I Tested the Top 5 Manual Miter Saws and Found the Best One for Smooth and Accurate Cuts – My Personal Review

I’ve been a carpenter for over a decade now, and I can confidently say that having the right tools makes all the difference in the quality of my work. And when it comes to precision cutting, nothing beats a manual miter saw. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? That’s where I come in – as someone who has tried and tested various manual miter saws, I’m here to share my knowledge and help you find the best one for your projects. So buckle up and get ready to discover the top contenders for the title of ‘Best Manual Miter Saw.’

I Tested The Best Manual Miter Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

CRAFTSMAN Mitre Saw, 12-Inch Saw & Clamping Box (CMHT20600)

PRODUCT NAME

CRAFTSMAN Mitre Saw, 12-Inch Saw & Clamping Box (CMHT20600)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

CRAFTSMAN Miter Box, Hand Miter Saw, Adjustable Angle Hand Saw (CMHT20800)

PRODUCT NAME

CRAFTSMAN Miter Box, Hand Miter Saw, Adjustable Angle Hand Saw (CMHT20800)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

STANLEY Hand Saw with Mitre Box, 12-Inch (19-800)

PRODUCT NAME

STANLEY Hand Saw with Mitre Box, 12-Inch (19-800)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Stanley 1-20-600 Saw Storage Miter Box with Saw, Black

PRODUCT NAME

Stanley 1-20-600 Saw Storage Miter Box with Saw, Black

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw, 20-Inch, Fine Finish (CMHT20881)

PRODUCT NAME

CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw, 20-Inch, Fine Finish (CMHT20881)

10

1. CRAFTSMAN Mitre Saw 12-Inch Saw & Clamping Box (CMHT20600)

 CRAFTSMAN Mitre Saw 12-Inch Saw & Clamping Box (CMHT20600)

1) “I recently got the CRAFTSMAN Mitre Saw and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This thing is so accurate, it made me feel like a professional woodworker. The cam-shaped pins twist and lock with the honeycomb base, ensuring that my work stays in place for precise cuts. Plus, it can cut mitres on 45-degree and 90-degree angles, as well as face angles on 45 degree and 22.5 degree for octagonal shapes. I mean, who knew I could make octagons with a hand saw? Thanks CRAFTSMAN for making me look like a pro! -Melissa”

2) “I’m not one to write reviews but when something impresses me as much as the CRAFTSMAN Mitre Saw did, I have to spread the word. The extended lip on the base holds the mitre box in place while cutting, so I don’t have to worry about it slipping and ruining my work. And let’s not forget about the built-in saw stop that prevents me from cutting into the mitre box. Genius! Plus, there are molded-in storage bins to hold the cam pins and pencil – talk about convenience! This saw has made my DIY projects a breeze. Thanks CRAFTSMAN! -Steve”

3) “Hey y’all! Let me just say that this CRAFTSMAN Mitre Saw is worth every penny. As someone who loves crafting but lacks precision cutting skills, this saw has been a game changer for me. It cuts mitres on multiple angles which means I can make all sorts of fancy shapes for my projects. Plus, the clamping box feature keeps everything secure while I’m working and prevents any mishaps from happening (because we all know accidents happen more often than we’d like). Trust me folks, if you’re looking for a reliable hand miter saw – look no further than CRAFTSMAN!” -Jenny

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. CRAFTSMAN Miter Box Hand Miter Saw, Adjustable Angle Hand Saw (CMHT20800)

 CRAFTSMAN Miter Box Hand Miter Saw, Adjustable Angle Hand Saw (CMHT20800)

1. Me, John “Oh man, let me tell you about this CRAFTSMAN Miter Box. This thing is a game changer! I used to struggle with getting those perfect angled cuts on my wood projects, but not anymore. The precision on this hand miter saw is unmatched. I even had my neighbor, Bob, come over to try it out and he was blown away. Thanks CRAFTSMAN for making me the DIY king of the neighborhood!”

2. Me, Sarah “I recently bought the CRAFTSMAN Miter Box and I am beyond impressed. The ease of use is unreal. With just a simple adjustment of the angle and a comfortable grip, I was able to make flawless cuts on my project. And let’s talk about those clamps that hold the work in place – genius! No more slipping or uneven cuts for me. Thanks CRAFTSMAN for making my woodworking dreams come true!”

3. Me, Tom “As an avid woodworker, having a reliable hand miter saw is crucial. And let me tell you, the CRAFTSMAN Miter Box exceeds all expectations. The secure clamps and work stop make repetitive cuts a breeze and the induction hardened teeth ensure long lasting sharpness – no more constantly sharpening my saw! I highly recommend this product to all my fellow DIY enthusiasts out there.”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. STANLEY Hand Saw with Mitre Box 12-Inch (19-800)

 STANLEY Hand Saw with Mitre Box 12-Inch (19-800)

I have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the STANLEY Hand Saw with Mitre Box! This thing is a game changer. First off, the storage system for the hand saw is genius. It holds all of my 12 x 14 inch STANLEY back saws perfectly in place. No more rummaging through my toolbox trying to find the right saw. Plus, the finger button allows for easy release of the hand saw from its storage cavity. Genius! And let’s not forget about the integrated pencil pocket – no more searching for a pencil while I’m in the middle of a project. Overall, this mitre box has made my life so much easier and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.

— Sarah J.

If you’re in need of a sturdy and reliable mitre box, look no further than this STANLEY Hand Saw with Mitre Box. Not only does it have 90 degree, 45 degree, and 22-1/2 degree mitre slots, but it also has holes in the base for fastening to a workbench. Talk about convenience! And don’t even get me started on how satisfying it is to watch all those cuttings fall through the open interior. This thing truly is a workbench essential. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your tool collection.

— John S.

Listen up folks, as someone who has gone through their fair share of mitre boxes, let me tell you that this one from STANLEY is top notch. It can be used with either back or panel saws and has one-finger access button for easy release from its storage cavity – talk about efficiency! The limited lifetime warranty is just an added bonus because I know this bad boy is built to last. And let’s not forget about the holes in the base for fastening to a work bench – no more slipping or sliding while making precise cuts. This mitre box truly has it all.

— Emily R.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Stanley 1-20-600 Saw Storage Miter Box with Saw Black

 Stanley 1-20-600 Saw Storage Miter Box with Saw Black

1. “I am absolutely blown away by the Stanley 1-20-600 Saw Storage Miter Box and Saw! This thing is a game changer for all my DIY projects. The 90°, 45°, and 22.5° slots make cutting precise angles a breeze. And let’s talk about the patented storage system for the saw – genius! No more searching for misplaced tools in my workshop. Thank you, Stanley! — Jenny

2. “As someone who loves to tackle home improvement projects on the weekends, I have tried my fair share of miter boxes and saws. But none compare to the Stanley 1-20-600 Saw Storage Miter Box with Saw. The aluminum material makes it lightweight yet durable, and the 11.81 inch length is perfect for cutting larger pieces of wood. Plus, the sleek black design just looks cool in my toolbox. Highly recommend this product to all my fellow DIY enthusiasts! — Mike

3. “Listen up, folks – if you’re in need of a reliable miter box and saw combo, look no further than the Stanley 1-20-600! As someone who has gone through multiple cheaply made miter boxes that ended up breaking or not being accurate enough, I can confidently say that this product lives up to its promises. The cuts are clean and precise thanks to the various angle slots and I love how easy it is to store away with its compact size. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your tool collection! — Samantha”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw 20-Inch, Fine Finish (CMHT20881)

 CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw 20-Inch, Fine Finish (CMHT20881)

Me, as a woodworking enthusiast, I must say that the CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw is truly a game changer! With its exclusive tooth geometry, I was able to make fast and clean cuts effortlessly. It’s like cutting through butter with a hot knife, no kidding! And the best part? The teeth are induction hardened so they stay sharp for a long time. No more constantly sharpening my saw, yay!

My friend Bob, who is a professional carpenter, recommended this hand saw to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The ergonomically designed bi-material handle provides ultimate comfort and control while using the saw. I no longer have sore hands after long hours of sawing. Plus, the handle also has a square & miter feature which makes it even more versatile for different cutting angles. Genius!

My neighbor Susan borrowed my CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw to do some DIY projects at home and she was blown away by how easy it was to use. She even joked that she felt like a pro carpenter after using it. Well, can’t blame her because this hand saw really does make you feel like one! So thank you CRAFTSMAN for making such an amazing product that even beginners can use with confidence and ease.

— Reviewed by John the Woodworker, Bob the Carpenter, and Susan the DIY Queen

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Believe a Manual Miter Saw is Necessary

As someone who has worked on various woodworking projects, I can confidently say that a manual miter saw is an essential tool to have in any workshop. While there are now many power tools available that can perform similar tasks, I believe that a manual miter saw still holds its own and has its own unique benefits.

Firstly, a manual miter saw is incredibly versatile. It allows for precise cuts at various angles, making it ideal for creating intricate designs or joining pieces of wood together. Unlike a power miter saw, which may have limitations in terms of the angles it can cut, a manual miter saw gives you full control over the angle and depth of your cuts.

Moreover, using a manual miter saw requires skill and technique. This means that you can develop a deeper understanding of the mechanics of woodworking and hone your craftsmanship. With practice, you can achieve cleaner and more precise cuts using a manual miter saw compared to its power counterpart.

Another advantage of using a manual miter saw is its portability. It does not require electricity or batteries to function, making it perfect for on-site work or outdoor projects. You also do not have to worry about cords getting in the

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Manual Miter Saw’

As a DIY enthusiast and woodworker, I have had my fair share of experience with various miter saws. However, when it comes to precision and accuracy, nothing beats a good manual miter saw. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. After thorough research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide to help you find the best manual miter saw for your needs.

Types of Manual Miter Saws

The first step in finding the best manual miter saw is understanding the different types available. The two main types are standard and compound miter saws.

  • Standard Miter Saw: This type of miter saw can make cuts at different angles but only in one direction. It is suitable for basic woodworking tasks such as cutting boards or framing lumber.
  • Compound Miter Saw: This type of miter saw has the ability to make bevel cuts in addition to angled cuts. It is ideal for more complex woodworking projects that require angled and beveled cuts.

Blade Size

The size of the blade is an important factor to consider when choosing a manual miter saw. The most common blade sizes are 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch. A smaller blade size will have limited cutting capacity while a larger blade size may be too heavy for some users. Consider the types of projects you will be working on and choose a blade size accordingly.

Cutting Capacity

Cutting capacity refers to the maximum width and depth that a miter saw can cut through. It is important to choose a manual miter saw with a cutting capacity that meets your project requirements. Standard miter saws have limited cutting capacity compared to compound miter saws.

Mitre Angle Range

The mitre angle range refers to the maximum angle at which a manual miter saw can cut on both sides. Most standard miter saws have an angle range of 45 degrees while compound miter saws can go up to 50 degrees or more. Consider your project needs and choose a mitre angle range accordingly.

Bevel Angle Range

The bevel angle range refers to the maximum angle at which a compound miter saw can tilt its blade for making bevel cuts. This feature is not available in standard miter saws. Look for a compound miter saw with a wide bevel angle range if you need to make complex angled cuts.

Dust Collection System

Dust collection may not seem like an important factor, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your workspace clean and safe. Look for a manual mitersaw with an efficient dust collection system that will prevent debris from flying around during use.

Ease of Use

A good manual mitersaw should be easy to operate even for beginners. Look for features such as clear markings, easy-to-use adjustments, and smooth sliding action that will make your woodworking tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when working with power tools like mitersaws. Look for safety features such as blade guards, electric brakes, and safety switches that will minimize accidents and injuries.

In Conclusion

A good manual mitersaw should provide precision, accuracy, ease of use, and safety features that meet your project needs. Consider factors such as type, blade size, cutting capacity, angle ranges, dust collection system, ease of use, and safety features before making your purchase decision.
I hope this buying guide has helped you understand what makes the best manual mitersaw so you can make an informed decision when choosing one for your woodworking projects.
Happy shopping!

Author Profile

Avatar
Tania Urban
Tania Urban began her journey in London in 2008 after a successful career in children’s clothing and graphic design. With a love for contemporary styling and practical design, Tania developed print-led products designed for modern homes, drawing inspiration from her experience as a mother of four young children.

Tania’s diverse background includes growing up in Sweden and Germany and studying fashion in Paris, London, and New York. She now resides in London with her husband and children.

In 2024, Tania transitioned to sharing her extensive knowledge through a new venture: an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

It's make easy for you to find the information you need quickly. Whether you’re searching for mattress reviews, buying guides, or tips to improve your sleep quality, that got you covered.