adminSliding miters saws are must-haves for any workshop. This power tool can make fast, accurate, and smooth crosscuts within seconds. It can also be used to create bevel, miter, and compound cuts. Whether you’re new to woodworking or you’re a professional, finding the perfect sliding compound miter saw can be a challenge. We know that investing in a sliding compound miter saw and not just any but the best one can be quite something. We created a handy guide that will walk you through the features to look out for and also reviewed five of the best sliding compound miter saws you can buy.
The Best Sliding Compound Miter Saws
1. DEWALT DWS780 Sliding Compound Miter Saw - Our
- Integrated CUTLINE Blade Positioning System provides adjustment free cut line indication for better...
- XPS technology uses an LED to project light down either side of the blade, creating a shadow on the...
- Super-efficient dust collection system of DEWALT miter saw captures over 75% of dust generated
- Tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 7-1/2-inch nested and base molding up to 6-3/4-inch...
- Exclusive back fence design cuts up to 2x14 dimensional lumber at 90 degree and 2x10 at 45 degree
The DeWalt DWS780 is our top choice for the best miter saw. It is an excellent choice for both hobbyists and professionals, and anyone looking to purchase their very first miter saw or thinking of upgrading to a sliding compound miter saw.
The DeWalt DWS780 is a dual bevel sliding compound miter saw which means that it tilts in both angle directions, allowing you to make precise bevel cuts without needing you to calibrate anything. The DeWalt is fitted with a powerful 15-amp motor, 3800 rpm, and surprisingly produces a very low vibration compared to most miter saws. In terms of safety, Dewalt comes with a transparent blade guard. The DeWalt sliding miter saw has an exclusive Exclusive back fence design that cuts up to 2X14 dimensional wood at 90-degrees, 2 by 12 at 45 degrees. The miter detent plate is adjustable and made of stainless steel with 10 positive stops aiming to improve productivity and accuracy. The DeWalt comes with a dust collection system that captures at least 75% of the generated dust.
2. Hitachi 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
- Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT. Same great tools, with only a new name.
- Hitachi's Laser Marker System for increased cutting accuracy
- 15 Amp motor, powerful for the toughest cutting jobs
- 0 52 Degree miter angle range, to the right and left for increased flexibility
- 0 45 Degree bevel angle range, to the left with adjustable bevel stops for precision cuts
The Hitachi Miter Saw is a single bevel miter saw that’s ideal for hobbyists. The miter saw is easy to use and makes accurate cuts with little complication.
Hitachi Miter Saw C10FCH2 thumb-actuated positive miter stops allow for simple miter adjustments between zero and 52 degrees. This allows you to easily change the cutting blade's angle for creating miters in crown molding and other trim pieces. The saw blade is 10 ½ inch, and the large extended flip fence raises to four inches to allow for accurate cutting of large workpieces up to 2-5/16 inches high and 5-21/32 inches deep. The Hitachi saw comes equipped with Laser Marker Technology which helps ensure that your cuts are precise.
The sliding miter saw has a weight of 26.5 pounds, making it extremely lightweight. It comes with a comfortable horizontal handle with a vibration-reducing elastomer grip that ensures to keeps you in control at all times, a large table provides a stable guide and sturdy support, and a built-in clamping system holds your workpiece in place. The sliding miter saw also includes a dust collector that helps minimize dust accumulation in your workspace.
3. Bosch 12-inch Axial Glide Miter Saw
- AXIAL GLIDE SYSTEM: patented glide system allows wider cross cuts and better alignment while also...
- CAPACITY: expanded cutting capacity, 14 inch horizontal capacity nominal 6 1/2 inch vertical...
- ADJUSTABLE: provides easy adjustments with a large, easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel...
- PRECISION: square lock quick release fences lock fence 90 degree to the table and requires no...
- EASE OF USE: upfront bevel controls all metal bevel lock lever and range selector located upfront...
The Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD 12 Inch Sliding Glide Miter Saw can be considered a unique product as it’s the only sliding miter saw that’s built with an axial arm instead of rails. Something else that’s great about this sliding miter saw is its space-saving design that’s great for a compact workspace. It also allows you to reach the edge of a wider workpiece easily. The arms back and forth movement is smooth. It is equipped with a 15 amp motor, 3800 RPM.
When it comes to this tool, crosscuts and miter cuts are pretty simple. It has a dual bevel system that lets you tilt the saw left and right to make bevel cuts. This makes it easier as the user doesn’t have to reorient the workpiece to make another cut. The bevel angle range swings up to a maximum of 47° on both sides.
The Bosch miter saw includes a 12-inch carbide-tipped blade and comes with a wrench for easy blade change, a vertical work clamp, a dust bag and a shop vac adapter.
4. Tacklife EMS01A 10-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Whether you want bevel cuts, miter cuts, or simply working on boards, the Tacklife 10 -inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw is the best miter saw for all these. It’s a great saw if you’re cutting wood for crown molding or baseboard or making furniture with beveled or angled trim. It comes with three 10 inch blades - one with 48 teeth for multipurpose use and the other two with 40 teeth for cutting wood and plastic. It comes with a laser guide attached accurately to track real-time position and allows you to perform precise cutting. There is also an extendable table for stability when cutting longer materials, a self-retracting iron saw shield for safety and a chip bag connected directly to the saw that helps connect the dust while you’re working.
The saw is equipped with a 15 amp motor with two speeds: 4,500 rpm for speed and 3,200 rpm for precision. You can adjust the bevel angle from 0 to 45 degrees, and the miter angles range from -45 degrees/ 0 degrees / + 45 degrees
5. Makita Cordless 10" Miter Saw XSL06Z
- Powered by two LXT batteries; x2 LXT technology delivers more power, speed and run time without the...
- Makita built electronically controlled BL motor delivers 4, 400 RPM for faster and smoother cutting.
- The BL Brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL motor to run cooler and more...
- Automatic speed change technology adjusts cutting speed and torque during cut for optimum...
- x2 LXT technology delivers up to 334 cuts per charge in 2x4 spf and up to 192 cuts per charge in...
The Makita Miter Saw is a cordless miter saw that is dual bevel. Two 18V Lithium-Ion batteries power it for 36V power and performance, without leaving the 18V LXT platform. The motor delivers up to 4,400 RPM.
The Makita miter saw has a unique 2-steel rail sliding system design that offers single slide-glide operation. There is also a reduced overall footprint that allows the saw to be positioned flush against a wall. The innovative direct-drive gearbox and guard system are engineered for increased vertical cutting capacity (5-1/4”) and crown molding cutting capacity (6-5/8” nested).
The Makita saw will also crosscut a 4x12 at 90 degrees. The saw miters 0° to 60° left and right. The bevel lock is located in the front of the saw for easy access, and quick adjustments can be made from 0° to 48° (left and right). The Makita saw also includes a high-quality 60T carbide-tipped blade, a built-in laser that indicates the line-of-cut, and a dust bag.
What To Consider When Picking Sliding Compound Miter Saws
a) Motor Power
When it comes to the best miter saws, power is definitely one of the most important features to consider.
Ideally, you want a high-quality motor that will you the kind of power you need to help complete your projects. You want to look for a motor that will give you a minimum of 15 amps with a rotation of at least 3,500 RPM at no-load speed. This is the minimum power you should be looking at if using the saw for professional projects. However, if you are planning on using the sliding miter saw for home projects, you can consider one that doesn’t require too much power.
It’s important to think about which projects you plan to complete and pick a sliding miter saw with the power that matches what you think you will need. For example, if you plan to work mostly on DIY projects, you don’t need to own a saw that has a mighty motor.
b) Blade Size
Blade size is another important factor. The larger the blade, the larger the cuts you will be able to make. Most people tend to use a 10 or 12-inch blade, and it is possible to get smaller blades than these. There are even some blades that are as small as 4 inches.
To determine the blade size you will need, you will have to know the type of project you plan to complete. If you buy a 12 inch saw, you will only be able to use blades that are 12 inches. You will not be able to interchange them; hence if you think you might need something smaller, you might want to consider going for a smaller option.
Blade size isn’t the only thing you consider when it comes to the blade. You also consider the teeth count. Every saw will have its number of teeth. The larger blades tend to have more teeth, while the smaller blades have few teeth.
Generally, as the teeth count increases, so does the smoothness of the finish. For example, a carbide blade delivers a precise cut and has a reduced risk of tear-out because of the blades tooth count. If you plan on cutting through thick material, it is advisable to have a blade that has a lower tooth count.
c) Cutting Ability
When considering a sliding miter saws, cutting ability should be one of your key considerations. Miter saws can cut in a variety of angles:
Positive Stops or Predetermined Positions: These are usually set to the cutting angles that are most common. They allow you to change your cut fast for these specific angles. Some sliding miter saws offer switches that are just one-touch; hence, you can quickly move from one cut to another.
Bevel Angle: The bevel angle is something worth paying attention to. It allows you to let the saw tilt. It also lets the saw rotate the base, and this can change the angle you’ll be sawing. It’s important to examine the bevel beforehand.
When choosing a compound sliding miter saw, cutting capacities should be a major consideration. If you want to make the most out of miter angles to produce quality miter cuts, it’s important to choose a saw that will allow maximum leverage as it will provide the most value.
Almost all sliding miter saws on the market today are dual bevel which means that you’ll be able to bevel both left and right without any issues. This cutting feature tends to be highly underrated as it is very easy to rotate the saws head when making an opposing bevel cut instead of flipping the entire workpiece.
d) Safety Features
Saws can be hazardous power tools. Hence its extremely important to consider the safety features. One of the first features you should think about is the saw guard. It will help prevent you from having any unfortunate accidents.
Another feature to consider is the base you be operating off. Working off a dedicated saw stand helps exhibit better-looking cuts and provides a stable base when cutting. The final safety feature to consider electric brakes. They allow you to halt the blade when you need to. You can stop the blade from spinning with them, and the good thing is that you can actually do this pretty fast. Those saws that come with electric blades usually let you stop the blade from moving in two seconds. This is great especially if you have an accident and need to shut off the saw immediately.
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