Sara Bentley
If you are a craftsman or a hobbyist and still performing your miter edge cutting wood works with a miter box and a handheld saw you are definitely saving some bucks but at the cost of your time, effort and quality and what to talk of the frustration you end up with. So it is really the time to give it a thought and go smarter with a compound sliding miter saw which will not only save your time and effort but will bring you precision and quality. Miter saws are available both in static and sliding variants. A sliding miter saw with compound features of cutting straight, miter and bevel should be your ultimate choice as it offers an all in one solution and serves you for a lifetime.
As compared to a fixed or standard compound miter saw a sliding compound miter saw offers a great deal of additional features. The sliding feature handles thick work pieces like lumbers and logs of upto 16 inches width more efficiently and provides a larger cutting capacity which undoubtedly makes it a better choice.
Features to Consider before Buying a Compound Sliding Miter Saw
There is a vast variety of compound sliding miter saws and you must pick the best after considering the following features to find the most suitable brand and model:
Power:
Greater the power of a miter saw earlier will you finish your job and that too with minimum effort. A powerful motor brings you convenience of cutting thick loads with perfection. So this is must to be considered feature while making a decision.
Single or Dual Bevel:
See if your nature of work demands for a dual bevel miter saw or single sided will serve you. A single bevel saw can tilt on one of the sides but a dual bevel can twist on both sides. A single sided miter might work well for hobbyists working on minor work pieces which can be inverted and placed back for another bevel; but for professionals a dual bevel level compound miter saw is a must especially with thicker loads.
Weight:
Is it too heavy to pick? Miter saws weigh between 20 to 60 pounds normally. You often will have to move the saw from onsite to offsite. So mobility and hence the weight of the machine must be pre checked before giving a final call. The bigger machine might offer a quicker end product but at the cost of mobility.
Blade Size:
The thickness of the work piece you can cut with the miter saw depends on the blade size. Miter saw blades vary between 7.25 to 12 inches diameter and amongst all 12 inch blade is most commonly used as it is effective in handling wooden logs, poles and pipes. So choose the miter saw of appropriate blade size.
Precision:
If you got the precision you got the value for your bucks. So this is one of the most important features to be considered. Try to pick a miter saw which claims maximum precision and minimum blade wobbling so that you might not have to bear overhead cost of in accurate miter cuttings.
User friendliness:
The compound sliding miter saw is intended to make your life easy and not to put you in hassle. So pick the most user friendly machine which needs minimum time and effort in maintenance and calibration
Price:
Who would not try to buy the top of the line miter saw but your budget drives your decisions very often. So be wise in picking the most suitable miter saw which meets your needs efficiently and is not too much heavy as well. Remember most expensive does not always mean perfect. Look if you really want to have a miter with bigger blade and dual bevels, if not you must go for simpler variants.Craftsman 12 inch sliding compound miter saw with laser trac will be slightly expensive but worth your hard earn money.
Buying Tips:
- Look for a saw with a laser guide or LED light to help you make precise cuts.
- Check the size of the saw’s cutting capacity to ensure it can handle the materials you plan to use.
- Make sure the saw has a dust collection system to keep your work area clean.
- Consider the weight and portability of the saw if you plan to use it on different job sites.
- Look for a saw with an adjustable bevel angle feature for more versatility in your cuts.
- Consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer and read reviews from other customers to ensure reliability and longevity of the saw.
- Look for a saw with a high RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) to make faster and smoother cuts.
- Look for a saw with a digital display to help you make more accurate cuts.
- Look for a saw that has a good grip and is easy to handle.
- Check the power supply compatibility of the saw with your existing power supply or look for a saw with a built-in power supply.
Which Compound Sliding Miter Saw I should Buy?
Let me now list down the finest of all compound sliding miter saws purely based on research and experience of our wood woks experts. Read on!
Best 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Reddit Recommended Sliding Compound Miter Saws with 12 inch Blade:
These are Best 12 inch sliding compound miter saw with laser guide light to buy in 2023.
- DEWALT – DWS779-Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Metabo HPT – C12RSH2S- Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- DEWALT – DWS716XPS-Compound Miter Saw
- Bosch Power Tools – GCM12SD -Sliding Compound Miter saw
- DEWALT – DWS780-Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- TACKLIFE – PMS03A-Sliding Compound Miter Saw
1)- DEWALT-DWS779-Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch
Pros:
- Very powerful and durable motor; 15 A and 800 RPM
- Dual bevel miter saw
- 3 years’ warranty
- Clamps to ensure stability
- In package dust collection bag
Cons:
- No laser light to highlight the area to cut
- No Depth stop attached
- Heavy machine
Buyer’s Feedback:
Users say they found as good as advertised. Any type of miter cutting jobs can easily be carried out even on the hardest wood as it has a very powerful motor and 12 inch blade. If laser light does not bother you go for it and save your extra bucks to buy other accessories. It is quiet and super smooth. Sawdust catching feature is really impressive. Its dual bevel adjustability and ease of calibration is really commendable. It is simply a great product in this price. Users say that it cuts through the hardest woods like a knife cutting through piece of butter. The only problem faced by a few is that it is heavy to carry.
Product Description:
This compound sliding miter saw has a very powerful 15 amperes motor with 800 RPMs to promise you quality and durability simultaneously. It is double bevel miter saw having a 12 inch blade which can easily cut thick and strapping woods. The miter saw has a strong steel detent plate and locks to provide stability while cutting job is on. It is equipped with an excellent dust collection bag which can carry 75 percent of the dust hence avoiding its access into machine’s narrow joints and also keeping the working environment more welcoming. The design of back fence can cut 2 x 16 sized lumber at an angle of 90 degrees and 2 x 12 sized lumber at 45 degrees. In simple this robust machine can help you in all types of miter cutting jobs.
Specifications:
Brand – Dewalt
Model – DWS779
Color – Yellow/ Silver Miter Saw
Speed – 3800 RPM
Weight – 56 lbs
Overall Dimensions – 2x23x18.5 inches
Power Source – AC/ DC
Warranty – 3 Years
Package Includes – 1 miter saw, 1 blade wrench, 1 carbide blade, 1 bag
2)- Metabo HPT- C12RSH2S- Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12 Inch
Pros:
- Powerful motor 15 A
- Double Bevel
- Laser Marker
- Large Sliding Fences
- 5 years’ Warranty
Cons:
- No hooks for crown holding
- Does not work on DC power
Buyer’s Feedback:
Buyers found as good as advertised. They did not find any play in any sawing direction. It offers great value to money. It cuts woods like it is cutting tomatoes. It surpasses many of the well known competitors in accuracy. A few users found it heavy to be carried. It has flexible angles ranges for miters and bevels which allows you to carry out all of your wood works. Every buyer is extremely happy and strongly recommends others to go for it.
Product Description:
This sliding compound miter saw has a powerful motor of 15 amps and a blade of 12 inches which makes it equally good for all types of tough jobs. A double bevel feature surely adds value to your money. It has compact sliding rails due to which it does not require any rear clearances. A sawdust bag is provided by the manufacturer to avoid mess around. A 17 inch wrench is also included in the package. Having a good fence height of 5-1/8 inches it can easily cut crown moldings of 7-1/2 inches vertically. It is a great product for carpenters who want precision and accuracy along with reliability. Laser light gives a confidence to be cutting the actually desired area. It offers a miter angle of upto 57 degrees to right and 45 degrees to left and a bevel angle of 45 degrees to left and right.
Specifications:
Brand – Hitachi(Metabo HPT : New Name)
Model – C12RSH2S
Color – Silver Miter Saw
Weight – 78 lbs
Overall Dimensions – 36.6 x 24 x 23.4 inches
Power Source – AC
Warranty – 5 Years
Package Includes – 1 miter saw, 1 blade wrench, 1 Dust bag, 1 user manual
3)- DEWALT-DWS716XPS-Compound Miter Saw, 12 inch
Pros:
- Very robust and powerful motor; 15 A, 3800 RPM
- Double Bevel
- XPS LED Cutline for better precision
- 14 Stop points Miter Detent plate
- Tall fences for crown cutting
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Only work on AC power
- Table clamps not included
Buyer’s Feedback:
Users say they achieved precise, tight and accurate miters. It is a very attractive and efficient machine. It has a comparatively larger saw storage bag. It is not only good in performance but also easy to move. The shadow casting LED light adds to your confidence and lets you achieve the desired results. It is a good flexible range of miter and bevel angles and tall fences. It is simply a game changer for carpenters and hobbyists.
Product Description:
A powerful, robust and highly reliable motor of 15 amps and 3800 RPM and a 12 inch blade provides you an all in one solution with which you can cut the hardest woods with minimal effort. XPS cut line position indication having an LED guides you to achieve the desired precision. The detent plate is made from stainless steel and it has 14 stop points. It has an additional feature of miter stops override calibration to desired settings and that too with no saw slipping issue. A double bevel offers you great degree of ease to create any type of master piece. Its tall sliding fences can easily create vertical crown molding of upto 6-5/8 inches and base molding of upto 6-1/2 inches. It can do you a cross cut of 2”x8” lumber at an angle of 90 degrees and 2”x6” lumber at an angle of 45 degrees. Double bevel features offers you a freedom to flip the saw and not the load underneath with both left and right ways tilting of upto 45 degrees. It comes with a saw dust bag to facilitate you keep your work place clean.
Specifications:
Brand – Dewalt
Model – DWS716XPS
Color – Silver Miter Saw
Weight – 49 lbs
Speed – 3800 RPM
Overall Dimensions – 26.5 x 22.5 x 19.5 inches
Power Source – AC
Package Includes – 1 miter saw, 1 blade wrench, 1 Dust bag, 1 vertical clamp
4)- Bosch Power Tools-GCM12SD -Sliding Compound Miter saw, 12 inch
Pros:
- Axial Gliding system
- Enhanced cutting capacity
- Very user friendly
- Unmatched precision
- Takes less work space
- Double bevel
- Tall fences with locks
Cons:
- High price
- No laser light
Buyer’s Feedback:
Buyers say that it is simply a beast for the experts. Any type of miter job on any type of material is easily carried out by this saw. It cuts the work piece like butter. Its axial glide system makes it dust free and comfortable for the carpenters, so no more finger cuttings with stuck sliding parts due to dust. It is simply the perfect thing to cut squares. It offers you zero clearance in small spaces. This saw is simply flawless any one not giving 5 stars would be dodging himself. It is very much user friendly as it takes minimum calibration and adjustment time. It is simply a mind blowing product by Bosch.
Product Description:
It is a robust, heavy duty and all rounder compound sliding miter saw which is not only beast in performance but also very user friendly as it takes minimum calibration and adjustment efforts. It is equipped with an axial gliding assembly which not only gives good alignment but also saves 12 inches of precious work space which can be utilized to keep other bench tools. The saw with its 60 tooth blade has an extended cutting capacity that is 14 inches horizontally, 6.5 inches vertically and 6.5 crown cutting against the fence. No rear clearance is required as there is no rail sticking at the back. There is no need to reach behind the saw for any calibration as it is very easy and user friendly having upfront bevel settings.
Specifications:
Brand – Bosch Power Tools
Model – GCM12SD
Color – Blue
Weight – 65 lbs
Speed – 3800 RPM
Overall Dimensions – 33.2 x 26.5 x 22.8 inches
Power Source – AC
Warranty – 30 Days money warranty, 1 year warranty
5)- DEWALT-DWS780-Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch
Pros:
- Enhanced vertical cutting capacity
- XPS cut positioning system
- Double bevel
- Powerful motor; 15 amps and 3800 RPM
- Excellent dust collection system
Cons:
- Only works on AC power
Buyer’s Feedback:
Buyers were quite happy to experience this robust and efficient saw. Its ability to cut a depth of 16 inches really makes it effective on a large range of wider boards. It works very quietly and smoothly in an area of 1/64” under the XPS indication light. The dust collection system is simply awesome. Although it is heavy but being a beast it kills anything coming under it and that too with precision and accuracy. It is simply a great investment.Pick this one of the best rated 12 inch compound sliding miter saws.
Product Description:
This sliding compound miter saw is equipped with a super powerful motor and 12 inch balde. Due to its innovative belt and gearbox design it promises you increased vertical cutting capacity. XPS cut indication is really a value for your money and ensures desired and accurate results. Back fence can cut 2”x16” lumber at an angle of 90 degrees and 2”x12” lumber at an angle of 45 degrees. A quality saw dust collection system can easily collect 3/4th of the total dust thereby maintaining a clean and conducive environment. It has a cross cut capacity of 16 inches width and miter cut capacity of 4”x8” at an angle of 45 degrees.
Specifications:
Brand – Dewalt
Model – DWS780
Color – Yellow
Weight – 56 lbs
Speed – 3800 RPM
Overall Dimensions – 21.5 x 17.7 x 17.1 inches
Power Source – AC
Warranty – 3 years
6)- TACKLIFE-PMS03A- Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch
Pros:
- Laser guided cutting line
- Double bevel
- Efficient dust collection system
- Powerful motor 15 Amps and high RPM 3800
- Extensible support table
Cons:
- Dust bag is tricky to handle
- Works on AC only
Buyer’s Feedback:
Buyers were quite happy to have extensions on each side due which the saw can easy lodge a wider and larger board to be cut. The laser guided cutting line feature is commendable. Clamps down arms make this machine special amongst the competitors. One cannot get a better option in this price. This saw is terrible on all sturdy woods and is a great value for money. The cutting is very smooth and quiet and machine needs minimum calibration efforts.
Product Description:
It is a fairly priced and powerful miter saw having 15 amperes and 3800 RPM motor and a 12 inch blade. Electrically powered laser light assists you in cutting at the desired line and without any errors. Its double bevel features allows you to tilt the machine towards left and right upto an angle of 45 degrees. Dust collection bag easily accommodates 70 percent of the total dust and can be connected with a vacuum cleaner through its 35 mm cleaning duct for 100 percent cleaning. It offers great cutting capacity in all directions. An additional feature is that it has an extendable platform of upto 8 inches which allows you to place large loads flat instead of hanging in air which will definitely bring you ease and quality. A 305 mm and 40 tooth blade gives you the results you have ever desired. The machine comes with calibration allen wrenches, 1 set of clamping system, 1 set of carbon brushes and 2 extension rods.
Specifications:
Brand – Tacklife
Model – PMS03A
Color – Silver and black
Weight – 55 lbs
Speed – 3800 RPM
Overall Dimensions – 28.9 x 13.7 x 17.3 inches
Power Source – AC
Warranty – 2 years
Package includes – Miter saw, 40 Tooth TCT Blade, 1 Set Carbon Brush, 2 Extension Rods, Allen Wrenches, Dust Bag, 1 Set Clamping System, User Manual, 24 Months Card
Our best Choice:
DEWALT DWS 779 Sliding Compound Miter is our best choice. This miter saw is simply a beast and will never let you down whatever type of wood works you intend doing with this. It is durable, reliable, and smooth in its working and trouble free. Our wood works experts have tried and tested and then recommended this all in one solution for you. It is simply the one you are actually looking.You can check best sliding miter saw reddit for more details.
Conclusion:
Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, if you are looking for a powerful and reliable 12 inch blade sliding compound miter saw to accomplish your jobs this guide has summarized the best available options. The smart control and calibration options provided by the above mentioned manufacturers will definitely bring your life to peace. I am quite hopeful that by now this guide would have made you comfortable in picking the best suitable saw for you. Good luck and happy buying.
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