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Looking for the best compound miter saw? what about if it is a dual compound sliding miter saw? With these additional features, you will get more versatility which will ease your projects. How do you pick a miter saw that works best for the woodcutting workshop?
It’s not enough that you get a miter saw with sliding features so you can work on larger workpieces. You also need one with dual-compound capabilities, so you can make miter and bevel cuts at the same time.
Compound Miter Saw – Quick Table
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Compound Miter Saw Reviews for 2022
With the compound miter saw, woodcutting projects such as working with crown molding become so much easier than you may have thought. Choosing the best one for you may not be easy at first since you have so many options.
To make your life easier, here are 7 of the best choices you can pick for your woodcutting projects.
1. DEWALT DWS709,12-Inch
Slide Compound Saw
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Dewalt DWS709 is a bit expensive, but then again you’re paying to get the dependable Dewalt quality. Here you have a powerful 15-amp motor that gets the 12-inch blade going at 3,800 rpm. That really ought to make short work out of various woodcutting projects. This offers dual miter and bevel cutting capacity.
The sliding fences can accommodate 5.5-inch crown molding along with 4.5-inch base molding. When it’s time to make your bevel cuts, you can just slide the fences out of the way. You can cut through lumber measuring 2 by 14 inches at 90 degrees. At 45 degrees, you can still cut through lumber measuring 2 by 10 inches.
With miter cuts, you can work with angles up to 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left. You only need to set it to any of the 13 different miter detents preset on the scales. That should be easy since the miter and the bevel scales are very easy to read and you have a large red miter pointer.
Accuracy for your repetitive cuts won’t be a problem with these scales and detents, and you also have dual horizontal steel rails with linear ball bearings for even greater accuracy.
Wear and tear isn’t really a problem with the Dewalt DWS709, as it features pads on the stainless steel that minimizes the damage you normally get overtime. That’s probably why it has a decent period of warranty with it.
With the heavy-duty aluminum base, the dual compound miter saw is also quite strong and rigid. But it’s also very portable since the design is compact and the weight is only 51 pounds.
What we liked
- Features a powerful motor and more speed.
- A tall sliding fence increases cutting performance.
- Compact and lightweight design for ease of use.
- Has a machined base that offers improved cutting accuracy.
What we didn’t like
- Doesn’t have a light.
- The saw collection system would have been better.
2. Bosch 5312, 12-Inch
Dual-Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw
We’ve all heard about the traditional excellence of German engineering, and the Bosch brand is a perfect example of Teutonic expertise. Bosch has been around for more than a century, and the Bosch 5312 is a good showcase of just how good a miter saw can get.
Here you have a 15-amp motor powerful enough for many types of workpieces. You’re going to need that power since the design and the extensions allow you to work on pieces with a total length of 40 inches.
Making bevel cuts is easy, as the bevel scales are very easy to read. You can just set it to any of the commonly used angles, with stops at 0, 33.9, and 45 degrees. Just turn the range selector knob and secure it with the bevel lock lever.
With the 4.5-inch speed track sliding fences, you’ll surely find it easy to work on crown molding. For your miter cuts, you have an angle range of up to 52 degrees to the left and 60 degrees to the right. You can just pick on any of the miter detents preset at 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees, with an extra detent at 60 degrees to the right.
If these presets aren’t enough, you can still choose another angle with the miter detent override. This dual capability makes it very easy to make repetitive cuts accurately. You can do it quickly too since the Bosch 5312 features an electric brake that stops the blade from spinning almost immediately. Your cuts should be smooth and easy, as the 12-inch blade it comes with is already great. It can stay sharp for a good long while.
The warrant for this Bosch miter saw is for a standard 1 year, but don’t let that put you off. This is one durable miter saw which can provide you with quick and accurate cuts for a long time.
What we liked
- Has more power to handle tough tasks.
- The carbide blade provides clean cuts.
- You can achieve an easy bevel setting.
- The miter saw can handle a wide range of projects.
What we didn’t like
- Has too many lateral movements.
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3. Makita LS1216L, 12-Inch
Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
This uses a 15-amp motor that doesn’t really require a lot of maintenance. But it’s powerful enough to get the 12-inch blade spinning at 3200 rpm. That should take care of your woodcutting needs, even if you’re dealing with tough hardwood.
It’s so powerful that even without any setup, you can cut through 15-inch wide boards at 90 degrees, and you can also cut through 4 by 16-inch beams. It offers advanced features including an innovative retractable guard system and advanced direct-drive gearbox so that you receive what’s arguably the best crown cutting and crosscutting in its class.
With Makita LS1216L, you’re able to deal with 8 inches of crown molding and 6.5 inches of the baseboard. Don’t worry about the accuracy of the cuts, because it also features linear ball bearings and the special 4-steel rail sliding system for enhanced rigidity. You can also make lower and upper adjustments on the sliding fence system for even greater precision.
For bevel cuts, you can use the highly visible dual front bevel scales, any of the 4 positive stops for left and right, and the accessible bevel lock. For miter cuts, you have an angle range of up to 60 degrees to the right and 52 degrees to the left. There’s a one-touch design for the miter lock system, while you can’t miss the cut line with the built-in laser marker.
These are just some of the features that make the Makita LS1216L a pleasure to have in any woodcutting workshop. It may be a bit expensive, but it sure is extremely useful and convenient.
What we liked
- The miter saw is compact.
- Powerful motor that needs less maintenance.
- Offers a large cutting capacity of up to 8 inches.
- The miter saw provides accurate cuts.
What we didn’t like
- Complaints of missing parts.
- The dust collection system is poor.
4. DEWALT DWS780, 12-Inch
Sliding Compound Miter Saw, Double Bevel
Here’s another worthy contender for the best 12-inch miter saw in its class. It’s an expensive Dewalt, but then again you receive dependable Dewalt quality. For bevel cuts, the Dewalt DWS780 goes up to 49 degrees to both the left and right, so you won’t need to flip the workpiece if you have to make a bevel cut on the opposite cut.
Here you have preset stops on both sides, set at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45, and 49 degrees. For miter cuts, your angle range to the right reaches up to 50 degrees, and to the left, it’s 60 degrees.
Now you even have 10 distinct preset detents to choose from, with a miter override in case the presets aren’t set to the angle you want. Cutting straight down lets you go through 2 by 16 inches of lumber workpieces.
At 45 degrees, you can also make crosscuts through 2 by 12-inch lumber. The horizontal cutting capacity is at 13⅞ inches, the vertical cutting capacity is at 6.75 inches, and the nested crown capacity is at 7.5 inches. The alignment system is so accurate you won’t need to recalibrate it after changing the blade or after an extended period of time.
You also have an LED light for more accurate cuts. The dust collection system is exceptional too. As for durability, don’t worry. The warranty period is for a decent year, and there’s also a year of free service.
What we liked
- It provides a high cutting capacity.
- A durable tool that can withstand Jobsite rigors.
- Provides hands-free operation.
- Has a dust bag to collect dust.
- Gives precise cuts without cuttings without calibrations.
What we didn’t like
- Some users complain of broken parts.
- The blade hits the kerf.
5. Hitachi C10FCH2,10-inch
Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw with Laser
This one is for those with limited budgets, so you only get a single bevel feature on this dual compound miter saw. Still, the price is quite attractive considering the features you do get with Hitachi C10FCH2.
This 10-inch saw starts with a powerful 15-amp motor that can get the blade spinning at an impressive 5,000 rpm.
Here, the bevel cuts may only be up to 45 degrees to the left. But you do get adjustable bevel stops for the most common angles. As for miter cuts, your range reaches up to 52 degrees for both the left and right sides.
You also get a laser marker to keep your cuts accurate. It’s very easy to use, as the elastomer handle minimizes the vibrations that reach your hand.
The dust collector system reduces the clean-up afterward, and you even get carbon brushes for your saw. This 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter saw is very portable too, as it weighs in at just 33 pounds.
You won’t any other comparable miter saw that’s lighter. You also won’t find a warranty period that’s longer. With the Hitachi C10FCH2, the warranty period is very much decent.
What we liked
- Powerful motor for tough applications.
- The saw has a laser marker for accurate cuts.
- Designed with a comfortable handle.
- Offers more flexibility with the 1-50 degree miter angle range.
What we didn’t like
- Complaints of missing parts.
- They don’t honor the warranty.
6. Metabo HPT C10FCGS,10-Inch
Single Bevel, Compound Miter Saw
If you need a compound miter saw that you can carry with ease to different locations, the Metabo HPT C10FCGS can be a great selection. This is a lightweight tool that you can easily carry to your Jobsite.
The saw features a powerful 15 amp motor that provides more power to handle simple to tough projects. The motor has a no-load speed of 5,000 rpm, which makes it suitable for handling miter cuts and crosscuts with ease.
The tool provides you with a bevel angle of 0-45 degrees to the left that offers accurate cuts. So, if you are a woodworker looking for a tool that will offer versatility, reliability, and accurate cuts, the Metabo model works better compared to other tools.
It features a horizontal table that holds the material securely to help you achieve smooth and accurate cuts.
Another quality aspect of this compound miter saw is the large table. It gives you better material support because it features a vice clamping system to hold the workpiece in place.
The saw also features a miter angle ranging from 0-52 degrees left and right to increase flexibility when you are working. When it comes to durability, the saw has carbon brush access that makes it easy to replace the brush and extends the lifespan of the saw.
What we liked
- Provides accurate and clean bevel cuts.
- It has a powerful motor.
- Designed with a large table for better material support.
- The horizontal handle provides comfort.
What we didn’t like
- The bearing would have been better.
- Complaints of poor quality construction.
7. SKIL 3821-01,12-Inch
Quick Mount Compound Miter Saw
Any woodworker or DIYer can benefit a lot from the SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch compound miter saw. This is a quality tool with a 15 amp motor and a speed of 4,500 rpm.
It offers convenient and reliable power that is required to handle a variety of projects. This miter saw features a laser cutline that helps you achieve accurate and fast cuts all the time.
It features nine positive stops that give you the chance to set the tool at common miter angles. If you are handling larger workpieces, this saw has table extensions that have right and left extension rails to hold larger workpieces. This helps you work with larger materials with ease and achieve accurate cuts.
Setting up this miter saw is easy. As compared to other models, the tool comes with a quick-mount system that offers an easy setup on the Skil miter saw stand. This saw also features a dust bag that collects dust hence leaving your workplace neat.
What we liked
- The tool works well.
- It comes with a miter stand.
- Has a powerful motor and speed.
- The tool has a laser for accuracy.
- Has a dust bag to collect dust.
- Has a table extension to handle long workpieces.
What we didn’t like
- Doesn’t have an LCD screen.
- It would be better if the stand had wheels.
Buyer’s Guide
If you have decided to buy a compound miter saw, I’m sure you understand the use and the benefits of the tool. A compound miter saw is a great tool to have in your workshop, whether you are a professional or DIY lover.
This tool helps you make different angled cuts, and they tilt in the left direction to help you achieve bevel cuts.
Are you having a hard time selecting the right compound miter saw? What are some of the things that you should consider to ensure that you end up with the right tool?
I have given you some essential buying tips that will help you select a suitable compound miter saw. These tips include the following:
Blade Size and Power
Before you buy a compound miter saw, it is crucial to consider the blade. These tools come with different sized blades to hand in various projects. The most common blade sizes that you will get include 8 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches.
You can also get compound miter saws that have large blades suitable for longer cuts. So depending on the nature of your projects, you can select the right blade size to suit your needs.
Another important thing that you need to consider is the power of the tool that is measured in amperage. A tool with higher amps means that it will provide more cutting power than a tool with low amps.
Positive Stops and Depth
It is also crucial to check positive stops when you are buying a compound miter saw. This is because they help you make accurate cuts when you are cutting at different degrees.
Positive stops refer to the setpoints by the manufacturer that assists you in achieving precise cuts when cutting various angles. Compound miter saws are designed with many positive stops. I would recommend you to look for a model that features stops at 10, 15, 30, and 45 degrees in both directions.
You can also find some tools that are designed with thumb-activated stops to help you achieve quick adjustments. In regards to the depth, the depth stops give you the chance to adjust the blade height.
This means that it is easy for the woodworker to get into control of how deep to work on the materials.
Blade Guard and Spindle Locks
Miter saws are safer to use as compared to table saws. However, this doesn’t mean that you should not take precautions because they also have a spinning blade that can cause injuries.
When choosing the right compound miter saw, make sure that the tool has blade guards. Some tools are designed with blade guards that retract automatically when you are using the saws. This allows you to have a better vision of the cutting line for accurate cuts.
Since you will need to change the blade from time to time, look for a compound miter saw that features a spindle lock or shaft lock. This will help you change the blade with ease.
Brakes
Another important thing that you should consider when buying a compound miter saw is brakes. A good saw should have electric brakes because it reverses electricity when you power off the saw. This makes the blade stop fist in less than three seconds.
If your compound miter saw doesn’t have an electric brake, then the blade takes more seconds until it stops rotating. So, if you don’t want to wait for long for the blade to stop rotating, consider a saw with an electric brake.
Dust Chute and Dust Blower
When you are working with miter saws in woodworking projects, you expect the tool to produce a lot of dust. This can affect your visibility or keep your workplace untidy if you don’t have a convenient way of trapping the dust.
Look for a compound miter saw that is designed with a dust blower or dust chute to get rid of sawdust from the cutting area.
You can also opt for a compound miter saw that features a dust bag that collects the sawdust when you are cutting. This will help you have a neat workplace, and it also prevents respiratory problems when you breathe the dust.
Laser Guide and Digital Display
These are features that you will not find on all compound miter saws. A laser guide produces a beam of light that helps you achieve accurate cuts. Tools with the digital display also help you read the bevel and meter information; hence, you can handle your projects perfectly.
All this makes it easy to use the tool and achieve accuracy when you are handling any woodworking project.
Table Extension and Fence
These are extensions that you can connect to the side of the tool to help you get enough support when you are handling longer stock. As a result, you end up with more accurate cuts.
You can also check if the saw comes with a fence that can either be a sliding or flip fence that offers more support when you are cutting taller stock. This makes it easy to achieve bevel cuts because you can flip or slid the stock.
YouTube Video Credit Phillip Chrimes
Ultimate Thoughts
A compound miter saw helps you achieve accurate cuts. With the many types of compound miter saws on the market today, it can be hard to know which models suit your needs.
These tools vary in times of features and prices, depending on the brand. However, choosing a quality compound miter saw should not be a tough task. If you know the essential factors to consider, then you can expect to get the right tool.
I have given you a detailed guide on some of the top things that you should have in mind when buying a compound miter saw. Make sure you check the above points before you make your purchase.
It will help you make a personalized purchase and find a tool with the features that you want, depending on the nature of your projects. Most importantly, ensure that you buy a tool from a top and reliable brand on the market.
Final Verdict
As you can see, you still need to make some choices as to what features you need for your miter saw. Do you want one with a 12-inch blade, or will a 10-inch blade suffice? Are you willing to pay extra for a dual bevel compound miter saw, or will a single bevel suffice?
Regardless of what you pick, it’s also likely that you won’t regret getting the compound miter saw for your workshop. With it, working on crown molding and other woodcutting projects is easier, faster, and probably a lot more fun.
Relevant Resources:
- The 6 Best Double-Bevel Miter Saws – Guide & Reviews
- The 6 Best Compact Miter Saw in 2022 – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
- Check out the best miter saw blade for woodworking
