2022: Best Mitre Saw?

[BCM]

I'm looking for some updated feedback on Mitre Saws now that we're going into 2022. Corded, not battery operated.

Specifically, double bevel sliding compound saws. Probably a 10" but am open to be convinced otherwise. I have an older Dewalt 12" on a stand that's just HUGE and am selling it as I'm in the midst of a big garage redesign to be better organized and get me better space. This is a single bay garage, very limited space, so I will have one multi-function table that I pull tools out and use them on, and put them away when done on a custom built shelf, so am not looking at stands and the more compact something stores the better (e.g. turn it to 45 degrees and bevel it over for storage to fit on a smaller shelf). But capacity, overall quality are important.

This is really an "all-around" mitre saw for me. Have a Festool track saw and Dust Collector, Bosch 4100 Table Saw as well.

Top contender right now is probably the Bosch CM10GD:

CM10GD Miter Saws | Bosch Professional

CM10GD

www.boschtools.com

Is it worth looking at the Dewalt (DW717?) What about Metabo HPT - Formerly Hitachi, right? Makita?

Appreciate any thoughts!

 

[BLUE72CAMARO]

Cant speak for current production but my Dewalt miter saw has been a rock solid tool for me and the xps light is absolutely a must. I have put the add on kits on 3 of my friends Dewalt saws that didnt think they needed the light until they used mine and then HAD to have one.

 

[dr_clyde]

Seeing as you already have the festool dust collector, a Kapex would slot right into your island setup.

I’ve been strongly considering a Kapex personally to replace my Dewalt.

 

[BCM]

Seeing as you already have the festool dust collector, a Kapex would slot right into your island setup.

I’ve been strongly considering a Kapex personally to replace my Dewalt.

Yeah, would certainly be nice, not sure I can in good faith stomach the $1K premium over the Bosch though.

 

[shawhite]

My Bosch 10 glider has been great. I have not ran into anything that I needed a bigger saw for but it is heavy that is why mine stays on the gravity rise stand. As for the kapex they are nice but I seem to remember a year or so back them having a lot of issues.

 

[tarbellb]

You like the Kapex but not the price, get yourself the Hitachi

Same overhead slider system (theyve been doing this before Festool) and at $300. Less footprint and a excellent saw.

Metabo (Hitachi) HPT C10FSHCT

Dont like being the kid without a cool brand name, grab a Makita double slider, easily better then the Bosch axial.

Both these are proven performers and take up way less space then a traditional slider

 

[shawhite]

You like the Kapex but not the price, get yourself the Hitachi

Same overhead slider system (theyve been doing this before Festool) and at $300. Less footprint and a excellent saw.

Metabo (Hitachi) HPT C10FSHCT

Dont like being the kid without a cool brand name, grab a Makita double slider, easily better then the Bosch axial.

Both these are proven performers and take up way less space then a traditional slider

How exactly is the makita easily better than the Bosch?

 

[Rabid Badger]

How exactly is the makita easily better than the Bosch?

Makita's fit and finish and attention to detail is second to none. Parts availability is top-notch as well.

 

[tarbellb]

How exactly is the makita easily better than the Bosch?

I like Bosch plenty, but they aint known for their miter saws....Axial is known to have issues, period. Why hasnt anyone else (notable) copied the design?

Makita and Dewalt ARE the standard, everyone else is just along for the ride.

 

[dnschmidt]

I agree.

I like Bosch plenty, but they aint known for their miter saws....Axial is known to have issues, period. Why hasnt anyone else (notable) copied the design?

Makita and Dewalt ARE the standard, everyone else is just along for the ride.

 

[shawhite]

I like Bosch plenty, but they aint known for their miter saws....Axial is known to have issues, period. Why hasnt anyone else (notable) copied the design?

Makita and Dewalt ARE the standard, everyone else is just along for the ride.

Delta copied the design. I have never seen any issue with the axial glide system that did not come back to someone not knowing how to adjust it. I guess I’m a little confused what determines the best saw. All 3 have almost the same specs all three will cut accurate if adjusted properly, generally the Bosch has better dust collection. The only time I see a Dewalt on site it’s the rough framers abusing the hell out of it. Finish guys are kapex (high end homes) and a mix of Bosch and makita. I don’t think one is inherently better in my experiences.

 

[BCM]

Been doing a little research, and I have seen at least one person get rid of a Bosch in favor of a Makita, I think it had to do with play and accuracy of beveled / angled cuts but I'm not sure how much there is to that. (Apparently he didn't have great luck with the Metabo HPT either)

Been eyeing this since I posted:

Makita USA - Product Details -LS1019L

10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser

www.makitatools.com

But the knock on the makita was the laser wasn't that good, or hard to get adjusted right. Not sure how much that matters to me yet, as I've never had a saw with a laser.

 

[shawhite]

never meet a carpenter who used a laser.

 

[jonshonda]

I like Bosch plenty, but they aint known for their miter saws....Axial is known to have issues, period. Why hasnt anyone else (notable) copied the design?

Makita and Dewalt ARE the standard, everyone else is just along for the ride.
[/PayPal?

Source for your information regarding the lack of market share and quality issues?

 

[Toolfool]

never meet a carpenter who used a laser.

35 years in the biz and never met one.

 

[tarbellb]

The only option for a accurate guide is the Shadow System, lasers are a joke

As for data I dont have sources or info on this, but ive been in the field and in shops for 20+yrs now and if you know you know. Certain companies have honed in certain tools and this is what Dewalt and Makita do the best (used to be Hitachi)

If someone wants to spend more money on a Kapex or Bosch to feel like a better woodworker thats fine, im just offering opinions based on professional use.

 

[Davefr]

My Delta DWS780 is a wonderful machine. It's spot on accurate right out of the box. I was surprised that nothing needed to be tweaked and this is using machinist's measurement instruments vs a carpenters square. I also love the optional stand.

I thought the laser was a gimmick but it's also very accurate. I've had Makita's and I don't think you'll go wrong with either brand.

 

[shawhite]

My Delta DWS780 is a wonderful machine. It's spot on accurate right out of the box. I was surprised that nothing needed to be tweaked and this is using machinist's measurement instruments vs a carpenters square. I also love the optional stand.

I thought the laser was a gimmick but it's also very accurate. I've had Makita's and I don't think you'll go wrong with either brand.

I have to ask how far did you go to measure accuracy?

 

[Davefr]

I have to ask how far did you go to measure accuracy?

I used my Starrett machinist square to measure blade to fence, blade to table and my combo square to ensure the 45 degree tilt and miter stops were accurate. I made the same inspections in a board that was cut and it was right on the money. I was really surprised because most of the time woodworking machinery needs a few tweaks to dial it in. I couldn't improve any of the factory settings.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I have never seen any issue with the axial glide system that did not come back to someone not knowing how to adjust it.

Bosch made the miter saw equivalent of a Luger toggle-lock. It works great if you keep it tuned. Everyone else uses a slide that you don't have to mess with.

 

[ItsNemo]

My Delta DWS780 is a wonderful machine. It's spot on accurate right out of the box. I was surprised that nothing needed to be tweaked and this is using machinist's measurement instruments vs a carpenters square. I also love the optional stand.

I thought the laser was a gimmick but it's also very accurate. I've had Makita's and I don't think you'll go wrong with either brand.

I'm another DWS780 user and wouldn't trade it for any other mitre saw out there.

I also have a 10" Makita non-slider that I got new for 70% off on clearance around 10 years ago, it's still rock solid too and I'll use it when I don't want or can't lug the 12" slider around.

 

[shawhite]

Bosch made the miter saw equivalent of a Luger toggle-lock. It works great if you keep it tuned. Everyone else uses a slide that you don't have to mess with.

Bosch introduced the glider in 2014 I believe. I bought mine the next year. 7+ years on the market I would say it is a proven design. Me personally I have not had a single issue. I have read of people having deflection issues at full extension out the box but all were remedied by tightening the axial glide adjustment. I have used other saws on the market and the Bosch is capable of cutting the same cuts with the same amount of effort as every other saw I have used. In my experience the kapex does not cut any straighter or better than other saw but they do have amazing dust collection so I could see the added price If you were a high end finish carpenter.

 

[tarbellb]

If you need a saw with a smaller footprint there are only 3 designs that I know of that help reduce front to back stroke

Axial- Bosch Delta?
Rail Forward/Trolly- Festool Hitachi Makita
Dual slider- Makita

Of those, I think the Festool/Hitachi/Makita design is the best and most proven

Its a important feature to consider, I setup a shop with a traditional 10" (Rigid) slider, and the front to back max dimension was ~42" !!!

 

[Handyandy23]

Cant speak for current production but my Dewalt miter saw has been a rock solid tool for me and the xps light is absolutely a must. I have put the add on kits on 3 of my friends Dewalt saws that didnt think they needed the light until they used mine and then HAD to have one.

Do you have the part number for that add-on light?

 

[Robinson1]

Absolute best is Festool

I put a Hitachi/Metabo 10 inch slider in my shop a few years ago. Good saw but kind of finicky. Requires some adjustments periodically. Im satisfied with it but its not a Dewalt.

Don't buy a 12 inch slider unless you absolutely need the capacity. They are huge and heavy

 

[Rabid Badger]

Bosch introduced the glider in 2014 I believe. I bought mine the next year. 7+ years on the market I would say it is a proven design. Me personally I have not had a single issue. I have read of people having deflection issues at full extension out the box but all were remedied by tightening the axial glide adjustment. I have used other saws on the market and the Bosch is capable of cutting the same cuts with the same amount of effort as every other saw I have used. In my experience the kapex does not cut any straighter or better than other saw but they do have amazing dust collection so I could see the added price If you were a high end finish carpenter.

It was mostly a joke. German tool manufacturer -> German gun, etc.

I still do think the LS1019 is the finest miter saw on the market. It's what I would have if I didn't get an insane deal on my DWS779.

 

[BLUE72CAMARO]

Do you have the part number for that add-on light?

Dewalt® DWS779 XPS Work Light Upgrade Kit

#html-body [data-pb-style=UOIMC19]{justify-content:flex-start;display:flex;flex-direction:column;background-position:left top;background-size:cover;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-attachment:scroll}<p>The XPS work light cut-line technology for the Dewalt DWS779 miter saw is vastly...

www.mmtoolparts.com

This is the kit I have installed several of. I think there might be another for different models. Some of the dewalt saws come with them already installed, some can have lights added, and others cant be upgraded so you have to watch what model and revision you get.

 

[BCM]

Hey everyone. appreciate all the responses.

My old Dewalt 12" and Ridgid MSUV stand went home with a new owner. Wasn't unhappy with it, but chuckled as I watched it take up almost his entire truck bed and when he was having some issues getting the tonneau cover to close down over it (Okay, that's more the stand than the saw, but still...)

I'm currently trying to pick up a Makita LS1019L. Hoping I can get one shipped, otherwise I have to start hitting some local shops.

Don't let me stop the discussion though!

 

[Davefr]

Absolute best is Festool

I put a Hitachi/Metabo 10 inch slider in my shop a few years ago. Good saw but kind of finicky. Requires some adjustments periodically. Im satisfied with it but its not a Dewalt.

Don't buy a 12 inch slider unless you absolutely need the capacity. They are huge and heavy

But with a good stand, they can be stored vertically and don't require a very big footprint. It sure is nice to be able to cut up up 14" wide.

 

[Firebrick43]

I have a Bosch glide, and imho its the best I have ever used including dewalt / makita. A lot of guys on the woodworking sites think they are better than the festool as well. I have only handled a Kapex in the stores, never actually cut on one so I will have to defer on that point.

Now when I say best that is very subjective. Its very stiff side to side compared to a linear bearing set up in a dewalt/makita. Not that you cant still deflect it with side pressure from your hand, its just takes more force. Smooth, good locks/angle adjustments. Some early ones were made "off" but I have an early one that is spot on 90/square. Also it parks up against a wall where the linear bearing type saws waste a lot of space as they need to be away from the wall.

A good friend of mine mill and installs custom hardwood trim in high end houses. He to thinks the Bosch is supreme, but he doesn't take it on installs with him. The things are so heavy that hauling one up a set of stairs, especially the 12" is not fun. He kept his makita for doing onsite cuts.

 

[lkjk]

I have the 12" bosch, definitely a fan. You can adjust pretty much everything on there, and I spent a good amount of time doing that when I got it, so if someone is complaining about it being accurate, they probably were just lazy. It takes up a lot less room than a normal slider, between that and the reviews on accuracy that's why I bought it.

 

[BCM]

But with a good stand, they can be stored vertically and don't require a very big footprint. It sure is nice to be able to cut up up 14" wide.

Let's remember that the premise of this thread was - "I have a 12" Dewalt on a stand that's too damn big so I'm selling it...." No problems with the saw, but no need for those cut capacities and I'm dealing with limited space.

 

[jonshonda]

Let's remember that the premise of this thread was - "I have a 12" Dewalt on a stand that's too damn big so I'm selling it...." No problems with the saw, but no need for those cut capacities and I'm dealing with limited space.

Ok, seeing as how you have a table saw and track saw, what exactly do you need a sliding miter saw for? The only one that isn't real big and heavy appears to be the Festool and maybe the Makita, due to the rail layout. But if you are looking for the most compact and light setup, a non-slider would be best.

 

[BCM]

Ok, seeing as how you have a table saw and track saw, what exactly do you need a sliding miter saw for? The only one that isn't real big and heavy appears to be the Festool and maybe the Makita, due to the rail layout. But if you are looking for the most compact and light setup, a non-slider would be best.

Let's be honest, 99% of the time someone buys a tool it isn't about "need". It isn't here either.

In my case, it's costing me less than $150, I'm retaining probably the same cut capacity, or almost, and getting back a lot of floor space which was probably the biggest issue. And, with going with something like a makita or a bosch, it makes it easier to set up closer to a wall too in a small area like mine. Not quite as easy to set up as the stand, but I also ripped out the workbench and shelving on the end of the garage so am building storage for all of my tools to make the most of the available storage space.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I’m in much the same boat, to the point I really just do more work in the driveway than the garage. So storage footprint is more important to me. I want a good slider so I can do crown and 4x4 posts for landscape etc. So this thread is a goldmine for me.

 

[lkjk]

Craptasitcally blurry but you get the idea. Miter saw on top, planer on the bottom, bolted so I just wheel the cart to wherever

 

[tarbellb]

Were you running while you took that photo....

 

[speed bump]

I have the Bosch axial glide and while it's a nice saw I wouldn't buy it again. It's not a tank like the DeWalt for rough carpentry and the settings aren't repeatable enough for finish carpentry.

I would look hard at the Hitachi or the Makita personally.

 

[JohnCZ]

It was mostly a joke. German tool manufacturer -> German gun, etc.

I still do think the LS1019 is the finest miter saw on the market. It's what I would have if I didn't get an insane deal on my DWS779.

Good to hear that you think so much of the LS1019. I strongly considered the DWS780, but wanted a 10 inch, and the smaller footprint of the Makita slide design. Then, just lucked out finding the LS1019L with WST06 stand for $629. Bam!
I hope I am happy with it as my first (hopefully my forever) miter saw. I'm an old fella, but just a budding wood worker.

 

[JohnCZ]

Hey everyone. appreciate all the responses.

My old Dewalt 12" and Ridgid MSUV stand went home with a new owner. Wasn't unhappy with it, but chuckled as I watched it take up almost his entire truck bed and when he was having some issues getting the tonneau cover to close down over it (Okay, that's more the stand than the saw, but still...)

I'm currently trying to pick up a Makita LS1019L. Hoping I can get one shipped, otherwise I have to start hitting some local shops.

Don't let me stop the discussion though!

I may be about 10 months late, but HD is currently running the LS1019L with a WST06 stand for 629 (online).