How Much is a Craftsman Miter Saw? Your Complete Buying Guide
Are you looking to add a miter saw to your workshop, and the Craftsman brand has caught your eye? It’s a common question for DIYers and seasoned woodworkers alike: “How much does a Craftsman miter saw cost?” It can be a bit confusing with so many options available. You want a reliable tool that fits your budget, but you don’t want to overspend or end up with something that doesn’t quite do the job. We get it! This guide will break down the pricing and help you find the perfect Craftsman miter saw for your projects, big or small. Let’s dive in and make sense of the numbers!
Contents
- 1 Understanding Craftsman Miter Saw Pricing
- 2 Craftsman Miter Saw Price Ranges by Type
- 3 Where to Buy Craftsman Miter Saws and Check Prices
- 4 Popular Craftsman Miter Saw Models and Their Price Points
- 5 Is a Craftsman Miter Saw Worth the Price?
- 6 Tips for Buying Your Craftsman Miter Saw
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Craftsman Miter Saws
- 8 Conclusion
Understanding Craftsman Miter Saw Pricing
Craftsman offers a range of miter saws designed for different user needs and skill levels. This variety is why you’ll see a spread in pricing. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $100 for a basic, entry-level model to upwards of $400 for a high-end, feature-rich saw. Several factors influence these prices, and understanding them will help you make an informed decision.
Key Factors Affecting Craftsman Miter Saw Prices:
- Blade Diameter: The most common sizes are 10-inch and 12-inch. Larger blades often mean a higher price.
- Power (Corded vs. Cordless): Corded saws are typically more affordable than their cordless counterparts, as the battery and charger add to the cost.
- Features: Things like LED cutting guides, laser guides, dust collection systems, extended fences, and advanced bevel/miter adjustments can increase the price.
- Type of Miter Saw:
- Basic Miter Saw: Cuts straight miters and bevels.
- Compound Miter Saw: Can bevel in one direction.
- Sliding Compound Miter Saw: Offers the most versatility, allowing for wider cuts and bevels in both directions. These are usually the most expensive.
- Kit vs. Bare Tool: Buying a saw as part of a kit (with a battery and charger) will cost more than buying the “bare tool” if you already own compatible batteries.
Craftsman Miter Saw Price Ranges by Type
Let’s break down the typical price ranges you’ll find for different types of Craftsman miter saws.
Entry-Level Craftsman Miter Saws (Around $100 – $200)
These are usually 10-inch corded miter saws. They are perfect for beginners or those who only need a saw for occasional, light-duty projects. They offer basic miter and bevel cutting capabilities and are a great starting point for a home workshop.
Features to Expect:
- 10-inch blade
- Corded power
- Basic miter and bevel detents (preset angles)
- Simple dust collection port
- Lighter weight for portability
These saws are excellent for tasks like cutting trim, small shelving projects, and general DIY home repairs. They provide good value for the price and are a solid introduction to using a miter saw.
Mid-Range Craftsman Miter Saws (Around $200 – $300)
In this price range, you’ll start seeing 10-inch or 12-inch compound miter saws, often with improved features. These might include more precise angle adjustments, better dust collection, and sometimes a basic LED or laser guide. Cordless options might also start appearing in this bracket, though they may be part of a starter kit.
Features to Expect:
- 10-inch or 12-inch blade
- Corded or cordless (often as a kit)
- Improved bevel and miter adjustments (e.g., positive stops at common angles)
- Enhanced dust collection
- LED or laser cutting guide for accuracy
- More robust construction
These saws are suitable for more frequent use and slightly more demanding projects, such as building decks, larger furniture pieces, or more intricate trim work. The added features contribute significantly to efficiency and accuracy.
High-End Craftsman Miter Saws (Around $300 – $400+)
This category typically includes 12-inch sliding compound miter saws. These are the workhorses of the miter saw world, offering the greatest capacity and versatility. They are built for power, precision, and handling larger materials.
Features to Expect:
- 12-inch blade
- Sliding capability for wider cuts (e.g., cutting 2×12 lumber)
- Powerful motors
- Highly accurate bevel and miter adjustments, often with digital readouts
- Advanced LED or laser guides
- Superior dust collection systems
- More durable build quality for heavy-duty use
- Often available as bare tools or in comprehensive kits
If you’re a serious woodworker, a contractor, or someone who tackles large-scale projects regularly, a sliding compound miter saw is an excellent investment. They handle a wide range of materials and cut sizes with exceptional precision.
Where to Buy Craftsman Miter Saws and Check Prices
Finding the best price for a Craftsman miter saw involves checking a few different retailers. Prices can fluctuate based on sales, promotions, and retailer markups.
Popular Retailers:
- Lowe’s: Craftsman tools are primarily sold through Lowe’s, making it a primary source for their miter saws.
- Ace Hardware: Another authorized retailer that often carries a good selection of Craftsman power tools.
- Amazon: You can find a variety of Craftsman miter saws on Amazon, often with competitive pricing and customer reviews.
- Craftsman.com: The official Craftsman website is a direct source for their products and often features exclusive deals.
Pro Tip: Always compare prices across these retailers before making a purchase. Signing up for email newsletters from these stores can also alert you to upcoming sales and discounts.
Popular Craftsman Miter Saw Models and Their Price Points
To give you a more concrete idea, let’s look at a couple of popular Craftsman miter saw models and their general price ranges. Keep in mind these are approximate and can change.
Craftsman CMCS714 (10-inch Cordless Miter Saw)
This is a popular cordless option for those already invested in the Craftsman V20 battery system. It offers good portability and convenience.
- Typical Price Range: $200 – $300 (as a kit with battery and charger)
- Best For: DIYers and homeowners needing a reliable cordless saw for moderate projects.
Craftsman CMCS715 (12-inch Cordless Sliding Miter Saw)
For more power and capacity, the 12-inch sliding model is a step up. It provides the ability to make wider crosscuts.
- Typical Price Range: $350 – $450 (as a kit with battery and charger)
- Best For: Serious DIYers, woodworkers, and those tackling larger projects requiring wider cuts.
Craftsman 21231 (10-inch Corded Miter Saw)
A solid, budget-friendly corded option for those who don’t need cordless mobility.
- Typical Price Range: $100 – $150
- Best For: Beginners and DIYers on a tight budget for occasional use.
These are just examples, and Craftsman frequently updates its product lines. Always check the latest specifications and pricing from retailers.
Is a Craftsman Miter Saw Worth the Price?
The value proposition of a Craftsman miter saw is generally quite good, especially for the DIY market. They strike a balance between affordability and performance.
Pros of Craftsman Miter Saws:
- Affordability: Compared to some premium brands, Craftsman offers a more accessible price point.
- Accessibility: Widely available at major home improvement stores.
- User-Friendly: Designed with the DIYer in mind, often featuring intuitive controls.
- Battery System (V20): If you own other Craftsman V20 tools, the cordless miter saws integrate seamlessly.
- Good for DIY: Sufficient for most home improvement projects, trim work, and basic woodworking.
Cons to Consider:
- Durability for Heavy Use: While good for DIY, they might not hold up as well as professional-grade saws under constant, heavy-duty job site conditions.
- Precision on High-End Cuts: The most basic models might require more frequent calibration for absolute precision on very demanding cuts compared to higher-end brands.
- Dust Collection: While improved on newer models, dust collection can still be a challenge on any miter saw, and Craftsman’s might be less efficient than some competitors.
Ultimately, whether a Craftsman miter saw is “worth it” depends on your specific needs and budget. For the average homeowner or DIY enthusiast, they offer excellent value and capability.
Tips for Buying Your Craftsman Miter Saw
Ready to make a purchase? Here are some final tips to ensure you get the best deal and the right saw for your needs.
Buying Checklist:
- Assess Your Needs: What kind of projects will you be doing? Do you need to cut wide boards (sliding saw)? Do you need cordless convenience?
- Check Your Existing Tools: If you have Craftsman V20 batteries, a cordless saw might be more economical as a bare tool.
- Read Reviews: Look for reviews from other users who have similar projects to yours.
- Compare Prices: As mentioned, check Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Amazon, and Craftsman.com.
- Look for Sales: Holidays and seasonal sales can offer significant discounts.
- Consider the Warranty: Craftsman typically offers a warranty, which is good to know.
- Inspect the Saw: If buying in-store, check for any visible damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Craftsman Miter Saws
Q1: What is the cheapest Craftsman miter saw?
The cheapest Craftsman miter saws are typically their 10-inch corded models, often priced around $100 to $150. These are great for beginners and light-duty tasks.
Q2: Are Craftsman miter saws good for beginners?
Yes, Craftsman miter saws are generally considered good for beginners. They are user-friendly, readily available, and offer a good balance of features and price, making them accessible for those new to woodworking.
Q3: Do I need a sliding miter saw?
You need a sliding miter saw if you plan to cut wider boards (typically anything over 4-5 inches wide) at a 90-degree angle. For cutting trim, baseboards, and smaller dimensional lumber, a non-sliding saw is usually sufficient.
Q4: What’s the difference between a compound and a sliding compound miter saw?
A compound miter saw can tilt its blade on one axis (bevel cut). A sliding compound miter saw can do the same but also has rails that allow the motor head to slide forward and backward, significantly increasing the width of material it can cut at a 90-degree angle.
Q5: How much does a Craftsman V20 cordless miter saw cost?
A Craftsman V20 cordless miter saw (like the 10-inch CMCS714) typically costs between $200 and $300 when purchased as a kit with a battery and charger. The price can be lower if you buy the bare tool and already have compatible batteries.
Q6: Where can I find deals on Craftsman miter saws?
You can find deals on Craftsman miter saws at major retailers like Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and Amazon. Keep an eye out during holiday sales events and check the official Craftsman website for promotions.
Q7: What blade size is most common for Craftsman miter saws?
The most common blade sizes for Craftsman miter saws are 10-inch and 12-inch. 10-inch saws are more common in entry-level and mid-range models, while 12-inch saws, especially sliding ones, are found in their higher-end offerings.
Conclusion
When asking “how much is a Craftsman miter saw,” the answer is a flexible range from about $100 to over $400. By understanding the factors that influence the price – blade size, power source, and features like sliding capabilities – you can confidently choose a Craftsman miter saw that fits your budget and your woodworking ambitions. Whether you’re a beginner tackling your first home project or a more experienced DIYer looking for reliable performance, Craftsman offers a miter saw solution. Happy cutting!