Picture framing is a great way to add character and style to any home. But if you’re someone who doesn’t have the patience or time for this project, there are other ways to get your creative juices flowing.
Framing pictures is one of them! This article will cover what kind of miter saws are best for picture framing, how they work, and which features they offer that make them unique from each other.
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Table of Contents
- Top 10 Best Miter Saw For Picture Framing in 2022:
- 1. Dewalt DWS780 Compound Miter Saw:
- 2. Metabo 10 Inch Sliding Miter Saw:
- 3. Genesis GMS1015LC Compound Miter Saw:
- 4. Dewalt Sliding Miter Saw 12 Inch:
- 5. Skil 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw:
- 6. JET 10 Inch Sliding Miter Saw:
- 7. Makita 10 Inch Compound Miter Saw:
- 8. Kobalt Compact Sliding Single Bevel Sliding Laser Compound Miter Saw:
- 9. JCB Sliding 10 Inch Miter Saw:
- 10. Hitachi C12RSH2 Compound Miter Saw:
- How to Choose the Right Miter Saw For Picture Framing (Buying Guide):
- FAQs:
- Conclusion:
Top 10 Best Miter Saw For Picture Framing in 2022:
1. Dewalt DWS780 Compound Miter Saw:
The DEWALT DWS780 12-inch miter saw is perfect for professional framers and carpenters. It has a number of features that make it a great choice, including the integrated cutline blade positioning system, the xps technology with the shadow on the cutline, and the super-efficient dust collection system.
With its tall sliding fences that support crown molding up to 7-1/2-inch nested and base molding up to 6-3/4-inch vertically against the fence, you will have more free working space. It comes with a back fence design that cuts up to 2×14 dimensional lumber at 90 degrees and 2×10 at 45 degrees.
It has a miter 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left, which provides increased capacity.
Pros:
- Very accurate
- The dust collection system is amazing
- The automated blade positioning system is very helpful
- The double miter angles are great for increasing efficiency
- Sliding fences allow you to work more effectively with crown molding and base moldings
- The double miter angles increase productivity
cons:
- The bevel adjustment is a bit difficult to use
2. Metabo 10 Inch Sliding Miter Saw:
This saw is great for bigger projects and tough cuts. Because the motor is so powerful, you don’t have to worry about bogging down as you work.
It also has a fantastic Bevel Angle, allowing the user to slide the saw 45 degrees to either side which comes in handy when cutting angles or working with bevels.
The Compact Slide System is a nice feature as well since it reduces the amount of space you need to store and transport it.
They also included a Laser Marker system which helps to keep your cuts accurate every time so that there’s no hassle or wasted material when it comes time for re-fitting.
Pros:
- Powerful motor for tough cuts
- Bevel angle range to quickly and easily flip the saw blade
- Miter angle range for ultra-flexibility
- Compact slide system for easy transport and storage
- Laser marker system increases cutting accuracy
Cons:
- Noisy motor
3. Genesis GMS1015LC Compound Miter Saw:
Genesis GMS1015LC compound Miter saw is a great choice for woodworkers looking for an inexpensive and versatile saw.
Capable of making bevel cuts up to 45 degrees left and right, as well as compound Miter cuts, this saw can tackle a wide range of projects.
The integrated laser guide helps you achieve accurate cuts by showing exactly where the blade will be cutting.
With an electric brake that stops the blade in seconds, you can avoid accidental damage to your projects due to slow braking speeds. The Genie GMS1015LC easily handles crown molding, woodworking, and much more!
For making quick picture frames and shadow boxes – Great for crown molding, woodworking projects – Laser guide for accurate cuts – Electric brake to avoid damage. Blade changes are a bit cumbersome
Pros:
- Good quality saw at an affordable price
- Wide range of applications
- Laser cutting guide for more precise cuts
Cons:
- Blade changing can be quite awkward and messy
4. Dewalt Sliding Miter Saw 12 Inch:
The Dewalt Sliding Miter Saw is a great choice for a picture framer. It has a stainless steel miter detent plate that comes with 10 positive stops, so you can get precise cuts every time.
The miter saw also has a machined base fence support that ensures accuracy and durability. Plus, the tall sliding fences support a 6-3/4-inch base vertically, so you can easily frame larger pieces of art. Bevels 0 degree – 48degree left and right, so you can cut whatever angle you need.
And the dual horizontal steel rails with an innovative clamping mechanism make it easy to move the saw around and keep it in place while you work. All in all, the Dewalt Sliding Miter Saw is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality picture-framing miter saw.
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Pros
- Stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops for precision cutting
- Machined base fence support for accuracy and durability
- Tall sliding fences support 6-3/4-inch base vertically
- Bevels 0 degree – 48degree left and right
Cons:
- More expensive than most other picture-framing miter saws on the market today.
5. Skil 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw:
The Skil 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw is perfect for picture framing because it has a powerful 15 amp motor that delivers 4,800 rpm. This saw can make quick, detailed cuts with precision and accuracy.
The dual bevel feature allows you to make cuts in four positive stop positions at 48° & 45° left, 0°, and 45° right. The LED shadow line provides high-precision cuts every time. This saw can also crosscut lumber up to 2×12 at 90 degrees, and 2×8 lumber at 45 degrees.
It also has 11 positive stops at the most common angles so you can get the perfect cut every time. For a saw that is perfect for picture framing, the Skil 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw is a great option.
Pros:
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- Dual bevel feature
- LED shadow line
- Cuts at common angles
Cons:
- Does not come with a dust bag
6. JET 10 Inch Sliding Miter Saw:
The Jet 10 Inch Sliding Miter Saw is a great choice for picture framers. This saw has many features that make it a good option, including adjustable left and right fences, and extension tables.
The smooth slide operation and heavy-duty 15-amp motor also make it a powerful tool that can handle even the toughest projects. The quick-change miter angles and ergonomic, D-shaped, ambidextrous, rubber grip handle also add to the convenience and ease of use of this saw.
The dust port with a 2-1/2″ adaptor and collection bag also helps keep your work area clean. All in all, the Jet 10 Inch Sliding Miter Saw is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and convenient saw for picture framing.
Pros:
- Adjustable left and right fences
- Extension tables
- Smooth slide operation
- Heavy-duty 15-amp motor
- Quick-change miter angles
Cons:
- No laser guide
7. Makita 10 Inch Compound Miter Saw:
The Makita 10 Inch Compound Miter Saw is a great tool to have for anyone who does woodworking or carpentry as a profession or hobby. With its 15 amp motor, it can make tough cuts with ease.
The dual post compound pivoting arm gives you plenty of capacity to make large cuts, while the nine positive stops let you cut everything from 15 degrees to 0 degrees.
The bevel cuts up to 45 degrees to the left, letting you work on a wide variety of projects. With all these features, it’s no wonder that this saw is one of the most popular choices for miter saws.
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- Dual post compound pivoting arm
- Nine positive stops
- Bevel cuts up to 45 degrees left
- Large table
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Only cuts to 47 degrees left
8. Kobalt Compact Sliding Single Bevel Sliding Laser Compound Miter Saw:
For those who are looking for something that is lightweight and small, yet powerful enough to make accurate cuts with ease, this Kobalt miter saw is a perfect choice.
Being under 23 pounds means it’s easy to transport from storage or your car to any work location.
You can also easily store it after use! The 9 positive stops make it easy to find the right angle for the type of cut you’re making, while the upfront mounted laser guide system projects an accurate pre-cutting line.
This Kobalt saw is powered by a 10 amp ball bearing motor that delivers up to 5,000 RPMs – more than enough power for any framing project.
If you’re looking for a saw that is both lightweight and powerful, the Kobalt Compact Sliding Single Bevel Sliding Laser Compound Miter Saw is definitely a great option.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and easy to transport
- Has 9 positive stops for finding the perfect angle
- Upfront mounted laser guide system projects accurate pre-cutting line
- Can make miter cuts up to 50 degrees left and right
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Not battery power
9. JCB Sliding 10 Inch Miter Saw:
This compound sliding miter saw is an electric power tool with a bevel and miter angle of 45 degrees, perfect for framing professionals in picture framing. This product requires assembly and can cut through thick wood and plastics with ease.
The blades only require minimal set up before you begin working on your project – no recalibration is required when changing to a different thickness. The saw also offers a spindle lock function that holds the blade in place for blade changes, and a dust management system to keep your work area clean.
With its 2000 watt power, 5000 rpm motor, and 9 pre-set miter stops, this saw is perfect for both professional and novice users. The saw also has an impressive cutting capacity of up to 25 inches. If you’re looking for an accurate saw that doesn’t break the bank, this is the best compound miter saw for you.
Pros:
- Electric power saw
- Advanced compound sliding miter saw
- LED Guide for precision
- Tungsten carbide tipped blade (60T TCT)
- Nine preset miter angles
- Spindle lock function
- Dust management system
Cons:
- Assembly required
10. Hitachi C12RSH2 Compound Miter Saw:
If you’re looking for a quality miter saw that can handle all of your picture framing needs, the Hitachi C12RSH2 Compound Miter Saw is a great option to consider.
This saw is packed with features that make it easy to get precise, accurate cuts, and its 15 Amp motor ensures that it can handle even larger projects with ease.
This lightweight saw is easy to move and store, making it a great option for both pros and DIYers alike. The large sliding fence raises the fence height to 5 1/8 inches, making it easy to cut larger pieces of crown molding.
The saw also has a 0-57 degree miter angle range to the right and left, as well as a 0-45 degree bevel range, so you can easily flip the saw blade and leave the material intact.
It comes with a handy blade wrench that makes changing the saw’s blades fast and easy, so you can spend less time messing around with tools and more time on your work.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Packed with features for accurate cuts
- Comes with a blade wrench
- Large sliding fence for cutting larger pieces of crown molding
Cons:
- No laser guide
How to Choose the Right Miter Saw For Picture Framing (Buying Guide):
To use a miter saw is very easy but buying the right one is sometimes difficult. There are so many options available in the market that it becomes tough to choose which one to buy. This article will help you choose the best possible miter saw for your work.
Miter saws are basically made for cutting wood and some metal. They have a swinging arm with a saw attached to it and they can cut different angles or juts by adjusting the arms in different directions.
When it comes to buying one, here are some important things you should consider:
1. The Size:
This is the first thing you should consider before buying a miter saw for yourself. It all depends upon your work and how much you will be using it. If you buy a very small or large one, it may be inconvenient to use and carry around for smaller jobs, so choose wisely.
2. The Accuracy Of Cuts:
This is very important because different types of miter saws are made for accurate cuts or more loose cuts. You have to choose carefully what kind of accuracy your work needs. For example, if you need a 100% accurate and clean-cut, you should consider buying a miter saw with a sliding miter table.
3. Portability:
For many people, portability is also important as they have to carry it around for their jobs or workplace so you should consider buying a lightweight and easy-to-carry miter saw for yourself. Many new models provide this type of convenience with new features and adjustment settings so you have a lot of options to choose from.
4. The Cutting Capacity:
If you are going to be cutting large chunks of wood frequently, you should consider buying a saw which has a high cutting capacity as it will help save time and energy by making those cuts in just one shot.
These types of miter saws are specially made for heavy-duty applications, so it may be a bit expensive but if you are cutting large chunks of wood frequently then it will definitely be worth your money. Miter saws with large cutting capacity are usually cut up to 10 inches high and 2 feet long, so choose carefully what kind of miter saw you want.
5. The Price:
This is the last thing to look at when buying a miter saw. You should definitely consider your budget when buying one because there are many types, styles, brands, and models available in the market. So try to set your budget according to your needs and choose the best possible miter saw for yourself which falls under that price range.
However, you should not compromise quality over price. If you spend too much on an expensive model, you will be wasting money as cheaper models provide the same amount of quality with cost-efficient properties.
Once you have all these factors considered about different miter saws in mind, you will easily be able to buy the right one for yourself any kind of hassle or confusion.
FAQs:
Q1. How do miter saws work?
A1 When picture frame makers need to cut lumber into different angles, they take advantage of a good old-fashioned miter box. A miter box is simply two right-angle corners that hold boards together while someone makes a cut on them. The process ensures perfect angles every time but requires human assistance which slows production times for larger projects like picture frames.
Consequently, miter saws were invented to improve this process by using a rotating circular blade that cuts through lumber at a speed faster than a man could ever hope to work. This allows production speeds of 30 or more cuts per minute rather than one or two cuts for each piece of lumber manually.
In addition, modern-day miter saws have improved upon the traditional design with features like digital displays and electric motors which provide power and accuracy without the effort exerted from manual saws. Modern miter saw features make it possible for picture frame makers to accurately cut pieces at angles as small as 0 degrees and as large as 50 degrees in either direction off plumb (true vertical).
Q2. How do I know how to use a miter saw?
A2 Miter saws are easy to use, but require very specific instructions before beginning any project. The first step is to adjust the miter saw blade so it’s parallel with the table. Then adjust the blade at least one inch above the workpiece for safety reasons and clamp a stop block along either side of the saw fence in order to set specific angles on your cut.
Clamp one end of a framing square against each stop block with each tip touching its respective side of the miter saw table then tighten both clamps down securely. After that, make sure the parallel guide you made from equal lengths if sturdy plywood is flush with both sides of the miter saw table and then tighten the clamps for that too.
Next, hold your framing square along both sides of your workpiece and lock it into place with the miter saw blade angled at 0 degrees by turning the appropriate knob on top of the miter saw. Afterward, turn on the saw and cut carefully through your workpiece while keeping its flush against both stop blocks to keep everything lined up straight.
Q3. What are some recommended brands of miter saws?
A3 Some popular brands on the market today include Black & Decker, DeWalt, Craftsman, Chicago Electric Power Tools, Hitachi Koki USA Inc., Makita US Inc., Milwaukee Tool Corporation, RYOBI Commercial Products Group/Dremel Brands LLC, Rockwell Tools, and Skil. In addition, there are a variety of lesser-known brands that provide excellent products to consumers as well.
Conclusion:
You may want to consider one of the following products for your picture framing needs. They are all best in class and have been reviewed by experts who know what they’re talking about when it comes to tools like this.
With so many options on the market today, there’s no excuse not to have a good quality tool that will last and give you accurate cuts every time. We hope this list has helped you find what you were looking for!