Sliding miter saws are a must-have for any workshop or job site. This powerful tool can make fast, accurate, and smooth crosscuts within seconds. Besides crosscuts, you can also create a bevel, miter, and compound cuts in some models.
If you’re fresh to woodworking, getting the best sliding miter saw can be a difficulty. All you needed was a sliding miter saw that could do crosscuts and angled cuts, but here you are, done with an array of choices that have features you don’t know what to do with.
We have gathered and analyzed seven of the best sliding miter saws you can purchase online or in your hardware store. Study about their pros and cons, and see which sliding miter saw is ideal for your workshop.
If you undertake a lot of carpentry or woodworking designs, a miter saw is a valuable purchase. These power saws give ideal crosscuts—cutting right across the wood’s width—but where they actually shine is with miter or angle cuts.
Things to consider before buying Milter Saw
If the table saw is the base of the works and Jobsite, then a miter saw might well be the support. It can perform crosscuts, miters, and slopes in trim that locks everything in site, so to talk. Although table and miter saws give some purposes, you can’t replace one for the other. It’s so convenient that it’s one of those devices that every usual constructor must own. So if you’re purchasing a miter saw, let’s crash up against your experience level.
- Saw Type
Miter saws fall into three sections: stationary synthesis, sliding synthesis and sliding dual synthesis (also called double or dual slope). As you might imagine, the price rises with a saw’s design elegance. Stationary composite miter saws can make miter cuts to the right and left, but slope cuts in only one way. Sliding compound miter saws have the combined capacity of moving forward and back along rails. Abler still is the sliding double compound miter saw that could do everything the other saws can do, plus bevel cuts to the right and left.
The two sliding designs are the most popular because the rails increase a blade’s crosscut ability. For example, picture a miter saw blade 12 inches in diameter. If the saw doesn’t slide, the highest crosscut capacity for a 90° cut is the blade diameter – 12 inches. Well, short of 12 inches, thanks to the arbor getting in the way. But a sliding feature can increase the crosscut by several inches – up to 16 inches or so. For a 10-inch or smaller miter saw, it can get you a crosscut capacity equal to or greater than a stationary 12-inch model.
- Power Source
Most miter saws are corded devices with 10-, 12-, or 15-amp motors. Consider a more powerful motor if you’ll be making a lot of wide crosscuts or using hardwoods. If the saw will cut thinner trim made of pine or composite material, a less powerful motor is adequate. But corded miter saws are no longer the only option. Viable battery-powered options have given tradespeople and DIYers reason to rejoice. It’s not necessary to be tethered to a cord. Today’s cordless miter saws are smaller, lighter, and exceedingly useful for medium-duty and punch list work. Even better: they typically have brushless motors that offer longer life, lower maintenance, and several more benefits. For a quieter, smoother startup operation, consider a miter saw with a soft start motor.
- Blade & Crosscut Capacity
We talked briefly about the crosscut capacity already, but there’s more to be said (and we’ve never been short on words!). Miter saw blades have traditionally been made in 8-1/4-, 8-1/2-, 10-and 12-inch diameters. A bigger blade diameter allows a longer cut – in other words, a bigger crosscut, miter, and bevel capability. If you intend to cut wide molding or dimensional lumber, make sure either the blade or the combination of the blade and slide capacity exceeds that width.
A benefit of the 10-inch blade diameter is the interchangeability with a table saw. You won’t require to buy two sets of circular blades if you don’t remember taking the time to swap the blades within your table and miter saws. The same holds for your circular saw and cordless miter saws that use 7-1/4-inch blades. The 7-1/4-inch blades are more readily available, which is a big advantage in a pinch.
- Angle Ranges and Detents
There’s some variability in the greatest miter and bevel reaches, but all saws will be able to cut 45°. You’ll find some composite saws with a 48° range and some dual compound saws with asymmetric ranges like 50° to the left and 62° to the right. There are some trade tricks for cutting odd angles, but that’s behind our scope here. Any miter saw will have the necessary angle ranges without some odd angles for skilled carpenters for approximately all plans and purposes. We suggest saws with positive stop detents – which is almost a regular feature, anyway.
Our top 10 Best Milter Saws
- Best to use: Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD
- Best performance of power system: DEWALT DWS779
- Best for usage and harmless: Metabo HPT 12″
- Best saver of time: Evolution Power Tools R255SMS
- Best for budget-friendly: Ryobi 10 Amp 7 1/4
- Best for all-around work: Delta Power Equipment Corporation S26-263L
- Best in terms of comfort: Olson Saw 35-241
- Best heavy-duty equipment: Genesis GMSDR1015LC
- Best for trust and reliance: Makita XSL07PT
- Best for supportiveness: SKILSAW SPT77WML-01
1. Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD
Specifications
- Brand: BOSCH
- Blade Length: 12 Inches
- Color: Blue
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Number of Teeth: 60
The Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD 12 Inch Sliding Glide Miter Saw is one unique product. The only sliding miter saw on the list built with an axial arm instead of rails. Apart from its space-saving design that is perfect for compact job sites, it also allows you to easily reach the edge of a wider workpiece. The arm’s back and forth movement is also smooth.
Crosscuts and miter cuts are a piece of cake for this tool. Unlike other miter saws, it has a dual bevel system that lets you tilt the saw left and make bevel cuts. It’s not a big deal for some users, but it makes the job easier as the user doesn’t have to reorient the workpiece to make another cut. Plus, its bevel angle range swings up to a maximum of 47° on both sides.
This Bosch miter saw already includes a 12-inch carbide-tipped blade. What about the price? This drop saw is one of the priciest on the list, but that is to be expected as a leading brand manufactures it, and it has some features that other saws do not have.
It comes with a wrench for easy blade change, a vertical work clamp, a dust bag, and a shop vac adapter.
2. DEWALT DWS779
Specifications
- Brand: DEWALT
- Blade Length: 12 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 21 x 17 x 17 inches
- Color: Silver Miter saw
- Power Source: Corded Electric
The DEWALT DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw makes any contractor’s job easier thanks to its powerful motor, ultra-sharp blade, and user-friendly design. This drop saw delivered reliable and impressive performance when we used it to cut dense workpieces. It has a larger 12″ saw, allowing it to reach the edge of 2×14 easily during crosscuts.
The see-through blade guard allows you a clearer view of your cut line. This sliding miter saw weighs a whopping 56 lbs. The good news? You’ll know immediately that the whole unit is made of heavy-duty materials. The bad news? It is not the most portable drop saw on the list despite having a carry handle on top and slots for your hands at the base.
You can make crosscuts, bevel, miter, and compound cuts with it. It has higher sliding fences that support taller workpieces. Plus, the fences are textured, ensuring that the lumber piece won’t slip easily while you work.
Its handle is not ambidextrous, and it’s ideal for right-handed users. This is a good investment, whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional builder.
It is pricier than most drop saws on the list, but it’s a little cheaper than the Bosch miter saw.
3. Metabo HPT 12″
Specifications
- Brand: Metabo HPT
- Blade Length: 12 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 26.9 x 22.2 x 21.3 inches
- Number of Teeth: 60
- Cutting Angle: 52 Degrees
The Metabo HPT C12RSH2S 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw is an added drop saw fit for experts and serious hobbyists. As you can tell, it has a robust 12″ blade protected by a see-through blade guard. Cutting a large, wide, and tough workpiece will not be a problem, thanks to its powerful motor.
It has a larger base plate, making it great for cutting longer and wider pieces of lumber. It also makes cutting larger workpieces easier thanks to its adjustable base extension and taller sliding fence.
It has a laser cutting guide, but I don’t think it’s going to be of much use if you’ve been a hobbyist or a builder for many years. While it’s fantastic that its blade guard is transparent, it is colored, so it can be hard to see your cut line while working.
4. Evolution Power Tools R255SMS
Specifications
- Brand: Evolution
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 28.73 x 27.75 x 14.19 inches
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Cutting Angle: 45 Degrees
- Item Weight: 34 Pounds
It might not be as popular as the miter saw offered by other brands. Still, the Evolution Power Tools R255SMS+ 10″ Compound Sliding Miter Saw delivers excellent and reliable job site performance. As the name suggests, this is a compound sliding saw. It can produce crosscuts, miter (-50˚ to 50˚), bevel (up to 45°), and compound cuts. The miter stops swing both left and right.
It comes with a 10-inch blade that can penetrate laminates, hardwoods, and steel. You can also purchase a compatible 10″ diamond blade if you want to cut bricks, tiles, and other such materials.
This is one of the most affordable sliding miter saws on the list, so it’s a good investment you’re a professional or a hobbyist.
5. Ryobi 10 Amp 7 1/4
Specifications
- Brand: RYOBI
- Blade Length: 7.25 Inches
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Speed: 5350 RPM
- Number of Teeth: 80
The Ryobi TSS701 7 1/4″ Sliding Mitre Saw is a compact saw that packs a lot of power. This compact miter saw can deliver whether you want crosscuts on crown moldings, baseboards, and 2x4s. It can produce miter cuts up to 45° with positive stops at 0°, 22.5°, and 31.6°. It can also create bevel cuts but keep in mind that this is a single-bevel saw, so you’re going to have to reorient your workpiece each time.
It has a see-through blade guard that lets you see your cut line to ensure accuracy. But the highlight of this miter saw is its LED light. If you’re working in a poorly lit Jobsite or you have poor eyesight, then you will definitely find this feature useful.
It’s more affordable than most of the miter saws we have here, making it ideal for hobbyists who are on a tight budget.
6. Delta Power Equipment Corporation S26-263L
Specifications
- Brand: Delta
- Blade Length: 10 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 27.75 x 27.75 x 14.5 inches
- Power Source: Ac/dc
- Number of Teeth: 60
The Delta Power Equipment Corporation S26-263L Shopmaster Slide Miter Saw is a good starter saw, especially for hobbyists. This is a lightweight miter that saw that you could easily move from one room to another or from one job site to another thanks to its arm lock. This mechanism allows you to lock the arm in place to make it more compact and portable.
When it comes to performance, this Delta Miter Saw is truly delivered. It can cut hard MDF panels and dense hardwoods easily. It can make basic crosscuts, bevel, and miter cuts. It has a laser guide for improved accuracy, but keep in mind that a pair of batteries power this feature
7. Olson Saw 35-241
Specifications
- Brand: ZONA
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 13 x 4 x 1.5 inches
- Power Source: Ac/dc
- Number of Teeth: 42
- Cutting Angle: 90 Degrees
If you build dollhouses, models, picture frames, or other crafts that require detailed work on tiny pieces, you probably don’t need a large, powered miter saw. Instead, you’ll find a miter box, such as the one from Olson Saw, to be highly effective for your needs and your budget.
Basically, a miter box is a metal box—this one is aluminum—with slots for positioning a small hand saw just right for making accurate miter cuts. The box has three 0.14-inch slots: one each for 45, 60, and 90-degree angled cuts. You can cut materials up to 2 inches in width and 7/8 inches in depth.
You’ll also get a wooden-handled fine kerf universal saw with a 6-1/2-inch, 42-teeth-per-inch blade. The saw easily cuts through balsa and other softwoods, plastic, copper, and brass, leaving behind smooth edges without any ragged spots requiring further sanding.
The Olson Saw Miter Box is the perfect addition to any crafter’s toolkit, or as a useful tool if you want to cut a few pieces of wood or other materials to use as trim on furniture or around the house.
8. Genesis GMSDR1015LC
Specifications
- Brand: Genesis
- Blade Length: 10 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 30.5 x 16.25 x 15 inches
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Speed: 4800 RPM
As a kind, Genesis gives a full line of power tools and associates. What stands out about their outcomes is that they offer a reliable appearance without separating your bank. Genesis’ GMS1015LC is powered by a 15-amp motor, which runs the blade at a high speed of 4600 RPM. Though this speed is achieved at no load, it still translates to a relatively high load speed, which results in quick cutting. Apart from being quick and accurate, this miter saw is designed to be very easy to use.
For instance, it has 9 positive stops along its miter scale, making it easy to adjust the blade to cut at the most popular angles with consistent accuracy. This stops the blade a few seconds after releasing the trigger and keeps it from causing any harm.
9. Makita XSL07PT
Specifications
- Brand: Makita
- Blade Length: 12 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 23.11 x 36.02 x 21.65 inches
- Power Source: Cordless
- Speed: 400 RPM
The Makita XSL07PT cordless 12-inch miter saw runs off a pair of 18V batteries for 36V power. This flagship cordless 12-inch compound sliding miter saw helped us run through cuts on trim and framing material like butter. They saw exhibits absolutely no blade wobble, giving us perfectly consistent cuts every time. We found we could cut 5-1/4″ speed base upright at 45 degrees in either direction. You get convenient front bevel adjustments, and the saw miters to 60º in both directions.
The innovative rail design allows placement of the saw up against the wall without a Glide system’s complexity. Lastly—and perhaps most importantly—we cut an entire day’s worth of crown and base off one pair of 5Ah batteries!
This saw retails for around $999 for the XSL07PT kit with two 5.0Ah batteries, dual port rapid charger, blade, dust bag, vertical clamp, wrench, and triangle. If you want the XSL08PT model with AWS-capable wireless Bluetooth connectivity, it runs $1,059.
10. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01
Specifications
- Brand: Skil
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 20.5 x 7.75 x 8.75 inches
- Color: Silver
- Power Source: Corded Electric
The 7-1/4 inch SPT77WML-01 has several features and aspects designed to make it easier to use for extended periods. This is about reducing wear on the user and allowing the saw to continually rip through a high amount of lumber on any given day.
The low weight is the first thing you’ll notice with this saw. At just 11.6 lbs, the SPT77WML-01 has the lowest weight in its class. You’ll have no problem using it all day long, noticing hardly any fatigue at all.
The saw uses a powerful 15-amp motor, giving it a no-load blade speed up to 5,300 RPM.
As with other SKILSAW products, the SPT77WML-01 uses a unique copper wiring method for the motor, letting it work for longer while remaining cool, avoiding the dreaded overheating you can encounter with other professional-level circular saws.
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