You need a good sliding compound miter saw, but where do you start? This will be a pricey investment any way you look at it.
So, you need the best sliding compound miter saw you can find. And, you also need to stay on budget.
Luckily for you, the best sliding compound miter saws of the year are reviewed and compared right here.
Top 5 Sliding Compound Miter Saw Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. DeWalt DWS779 12” Sliding Compound Miter Saw
DeWalt is a familiar and dependable name in the power tool industry. Tradesmen trust this brand, and it’s easy to see why. Their offerings are always solid.
This particular mode features the CUTLINE Blade Positioning system. This means you can check the shadow of the blade as it comes down and see the blade positioning on the cut. It’s another way DeWalt has assured accuracy for this miter saw.
The high back fence design cuts up to 2×16 wood at 90 degrees. It can also handle 2x12s at 45 degrees. Vertically against the fence, it can handle crown moldings up to 7 ½” nested or base molding up to 6 ¾”.
Lastly, the dust collection system works very well. It captures 75% of the dust and debris the miter saw puffs out.
Review
If you are looking at 12” sliding compound miter saws, odds are you want a workhorse. Well, you’ve found one in the DeWalt DWS779.
It’s ready to go straight out of the box.The cuts are nice and smooth, and the 3800 RPM motor is more than enough power for most jobs.
Be careful about the kickback though.
This saw is a bit on the heavy side, but it is a larger miter saw. It also feels sturdy enough to not rattle around on the worktable.Another good thing about this saw is that the sawdust collection system actually works as advertised.
This is surprising since miter saws are notoriously messy unless you attach an industrial vacuum to it. The bag for collecting dust could be bigger, but it works.
- 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
Last update on 2023-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
- High fences for higher capacity
- CUTLINE Blade Positioning system provides better accuracy
- Dust collection works well
- Cuts very smoothly
- Potential kickback
- On the heavy side
- Dust collector is a bit small
2. Makita LS1016L 10” Slide Compound Miter Saw
Next up is the Makita LS1016L. Makita is a respected name in the power tool industry, and Makita’s products are known for their lightness and affordability.
Review
This is the best sliding compound miter saw for you if you are planning on doing light woodwork. It has everything you need for various projects.The sliding mechanism gives you a larger cutting capacity. It also has a special 4-rail system that decreases deflection. However, the slide on the rail system could be smoother.Speaking of capacity, this miter saw can handle up to 6 5/8” crown molding vertically nested or 4 ¾” baseboards vertically. It’s not as large as other saws, but it has enough capacity for most jobs.For increased accuracy, a built-in laser shows you where your cut will appear. You can see the line if the saw is turning or not. This gives you extra peace of mind that your cuts will end up exactly where you intend.As far as power goes, the direct motor delivers a respectable no-load 3200rpm. The direct motor also means it runs quieter. In addition, this saw also has a soft start that will go easy on you and your power outlets.Unfortunately, this miter saw does have its share of downsides. First, the dust collection may as well be non-existent. The dust ends up everywhere except the bag that collects it.Next, adjusting the saw is a very complicated process that the included manual is too confusing to handle. It’s definitely not easy for someone new to woodworking.
Last update on 2023-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s to like about the Makita LS1016L 10” Slide Compound Miter Saw
- Direct motor
- Soft start
- Built-in laser
What’s not to like about the Makita LS1016L 10” Slide Compound Miter Saw
- Rail system can be choppy
- Dust collection doesn’t work
PROS
- checkSoft start
- checkBuilt-in laser
CONS
- Adjusting the saw is complicated
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3. Craftsman 10” Sliding Compound Miter Saw (21237)
Craftsman is a trusted household name. Used by amateur handymen and professionals alike, this Craftsman saw is very user friendly for the casual woodworker. And, they are budget-friendly too.
Review
If you are looking for a light and portable saw, this may be the best sliding compound miter saw for you. Built by a trusted name in power tools, this miter saw boasts many features.Weighing in at only 39.38 pounds, it is very lightweight for a saw in this class. So, if you need to move it from job site to job site or from the garage to your backyard you can do so without breaking your back.The RPM speed is fairly high at 4800, ensuring you have enough power to cut through both hard and soft kinds of wood. The 15-amp motor helps deliver the power to get through all your woodworking projects. In addition, the blades this miter saw uses are smaller than other models, but they are easier to maintain.The capacity doesn’t suffer for it. It can still get through boards up to 12” wide. For casual household work, this saw can do wonders.You can also ensure accuracy by using the Laser Trac built-in laser. It helps you to see the cut line and doesn’t run out of batteries. Unfortunately, it’s not bright enough to see outside so you will have to reserve using it for indoor use.Finally, not all saws are perfect, and this one is no different. Make sure to check your saw thoroughly out of the box, as it’s been known to have manufacturing defects. Known defects include bent or bowed fences, inaccurately lined miters and bent saw blades.
What’s to like about the Craftsman 10” Sliding Compound Miter Saw (21237)
- Light
- Budget-friendly
- Laser for accuracy
What’s not to like about the Craftsman 10” Sliding Compound Miter Saw (21237)
- Can’t see the laser in bright light
- Manufacturing defects
PROS
- checkLight weight
- checkBudget-friendly
CONS
- Unhelpful customer service
4. DeWalt DWS780 12” Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Here’s another entry from the DeWalt family. Unlike the previous offering, this one bevels both left and right for more variety in your woodwork.
Review
This sliding compound miter saw features an XPS positioning system for cross cuts integrated into it. If you demand absolute precision, this helps make sure your cuts are always accurate.It also features a 15-amp motor that runs 3800 for longer sessions of woodcutting. Unfortunately, this is a belt-driven motor, which means you can expect some kickback.The DeWalt fence design allows for cuts up to 2×16” at 90 degrees and also 2×12” at 45 degrees.If you are getting this for more precise work, it can support 7 ½” of crown molding nested and up to 6 ¾” base molding vertically. You also have an increased miter capacity at 60 degrees to the right, and 50 degrees to the left.Now for the downsides. This is a larger saw, so you also need enough room or a dedicated place to store it. Also, the plastic parts are known to break off. Other defects may include a warped bed or a misaligned fence.In addition, the sliding mechanism sometimes isn’t as smooth as it should be. Instead of a smooth glide, you may encounter a rough, squeaky chop. This problem seems to mainly stem from poor quality control at production.Finally, like other DeWalt saws, this one also has a very decent dust collection system. As mentioned previously, it works wonders.
Last update on 2023-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s to like about the DeWalt DWS780 12” Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- XPS system
- Higher fences for higher capacity
- Very accurate
- Decent dust collection system
What’s not to like about the DeWalt DWS780 12” Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Kickback
- Large-sized
PROS
- checkXPS system
- checkHigh fences
CONS
- Poor manufacturing for some units
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5. Doitpower 10” Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Another budget-friendly option for consumers minding their pennies. The Doitpower 10” Sliding Compound Miter Saw is very simple and has user-friendly features for a woodworking newcomer.
Review
This is a very basic sliding compound miter saw. If you are new to woodworking or simply need an inexpensive option for occasional precision jobs this may be the best sliding compound miter saw for you.The blade is only 10” so it’s okay for most DIY jobs at home. It has a pretty powerful motor for only being 10”. It runs at 4800 RPM. This may or may not be a problem, depending on whether you know how to pick a blade to compensate for that extra power.User-friendly options also include an LED work light to see your work space better. It also comes with a laser for that extra assurance of accuracy. Also, the bevel locks in the front, not the back like most units like this.In addition, the cutting depth is modest. It can get through 2.95×12.01” at 90-degree angles and 2.95×8.27” at 45-degrees.Finally, customer service is very helpful. So, if you ever need to contact them it isn’t as painful as talking to other larger brand customer service centers.
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s to like about the Doitpower 10” Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Very budget-friendly
- LED work light
- Front bevel lock
What’s not to like about the Doitpower 10” Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Cutting capacity limited
PROS
- checkBudget-friendly
- checkLED work light
CONS
- Small, little-known company
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FINAL VERDICT
There are so many good sliding miter saws on the market and it’s very hard to choose just one. But, if you are going for value the best sliding compound miter saw out there is the Doitpower 10” Sliding Compound Miter Saw. It’s basic, but sometimes basic is all you need.On the other hand, the best sliding compound miter saw that stands out from all the rest is the DeWalt DWS779 12” Sliding Compound Miter Saw. Its exceptional precision and dependable cutting make it a leader in this category. And, the working dust collection system is a plus too.