The Right Miter Saw for Frames

Building picture frames with a miter saw not only calls for adequate skills. But requires the best miter saw to do the work. Framing also demands a lot of precision because for a slight deviation you’ll have to repeat the whole process. There are numerous mitre saws available on the market. But only a few possess the right quality for a perfect job.

5 Best Miter Saw for Picture Frames

To guide you on the process, we have shortlisted 5 of the best miter saw available on Amazon that you can use for picture frames;

1. Metabo HPT Compound 10-Inch Miter Saw

This miter saw offers a significantly best value in terms of price. It manages to balance all this with a powerful 15 -amp motor capable of 5,000 RPM. And a lightweight construction of 24.2-lbs to enable maneuverability and portability as you build your picture frames.

The saw comes with an angle range of 0-52 degrees to both the right and left and a bevel range of 0-45 degrees to the left.  Accompanied by a thumb-actuated positive stop to enable that fast adjustment for a precision cut.

The provided work table also offers ample space for better material support and clamping requirements.

What we like

• Easy to use
• Value for money
• Lightweight and maneuverable.
• Carries a 5-year warranty

what we dislike

• Doesn’t offer any additional feature

2. DEWALT Miter Saw, 12-Inch (DWS716XPS)

The Dewald brand brings its good reputation to the miter saw. The saw is powered by a 15 Amp motor that offers 3,800 rpm.

For the cut, it utilizes a 12-inch blade that has 14 positive stops and an LED cutline indicator for repeatable accuracy. A double-bevel design allows the saw to bevel 0 – 48 degrees to the left and right. With positive stops at 0 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 33.9 degrees, and 45 degrees.

The table provided has tall sliding fences of the miter saw support crown molding up to 6-5/8-inch nested and base molding up to 6-1/2-inch vertically against the fence.

What we like

• Ample table space
• LED cutline indicator
• 12-inch blade
• Effective duct for dust collection

What we dislike

• Some find the 48.3-lbs weighty

3. Bosch GCM12SD 12 Inch Sliding Glide Miter Saw

This Bosch saw has amazing features that bring it onto the list. One of them is the horizontal cutting capacity of 14 inches and a nominal 6 1/2-inch vertical capacity. Powered by a 15-amp motor capable of 3,800 rpm.

You are also able to make easy adjustments to your cut with the large, easy-to-read uniform bevel. The bevel ranges from 0-33.9° , and an angle range of 45° left/right. In addition, the cuts use a patented space-saving glide system. That allows wider cross cuts and better alignment while also being compact.

For a cleaner workspace, the miter saw comes with a vacuum attachment point on the handle. Together with a vacuum adapter and dust collection bag included in the package.

In the package, you also get a wrench, a 12-inch carbide blade, and a vertical working clamp.

What we like

• Space saving glide system
• Workspace cleaning Vacuum
• Soft-trigger handle
• Easily adjusts the cut
• 1 year warranty.

What we dislike

• Comes heavy at 88.2-lbs

4. Makita LS1019L 10-Inch Miter Saw with Laser

This miter saw includes the benefit of a laser and a linear ball-bearing system for cutting precision. It has one of the most compact designs in the lineup giving it a space-saving characteristic. Together with a rail guided system that enables it to be operated flush to a wall

Power comes from a 15-amp motor capable of 3,200rpm with a soft start. To suppress start-up reaction for a longer gear life. In addition, there is an electronic brake for convenience and safety

The saw uses a 10-inch blade that’s capable of 0-60° left and right and a bevel range of 0-48° left and right. With a 6-5/8-inch capacity for crown molding, nested jobs, and up to 4-3/4-inch baseboard, capacity.

What we like

• Laser and e-brake additions
• Includes a; triangular rule, blade, hex wrench, and vertical vice
• Compact dimensions
• Unique rail sliding system

What we dislike

• Slightly higher price.

5. Skil 10-Inch Sliding Miter Saw – MS6305-00

The saw may not have a big name but offers good value. It’s powered by a 15-amp motor that delivers a max of 4,800 rpm.

It cuts up to 50° left and right with 11 positive stops at the most used angles. The bevel on the other hand produces positive stop positions at 48° & 45° left, 0°, and 45° right. All are guided by an LED shadow line which offers greater accuracy than a laser.

what we like

• Lighter than most miter saws
• LED shadow guide
• Miter lock knob for accuracy
• Useful carrying handle
• 3-year limited warranty

what we dislike.

• The dust collector doesn’t perform well.

Miter Saw for Picture Frames-Buying Guide

These are the things to consider while shopping for a miter saw;

1) Power

Similar to other power tools for example a lawn mower. The miter saw can either be corded or use a battery. The power depends on the strength of the motor included. With most of them having the capability of 12 to 15-amps and speeds ranging from 3,500 to 5,000RPM.

A larger motor Is capable of cutting through thick wood with ease and is more favored for larger framing.

2) Blade

The quality miter blade is one prerequisite for good framing. The blades come in different materials mostly; hardened steel, titanium, and tungsten carbide. The sizes measured in diameter vary from 8 to 15 inches.

Most commercial mitre saws, however, utilize the 10-inch and the 12-inch versions. The smaller 10-inch size is less expensive and offers a less aggressive cut compared to the larger 12-inch. Which is suitable for a larger and deeper cut. With a smaller blade, you also have more control over your cuts. And can conveniently move the saw around as you cut your angles.

The 14-inch and 15-inch blades are not common and are only offered by limited manufacturers.

3) Table

The miter saw comes with a lengthy base that acts as the support table. The table is necessary because it’s where you clamp the wood, to prevent movements. And as a result, you are able to make your angled cuts with accuracy and precision

It’s also good to note that most carpenters build their own tables, which serve as an addition to the base that comes with the miter saw.

Identify the right-sized miter table according to your preference, from the wide variety of sizes available.

4) Additional features.

We have all noticed features like an electric brake or laser guide included in a miter saw.

The electric brake for example is a safety measure that reverses the current in the motor. To facilitate the quick stoppage and prevent injury in case of skin contact by the blade. The laser light on the other hand marks the blade path on the wood when cutting to help you attain a higher precision.

Although some can be purchased separately like the laser guide. These cool extra features add extra value to your purchase.

FAQs- Miter saw

Q: Is miter saw blade sharpening necessary?

Over time the saw blade will become dull and stop making clean cuts. Here you’ll need to decide between replacing it with a new one or sharpening it.

Sharpening the saw blade tremendously reduces the cost of your sawing. Because it’s often cheaper and there is always a professional miter saw blade sharpening nearby.

However, you’ll have to weigh the costs when it comes to materials that are expensive to sharpen like carbide.