Woodworking is a necessity for many, and cutting the perfect miters for photo frames is a complex task that demands great attention to detail, one wrong move, one incorrect cut… and your whole frame is crumbling. The intricacies of the woodwork require innovative tools and flawless touch. Every other company would claim that they are the best manufacturers of the miter saw, the numerous reviews here and there, various other offers only make the buying process more challenging.
Miter saws are heavy-duty, expensive tool and it is not something that you can replace every other day, go into the market or search online, you’d find tons of saws with millions of criticisms… ugh confusion.
So after conducting comprehensive research on the best miter saws for photo frames, We, have compiled the 10 best choices entailing all the details you’d want at one single platform to make the purchase worth your time and money.
Top 10 Best Miter Saws For Picture Framing Reviews 2022
1. DEWALT DWS780 – Ideal for framing and deck building
The DEWALT DWS780 is a 12-inch sliding compound miter saw, which is designed to be adequately precise and accurate for fine woodworking, and tough enough for framing and deck building. This miter saw is ideal for a number of users who necessitate a tool that provides accuracy, capacity, strength, portability, and ease-of-use, including cabinet makers, trim carpenters, framers, installers, and many other professionals.
This 12-inch dual bevel compound miter saw weighs 54 pounds; is powered by a 15 ampere 3,600 RPM motor and has introduced a new precise miter system along with machined base fence support for peak accuracy.
This saw features the XPS LED light and cut alignment system that casts a shadow on the work surface, guiding the user where the blade will interact with the material providing accuracy when cutting.
The saw’s dual bevel system features a high visibility bevel scale which has the ability to bevel both directions from 0 to 49 degrees with positive stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45, and 49 degrees both left and right.
The saw also features an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops and can miter 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left, allowing for fast and easy tunings.
A handle is designed for added portability and the cam lock miter button allows users to lock angles between detents for flexibility on the job site. Furthermore, the saw offers a blend of cut capacities, with a 6-3/4-inch vertical capacity, 7-1/2-inch nested crown capacity, 13-7/8-inch horizontal capacity, and a special back fence design that cuts up to a 2×16 at a right angle and 2×12 at a 45-degree angle.
2. Hitachi C12RSH2 – Good Dust Collection
Although Hitachi power tools have renamed Metabo HPT but are still providing the same great tools. The new Hitachi C12RSH2 is a dual sliding compound miter saw which is armed with a compact slide system that involves zero back clearance. The installed powerful 15 Ampere motor tackles tough cutting jobs with ease.
The saw head can smoothly glide along the fixed rails because of the fixed rail system, excluding the rear clearance that other sliding miter saws require. The footprint of the saw can be decreased by up to a foot saving some valuable area in any shop setting because of the compact slide system of this saw.
This saw features a vertical handle with a soft; elastomer grip to reduce vibration and add comfort and control for the user. Also, the easily adjustable tool-less laser marker system in the saw increases cutting accuracy.
The saw also has tall sliding fences that permit for cutting much larger materials, while easily sliding out of the way when making bevel cuts.
This saw provides 0 to 57-degree miter angle to the right and 0 to 45 to the left for flexibility along with 0 to 45-degree bevel angle range to the right and left allowing users to flip the saw blade while leaving the material in place quickly and easily with positive stops and indications on the miter and bevel scale, for easily readable measurements and swift settings.
3. SKIL 3821-01 – Ideal for framing and DIY’ers
SKIL 3821-01 is a 12-inch compound miter saw with a 15-ampere powerful motor working at 4,500 rpm to cut anything and everything. It is designed to be a quick-mount system for easy set up ensuring portability. In conjunction with the SKIL miter saw stand (model 3302-02, sold separately) this compound miter saw can be quickly set up anywhere in the shortest time.
The 42.5 pounds compound miter saw falls in a medium heavy category. Equipped with electric blade brakes, this miter saw features a single bevel design with a maximum bevel angle of 47 degrees towards the left. The miter table with a cutting capacity of 45 degrees on both sides has 9 positive stops at the most common angles.
The add-on features of the SKIL 3821-01 include a laser line for guiding the blade to the line of cut under it and extension rails to support longer workpieces.
The powerful motor with a laser cutting guide and table extension for larger workpieces can significantly improve cutting accuracy and efficiency.
The innovative and simple design of SKIL 3821-01 is sturdy and tough and has an excellent dust collection system equipped with a dust collection bag. This compound miter saw is highly recommended for framing and woodworking.
4. SKILSAW SPT88-01 – Dependable & Portable
SKILSAW’s SPT88-01 is a dual bevel sliding miter saw with a 12-inch blade which is a dream come true for the job site and workshop. The 51-pound sliding miter saw can be considered weighing on the lighter side.
The exquisite worm drive delivers maximum power from 15-ampere motor working at 4,000 rpm to the blade without any loss. This powerful tool is a combination of quality dependability along with portability.
It is equipped with shadow line technology which uses an LED light behind the blade to make a shadow of the blade at the point of cut. this LED cut-line technology is better than a laser guide as lasers usually dim in bright sunlight., making it hard to see.
Because of the innovative worm drive, you wouldn’t have to deal with a belt to drive the saw, this tough power-driven saw oozes power and cuts even the toughest of material with ease.
The high-tech dual-field motor is efficient, powerful, and considerably cooler than conventional motors thus increasing longevity and productivity.
The dual bevel design with a maximum bevel angle of 45 degrees to both sides and adjustable positive bevel stops gives it a cross cut capacity of 4 x 14 with flexibility. Once the saw is properly mitered and locked down, moving it becomes really easy. The placement of the zero-clearance rails and the worm drive make the bevel gauge visibility and access easy.
5. WEN MM1214 – Ideal for Small Jobs & Quick Builds
MM1214 is a dual bevel sliding miter saw with a 15-ampere powerful motor delivering 3,800 rpm to a 12-inch blade. The standard blade of this saw is a 60 toothed 12-inch carbide-tipped blade. The 45-degree miter and bevel angles on both sides with 9 positive stops at most common angles allow up to 7-1/2 inch of crown molding and 6-3/4-inch vertical cutting capacity.
The two adjustable table extensions further increase the work cutting capacity up to 38-inches. Buy this creation, if you have a smaller budget and a small workspace, but want a great quality miter saw!
It can also be stopped at any angle in-between these common stops easily using a combination of locks. It can cut boards up to 13-3/8-inch-wide via sliding and 3-1/2 inches’ thickness. It also has the capacity to do 45 degrees’ bevel and miter cuts on boards with up to 9-1/2 inches’ width and 2-1/8 inches’ thickness.
It also features a dual-LED combined with laser light for maximum precision and clarity of cutting area and retractable table extensions for larger, wider boards.
The new dust collection system could be connected with both the collection bag and/or your existing vacuum system.
6. Bosch GCM18V-08N – With Brushless Motor
Bosch is a powerful 18V cordless tool with a pro cutting capacity that delivers 3-5/8-inch nested crown cut and 10-5/8 inches crosscuts against the fence at 47-degrees both left and right. Bosch’s exclusive design has an accurate laser guide that offers a maximum cross-cut capacity at 0-degrees miter and bevel of 2-3/4-inch x 10-5/8-inch board.
This single bevel miter saw is equipped with a brushless megawatt motor combined with the drive-train system that further takes advantage of the added power generated by 8.0 Ah and 12.0 Ah strong CORE 18V batteries create an impeccable experience with huge cutting proficiencies but you’d have to buy the batteries separately.
The specifically designed centered sliding bars on the saw offers a smooth slide-glide function without having to worry about the saw getting stuck. This 31 pounds easy to carry, lightweight saw offers a truly mobile job site experience, and the efficient dust collection mechanism with a dust chute and bag ensures a healthy environment.
Alter the angles to 0 degrees’ miter and 45-degrees left bevel and you’ll get a maximum cross-cut capacity of 1-1/2 x 10-5/8 inches. This cordless 8-1/2-inch tool offers an exceptional cutting range of 2-3/4-inch x 7-1/2 inch at 45° miter and 0° bevel angle, and adjust both angles at 45-degrees and easily cut the lumber board at 1-1/2-inch x 7-1/2 inch.
7. Delta Power S26-263L – Lightweight and Portable
This Shopmaster is a 10-inch sliding compound miter saw which has a great 12-inch cutting capacity, is known for producing reliable, affordable power tools. Delta with its various cutting abilities bevels from 0-45 degrees left and offers a nominal cut on 2×12 board at full bevel.
This power equipment is a 27lbs unit which is lightweight enough to easily move from one job site to another, but don’t get confused with its weight, this tough, sturdy unit doesn’t lack in its cutting capabilities, the 15-ampere power motor allows you to complete a variety of different woodworking projects in a timely fashion.
The extendable table extensions allow cutting longer wood pieces with ease, the safety-oriented spindle locks securely allow the user to replace the blade by firmly holding the spindle while the nut is loosened. The front lock mechanism with 10 positive miter stops offers the top in its class precision.
Equipped with an electric brake and an upgraded built-in laser system with an on/off switch allows defined cuts by accurately aligning the blade with the cut-in line on the workpiece. The package includes a work clamp for securing material and a dust Collection bag for a healthy work environment.
8. Genesis GMS1015LC – Ideal for DIYers
Genesis is a 10-inch affordable compound miter saw with all the innovative features you’d find in pricey versions. The 15-ampere motor with its 10-inch blade has a maximum cutting capacity of 1-3/8-inch height x 3-5/16-inch width at 45 degrees both miter and bevel. The 9-positive stops at the common point lock the angle firmly in place for immaculate cuts.
GMS1015LC has a bevel cut capacity of up to 45 degrees to the left and can smoothly create compound miter cuts to both left and right for picture framing, crown moldings, shadow boxes, and whatnot, this versatile, inexpensive tool can get the job done impeccably, get this saw for neat, pristine cuts.
The electric brake feature makes the blade stop within seconds of pressing the trigger and the laser cutting guide is a right fit for smoother alignments and effortless accuracy, the integrated system would align correctly with the cut-line. They have equipped the saw with the arbor lock for faster and smoother blade changes.
The aluminum cast base with extendable wings provides extra stability during cutting and makes movability from room to room convenient. Comes with a 60-tooth Carbide blade for crisp cuts, you wouldn’t have to spend extra money to get a quality blade and the hold-down Clamp secures the material while cutting and a dust bag prevents dust accumulation in the shop.
9. Einhell – With Power X-Change battery System
Einhell offers a power x change battery mechanism that provides 18-volt power to all garden and Einhell-tools whether it is in your home, garage, or workshop. This single-battery cordless tool is a workhorse, runs at 3000 RPM, the blade offers huge cutting possibilities. This saw is engineered to provide enhanced accuracy with a highly adjustable scale for miter and angular cuts from 0 to 45-degrees.
The precise miter cuts can be achieved by slight tilting of the saw head, and the positive or limit stops locks the angle for repeated accurate cuts. The accuracy is further improved with the cut-line laser and LED system that provides optimal illumination in dim surroundings.
This crosscut and miter saw is light enough to carry it along anywhere you go, the carry handle provides huge transportation comfort. The battery-operated tool saves you from multiple hazardous tripping you’d face with corded tangles.
The advanced chip extraction mechanism along with dust bag prevents dust accumulation keeping the workplace tidy. Equipped with an integrated clamp system and X-Tend support so your workpiece can easily be adjusted without any tools.
10. Metabo HPT C12FDH – Ideal for Crown Molding
Metabo High Power Tools (previously known as Hitachi Power Tools) offer C12FDH; a double bevel compound miter saw equipped with a 12-inch carbide-tipped blade. The 15-ampere powerful motor works at 1,950 W and can through anything from wood, hard boards to even aluminum.
Featuring a miter angle of 52 degrees and double bevel angles of 48 degrees enable cutting and molding of workpieces without flipping over. C12FDH has additional adjustment settings of micro-bevel knob for fine-tuning the cutting angles providing precision and flexibility in your jobs.
The saw furnishes an accurate laser marker system to shine the line of cut under the blade for exact and well-defined cuts. The tall fences and locks securely hold the workpiece into its place during cutting operation facilitating any type of molding and cutting.
The ergonomically designed horizontal handle is elastomer coated for better grip and reduced vibration allowing better and improved portability. This saw is ideal for various types of cutting and molding of wood, hard boards, plywood, decorative panels, and even aluminum.
How Do You Cut a Picture Frame With a Miter Saw?
You cannot make beautiful picture frames without accurate miter joints. Though making it seems like an easy job, cut 4 wood pieces at 45 degrees and assemble them, poof done but no, often when it comes to fastening, one of the corners just wouldn’t line up correctly. Been there, done that. So here we’ll give you a few tips you need to remember before you start the cut:
Set your miter saw scale readings at an exactly 45-degrees angle, ensuring both the opposing rails must be equal in thickness and length, keep the rails still during cutting and always remember to not change the miter angle, refrain from flipping the saw when cutting the opposing miter angle, and never change the already adjusted positive stops. To get the exact 45-degrees angle, without any gaps it is recommended to use carpenter’s square. Lay the square flush against the fence and blade teeth, ensuring there is no gap in between.
Let’s start the cut:
Clamp the 36-inch rails and start the cut on the inside of the rail facing the blade. The miter cut should be made on each end of both rails. Now simply flip the rail end over end and cut the second opposing miter. Repeat the same process on the second rail as well. The next step is to cut the 14-inch rail (inside measurement) to attain the final size. Now mark the 45-degree angle, take the rail to the miter saw, clamp the material to the fence, adjust the cut-lines with the saw blade, set the positive stop, lock it down and do the cut.
Once you set the stop, you’ll be able to repeat the same cut and length as many times as you want. Before cutting the next rail, measure the first rail to ensure that it is the right size, else re-adjust. Once you have 2 identical 14-inch rails, lay them down back-to-back, lining up the edges so they are flush together, if not then alter them again.
Now repeat the same process for identical 12-inch rails, once you got those 2 matching sets, you are ready to do a dry fit to confirm you have the perfect joints. If you want, you can put them together using a band clamp to ensure the right size. The final step involves sanding and assembling (either using glue or screws) and then your frame with perfect fitted miter joints is ready to use!
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide Picture Framing Miter Saw
- Miter and Bevel Cuts
Depending on your needs, you may or may not need the angled cutting options available with certain miter saws. If you are a DIY’er or a professional carpenter, you would need to continuously use the miter or bevel cutting angles with easy to read and adjustable indexes. A tradesman creating picture frames can absolutely do marvels with the adjustable miter and tilt options.
Availability of angled cutting options is therefore a value-added feature for most miter saws. You should carefully think of your usage of the chop saw and only then decide the appropriate saw with the most flexible miter and bevel angle ranges.
- Cordless vs Corded
Both are awesome with their own benefits. You can choose either based on your requirements, we’d give you a quick rundown of both so you can make an informative decision.
Corded miter saws are heavy and you’d always need a power outlet for it to work, but at times when you are working on multiple tools and you don’t have enough charged batteries the corded tool does wonder. Longer pieces require more workspace, you can conveniently cut them outside with a cordless saw, eliminating the need for a power source means you can virtually run it anywhere.
- Portability
In addition to your work requirements, the portability of a chop saw is also dependent on the power of the motor as well as the power source for your chop saw of choice. Additionally, the nature of work and requirements of your workplace are also important factors
- Locks and fences
The wooden workpiece being cut needs to be held down to avoid any accident during cutting. Most saws have a lock system to hold the workpiece down during cutting with quick lock and release mechanisms. Few also feature extendable supports on both sides of the saw to support longer workpieces. Depending upon the requirements of your common workpiece dimensions, you can choose the appropriate model.
- Blade Size and shape
Once you have decided on a miter saw, you are stuck with a fixed blade size and can only play with the shape of the cutting edge of the blade. The saw blades that usually come with miter saws are not of high quality so for clean, crisp edges, it’s better to choose a high-quality blade that is compatible with the saw. There are a variety of blades with different cutting edge shapes and the number of teeth per inch (TPI), it is better to go with an 80 or 90-tooth blade for smooth cuts.
Conclusion
A huge range of options are available in the market meeting different people’s requirements, that’s why after thorough assessment and evaluation we have selected these 10 best saws for picture framing for you to choose from. Pick the best model by taking into consideration the features and specs that miter saw has to offers. Almost every model saw is suitable for creating picture frames, still, go with the one that fulfills all your carpentry needs.
Happy Picture Frame Saw Shopping!