A top priority when looking for a new tool is making sure you are getting the most bang for your buck. The trick is to get something that can handle multiple tasks for you. Sliding compound miter saws are all about adaptability and versatility, meaning you can move this bad boy back and forth to increase your cutting length. The additional sliding function also means it can cut through a variety of material thicknesses like lumber or tall fences which is typically not possible for a standard compound miter saw.
A compound sliding miter saw is a handy equipment to have at home. You can make precise 90-degree cross cuts, giving you professional-level results and also saves you a lot of effort and time. This tool is a great addition both for amateurs and professionals alike. That said, there are different factors that will decide the kind of saw you will be needing.
Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Reviews
We have listed down 5 of the top compound sliding miter saws suitable for different requirements and needs.
1. DEWALT 12-Inch DWS779 – Best Overall Saw
The 12-inch DEWALT DWS779 is a widely applauded and praised sliding miter saw in its category. It is ideal for mid-to-professional level users. This model packs a tough 15 amp motor to generate enough power to propel the blade at high speeds. With the impressive 3800 rpm, you can slice through hardwood, plastic, aluminum, and metal like a hot knife through butter.
Most sliding miter saws cannot handle lumber that measures more than 12-inches but this DWS779 can tackle workpieces up to 2×16-inches for 90 degree dimensional crosscuts and 2×12-inches for 45-degree bevel angle cuts. Couple this with the saw’s dual bevel capability, you’ve got yourself a winner.
If you want precision, the DWS779 is yet your best pick. It has a Cutline Blade Positioning System for an adjustment-free cut line direction. This means you can accurately cut all types of materials irrespective of the angle you are trying to cut. You can also get accuracy with the dual horizontal steel rails, thanks to the linear ball bearings and innovative cutting mechanism.
Pros
- Powerful motor works quietly and smoothly
- Saw is gauged for precision angled cuts
- Performs the same as it’s more expensive counterpart DWS780
Cons
- Dust bag is not spacious enough
- Saw does not have a laser guide
See This Saw in Action!
2. DEWALT DWS780 12-inch – The Runner Up
Dewalt is a well-trusted brand among handymen and contractors, and for good reason. The 12-inch DWS780 Dewalt is one of the best there is in the market when it comes to sliding miter saws. It will give you easy precision cuts both for professional workmen as well as for hobbyists.
This 12-inch bad boy features a precision miter system along with a handle for easy portability when working outdoors. If you are remodeling your home, you want your tool to last all day. The DWS780 features 15 amp and a 3800 rpm powerful motor for durability and power. Besides the motor, this miter saw is made of stainless steel castings to ensure that it can withstand the regular rigors of an on-site job.
Besides the unbeatable durability that it offers, this saw also has a variety of features designed to accelerate the cutting process without compromising on precision. This model has a high capacity for cutting as it lets you cut as much as 2×16 lumber pieces at a 90 degree angle and 2×12 at a 45 degree angle. You can also bevel between 0 – 49 degrees with 45, 33.9, 22.5, and 0 stops in both the directions. You will also love the dust collection system that it comes attached to for a cleaner job site or work station.
Pros
- Laser-like LED light
- Miter detent plate is adjustable
- Comes with a dual bevel
Cons
- Does not have adjustable bearings
- Workpiece needs to be held with hands
3. Metabo HPTC10FCGS 10-inch – Best Budget Compound Miter Saw
As the new replacement for Hitachi Power Tools, Metabo is pretty much a replica of its predecessor, albeit some much-needed tweaks. At just under $100, this affordable Metabo C10FCGS is wildly popular in the market because it manages to deliver an impressive performance for home projects and hobbyists.
It weighs a little over 20 pounds and is lightweight enough for you to carry it around single-handedly. You can make precise angles of 0 to 52 degrees without fuss. The dual bevel allows you to make both left and right cuts, making it versatile enough for different types of projects. You will also love the additional 0 to 45 degree bevel that makes your cuts even more accurate.
You can easily adjust the system, thanks to the thumb actuated stop. Set your miter saw for withstanding the pressures of heavy-duty work so that it will last you a long time. Another feature you will love is the 15 amp and 5000 rpm “no load” speed motor to power through thick materials with ease. The 24 teeth blade also adds to the ease of the cut as it ensures a smooth cutting experience.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Sturdy large table
- Provides the perfect miter angle for crown molding cuts
Cons
- Instructions may be difficult to understand
- Defective guard
4. TACKLIFE Double Bevel PMS03A 12-Inch
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The PMS03A is another great compound sliding miter saw for homeowners from TACKLIFE. If you feel the DEWALT is out of your budget than this one is a close runner up along with some cool features that you wouldn’t find in a DEWALT. It has an attractive metallic look and has a professional quality.
It offers an impressive 15 amp and 380 rpm for a powerful motor to ensure a smooth cutting experience. The sliding cutting feature also adds to the cutting width and extends the cutting flexibility. It also has a built-in laser to light up the cut line which means your cuts will come out smooth and precise, thereby reducing the number of wasted wood.
It has a bevel lock system to improve the operational security and stability as you work with heavy lumber. The swivel arm also allows for enough wiggle room to get a variety of unique cuts, including 45-degree angles. You can easily change the base angle without asking for another person’s help and the cutting handle has a soft grip to give you that added comfort.
Pros
- Lifetime support and 2 years warranty
- Extended platform for a spacious working table
- Can handle big pieces of wood
Cons
- Casting, depth stop, and fence is on the thinner side
- May take some time to get used to it
5. Bosch GCM12SD 12-Inch Miter Saw
The dual bevel Bosch GCM12SD is one that has not compromised on quality. One stand-out feature of this compound sliding miter saw is the axial glide. This system does not use the rail setup the is found in other miter saws which usually has the tendency to mess things up and also requires daily maintenance for optimal performance.
Rather, it has a robotic gliding arm that lets the saw to effortlessly glide back and forth during cuts. This way, you can simply sit the sliding saw against the wall and save yourself that additional 12 inches of space which otherwise would have been taken up by the rails of a standard miter saw. This is a useful feature for people with limited storage space.
This saw also has an intuitive and ergonomic setup. You only need some minor alignments before you can use it right out of the box. It has a quick-release bevel lock that comes aligned at 90 degrees so that you don’t need to readjust.
There is also a lock and unlock feature in the fences, making it easy for you to slide it into position for accurate alignment. We love the 60-tooth carbide blade for a quick and smooth cut.
Pros
- Comes with a compact axial-glide feature
- Square lock fences for quick release
- Solid structure and powerful motor
Cons
- Cannot cut square or even adjust to it
- More suitable for rough framing and not for trim work or finish work
Best Miter Saw Buying Guide
When shopping for the perfect compound sliding miter saw, keep an eye out for these features depending on your budget and needs.
Cutting Ability
You need a saw that makes accurate cuts at various angles. Keep an eye out for ‘positive stops.’ These are preset positions, and they are typically set at common cutting angles to help you change cuts quickly. You will find saws with one-touch switches so that you can shift cuts without hassle. When you have multiple positive cuts, it will save you a lot of time when transitioning from one cut to another.
Another important factor is the Bevel. With a bevel, your saw can tilt and rotate the base to alter the angle of the miter you want to cut. If you have a dual bevel, that’s even better as it will save you the hassle of switching directions every time you change your cut.
Also, make sure that your saw locks firmly. You don’t want your saw to move and get displaced resulting in a bad cut. This way, you can ensure that the wood you are cutting and your saw stays in place.
Power
You want your saw to cut through the wood like hot knife cutting through butter. For this, you need a high-quality motor. This is especially important is you are someone who will be cutting throughout the day. Anything less than 15 amps with 3500 RPM rotation will only end up frustrating you. If you are regularly molding and cutting door frames, you will need something more than that.
Blade
The bigger the size of your blade, the larger the cuts you can make. People commonly use 10-12 inch blades but you can also go as low as 4 inches. That said, consider what you need to be cutting to help you determine the ideal size for you. But you can’t insert a 4 inch blade in a 12 inch compound sliding miter saw due to mechanics.
Also, consider the tooth count of the blade. Typically the bigger blades will have more teeth than the smaller ones. If you want a smooth finish, get one with a higher tooth count. As for cutting through thicker materials, get one with a low tooth count as it lets you power through the thickness.
Best Miter Saw FAQs
Here are two of the most frequently asked questions on compound sliding miter saws by users.
How Do You Properly Use a DeWalt Sliding Compound Miter Saw?
The DeWalt compound sliding miter saw comes fully assembled. All you have to do is plug in the saw and pull the trigger. Wait for the blade to run at full speed before you lower it down to the cut board with a steady hand. If you want to cut wider pieces, you need to pull the saw a little towards you and then lower it down towards the board before pushing it back to start cutting.
Do These Saws Have an LED Cut Line?
Not all compound sliding miter saws have it but you can get several models in the market with laser and LED cut lines. The LED cut line will give you that added visual clarity and reduce the number of wood wastes.
Find the Best Saw That’s Right for You
Finding the best compound sliding miter saw for you will depend on your work project and budget. If money is not an issue for you, go for a high-quality model as these tools can stick around for years with a little maintenance.
We have categorized the top compound sliding miter saws in the market according to quality, performance, budget, and work type. These are all great performing saws in their own right. All you need to do is pick one according to your personal needs and other preferences.
Jake is a tool guy – think Tim Allen from Home Improvement but with a much drier sense of humor. He lives in the great state of Ohio and plays the guitar on his downtime. He also spends his time writing on all things tools and DIY-related as this is his passion.
