angles.

Miter saws have circular-shaped blades, fixed at 90 degrees with a structure that an artisan can easily maneuver to cut precise shapes into any wooden object. Not only that, but miter saw blades are available at different inclinations, a feature that has made this product even more popular among carpenters and metal-workers.

Now, you might be looking for less expensive miter saws for your carpentry hobby or for your start-up company that specializes in making wooden furniture or metal fixtures.

There are a wide variety of cheaper miter saws available in the market. So how will you choose the best budget miter saw that will also be long-lasting? Let’s Take a look at the following buying guides summary first for getting a complete idea and better understanding as well.

What factors should choosing best budget miter saw?

These are the following factors we should choose before buy the cheapest miter saw:

1. Type of Miter Saw
2. Size Of Blade
3. Laser Beams
4. Dust Bags
5. Power Source
6. Safety Tips For Using A Miter Saw
7. Things To Avoid While Using A Miter Saw

Now, Let’s start reading the following brief guide:

Type of Miter Saw

There are three different types of miter saw available in the tools marker that are most commonly used. Let’s have a look:

1. Compound Miter Saw

This category of miter saw can be tilted practically into any angle or direction—it moves left and right, and also in one single direction.

It is owed to this feature that a woodworker will be able to make beveled or slanted cuts into any wooden or metallic furniture item, for example.

You can also obtain compound cuts by maneuvering the two axes simultaneously, in the same or different directions. If your carpentry project needs angled cuts, a miter saw will be perfect for you and your staff.

2. Dual Compound Miter Saw

It is quite similar to the compound miter saw and can be tilted in one single direction, as well as to the left and right directions. These miter saws will let you make cuts at bevels of 50° even since they are quite flexible.

3. Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Besides all other perks, a slider version contains a saw with a radial arm. This radial arm lets you move the blade in almost every direction—left, right, forward, and backward!

This will help you in reducing the time it takes at precise woodworkings because you can easily maneuver between distant design areas. It makes the longest cut out of the three types of miter saws. As such, it is the most popular among wood and metal craftspeople.

Size Of Blade

The blade is a crucial feature to keep in mind when you are planning to purchase miter saws. The broader the inclination angle, the more smoothly will it move to different directions and be able to cut with precision and convenience.

Common blade sizes include 8”, 10”, and 12”, and the size of blade you should go for would depend on your cutting needs. If you need longer cuts in a single pass, you would need miter saws with larger blades.

Usually, all miter saws will let you cut at bevels of 45°. Compound saws will let you cut at 48°, while certain versions of dual compound saws at 50° to the left and 62° to the right directions.

Laser Beams

Also called a laser guide, it is mounted on the top of the miter saw. A beam of laser comes out of this point and assists the craftsman to make precise and intricate cuts on wood and metal pieces. Some modern versions of miter saws come with LED lights too.

Check details on Amazon:  Oshlun LG-M01 Miter Saw Laser Guide

Dust Bags

Wood or metal carving is quite messy. It produces a lot of shavings that will be quite time-consuming to clear out after a day’s work is complete.

If you own a woodworking company or you are a craftsman doing a lot of wood or metal carvings in a day, that means a lot of shavings, sawdust and woodchips are generated in your workplace.

A dust bag will definitely assist you and your staff in accumulating all the dirt in a bag to throw out or recycle for any other activity. These bags or containers are usually attached to the miter saw in a way that collects all the dirt while you are making the cuts.

Check details on Amazon: Rousseau Dust Solution for Miter Saws

Stop Detents

As a woodworker, you would know that in order to make an angle cut, you need to stop at the beginning point of that cut. This is where a miter saw’s positive cutting feature or “stop detents” will help you.

Positive stops are a feature set by default on your miter saw—kind of like a timer. After a specific period of time, when you are about to make an angle cut, your miter saw will stop, which is called a positive stop.

Most miter saws have detent angles of 90°, 45°, and 22.5° at the lowest. Positive stops will let you carry on with your complicated woodworking projects, without having to set a new cut each time.

Power Source

Most miter saws run on motors of 10, 12, or 15 amperes. For smaller wood or metal works, 10 amp motors will work just fine. For working on hardwoods and for making complicated crosscuts, however, the craftsmen will need stronger motors that will be able to withstand the longer hours of work.

Battery-powered miter saws are also available, besides the corded ones. They contain smaller, brushless motors that make the miter saw portable, and are great for woodworkers who practice DIY or provide services to people’s homes.

Safety Tips For Using A Miter Saw

Before using any miter saw or any power tool to be exact, always remember to wear your safety goggles. The goggles will protect your eyes from sawdust and tiny woodchip or metal particles that will fly off in different directions when you start cutting.

Tie your hair, wear tight-fitting clothing that does not flow, and avoid wearing jewelry that dangles, like a bracelet or a long necklace. Keep your hands at least 6 inches away from the blades and the turntable portion of the miter saw.

Keep one arm on the handle, and the other arm straight at the front, and do not keep your arms crisscrossed near the blades. Provide support to the wood or metal piece you are shaping – use a table or a miter saw stand.

What Things Should Avoid While Using A Cheap Miter Saw?

Not only for the miter saw but also for all other saw tools, some safety factors should consider before using. Also, some guidelines should follow and avoid different things for safety as well.

Let’s have a look at the following points:

• Do not keep the miter saw on the ground while operating
• Avoid cutting pieces shorter than 8” long
• Avoid cutting solid timber, or wood pieces that have something mixed with it, like metal stone
• Maintain proper footing always, avoid overreaching
• Do not force the saw to work at angles it is not designed to work at
• Do not leave the saw on, unsupervised. Leave it only when you are sure the blades have stopped rotating, once powered off
• Do not place the miter saw near open flames or on wet surfaces

View The Best Affordable Miter Saw Reviews In 2023

1. Metabo HPT Compound Miter Saw

Best Compound Miter Saw Under $300

Miter saws by Metabo HPT are an artisan’s joy for making beautiful bevel designs for his carpentry projects. Among the other affordable brands, a 10” compound Metabo HPT miter saw is the best cheap miter saw available. They are actually renamed from Hitachi, so there is no doubt about the quality.

Feature:

• Motor: The Metabo HPT miter saws come with 15 amp high-powered motor.
• Blade and bevel angle: The cutting angle range of Metabo is from 0 degree to 52 degrees, in both the right and left directions. As a result, the miter saws are quite flexible and can make fantastic bevel cuts on wood pieces. This budget miter saw also comes with adjustable bevel positive stops. The motor is also equipped with a carbon brush.

• Detent plate: Bevel stops are thumb-activated for efficient cuttings. Easy to handle: There is a handle for safe and easy maneuvering.

2. Makita LS1040 Compound Miter Saw

Best Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw Under $300

Makita 10″ Compound Miter Saw is one of the best 10-inch miter saw that is both powerful and highly efficient saw we have found. They can be used for cabinetry, woodworking, and even deck-building and framing.

Feature:

• Motor: The Makita miter saws are fuelled by 15 amp motors which perform at 4600 RPM. It is a direct drive motor and has a soft start and high performance with no replacement required. The motor never sips or bogs down.
• Blade and bevel angle: These miter saws by Makita come equipped with dual-compound pivot arms, which can tilt at maximum angles of 45 degrees to the left, and 52 degrees to the right.
• Detent plate: This miter saw by Makita offers a wide range of detent bevel stops—0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, and 90°. The detent cuts allow superior precision and accuracy. They are fitted with fluorescent lights to illuminate the working space.
• Portability: The miter saw weighs only 27.3 lbs and is compact for higher portability.

3. Hitachi C10FCH2 Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw

Best for Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw Under $200

Hitachi is a world-renowned manufacturer of household products. This Hitachi 10” compound miter saw fits professional carpenters working at factories. And this miter is the best miter saw under $200.

Feature:

• Motor: This miter saw by Hitachi features a 15 Ampere motor that generates a no-load speed of a maximum of 5000 RPM. Such a high-powered motor ensures that cross-cuts and bevel-cuts of varying angles can be done with smooth precision.
• Handle and stability: This Hitachi miter saw comes with a sturdy handle and an elastomer grip that reduces vibrations and makes it quite easy to maneuver. It also comes with a clamping system for superior support and stability.
• Blade and bevel angle: There is a positive miter that is thumb-actuated, and can be adjusted to varying degrees ranging between 0° and 52°. Trimming and crown molding can easily be done by angle adjustments. The bevel range is up to 45 degrees. Furthermore, the flip fence can be raised for up to 4”, and can be used to cut through wood pieces of dimensions 16” high and 32” deep.

• Calibration: For exact alignment and blade placement to ensure precise cuttings, this miter saw by Hitachi comes with hi-tech laser technology. The laser guide projects a laser beam that needs to be aligned with the marker on the wood piece, and the rest of the cutting will take place automatically. Make sure the measurements are right.

4. CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1 Sliding Miter Saw

Best Sliding Miter Saw Under $300

Miter saws by Craftsman are cordless slider miters that function at 3800 RPM. A Craftsman miter saw is the best budget sliding miter saw. They run on highly powerful motors that can cut through lumber, hardwood, and baseboards with ease.

Feature:

• Power source: The miter saw by Craftsman runs on batteries consuming 20V. As such, it is the best miter saw for homeowners. The product comes with LED lights for clearer visibility while at work.
• Blade and bevel angle: The blades are 7-1/4” that can make cross-cuts of 8”. Cross-cuts can be made at 45 degrees and 90 degrees. The miter saw is capable of making 3-1/2” nested crown cuts, and 3-1/2” vertical cuts on baseboards.
• Detent plate: The miter saw comes with 9 miter detents which can make superior angular cuts.
• Portability: The miter saws by Craftsman weigh only 21.8 lbs and also come with side-carry handles. All in all, it is the best sliding miter saw under $300.

5. DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Under $300

Miter saws by Dewalt are ideal for carpentry and metal-designing purposes. This sliding compound Dewalt miter saw version is the best 12-inch miter saw that weighs only 51 pounds, and is portable also.

Feature:

• Motor: This miter saw by Dewalt is equipped with a powerful 3800 RPM motor that runs on 15 amp.
• Blade and Bevel Angle: It has support fences that can do nested crown molding of up to 5.5”, and 4.5” base molding vertically against the fence. The blades and handle can be easily maneuvered for bevel cuts. The amazing back-fence design makes bevel cuts into 2-inch x 14-inch dimension lumber at 90 degrees. Additionally, it can make 45 degrees cuts on 2-inch x 10-inch dimension lumber. The miter saw can also move 60 degrees to the right, and 50 degrees to the left.

• Detent Plate: The miter saw is equipped with a detent plate that is constructed out of stainless steel, and can make 13 positive stops for higher productivity and accuracy.
• Calibration: It also has an oversized bevel scale for accurate calibrations. This miter saw by Dewalt also has linear ball bearings and dual horizontally-positioned steel rails. The product also has a red miter pointer to locate miter angles.
• Portability: It weighs 51 pounds, with a heavy-duty aluminum base for rigidity. It also has tall ribbings and stainless steel pads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you adjust the bevel angle on a miter saw?

At first, unplug the saw and raise the arm to full height. Then loosen the bevel lock knob and move the saw arm to your preferred angle. Usually, all miter saws will be able to produce angles anywhere between zero and 45 degrees.

There will be indicators to confirm that the arm is tilted to the angle of your choice. Lastly, firmly lock the bevel knob.

2. Why is my miter saw making kickbacks?

Kickback is violent jerking movements that miter saws make sometimes in the middle of a sawing session. Kickbacks happen when the kerf or slit comes too close to the miter blade, and grabs onto it, thus pushing the miter saw back toward the user.

It could be quite dangerous. It happens when you are sawing wider and harder boards, or maybe the lumber is not placed straight on the stand, etc. Blunt blades and wet/soaked wood may also cause problems with kickbacks.

3. How do I calibrate a miter saw?

Due to wear and tear on your saw, the miter saw bevel angle might come out of alignment. If cuts are not accurate, long hours of work will prove worthless.

Use a digital angle finder to measure the cut angles with accuracy. Check the material for calibration and not the blade because the blade teeth are wider than the body of the blade, therefore it is hard to get an accurate measurement.

4. What is the best Miter saw for home use?

The 12” miter saw by Dewalt and the battery-run ones by Craftsman would be good for home use. Their blades can be adjusted to 45° bevel angles that are enough to meet the low-end woodworking needs.

5. How do you use a miter saw for beginners?

If you are a beginner, you should be extremely careful around a miter saw. Wear goggles to prevent woodchips from entering your eyes. Keep your hands away from the blades.

6. How big of a miter saw do I need?

It depends upon your woodcutting requirements. 10” to 12” miter saws are great for both home use and factory use.

7. Is a miter saw worth it?

If your woodworking requires you to do a lot of trimming work, then a miter saw would come in handy. On the other hand, if you need to make rip-cuts through plywood, for example, circular saws could be useful.

Final Word

Miter saws are efficient gadgets for carpenters and metal-craftsmen. They often come with arms and blades that can be rotated at different angles to cut shapes and designs into the wood with ease and precision.

You might be looking for miter saws for your company projects that fit your budget. So what are the features that you should be looking for in the best budget miter saw?

The best budget miter saw must have strong blades, and rotating arms, and must be durable among other available perks. Some of the best budget miter saws are manufactured by Dewalt, Metabo HPT, Hitachi, Craftsman, and Makita. They provide great solutions at an affordable cost.

You might be a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast. In either case, a miter saw is the first thing you need in the carpentry and metalwork profession. Don’t wait any longer – get the best budget miter saw today.

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