Best Miter Saw 2018 – Compound, Sliding Ratings & Reviews
Miter saws aka chop or drop saws are ideal for making quick, and accurate cross cuts at any angle for jobs
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- Common miter saw types
- Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Comparison
- Best Compound Miter Saw Reviews
- DeWalt DWS779
- Bosch GCM12SD Glide
- HITACHI C12RSH2
- Craftsman 10" Compound Saw 21237
- MAKITA LS1018 10" Blade
- HITACHI C10FCE2 10" Blade
- DEWALT DW715 12" Blade
- MAKITA LS1040 10" Blade
- HOMECRAFT H26-260L 10" Blade
- SKIL 3317-01 10" Blade
- Buyer's Guide
In our Top 10 list, you’re absolutely not going to find “Crappy tools” — we wouldn’t put them in our workshop, why should you…
…Don’t feel like reading? Check out our top picks to the right —->>>
In our Miter saw buyer’s guide, we will do our best to help break down each top brand of miter saws to help you find the one that is just right for your next projects – so stop scouring the web for top rated miter saw reviews and read on…
Common miter saw types
Basic miter saws are basically chop saws in my opinion. They don’t have any bevel action where the saw leans left or right — it cuts precisely at 90 degree ( up and down). They cross-cut up to 45 degrees left or right. This saw is perfect for a beginner and the cost is relatively cheap. However, it’s very limiting. I recommend testing out a few saws before settling down.
Compound miter saws offer single and dual bevel options and is much more flexible in getting the right angle cut for crown molding or baseboard cuts.
With this type of saw you’ll be able to make all types of cuts needed with ease. This is a mid-level saw and costs between 2-400 bucks and not all compound saws have dual bevels.
This saw is perfect for the “weekend warrior” or for a carpenter that doesn’t need a sliding compound miter saw.
This is the “Crown jewel” of miter saws – the double bevel sliding compound miter. This saw has every feature of the lesser models plus a sliding radial arm. However, this would be at the top of most budgets with a higher price tag and in my opinion, only worth the purchase if you’re a professional carpenter or would use this on a weekly basis.
These types of saws come in either: 7-1/4, 10″, or 12″ blade depths.
Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Comparison
| Dewalt |
Bosch | Hitachi |
Craftsman |
Makita |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
 |
 |
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| Model: DWS779 | Model: GCM12SD | Model: C12SH2 | Model: 21237 | Model: LS1018 |
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3800 RPM
|
3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
4800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| 3 Year Warranty | 1 Year | 7 Year | 1 Year | 1 year |
| 12″ Sliding Compound | 12″ Sliding Compound | 12″ Sliding Compound | 10″ Sliding Compound | 10″ Sliding Compound |
| miters 60° to the right and 50° Left | miters 47° to the right and 47° Left | miters 57° to the right and 45° Left | miters 45° to the right and 45° Left | miters 60° to the right and 47° Left |
| $$ | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ |
| (Editors Choice)
Ratings: 4.8 |
Ratings: 4.4 | Ratings: 4.5 | (Great Value)
Ratings: 4.6 |
Ratings: 4.1 |
| . | . | . | . | . |
Best Compound Miter Saw Reviews
| Hitachi |
Dewalt |
Makita |
Homecraft |
SKIL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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 |
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| Model: C10FCE2 | Model: DW715 | Model: LS1040 | Model: H26-260L | Model: 3317-01 |
|
5000 RPM
|
4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
5500 RPM |
5000 RPM |
| 7 Year | 3 Year | 1 Year | 3 Year Limited | 3 Year |
| 10″ Compound | 12″ Compound | 10″ Compound | 10″ Compound | 10″ Compound |
| miters 52° to the right and 52° Left | miters 48° to the right and 45° Left | miters 52° to the right and 45° Left | miters 45° to the right and 47° Left | miters 47° to the right and 45° Left |
| $ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $ |
| (Best Value)
Ratings: 4.6 |
(Editors Pick)
Ratings: 4.7 |
Ratings: 4.5 | Ratings: 4.4 | Ratings: 4.7 |
| . | . | . | . | . |
DeWalt DWS779
Here is the DWS779 12 sliding miter saw perfect for many cutting applications such as crown molding up to 7.5″ inches. It includes a powerfully designed 15-Amp motor that delivers 3800 RPM for extended power and durability. The back fence design on the saw can cut up to 2 x 14-dimensional lumber at a 90-degree and the 2×10 at 45-degrees. We like how the tool can collect up to 75% of the dust that is accumulated freeing the workspace of debris with its dust collection system. Above all, this is a really kick arse saw and my number #1 pick… Read our full Dewalt dws779 review.
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Top DeWalt Questions & Answers
Q – What is the difference between the Dewalt Dws779 and the Dewalt Dws780 model?
A – The only discernible difference between the two seems to be that the 780 has an XPS laser guided blade — is it worth an extra 200 bucks, I don’t think so.
Q – Is the miter saw a double bevel?
A – Yes. It is a double bevel.
Q – Does it come with a side clamp?
A – No. It includes a dust bag, 1 clamp, and the saw itself.
Bosch GCM12SD Glide
Here is the Bosch GCM12SD 120-Volt 12-Inch DB Glide Miter Saw that provides users with accurate performance, smooth cutting motions, and utilizes as space-saving design with the Bosch’s patented Axial-Glide System. It includes a large cutting capacity, easy-to-read bevel and also miter scales with detents at common angles. Upfront easy-to-reach controls making this tool highly accessible during projects. We like the pre-aligned Square Lock fence on the saw as it helps the saw to maintain its precision for the life of the tool. We also liked the user comfort that it has with the soft-grip ambidextrous handle. Read our full bosch gcm12sd review
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Top Bosch Questions & Answers
Q – I see that the tool doesn’t have a laser but does it include a light?
A – No. You can get a laser washer LS010 as an accessory.
Q – Can the glide action be locked for cutting smaller stock?
A – Yes, and it can become a chop saw. It has a little lever that gets flipped into place.
Q – Does this saw have a depth stop on it so that I can make a dado?
A – Yes, it has a depth stop, but you will need to extend your piece away from the fence and create multiple passes.
HITACHI C12RSH2
Here is the Hitachi C12RSH2 15-Amp 12-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw that includes a laser marker. It has a compact slide system that doesn’t need rear clearance and uses fixed rails allowing the saw head to glide smoothly along the fixed rails. The compact slide system also saves the operator a foot in real estate space since it decreases the footprint ideal for limited workspace areas. We like that it includes the ability to cut larger material with the new tall sliding fence. We also enjoyed the tool-less laser marker that is easily adjustable so that beginners will be able to make accurate cuts with ease. Read our full Hitachi C12RSH2 review.
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Top Hitachi Questions & Answers
Q – Does the adjustable depth of stop swing in and out?
A – No. Unfortunately, that means you can not switch between full depth cut and the dialed in-depth, instantly.
Q – What’s the difference between this model and their older Hitachi Miter Saw C12RSH?
A – It doesn’t have the micro adjust, and this model is more lightweight with a larger base.
Q – Are there detents for quickly setting bevel cuts?
A – No.
Craftsman 10″ Compound Saw 21237
Here is the Craftsman 10″ sliding compound miter saw built to get the job done with ultimate precision. It smoothly cuts while being guided by the laser. Lightweight, portable, and ready to transport from job to job for increased productivity. The Craftsman seamlessly cuts through thick materials with ease with its blade spinning at 4800 RPM. We like how it doesn’t matter which blade you’re using it cuts both soft and hard wood leaving edges sharp and corners tight. It will provide a reach to spin through boards up to 12″ in width. This is a great saw for a beginner. Read our full Craftsman miter saw review
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Top Craftsman Questions & Answers
Q – What is the max vertical height?
A – 4″.
Q – Does the Miter saw have an adjustable depth stop?
A – Yes it does!
Q – What’s included with the saw?
A – It comes with a dust bag, blade wrench, clamp, and extensions.
MAKITA LS1018 10″ Blade
Here is the Makita LS1018 Dual-Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw that comes in 10″ of large cutting capacity and accuracy with 13-Amp of power. Perfect for applications involving carpentry, fine woodworking, and general construction. The direct drive 13-Amp motor has a soft start with smooth startups and consistent power. We like how this saw has no belts to replace or slip, and it has an electric brake. The rear-handle bevel lock is accessible with adjustments of 0 – 45-degrees left and right with position stop of 0 – 45-degrees left and right. Read our full Makita LS1018 review
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Top Makita Questions & Answers
Q – Does the saw have a depth stop?
A – Yes it does!
Q – Will it cut crown molding?
A – Yes, up to 5.5″ inches.
Q – Is the handle rubberized?
A – Comes with a rubberized D-handle.
HITACHI C10FCE2 10″ Blade
Here is the Hitachi C10FCE2 10-inch Compound Miter Saw delivering smooth, accurate crosscuts and miters in a variety of workpieces that include soft fiberboard, hardboard, aluminum sashes, wood, and plywood, etc. The miter angles are flexible with compound cutting versatility. The perfect tool for the framers, carpenters, woodworkers that need reliability and precision. Lightweight and portable making the tool job site efficient. Read our full Hitachi C10FCE2 Review
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Top HITACHI Questions & Answers
Q – Does it have an electric brake?
A – Yes!
Q – Is there a detent override on this miter saw?
A – Yes.
Q – Will it slide?
A – No it doesn’t it just miters vertically.
DEWALT DW715 12″ Blade
Here is the DEWALT DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw for when you need a tool that delivers accuracy for demanding jobs. This saw is heavy-duty with a precise miter system with an innovative machine base fence design that provides long-term rail straightness with additional support. We like the Miter detent feature that allows you to override the miter stops and to adjust to the needed setting without having the saw slip into the miter detents. Read our full Dewalt DW715 review.
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Top Dewalt Questions & Answers
Q – Does it have a laser attachment?
A – No it doesn’t.
Q – What type of blade comes with it?
A – 12″ all purpose blade.
Q – Can this miter saw cut a 4×4 at 90 degrees? Or what is its max cut depth?
A – No problem with cutting 4X4s. It will almost cut 6X6s just need to turn them over after the first cut.
MAKITA LS1040 10″ Blade
Here is the Makita 10″ Compound Miter Saw that combines performance, power, and ease of use for an ultimate miter experience. An ideal tool for any of the range of applications including cabinetry, framing, woodworking, deck building, and much more. The 15-Amp direct-drive motor is dynamically balanced and engineered never to bog down or slip like belt-drive units. We love the electronic speed control as it will maintain its constant speed under load. We also like the smooth start it has due to the soft start technology. Read our full Makita LS1040 review
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Top Makita Questions & Answers
Q – Is there a laser with the miter saw?
A – No laser comes with the saw.
Q – Will the saw cut a 2 x 6 in one single pass?
A – Yes, of course it will — they all do!
Q – What blade is included?
A – The 32 tooth carbide
Q – Does it have an electric brake?
A – Yes it does!
HOMECRAFT H26-260L 10″ Blade
Here is the Homecraft 10″ Miter Saw that is ready for action with the battery operated laser that makes aligning the blade precise and convenient. It comes with a spindle lock that will hold the blade in place in the middle of changes. The Homecraft 10″ saw is perfect for a beginner or a DIYer with its powerful 14-Amp motor that can cut through wood as if it were butter and spins the blade at 5500 RPM. Not a bad price for what you’ll get
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Top Homecraft Questions & Answers
Q – Will it cut 4×4?
A – Yes it will — if it doesn’t, it’s not a miter saw!
Q – What is the cut depth?
A – It can cut 6×6 in one single pass.
Q – Can this miter saw be used as a chop saw?
A – The users manual says no — who listen’s to the manufacturers anyways?
SKIL 3317-01 10″ Blade
Here is the SKIL 3317-01 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw with Quick Mount System and Laser Cutline that is compact yet powerful for an entry level saw for the beginning woodworker. The Quick Mount System allows you to mount the saw on the stand in three easy steps sparing the time wasting setting up for a project. Nine positive stops for fast and accurate settings and a dust bag that keeps the work area clean. This isn’t a bad saw for the price and a great buy for the weekend warrior..
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Top SKIL Questions & Answers
Q – Is there a stand included?
A – No stand included but the saw can be easily bolted to a table.
Q – What type of blade comes with the saw?
A – 28 tooth general purpose.
Q – Does it come with an extension rail?
A – No.
Q – Will it perform bevel cuts?
A – Yes it will.
Buyer’s Guide
When you’re a professional or DIYer, a workshop just needs to have a miter saw. There are some differences between a compound, basic, dual compound, and a sliding compound miter saw. We are here to help you choose the best miter saw for your projects with our buyer’s guide.
What are some of the major Differences
A Miter Saw: Is a specialized power tool that allows you to create cuts at different angles. The saw has a blade that is mounted on the swing arm that can pivot left or right to deliver angled cuts. You can use a miter saw to create cuts for crown molding, picture frames, door frames, window casings and more, quickly. You’ll find three differences:
Compound Miter Saw: They feature blades that will pivot left and right for angled cuts and then tilt in one single direction for beveled cuts. Manipulating the saw on both of its axes at once produces a compound miter cut. Compound miter saws are helpful in jobs for picture frames, crown molding or any task that needs angled cuts in two different planes. They provide the advantage of creating compound cuts in one single pass.
Dual Compound Miter Saw: They function just like compound saws, but while compound miter saws tilt in just one single direction, dual compound miter saws can tilt in both left and right. They can create bevels at any angle, quickly.
Sliding Compound Miter Saw: These have all the versatility of compound miter saws, and a sliding feature, similar to a radial arm saw, offering you the choice to move the blade backward and forward. The main advantage of the sliding feature is the increased length of cut it delivers.
Miter saw Features
Always look at each miter saw to see what features they have and what features will help make your project run smoother and more efficient.
Amps: Measures the power of the saw motor. The higher the amps, the better the cutting power.
Blade size: Most used miter saw sizes are 8, 10 and 12 inches. Remember that larger diameter blades can create much longer cuts. We recommend that you throw out the stock blades and get a Frued blade for your miter saw, circular saw too — they just rock!
Positive stops: These are factory setting points that allow you to make accurate cuts on particular angles. More positive stops will decrease the time that is required to set up cuts. Some miter saws will have thumb-activated stops for quick adjustments.
Depth stops: Lets the user adjust the height of the blade, so the user can control just how deep it cuts into the workpiece.
Articulated blade guards: Keeps the guard clear of the stock, so operators have a greater visual of the cutting line. When you lift the saw, the guard lowers to cover the blade fully.
Electric brakes: reverse the flow of electricity in the saw motor when you release the trigger. Changing the current stops the blade’s momentum quickly.
Spindle/Shaft locks: Immobilize the shaft and blade, making it much easier to change the blade.
Dust chutes/blowers: Help moves sawdust from the cutting area.
Dust bags mount: Directly mounts to the saw to collect the sawdust.
Table extensions: These connect to the sides of the saw and help support longer stock to give a more precise cut.
Sliding/flip fences: Gives added support to taller stock for standard miter cuts. You can then slide or flip them out of the way to make bevel cuts or to support longer work pieces.
Laser guides/guide lights: Projects a beam or cast a shadow onto the workpiece, helps you guide your cuts accurately.
Digital displays: Offers easy-to-read bevel and miter setting information.
Other Things to Consider
Once you’ve checked out what features you’d like your miter saw to have there are a few more features to consider. For instance:
Portability: Will the saw be transported from job to job on a regular basis. You will want a saw that is lightweight and easy to transport, and that can mount to a workbench or stand.
Variation of blades: The key part of a saw is the blade, and different blades made for many different applications you will need just the right one for your specific tasks. If you’re cutting wet wood, the least amount of teeth per blade is best, whereas, if you’re doing high-end finish carpentry, grab Frued blade with a greater amount of teeth.