I'm looking for a compact miter saw, specifically a 7-1/4 inch model. I live in a small apartment and have limited space, but I do have access to a balcony where I can work on DIY projects. My use will be pretty occasional, so I don't need anything too heavy-duty. I've noticed some options like Ryobi, Kobalt, and Craftsman. Has anyone had any experience with these brands? I've also come across suggestions about enhancing the blade or adding a laser feature, but that's a consideration for later. Would love to hear your thoughts!
2 Answers
Hey, don’t worry about the size! A 7-1/4" saw is still very capable. I've heard good things about the Dewalt 7-1/4 model, especially for cutting baseboards and crown molding. It's light and gets the job done well. Plus, it seems to be a favorite among people with smaller setups.
If you're only doing occasional projects, you might want to consider a hand saw. They can give you great results and save you money, plus there's no dust mess to deal with! Miter saws can get pretty dusty, even with vacuum assistance, which could annoy your neighbors. But if a compact miter saw is what you really want, just make sure to check you're getting a solid one!

I do have a hand saw already, but I’d really like to try out a compact miter saw for convenience!