Best 12-Inch Miter Saw For 2023– Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Numerous factors must be considered when deciding which 12-inch miter saw is appropriate for your needs. We hope that the data we’ve given helps you make an informed decision based on your values and principles. For instance, some individuals desire a tool that can be used indoors and outdoors, while others prefer to use their equipment only in one setting. Certain users require portability, while others are content to move it around on a cart or truck.

Additionally, there are other characteristics that we will discuss in this article, including dual laser guides, tracks, precision, and power consumption. This instrument has numerous variations available, each with advantages and disadvantages. One feature that distinguishes these tools is their size, notably their blade size.

For some of the most difficult cuts, nothing beats a 12″ miter saw. If you’re considering purchasing one to do crown molding or crosscuts, there are a variety of criteria that can help you pick which is the best fit for your needs.

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Professionals and serious do-it-yourselfers alike use miter saws with a 12-inch blade. The miter saws are quite adaptable, and they give an outstanding cutting performance in a variety of jobs, including deck construction. The following are comprehensive evaluations of the best 12-inch miter saws available today.

Best Budget 12″ Cordless Miter Saw

DEWALT DWS709 Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The Dewalt brand name usually comes with a higher price tag, and the DW709 isn’t an exception to that rule. But then again, the Dewalt brand also has a well-earned reputation for quality, and the DW709 is a fine example of that.

Here you have a powerful 15-amp motor that supplies 3,800 rpm of power to the 12-inch blade. Combined with the innovative back fence design, this miter saw allows you to cut through 2 by 10-inch lumber at 45 degrees. At 90 degrees, you can cut through lumber measuring 2 by 14 inches. The sliding fences also allow you to work on 4.5-inch base molding and 5.5-inch crown molding.

The miter range to the left reaches up to 50 degrees, and it ranges up to 60 degrees to the right. You can make fast adjustments easily since you can choose from 13 different miter detents. The accuracy of the cuts is quite dependable since you have a huge red miter pointer on the easy-to-read miter scales.

The same holds for the large bevel scale as well. Finally, this miter saw features dual horizontal steel rails and linear ball bearings for greater accuracy in your cuts. This miter saw is very stable and strong due to the heavy-duty aluminum base and the tall ribbing.

There are even pads on the stainless steel plates that can significantly reduce the regular wear and tear over time. So you can expect the Dewalt DW709 to work well for a long time, and a decent year limited warranty backs that.

What we liked

• Extensive back fence design
• Tall sliding fence
• Miter detent plate for accuracy
• Optimized durability and cutting accuracy
• Easy to transport and store
• You can achieve quick adjustments to the miter angle

What we didn’t like

• A weak dust collection system

Hitachi C12RSH2 12″ Dual-Bevel S – Compound Miter Saw

The Hitachi brand is another high-end name in the industry, and they’re well-known for producing miter saws that are quite robust. This is because most warranties are good for up to a year or two at the very most. During that time, you’ll be able to enjoy the many advantages of the C12RSH2 construction.

In addition, the sliding mechanism is very small, and the way the saw head slides along the permanent rails reduces the unit’s footprint by an additional 12 inches. You have the power and the broad blade to cope with thicker and larger parts since it is fitted with a 15-amp motor.

The movable fence function allows you to work on crown molding up to 7.5 inches in height and width. The miter angle range to the left is 45 degrees, while the miter angle range to the right may be as high as 57 degrees. A wide variety of bevel cuts are also available, including 45-degree bevels on both the left and right sides. Because the scales are wide and easy to see, changing the bevel and miter angles is extremely simple.

The laser marker included inside the machine allows you to cut with better precision. It is also really pleasant and simple to use this miter saw. In addition to making it soft to the touch, it also minimizes the amount of vibration that gets through to your hand.

It is a fantastic option for many people since it is trustworthy, helpful, and simple. Double-check the warranty duration to ensure that it will last as long as it is meant to.

What we liked

• Compact sliding system
• Highly flexible and has extra features 
• Adds comfort and control
• Large sliding fence to provide support
• Many users love the comfortable grip

What we didn’t like

• Guild rail bearings are incredibly stiff.

Best 12″ Miter Saw for the Money

Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw

Admittedly, the Bosch GCM12SD is quite a pricey model, but you do get your money’s worth. It’s equipped with a robust 15-amp motor that delivers 3,800 rpm, and it comes with a 1-year warranty.

It can work with lots of different blade models, and the transparent lower guard for the blade lets you see the cut line more clearly. The power of this miter saw offers you a horizontal cutting capacity for up to 14 inches, while the vertical capacity is at 6.5 inches. It also lets you work on crown molding measuring up to 6.5 inches.

The sliding extensions also allow you to work on materials up to 40 inches long. This model is fitted with an innovative glide system that offers a smooth glide to your cuts, wider crosscuts, and improved alignment. Yet it cuts up to 12 inches of workspace because it doesn’t use a regular rail system. Instead, it uses a special fence system that aligns at 90 degrees to your table without making any adjustments.

The fences also use a quick-release one-touch feature for locking and unlocking so you can slide the fence easily into its proper position. You can get angles ranging up to 47 degrees to both the left and the right for bevel cuts. In addition, the bevel detents on both sides are set at 0, 33.9, and 45 degrees, making the dual bevel scale very simple to read.

What we liked

• Produces little noise and it is great for bevel cuts and crosscut capacity.
• Better alignment with the axial glide system.
• It generates great speed to enhance quality cuts.
• Due to its size, it occupies less space.
• Stainless steel miter scales for accurate cuts.
• Environmental safety is a vital factor. It has a dust port for excellent dust collection.
• Bosch provides blade covers to prevent the user from the spinning blade.

What we didn’t like

• You have to fix the parts on your own, which is hectic.
• Ferrying it from one place to another is tiresome due to its weight.

Best Portable 12″ Miter Saw

DEWALT DWS780 Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The Dewalt miter saw has a speed of 3,800 rpm, making it one of the finest in its class. The tool is the greatest alternative available in terms of high-capacity cutting capabilities. As a result of its lightweight design, this saw is ideal for use in a workshop, house, or building project.

The Dewalt DWS780 miter saw features rugged guards and consists of precision machined castings, a bevel system, and fences. It is a great feature that is excellently engineered to provide the best performance and survive constant and vigorous use. It has stainless steel miter detent featuring 14 positive stops for durability and accuracy.

Besides its superb cutting performance, most people love this machine. It is also safe to use for your woodworking projects. It features a variety of safety aspects that make it more comfortable even for new users to stay protected. Its cutting power is impressive for handling projects like door frames, window casings, cut boards, etc.

Similarly, the tool has a highly efficient dust collection by the side that captures over seventy-five percent of the dust the blade quickly generates when it cuts through the materials. It also has various features that support accuracy and make it easy to adjust.

What we liked

• Expanded cutting capacity
• Provides increased capacity cutting
• High-quality parts made from high-quality materials
• Can withstand constant rigors
• Maximum vertical cutting capacity
• Deliver top accuracy and capacity

What we didn’t like

• The package does not include a stand.

Best 12 Inch Corded Miter Saw

DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw

This magnificent miter saw features a powerful 15 amp motor that provides great cutting performance. The saw has a maximum cutting thickness of 6.75 inches and can cut up to that thickness. As a result, it may be used to cut through heavy timber easily.

The saw operates at speeds up to 3800 RPM. This implies that it is capable of dealing with tough wood cutting. This makes the machine ideal for any wood cutting tasks that come your way. I also love that the efficient dust collection bag captures over 75% of the dust, leaving your workplace neat. It has stainless steel miter detent with ten positive stops.

Because of its ease of use, this machine has gained the faith of the majority of woodworkers. For those who are just getting started, there is nothing to worry about. Its calibration is perfect for ensuring that you make accurate adjustments. The tool miters 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the lift, which is ideal for professional applications.

What we liked

• It is easy to operate this saw
• It comes with a powerful engine
• It is great at making highly accurate cuts
• The saw will last for a long time
• High cutting capacity
• It comes with a blade cover

What we didn’t like

• The DWS779 miter saw is a bit bulky
• The dust collection bag could be bigger

Makita LS1219L 12″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

When it comes to the Makita LS1219L saw, you can’t go wrong. This is one of the top 12″ miters saw designed to help you achieve accurate cuts. It features a built-in laser marking system that indicates the cut line regardless of whether the blade is turning or not. With the laser cutline guide, you can achieve precise cuts in all your projects if you use the laser feature well.

The saw has a powerful 15-amp motor with a speed of 3200 RMP, and it requires low maintenance for the best user experience. This saw has a lightweight design for easy portability. It is also equipped with a large-sized aluminum base that provides the required stability for cutting materials and other additional features.

This saw features a unique design to facilitate easy operation. It has a 2-steel rail sliding system to provide a reduced footprint and operation flush against the wall. The saw has a front bevel lock that promotes easy operation for convenience.

Another great aspect of this tool is the large cutting capacity. The tool can cut up to an 8-inch crown when nested. You can also achieve a 6-3/4-inch base vertically and 4×14 cross-cuts at 90 degrees. It also features dust collection ports that offer effective extraction of dust.

What we liked

• Has a larger cutting capacity
• Offers convenient operation
• An effective dust collection system
• Provides accurate cuts
• It is durable unlike tools with plastic components and comes with a vertical vise

What we didn’t like

• Great saw but the laser is off-alignment
• Some users find it overweight

Best 12 Inch Cordless Miter Saw

DEWALT DHS790AT2 FLEXVOLT MAX Corded

This is one of the most powerful miter saws you can come across on the market today. It is one of a kind, and most contractors prefer it over its competition for many things. For instance, it provides both corded and cordless operations. Therefore, you can use it when there is a power source and no power source.

The cordless service comes with two batteries and a fast charger. Its battery automatically changes voltage the moment you turn tools.

The DEWALT DHS790AT2 FLEXVOLT is also amazingly portable. It boasts a compact design that makes it easy to carry around, a quality that makes it convenient for construction work away from your workshop.

It is the lightest saw, which significantly contributes to its portability. Among its most notable innovative features is the cutline blade positioning system, which provides an adjustment-free cut line indicator.

What we liked

• Compact and portable design
• Provide both corded and cordless performances
• An advanced battery that is very convenient
• Adjustment-free cutline indicator
• Great positioning system
• Powerful brushless motor with a 120V capacity

What we didn’t like

• The battery adds weight to the unit.

What to Look for in a 12 Inch Miter Saw?

A few things to bear in mind while looking for a new 12-inch miter saw. Lasers or LEDs, for example, are used by the saw to coordinate the blades as they cut wood? What is the blade’s diameter, and how much can it cut? How much does the saw weigh? There must ask questions before making a purchase.

The only way to get a good answer is by doing a little research. Many consumers will leave out the weight because they assume it does not matter. In truth, many things factor into how easy a saw is to use. For instance, cutting large pieces of wood will take more energy than cutting small ones.

The saw’s weight can make a big difference in how difficult it is to complete your work. If you have a very heavy saw, moving will be more challenging. Of course, the size of the saw itself can be a factor too. If you have a larger saw, you may find it easier to cut larger pieces of wood.

Best 12-inch Miter Saw Buyer’s Guide

Miter saws and table saws are versatile tools that can be used to perform a wide range of woodworking tasks and make repetitive cuts. Before you decide to buy miter saws, it is important to consider some important points. The following tips will help you select the most suitable miter saws.

Does The Fence Have a Vertical Clamp?

The fence is an important part of miter saws because it perfectly aligns small or large workpieces you are cutting with the carbide-tipped blade. If you want to make small cuts, I recommend a fence base with vertical clamps to hold the lumber securely for extra support. A material clamp will prevent you from getting closer to the carbide-tipped blade.

What Type of Miter Saw Do You Want?

There are many different 12-inch miter saws from which to pick, each with its own set of capabilities and the ability to create precise cuts. Each of the different miter saw models has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and you must choose the one that is most appropriate for you based on your preferences. Miter saws are available in a variety of configurations, with the following being the most common:

Basic saw: This is the most common type of saw used to cut boards.

Compound miter saw: Almost the same as the basic saw, but it can cut and miter lumber. It can also bevel wood.

Sliding miter saw: Suitable if you want added cutting size. It has a blade that slides back on the compact slide system and front to increase the cutting capacity.

Cordless- if you don’t need to plug a miter saw, then choose a cordless model that you can use anywhere.

Which Type of Blade?

You should also consider the type of blade because every saw comes with a general-purpose carbide blade when you are buying. The blades work well for different cuts, but they might not suit tougher materials or finer cuts. It is important to check the number of teeth. More teeth translate to finer cuts but less power. A blade with a few teeth is powerful but rough.

How Much Power Do You Want?

Different miter saws have varying power and speed. It is wise to note that the type of projects you intend to handle will determine the power and speed you need for your miter saws. For instance, if you want a tool for cutting larger materials, then pick a saw with a powerful motor. But if you want to achieve fine cuts, you need a tool with a faster speed.

Is The Miter Saw Easy to Use?

Miter saws can have all the fantastic features that you would love, but you will not enjoy using them if they are not easy to use. Look for a power tool that is easy to use. It should be maneuverable and easy to handle with the power button. It will help you get the most from the tool.

What Size of Saw do You Need?

The blades in most models come in two different sizes, a 10-inch, and a 12-inch, depending on the use, but a 10-inch blade is better. Normally, a 10-inch blade is cheaper as compared to a 12-inch. It is because of its smaller radius, which allows it to spin faster using low electricity costs. It also has fewer blades which are easier to sharpen for smooth cuttings.

A 12-inch larger blade comes in handy when you need longer cuts; the disadvantages come in since it needs more power due to longer cuts or cutting thicker woods, but despite that, it provides shaper cuts compared to a 10-inch blade.

What Is the Purpose of the Saw?

When buying a new saw, know that different blades are used for different purposes; for example, when you need simple cuts with specific angles, all you need is a compound saw. A compound saw enables you to move right angle to the left, making cutting easy.

Another type of saw is the sliding saw; this moves in forward and backward directions, enabling you to increase the size of the cut, so this type of saw is good for deep cuts.

Does it have a laser guide?

It is more advantageous if the miter saw you are buying a laser beam technology; it comes in handy when cutting it provides a sharp line in the form of a red light ray on the surface you are cutting which helps you to have a quick and accurate cut.

How About Dust Collecting Ports?

Some miter saws have the dust collecting feature connected to the saw to help you have a clean workspace. It also helps collect debris generated and remove dust from the machine, prolonging its life.

What Is the Tooth Count?

If you want rough cuts, you may go with a low tooth count, but if you want high quality and smooth finish cut, you may go for a high tooth count.

How Much Space Do You Have?

It helps you identify the amount of space you have to place the miter saw since some saws need space to either move forward or backward or rotate at different angles when cutting places. So, you need different space sizes depending on the type of miter saw.

Is The Tool Easy to Use?

Many accidents take place when woodworkers are working with power tools. The good news is if you want to enjoy a safe use, consider a saw that is equipped with safety features.

You should know that a saw can be a dangerous tool to use, so it should be equipped with the necessary safety features. You can look for features like a fence guard and electric brake, among others, that assure you of a safe operation.

Sliding VS Non-Sliding Miter Saw

As the name implies, Miter saws provide a way to make straight cuts at angles. The tools come in different blade sizes and styles, but most of them work on the same basic principle: the blade is set at an angle and held in place by a clamp that can be adjusted up or down, and it spins as it cuts through the wood.

A sliding miter saw is for fine workmanship, while a non-sliding miter saw is better for quickly sawing through pieces of wood. Sliding saws are more precise, but non-sliding saws are quicker.

A sliding miter saw is a powerful and versatile tool, but it can also be difficult to control. The blade extends to the bottom of the saw and slides across the table, perpendicular to the fence. With a non-sliding miter saw, the blade runs parallel to the fence, and the saw itself. The blade of a sliding miter saw can be positioned anywhere between 0 and 45 degrees.

A Sliding miter saw helps you cut from both the left and right. A non-sliding miter saw cuts from one side only. A sliding miter saw makes various cuts, including cross-cuts, bevel cuts, and miters. Cross-cuts are cuts made

perpendicular to the line of grain. Bevel cuts are cuts made at an angle to the line of grain. Miters are cuts that produce a 45-degree angle.

What Makes 12-Inch Miter Saws Stand Out?

A 12” miter saw will have a longer blade than a 10-inch saw, which will be a welcomed change for those who need a larger blade to work with. More material will be cut at a time, and there will be less waste left over from the cut. 

A 12” miter saw is also more versatile, as it will have a more powerful motor, which can provide more cutting power for tougher material and can handle larger projects. A 12” model will give you more real estate to work with, meaning that you can do larger projects without having to buy multiple tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

So, it is still an undecided battle between 10 vs 12-inch miter saw.

Final Verdict

The above tool reviews are some of the recommended 12-inch miter saws ideals for most users. We selected quality, and budget-friendly tools to make choosing the best 12-inch miter saw easier. These tools are perfect for users looking for a larger impressive cutting capacity.

Overall, DEWALT DWS779 is our top pick today for a powerful cut. The saw has a powerful 15-amp motor and a maximum cutting thickness of 6.75 inches. On top of that, this tool features an efficient dust collection system and an exclusive back fence design.

Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD is a nice selection if looking for smoother cuts. It helps you to make easy adjustments to suit your needs. You can also extend the cutting capacity to 14 inches horizontal. It is also easy to use.

Hitachi C12RSH2 is a time saver if you want to achieve cut accuracy. It has a laser marker system that makes it one of the most accurate miter saws. This saw also has a powerful 15-amp motor and a large sliding fence that all help you cut perfectly and handle tough jobs.

Relevant Resources

• The 10 Best Miter Saw Blades for 2022 – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide & Reviews
• The 10 Best Miter Saw Stand for 2022 – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide & Reviews