A miter saw is a crucial tool for woodworking as it gives you perfect cuts required for any woodwork, including crown molding. Making a crown molding cut with a hand saw takes a lot of time while not ensuring accuracy.
With that in mind, in this post, we will show you how to choose the best miter saw for crown molding.
Here are the best miter saws for crown molding you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall (Compound Miter Saw): DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw DWS715
- Powerful - Compound Miter Saw (Compound Miter Saw): Genesis GMS1015LC
- Best For Clean Cuts (Compound Miter Saw): Makita 10” Compound Miter Saw LS1040
- Best Overall (Sliding Compound Miter Saw): DEWALT DWS780
- Best for Smooth Cuts (Sliding Compound Miter Saw): Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD
- Compact - Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Sliding Compound Miter Saw): Metabo HPT C12RSH2S
6 Best Miter Saws For Crown Molding | ||
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Best Overall | DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw DWS715
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Powerful - Compound Miter Saw | Genesis GMS1015LC
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Best For Clean Cuts | Makita 10” Compound Miter Saw LS1040
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Best Overall | DEWALT DWS780
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Best for Smooth Cuts | Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD
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Compact - Sliding Compound Miter Saw | Metabo HPT C12RSH2S
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Compound Miter Saw
Best Overall (Compound Miter Saw): DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw DWS715
- Offer versatility at all bevel angles - 4 hardened steel bevel stops & wide bevel range
- Great accuracy - Machined base fence support
- Easy to carry the machine by one hand – a carrying handle on top
- The dust bag is a bit dinky and small
The DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw DWS715 is a perfect choice for either experienced homeowners or DIY lovers. Out of the box, it puts aside all of our concerns about accuracy.
The stock blade is smooth and super-quiet while the bevel and straight cuts are precise.
While starting the motor, there was not a single workpiece glided or got knocked out of position, which is a big thank you to the hefty base.
We really like the carry handle on top of the saw as well. It’s easy to carry by one hand if you want to turn the saw to the miter extreme for better balance.
DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw DWS715 Specifications | |
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Weight | 42.8 Pounds |
Miter Saw Size | 12” |
Speed | 4000 RPM |
Cut Capacity | a 2x6 inch dimensional lumber at 45° 2x8 inch dimensional lumber at 90° |
Miter Angle Range | 0°, 33.9°, 45°, and 48° |
Bevel Range | to the right up to 3° to the left up to 48° |
Highlight Features | 4 hardened steel bevel stops & wide bevel range Machined base fence support a carrying handle on top |
Due to its accuracy, quietness, and convenience, we have no real complaint about the DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw DWS715. It’s the best overall!
Powerful - Compound Miter Saw (Compound Miter Saw): Genesis GMS1015LC
- Able to cut anything (H) 1-3/8” x (W) 3-5/16” - 9 position stops & powerful
- High accuracy - Die-cast aluminum base & Laser cutting guide
- Ultra-convenient - Arbor lock & electric brake
- It’s hard to see the laser sometimes
- The adjustable feet could be better
- The wheels could be bigger
In our personal opinions, this miter saw is better than the comparable Hitachi saws. It’s powerful enough to cut anything of 2”x4” with high accuracy.
But its laser cutting guide is the common reason many customers decided to buy it. This feature makes alignment quicker for enhanced accuracy. As a result, the cuts are dead on and also have alignments to keep them there.
Except for overall height, every aspect of this miter saw is fully adjustable, making it easy to use, control, and hold.
Genesis GMS1015LC Specifications | |
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Weight | 1 pound |
Miter Saw Size | 10” |
Speed | 4200RPM |
Cut Capacity | @45°x45°: H 1-3/8” x W3-5/16” |
Bevel Range | 45 degrees left |
Highlight Features | 9 position stops & powerful Die-cast aluminum base & Laser cutting guide Arbor lock & electric brake |
Due to its powerful performance, we would say the Genesis GMS1015LC is a must-have for everyone who wants to tackle a small project.
Best For Clean Cuts (Compound Miter Saw): Makita 10” Compound Miter Saw LS1040
- Offer fast, smooth, and clean cuts - carbide tip narrow blade
- Easy to install, use, and transport – simple construction
- Safe to use - blade brakes
- Motor runs hotter in temperature
- Wish there were more bolt holes for tighter fastening it to the table
No matter if you're a professional or a weekend warrior, as long as you want a new miter saw that offers cleaner cuts, this is the best candidate.
It emphasizes the carbide tip narrow blade that not only cuts fast but also cleanly. We like its simple construction with no laser, no belts, or whistles so you’ll worry-free about things like adjustments, losing something, or breakage.
Yet, it is still built with blade brakes for faster blade changing and your enhanced safety. The minimalist design also makes it lightweight and compact for easy transportation, which is a big bonus.
Makita 10” Compound Miter Saw LS1040 Specifications | |
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Weight | 27.3 lbs. |
Miter Saw Size | 10” |
Speed | 4,600 rpm |
Cut Capacity | @45°/45°: 1-3/8" x 3-5/8" @90°/90°: 2-3/4" x 5-1/8" |
Miter Angle Range | 15, 22.5, 30, 45, right or left and 0 (90 cuts) |
Bevel Range | 0-45 left and 0-52 right |
Highlight Features | carbide tip narrow blade simple construction blade brakes |
Unless you’re a full-time pro, the Makita 10
Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Best Overall (Sliding Compound Miter Saw): DEWALT DWS780
- High-cutting capacity – a 12-inch miter saw size
- Ultimate durability - tough stainless steel miter detent plate, precision-machined parts & rugged guards
- Top-notch accuracy - new XPS cross-cut alignment system & an improved ultra-bright LED light
- Expensive
This sliding compound miter saw is our favorite option for part-time carpenters who do lots of cabinet making and carpentry.
Its motor is very quiet and easy to start. The 12” miter saw size gives a huge difference in cut diameters compared to the 10”, along with great balance feeling and butter-smooth slide.
For most cuts, the quality of the cut from its blade is excellent.
The additional unique alignment system is what we love the most about this machine. Unlike the traditional laser guides, it requires no recalibration after changing blades or overtime to hence deliver higher durability and accuracy.
DEWALT DWS780 Specifications | |
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Weight | 56 pounds |
Miter Saw Size | 12” |
Speed | 3800 RPM |
Cut Capacity | 2 by 12 at 45 degrees 2X14 dimensional lumber at 90-degrees |
Miter Angle Range | 10 positive stops |
Bevel Range | 50 degrees to the left 60 degrees to the right |
Highlight Features | a 12-inch miter saw size tough stainless steel miter detent plate, precision-machined parts & rugged guards new XPS cross-cut alignment system & an improved ultra-bright LED light |
We find the DEWALT DWS780 to be an admirable performer in our review metrics and feel that it’s the best overall option.
Best for Smooth Cuts (Sliding Compound Miter Saw): Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD
- Smooth gliding and cutting - patented axial glide system
- Take up less room than rails - modest size
- User-friendly - all of its bevel and angle controls are on the front
- Heavy & big
- Slightly costly
This saw is worth every penny in its accuracy, capacity, and smoothness thanks to the patented axial glide system that allows for better alignment and wider cross cuts, all packed in a modest silhouette. That also means it takes up less room than rails.
Unlike most models, you don’t have to reach around the back of the saw because all of its bevel and angle controls are on the front.
Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Specifications | |
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Weight | 65 pounds |
Miter Saw Size | 12” |
Speed | 3,800 RPM |
Cut Capacity | 6 1/2-inch vertical capacity 14-inch horizontal capacity |
Miter Angle Range | 52° Left, 60° Right |
Bevel Range | 47° left and 47° right |
Highlight Features | patented axial glide system modest size all of its bevel and angle controls are on the front |
Comfortable well laid out controls, smooth movement, adjustability, and power, the Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD is our Editor’s Choice’s Award winner this year.
Compact - Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Sliding Compound Miter Saw): Metabo HPT C12RSH2S
- Cut off the demand of rear clearance – compact glide system
- Great accuracy - adjustable laser marker
- The dust collection is pretty much useless
But if you want something more compact than the Bosch above, we highly recommend the Metabo HPT C12RSH2S, which is measured only by 36.6 x 24 x 23.4 inches.
Its glide system is also modestly sized which cuts off the demand for rear clearance.
Accuracy is great thanks to the adjustable laser marker that allows experienced novice users to cut through materials perfectly.
Metabo HPT C12RSH2S Specifications | |
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Weight | 77.8 pounds |
Miter Saw Size | 12” |
Speed | 4,000 RPM |
Cut Capacity | 7-1/2" vertically |
Miter Angle Range | To the right and 0-45 degree to the left |
Bevel Range | 0-45 degrees |
Highlight Features | compact glide system adjustable laser marker |
If 12-inch capacity is enough for you, we suggest trying the Metabo HPT C12RSH2S for extra compactness.
How To Choose The Best Miter Saw For Crown Molding?
Motor
It’s important to get an efficient motor as it determines how effective the machine is. Apart from that, a good motor also affects the durability of the miter saw. In short, you should get a 15Amp motor.
Blade size & Miter Saw Size
The size of the blade varies among models, ranging from 8 to 12 inches. Also, remember that a blade with more teeth will make smoother cuts.
In terms of the miter saw size, you should just go with 12 inches because the size of the miter saw must be twice that of the crown molding.
The Crown Molding Stops and Angles
The angles are a big challenge for you when cutting crown molding because you need high precision.
To make the right cut, you must pay attention to the angles of crown molding and find a miter saw that has the angle stops you need or is compatible with all crown stops accessories so that you can choose a specific angle depending on the situation.
This is very important because if you do not get angle stops on the miter saw, you cannot make accurate cuts regardless of how you adjust the angle manually.
Types
When shopping for a miter saw, you will have to understand the different types of miter saw.
- Sliding compound: this type has the most cutting capacity, featuring a sliding arm. For example, you’d like to make an expanded crown molding cut for a ceiling at over 8’ high, but the standard and compound miter cannot cut that wide. Now, you can just move the blade of the sliding compound miter saw in and out to increase its capacity.
- Compound: it’s like the standard miter saw but can make “compound” cuts, which is the combination of bevel cuts and miter cuts.
- Standard: it’s basically a rotating motor and a blade securely tightly to an arm. It is able to cut at only 45 degrees on both sides.
All in all, choose the sliding compound type if you want to select the best miter for crown molding.
Cutting speed and Capacity
Each miter saw has a different cutting capacity that lets it cut at different degrees and directions. The cutting speed is different between saws as well. Together, these factors determine the finishing and type of cutting that you will get.
If you want a highly efficient miter saw with versatility, you must look into these factors making a purchase decision.
Which Brands Make The Best Miter Saw For Crown Molding?
Genesis
Founded in 2003, this brand specializes in making power tools. Its products are trusted for high performance and reliability.
Bosch
Since 2003, this brand has become a leading brand in the power tool industry. Its products stand out from competitors for their engineering excellence.
FAQs
What size miter saw do I need for crown molding?
In short, the size of the miter saw must be twice that of the crown molding you need to cut. For a 6” crown molding, you need a 12” blade, and for a 5” one, choose a 10” blade.
For larger molding widths, you need a compound miter saw with a 12” sliding blade.
How do you set a miter saw for crown molding?
First, place the molding flat, then adjust the miter and bevel of the saw.
Next, to make the left side of an outside corner, tilt the bevel to the left, set it at 33.9 degrees. Then, swing the saw table to 31.6 degrees left. Lastly, place the bottom edge of the molding against the fence.
Do you need a compound miter saw to cut crown molding?
Yes, you do. Without a compound miter, you cannot make accurate crown molding cuts.
How do you cut crown molding without a miter saw?
To cut crown molding without using a miter saw, you will need a miter box. You will have to measure and figure out the angle manually then put the molding in the box at the right angle and cut it with a regular saw.
Can a 10-inch miter saw cut a 4x4?
Yes, a 10-inch miter saw is perfect for this cut.
Conclusion
Through this post, we hope that you have got an idea of how the best miter saw for crown molding should be like. We also hope that you will buy the tool from a reliable brand like the ones we listed in this post.