Sliding miter saws are one of the most complex and hard-to-use tools. They’re intricately-designed, but if you know how to use them to their full potential, then you can get so much mileage out of them. With that said, since these are sophisticated tools, finding the best sliding miter saw isn’t exactly a walk in the park.
Worry not, though, as we’ll be guiding you through the process by providing you with a list of the best sliding miter saws along with a buyer’s guide. Be sure to keep reading as this is vital information if you’re looking to buy a sliding miter saw.
In a hurry? Here’s our top pick!
- Stainless steel miter detent plate of the 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 10 positive stops
- The mitre saw has a precise miter system and machined base fence support
- Precise miter system and machined base fence support Cam-lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles for DEWALT miter saw
- Tall sliding fences support 6-3/4-inch base vertically
- Bevels 0 degree - 48degree left and right
The Best Sliding Miter Saws – Our Picks
#1 – DEWALT DWS779
- Stainless steel miter detent plate of the 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 10 positive stops
- The mitre saw has a precise miter system and machined base fence support
- Precise miter system and machined base fence support Cam-lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles for DEWALT miter saw
- Tall sliding fences support 6-3/4-inch base vertically
- Bevels 0 degree - 48degree left and right
If you’re looking for something affordable and compact, this is the best sliding miter saw you can get today. Simply put, the DWS779 is a high-quality sliding saw that is built to last thanks to its outstanding construction quality.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, this tool will not fail in meeting your expectations and maybe even exceeding them. It has a wide bevy of useful features, including robust safety features and a simple design that makes it user-friendly.
Speaking of the design, the DEWALT DWS779’s construction is pretty standard. It allows you to tilt the blade in both directions without any hassle, which makes for an overall smooth workflow. It’s also capable of cutting up to 2 by 16 wood at 90° and two by 12 pieces of lumber at 45°.
Moreover, the motor of this saw is unique in that it draws 15 amps of current while producing fewer vibrations than other engines of the same caliber. It’s also effortless to set up. In fact, the process will only take a couple of minutes.
Regarding the safety features, the saw sports a transparent blade guard, as well as robust dust collection features. The transparent blade guard is really useful as it helps you stay accurate and safe at the same time.
Our main issue with this model is that the grip is not very ergonomic. It doesn’t have cushions or any other features that make it feel comfortable for prolonged use. However, this isn’t a deal breaker. Secondly, the dust collection feature didn’t perform as well as we would’ve hoped.
All in all, this is the best sliding miter saw when it comes to compact and affordable models. It has strong features that make it rise above the other sliding miter saws of the same class. While the grip is not ergonomic, it isn’t a major issue.
What we like about it
This is a very accurate and versatile sliding miter saw which comes at a surprisingly affordable price. The combination of the 15-amp motor and the 12-inch blade make it a very potent and fast tool, and the safety features are decent.
#2 – Hitachi C12RSH2
- Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT; Same great tools, with only a new name
- Compact slide system allows the saw head to slide along fixed rails, for zero clearance. Laser Marker System from Hitachi increases cutting accuracy
- Max Cutting Capacities (HxW) 90 Degree Cross Cut 4 to 3/16x12 ,1/4 inch or 4 11/16x10 3/16 inch. 45 Degree Miter (L/R) 4 3/16x8 5/8 inch or 4 11/16x7 1/16 inch. 45 Degree Bevel (L) 2 3/4x12 1/4 inch or 2 15/16x10 3/16 inch. Compound Cut 45x45 (L/L) 2 3/4x8 5/8 inch or 2 15/16x7 1/16 inch
- Powerful 15 Amp motor to tackle tough cutting jobs with ease
- Large sliding fence raises fence height to 5 1/8 inches to cut up to 7 1/2 inch crown molding vertically
If you’re a hobbyist that’s not ready to take his craftsmanship to the professional level just yet, then this is the best sliding miter saw for you. The Hitachi C12RSH2 is an accurate and versatile model that is sure to meet your expectations.
While this isn’t as accurate as some of the professional sliding miter saws, it is still capable of making precise cuts. It also has a powerful 15-amp engine which should be enough to get you through any project you might tackle.
This model is also quite sturdy and is sure to last you for a long time. While the visual design might seem unremarkable, this machine will not fail you when you need it. You can rest assured that it can take care of any household work you might need to do.
Moreover, this model allows you to tilt it up to 57° to the right and 45° to the left. It’s also quite flexible. The sliding fence can reach as height as 5-1/8 inches which allow you to cut 7-1/2-inch crow vertically. While the aesthetic design is nothing special, the miter scales and bevel are well designed.
This is also a relatively low-vibration tool. This makes it easier to control. The grip is also ergonomic, which helps even more.
When it comes to the safety features, the only one that’s present is the transparent blade guard, which can be useful in keeping a clear view of the object you’re cutting. However, it lacks any other safety functionalities, which can be something of an issue. There’s also the fact that its aesthetic design isn’t that great.
All in all, The Hitachi C12RSH2 is one of the best sliding miter saws for hobbyists and amateurs. However, its usefulness extends to the professional level as well, thanks to its decent performance and reliable build quality. It also has great value, which made it a popular choice among a lot of people.
What we like about it
This machine features an effective laser system that helps a lot with accuracy. It’s also very flexible, durable and includes an ergonomic handle that reduces vibrations. Add on top of that the fact that you can get this for a relatively low price and you’ve got yourself one of the best sliding miter saws for hobbyists and DIYers.
#3 – DEWALT DW715
- 15 amp motor, 4,000 rpm delivers extended power and durability for the 12-inch miter saw blade
- Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 11 positive stops of the mitre saw improves productivity and ensures cutting
- Precise miter system and machined-base fence support optimize cutting accuracy for DEWALT miter saw
- Tall sliding fence supports crown molding up to 5-1/4-inch nested and base molding up to 6-1/2-inch vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts
- Bevels 0 degree-48degree to the left and 0 degree-3degree to the right for increased capacity
This is yet another sliding miter saw that offers excellent performance at a low cost. With this machine, you’ll be able to tackle most cutting applications, which makes it very flexible and great for both amateurs and professionals.
The thing that surprised us the most with this saw is its performance. The 12-inch blade, along with a decent engine, will make short work of any piece of wood you might want to cut. This is a very potent tool that can cut through anything like a hot knife through butter.
Another thing this product excels at is the design. It stands out from the rest with its uniqueness. However, this is not only a good-looking miter saw, but it’s also very functional. It has many excellent features that have earned it a place on this list.
The motor is on the right side of the blade and is capable of producing upwards of 4,000 RPM, which makes it quite fast and effective. Moreover, it’s as accurate as it is powerful. Thanks to its robust base, you’ll be able to make cuts with high precision. You can count on the base to stay steady and flat throughout the whole cutting process, which is extremely helpful.
When it comes to durability, this is a very durable sliding miter saw. You can count on it to last you throughout all of your years at as a woodworker. The only thing that isn’t so good about this model is how bulky it can be, especially if you compare it to other sliding miter saws.
To put it simply, DEWALT’s DW715 is a formidable machine. It is one of the best sliding miter saws, and the fact that you can get such a powerful tool at such a low price is a testament to DEWALT’s success.
What we like about it
There’s a lot to like with this product. For an affordable price, you’ll be able to buy a durable product with an elegant design. It doesn’t stop at the good looks though. This is a very accurate and powerful tool, as well. And to top it all off, it comes with a dust collecting bag when you buy it.
#4 – Makita LS1040
- Powerful 15 AMP direct drive motor for improved performance; 4,600 RPM
- Dual post compound pivoting arm
- Miter cuts 0°-45° left and 0°-52° right
- Positive miter stops at 9 settings: 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, right or left and 0° (90° cuts)
- Bevel cuts up to 45° to the left
While DEWALT’s DW715 is a bulky machine, Makita’s LS1040 is the opposite of that. It is one of the lightest sliding miter saws out there. However, don’t be fooled with its weight; it’s still decently powerful and quite durable.
If you happen to be a hobbyist, this is a great tool to in your workshop. It delivers cuts with a high degree of precision and is quite capable of going through any type of wood. Additionally, this is a pull-down miter saw which means that you shouldn’t have any trouble operating it since it’s among the easier miter saws to use.
Another great aspect is the simplicity of the design, which makes the tool as a whole more reliable and less prone to hiccups and breaks. This sliding miter saw is built to last. This is impressive seeing how light this model is when compared the other sliding miter saws.
The fact that it’s lightweight and compact also means that you don’t need a lot of space to store it, and moving it is easier. Even though it is small and lightweight, it still manages to pack quite the punch. You can expect to be able to cut through most materials easily. The maximum cutting depth is 3,7 inches, and the cutting width is around 3.5 inches. Combine this with a 240V, 1650-watt electric motor, and you’ve got yourself a force to be reckoned with.
All in all, the Makita LS1040 was pleasantly surprising. This is a compact, lightweight tool that is capable of cutting through most materials with no issue. It’s also very reliable. This is the best lightweight sliding miter saw.
What we like about it
This is an excellent sliding miter saw that combines a compact, lightweight design with great power and precision. Granted, the price isn’t for the faint of heart nor the low of budget, but if you understand that quality can be expensive, this reliable and easy to use miter saw is an option that’s worth considering.
#5 – Bosch GCM12SD
- AXIAL GLIDE SYSTEM: patented glide system allows wider cross cuts and better alignment while also being compact, saving you 12 inches of valuable work space
- CAPACITY: expanded cutting capacity, 14 inch horizontal capacity nominal 6 1/2 inch vertical capacity against the fence base 6 1/2 inch crown capacity against the fence 45 spring
- ADJUSTABLE: provides easy adjustments with a large, easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales with marked detentes and roof pitch angles; Bevel detents: 0, 33.9 degree, 45 degree left/right for accurate cuts; Category's best 90 percentage dust collection optimized for cutting 2x material with a vacuum
- PRECISION: square lock quick release fences lock fence 90 degree to the table and requires no adjustment, 1 touch lock/unlock to slide fence for added support
- EASE OF USE: upfront bevel controls all metal bevel lock lever and range selector located upfront for quick and easy bevel settings without reaching behind the saw
If you’re looking for a simple sliding miter saw that would do the job, then this is a good choice. The Bosch GCM12SD is an affordable sliding miter saw that is decently powerful and accurate. It’s also quite reliable and comes at an affordable price.
There aren’t any fancy bells and whistles that come with this saw. It’s as simple and minimalistic as it can get. Some people might not appreciate a simple tool, but it’s more about personal preference at this point. Since the design of this saw is minimalistic, it’s also quite easy to use, which makes it perfect for beginners and hobbyists who are looking for a sliding miter saw to perform basic tasks.
This model includes basic measuring components that allow you to change bevel and calibrating levels. It can bevel 47-degrees to each side. It features a 15-amp, 2.5HP motor which can reach up to 3800 RPM. It also has a 12-inch blade which makes cutting thicker materials easier.
One of the more unique things about this sliding miter saw is that the handle is ambidextrous which allows you to comfortably use it whether you’re right-handed or left-handed. Another great feature is the dust collector port, which can swiftly clean the working space. This is super useful since it can save you a lot of time when you’re cleaning the working area.
All in all, the Bosch GCM12SD combines simplicity with efficiency. This is also an extremely durable sliding miter saw that is sure to last for years and years on end. The main issue with this sliding miter saw is the lack of a laser cut line which would’ve made it even more accurate than it already is.
What we like about it
This is a very powerful and reliable sliding miter saw. It also has numerous useful features such as its ambidextrous design and the axial glide system. This is one of the best and most durable sliding miter saws out there.
Choosing the Best Sliding Miter Saw – Buying Guide
The sliding miter saw is a handy tool to have in your workshop. However, choosing the best sliding miter saw can prove to be a difficult task if you don’t know what to look for.
Fortunately, this buyer’s guide aims to give you a clear idea of what exactly you need in a sliding miter saw in order to choose the best one for your situation.
Motor
The motor will determine how much power the sliding miter saw will be able to deliver. We recommend going with a 10-amp, 12-amp, or 15-amp motor. Anything higher than that would be overkill, and anything lower would be too weak. With that said, you also need to consider the speed rate of the motor since it will determine how smooth the cuts will be.
Lastly, there are two main types of motors you can find. There are direct drive motors and belt driven ones. The former tends to be more durable than the latter.
Blade
Sometimes, the standard blades that come with the sliding miter saws can be unsuitable for delicate projects. For this reason, we recommend you buy an extra blade as you’ll be able to extend the saw’s usefulness by doing so.
Another thing to keep in mind is how easy or hard it is to change the blade on a model. It can be easy for some saws but very tedious and time consuming for others.
Laser Guide System
This is a handy feature to have as it helps you stay as accurate as possible. With a laser guide system, you can make cuts with extreme precision.
With that said, not all laser guide systems are equally effective. There are low-end systems and high-end ones. We recommend you check the product reviews to see whether or not the laser guide system is good or not.
Dust Collection in the BEST Sliding Miter Saw
This is yet another very useful feature that helps you avoid getting dust all over the work area. It also helps improve the overall performance by eliminating the dust.
This is mainly done by using a dust bag to collect all the dust. However, only high-end sliding miter saws can do this efficiently. Most other saws tend to underperform in this aspect.
Picking the Best Sliding Miter Saw – Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I a Sliding Miter Saw?
A sliding miter saw is an important tool to have in your workshop whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional. It allows you to make miter and bevel cuts. Since these are sliding miter saws, they tend to be more efficient in cutting since you can push them backward and forward.
What Is the Difference Between a Compound and Sliding Miter Saw?
The main difference between the two types of saws is the fact that with the sliding miter saw, you’ll be able to move the saw backward and forward which is helpful for wide pieces of materials. On the other hand, a compound miter saw is good for cutting thick materials since there’s nothing blocking the cutting arm. It’s worth noting that there is a third type called a sliding compound miter saw, which gives you the best of both worlds.
Verdict
Now that you’ve read through our reviews and buying guide, you should be able to choose the best sliding miter saw for your needs confidently.
Sliding miter saws are handy tools, and they can offer you a lot of flexibility. We hope you found this article helpful! (If you did, feel free to share it with other fellow handymen)
References:
- https://www.canadianwoodworking.com/tools/miter-saws
- http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/power-tools/hall-of-fame-2002_o
- https://heartwoodfarmscoop.com/compound-miter-saw/
- Our own experience
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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