Miter Saws

[icthruu74]

I’m in the market for a new miter saw, and feeling a bit overwhelmed. I currently have an old 10” B&D that has served me well, but is starting to show its age.

I feel like a non-sliding 12” saw would handle everything I’d need to do, but wonder if I’m not missing out by not looking at sliders. I’m just doing basic home renovation, mostly it’s used for trim or cutting dimensional lumber for some project a few times a year and otherwise sits in the garage. I also don’t really want to spend too much on a saw, $300ish. I’d be willing to go a bit higher if there was something that was really worth while. Currently looking at a Dewalt DW716. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on other saws to look at?

 

[ChrisLS8]

I have a Rigid 12" compound miter and currently in the middle of renovating our condo. It's a damn good saw especially for th 200 or so I paid. For the crown moulding I've been finding myself using a miter box more often than not rather than dragging out the saw and Cord

 

[sld961]

I just bought the DWS779 a few months ago for $350 on Amazon. I think it's up to about $380 now. It is the same saw as the 780 with the exception of a couple small "accessories".

I don't often need the sliding capabilities of the 12", but every time I need it, I'm glad I have it. I'm sure I would have been kicking myself if I didn't get the sliding. Buy once, cry once.

I also kept my little 10" dewalt miter saw for quick jobs that don't warrant transporting the big one.

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[PelicanPines]

Dual bevel... is important to me...

I have a DB Dewalt 12", an 8 1/4" black and decker too...

 

[Dirtydan69]

I have the 10” Kobalt for every day knock around use. Think it was 179 on sale. It’s my second one in about 10 years. For fine work I have the 12” Bosch with the easy rise stand. I like the Bosch as all adjustments are made from the front. No reaching around the blade to the back. They are both sliders. Kobalt is single bevel.

 

[kctyphoon]

I think a 12” is overkill for someone like you.. they are big, and heavy, and unnecessary for most people. have you ever not been able to cut what you’ve needed with a 10”? Honestly, for the occasional use just about any brand will be fine. If you wanna little upgrade, think about a 10” slider.. craftsman actually had (if they still offer it) a nice “compact” slider.. it had the rails mounted in the front, so you could still use the saw without it needing to be set away from a wall behind it. My friend owns it and loves it. Dewalt will no doubt get mentioned here, but its such a basic tool, in reality your results will be the same with any model. Single vs dual bevel is the only thing that can really be argued, and I’ve (personally) never suffered without it.. you’re not looking to build fine furniture, so theres no need to split hairs over expensive vs cheaper models..

By all means, if you just “want” a 12” - splurge..

Here - check it out. On sale for $219, leaves you some $$ for a stand.
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-cm-...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

12” craftsman slider, (not compact) for $290
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-12i...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

If you’re looking for a gold class toy - look at the Bosch 12” slider, but you’ll pay for it.

If you want all the bells and whistles on a budget - this thing got great reviews.. there was an older comparable Dewalt selling for around the same price at the time of its release, (the dewalt was marked down to make room for the new model) but i dont know it thats still the case now.. this is worth looking at IMO. Ive seen it in the store, and i promise this is not what you’d expect out of harbor freight.. its their new premium line.
https://www.harborfreight.com/profe...WdXicBbaBSxoEjY1VDKYSoVyqH99ElQBoCgHwQAvD_BwE

 

[PelicanPines]

I will add... If I were to do it again... I would get the Dewalt 12" slider... but I'm happy with my current setup... I have a great table saw now to make up for the wider cuts.

 

[Finky198]

+1 on the Dewalt 12” slider.

For me Specifically its DWS780 one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.

 

[Brosieden]

I've had good luck with the Dewalt 780.

It's tough. I used it for a few years, then rented it out to a crew I worked with on a long term job in a remote area. I provided just about everything powered for that job, and it was a hard life for tools out there. That saw was dropped off scaffold, run with ~200+ feet of 12/3 extension cords, etc... It's been used and abused and never had an issue.

The miter on zero isn't actually square anymore -- I'm sure I could adjust the detent but I'm gonna sell it cause I bought another one the last time they were in sale.

For comparison, I've also got a Kapex, a small Makita, and a Milwaukee dual bevel SCMS.... The Milwaukee only lasted a few months before going in for repair.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I have the 12” Milwaukee Slider, proven to be a great purchase. HD has them on sale with stand included from time to time. Have to admit I wouldn’t want to drag it around to multiple sites for just a few cuts. It is fairly heavy. But nothing a couple of men and a Boy Scout can’t handle.

 

[Lynden]

Makita LS1221.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DD5S7/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Makita+LS1221&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

 

[jonshonda]

Regardless of the saw you get (well...not really), get a nice stand with out feed supports. It will make working with the saw much better.

My dream setup is the Bosch 12" saw with gravity rise stand. Shawingggg

 

[sld961]

I agree about getting a nice stand. If you're going to be moving out around, get a nice one with wheels. I got the Dewalt rolling one. It works, but I think there's nicer ones out there. I just couldn't justify spending as much on a stand as I spent on the saw. At $200, the Dewalt stand was about as much as I could swallow.

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[jonshonda]

about as much as I could swallow.

PM sent!

 

[icthruu74]

Thanks guys. I have a CM stand that I bought a few years ago after getting tired of setting the saw up on the driveway or floor all the time.

I’m starting a laminate flooring project and they are just slightly too wide for the current saw to cut in one pass. Have to either finish the cut by hand or flip. After that it’s new baseboard, quarter round, and maybe crown molding.

I had looked at that CM compact 10” slider online. Maybe it’s time to drive to Sears to see if they have a display model. They at least list it in stock. I feel like the Dewalt 780 is probably overkill for me, and it’s more than I want to spend.

 

[kctyphoon]

I know its not gonna be a popular opinion here, but that craftsman is probably the most for your money, and their miter saws get overlooked on here just because of brand name.. also - because this is GJ - people have a habit of recommending the most overkill and expensive models available regardless of personal need. 12” saws are BIG.. 12” sliders even bigger.. my feeling is that unless you’re doing some serious framing or building decks, 90% of people dont need a 12” saw. A 10” slider is probably the most versatile option out there. The compact design of the craftsman is really nice with the forward facing rails. Its a great option for home owner type projects. You aren’t “giving anything up” going with a craftsman saw.

 

[ItsNemo]

DWS780 owner here...worth it. Going back to my 10" Makita non-slider makes me realize how nice it is to have the extra capacity. 10" saws are only good for 2x4's and small trim.

 

[PhysicsDude]

I bought a cheapish 10" sliding saw, both because I wanted one, and because I was laying down hardwood. Other than using it for the flooring, I don't use the sliding feature that much.

One thing that I didn't properly anticipate is how deep the sliding saws are. Mine is like 28" or 30" from front to back. That's a lot of real estate, and would be a pain to setup a 50# saw up on a stand every time you want to use it, if you don't keep it mounted on your bench. Makita has a sliding saw with a more compact sliding mechanism, but its like $500.

For that reason alone a 12" non-sliding saw might be the best bet. I think in most cases the ability to cut a 4x4 and a 2x6 in 1 cut is all the capabilities you really need in a home use miter saw.

The other thing I wanted to ad is that lasers are pretty much useless. I made sure to get one with a laser guide, but now I don't even keep batteries in it. Maybe the pro-grade saw lasers are useful, but in mine I can get better cuts by just eyeballing the blade.

 

[kctyphoon]

DWS780 owner here...worth it. Going back to my 10" Makita non-slider makes me realize how nice it is to have the extra capacity. 10" saws are only good for 2x4's and small trim.

The craftsman slider has a cut capacity up to 12.5”. They are not only good for 2x4’s and small trim. That is a very inaccurate and misleading statement. The compact rail system means you can sit it flush up against a wall and still use the sliding feature. It also has a laser guide and extendable side wings. I’m also pretty sure you can cut 4x4’s in a single pass with a 10” slider. So unless he needs to do a lot of cutting for 6x6’s, or a lot of crown molding where a double bevel gives you the advantage, where’s the limitation besides just saying a 12” saw is better? For most homeowners, a 10” slider is far more advantageous than a 12” non slider, and much more affordable compared to a 12” sliding saw. Not to mention just the physical size and weight savings is worth more than deeper cut capacity that will never get used. The compact rail system this saw offers alone is worth considering it over a dewalt for a home owner.

OP - there are a few reviews on YouTube for this model. Here is one of them.

 

[WWheeler]

Just for one example you'd be limited to ~4-1/2" crown with a 10" miter. I couldn't get by with it. Trimwork is a LOT of what I use my miter saw for. Most of the crown I've worked with is 6" or more.

I don't have a slider. Really didn't think I'd need one when I shelled out $400 for a 12" dual bevel but couldn't count how many times I could have used one. That's been a big regret of mine. If only ...

 

[BQuicksilver]

I traded my 12" saw for a 10" sliding saw. Happy I did. Smaller and it makes blade storage easier since my table saw is 10".

 

[seber]

I have a a table saw and a sliding miter. Often I use the miter to cut sheet goods if the length of cut is 12" or less. It's just really handy. If I had to get rid of one it would be the table saw. I would have a really hard time getting along with a non slider.

 

[Gizmosity]

I’m in the market for a new miter saw, and feeling a bit overwhelmed. I currently have an old 10” B&D that has served me well, but is starting to show its age.

I feel like a non-sliding 12” saw would handle everything I’d need to do, but wonder if I’m not missing out by not looking at sliders. I’m just doing basic home renovation, mostly it’s used for trim or cutting dimensional lumber for some project a few times a year and otherwise sits in the garage. I also don’t really want to spend too much on a saw, $300ish. I’d be willing to go a bit higher if there was something that was really worth while. Currently looking at a Dewalt DW716. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on other saws to look at?

That's a decent saw for the money. I'd also compare features to one of the Hitachi 12" compound miter saws which are decent and around $200. If you're doing serious trim like wide crown, you may need to look at a slider. If you're just cutting average casing and base for trim you don't need a 12" slider. Also, if I'm using my chop saw for rough lumber and trim.....I'm probably using my chopsaw for rough work and reserving my slider for finish work.....but that's just me.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Actually this is a good thread, I see that 8.5 sliding compact Kobalt and Craftsman for good prices now that I started searching. The glutton in me wants the M18 version

 

[kctyphoon]

This is just my opinion but I think the small miters and a 12" miter are more of a specific need type tool. Especially when you get into sliders. The "average Joe's " best option IMO is a 10", and a 10" slider if you want more versatility. To me, that is the most for your money type choice. If the day ever comes you need to cut something bigger for ONE job, I'm sure you'll figure it out without having to buy a $600+ plus saw.

Kinda like saying you wanna buy a rifle for home defense, and someone saying to get a sniper rifle instead just in case someone is "2 miles away and he takes one more step towards my house".

 

[WWheeler]

This is just my opinion but I think the small miters and a 12" miter are more of a specific need type tool. Especially when you get into sliders. The "average Joe's " best option IMO is a 10", and a 10" slider if you want more versatility. To me, that is the most for your money type choice. If the day ever comes you need to cut something bigger for ONE job, I'm sure you'll figure it out without having to buy a $600+ plus saw.

Kinda like saying you wanna buy a rifle for home defense, and someone saying to get a sniper rifle instead just in case someone is "2 miles away and he takes one more step towards my house".

Why would you want a 10" that can't even cut crown molding? You can get a Dewalt DWS779 12" slider right now for under $400 on Amazon. For the difference in price that a 10" slider of any brand will cost you'll wind up regretting it.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I had a 10” Ryobi that worked great until I decided I wanted to do taller baseboards in the house. Found out the hard way I needed a bigger miter saw. I bought the big dewalt 12” slider. It is so freaking heavy . If you plan to move it, look for another saw. Plus I wasn’t down for the payment, but the weight is what did me in.

I ended up with this saw. I don’t need a slider. I love this saw. It’s not too heavy to move around(still not a lightweight) and it’s much much cheaper.



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[Robinson1]

I have a 12 inch dewalt slider in my shop that occasionally gets used building cabinets and furniture. It's left my shop to go to a jobsite once in 6 years.

Have fixed 10 inch dewalt in my shop that gets used for everything.

Have a 8 1/2 Hitachi slider on my tool trailer thats been able to handle 99.9% of everything I've needed on a jobsite.

I don't do much crown work. If I did I'd probably have a fixed 12 as well.

 

[Robinson1]

I think unless you are planning on doing alot of wide crown or alot of custom casework a 12 inch saw is overkill for everything. A 10 inch slider is a better buy and easier to move around

 

[Mr Ratchet]

A 12" slider is the most versatile as it does more things than a 12" CMS or any 10" saw. A 12 CMS is not that much bigger and maybe another 10 lbs over a 10" CMS.

I've had a Pro Tech 12" CMS for more than 20 years and it's been a very good saw. There are times when I wish I had a 12" slider for more capacity. If I ever replace mine it will be a 12" slide from Bosch, Dewalt, Hitachi, Makita, or Milwaukee.

I'd rather buy a little bigger tool for future unknown projects than buy something that I wished was the larger one later on. Been there, done that and it *****.

 

[kctyphoon]

Why would you want a 10" that can't even cut crown molding? You can get a Dewalt DWS779 12" slider right now for under $400 on Amazon. For the difference in price that a 10" slider of any brand will cost you'll wind up regretting it.

Not everyone is putting up crown molding everywhere, and you CAN do some with a 10" just fine.. and if not - then you buy the pre fab corners so all you have to do is make straight cuts. The average guy is not a finish carpenter. Most people that buy a 12" saw did so because they needed it.. I've renovated my entire house, my condo before that, built decks and sheds through the years.. I've never once NEEDED a 12" saw..

 

[finn]

I ended up with a 10” Bosch slider. The 12” was just too heavy and bulky for consideration, unless I planned on more or less permanently mounting it.

I’v Had the Bosch for three years and 10” Makita for five before that, and don’t ever remember a need for a 12”, but I’m not a carpenter, either.

 

[James-W]

I have an older 12" DeWalt slider without the shadow light thing and I have a newer one WITH the shadow light on it. They both work great, but I like the shadow one better.

I also have an old Delta professional 10" non slider miter saw that works just fine but it quite limited in what it can do in-so-far as angle cuts is concerned. For example, I can't cut a 2X6 all the way thru at a 45 degree angle. That is problematic at times because I have to take a hand saw and finish making the cut.

My thinking is, if you need the larger size miter saw just one time then it worth the extra cost.

 

[engineer2]

I like my Bosch 10" slider, but it won't do 4-1/4" baseboard standing up.
Whatever you get, check the limits and compare it to what you intend to use it for.

 

[dacan23]

If your a homeowner just doing small regular stuff, there are many nice Sliding DB 7.25" saws, so much smaller than the 10-12" monsters.

Just like a thread last week which made me LMAO, here on GJ you go from saying you want something nice for occasional use to people recommending $500+ things, I have been known to do the same. Why hasnt anyone recommended a 15" one so he can cut 4x6s lol.

 

[GRB]

There are a lot of different saws and few of them live up to the claims. All have good points and bad. I've got everything from a Ridgid 10" my father gave me to a Festool Kapex. Actually those two are my most used saws out of the half dozen personal miter saws I own. With a couple different business, I think we've got at least a dozen different miter saws. NONE is all wonderful in every way even if you ignore cost.

Non Sliders have some big advantages in being light weight and inherently more accurate. Some of them also do dust collection really well since the dust port tends to be in exactly the right place behind a blade that doesn't move. My ancient Ridgid 10", early orange Home Depot Ridgid 12" non-slider, old Bosch 10" Cordless are all good saws. So is the 10" Dewalt DW713 we had in a production cabinet shop.
I had a 1214 Makita that was very accurate but made a huge mess and took up a ton of space. I sold it for more than I paid for it to a friend that bought a new 1216 Makita and kept taking it back and couldn't get a good one. I replaced it with the Kapex when they were just expensive instead of being stupid expensive. Solves the space and dust problem but too much money.
We used early Japanese Hitachi Sliders in a furniture manufacturer and they were great. Newer Chinese versions are junk. When we added one, we went with Dewalt Slider, which was OK but repeated the horrible dust collection and space wasting features of the Japanese Hitachi. Not nearly as smooth either.
Think Bosch solved the horrible table problems of early 12" Glide saws. 10" Glide has blade path pivot design/manufacuring issues so do not buy one as they CAN'T cut straight!

At the last tool event, I saw Makita had come out with a cordless that had the one piece table where the entire thing rotates, which is what helped my 20 year oln LS1214 be so accurate, kind of like the even older Porter Cable units baack when before Stanley Black and Decker bought Porter Cable and destroyed it using as a step BELOW Dewalt.

Sorry if too much info. It would be nice if manufacturers would just listen to their customers..........

 

[stonesfan68]

I have the 10-inch Ryobi slider and it is a great saw for the money. I cut the trim work (doors, baseboards and windows) for the entire first floor of my house. I managed to cut 7.5-inch baseboard with the saw by laying the baseboard flat. I only had about 30-feet of the wide baseboard to cut so I just worked around the saw's limitations for that one room. It is a single-bevel saw, so I had to work around that limitation sometimes as well, but it really wasn't that big of deal.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-15-Amp-10-in-Sliding-Miter-Saw-with-Laser-TSS102L/205216332

The 12-inch version is on sale now for $199- which is the same price as the 10-inch.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-15-Amp-12-in-Sliding-Miter-Saw-with-Laser-TSS120L/205673791

The Rigid miter saw stand is fantastic. I bought it for $99 on Black Friday.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Universal-Mobile-Miter-Saw-Stand-with-Mounting-Braces-AC9946/206992161

 

[RSwanson]

Dewalt DW716s are really prevalent used on CL, and they are double bevel and will cut a 2x10. They are also lighter than a 10" sliding compound.

It's a good middle ground for the DIY'er IMO. I have one.

 

[James-W]

I don't understand the problem with buying a really nice miter saw. Sure, it costs a bit more money up front, but so what? A good miter saw used occasionally will more than likely last a lifetime. Let's say you pay $600 for the saw and you buy a really stand for it that costs $200. OK, you have $800 invested in the saw and the stand. Let's say you have it for 40 years. If I did the math correctly, that would amount to less than 20 cents per day. So for less than 20 cents per day you can have a really nice miter and stand that will do everything you need it to do, and more. With the better saw you are all set if at some point in time you find that you need to cut larger stock.

 

[kctyphoon]

So - your logic is its worth spending what’s half of a lot of people’s mortgage payment on a saw set up that you admit will only get used occasionally, and because its a good brand, it’ll last until someone is too old to use it, and wont cost much if you break down the payments over half a lifetime.. now sell me on what he should buy if he was a professional that was using it everyday to make a living and lets see if you arrive at a different conclusion on what the “most pratical” choice should be..

I sincerely dont comprehend the idea that the most expensive pro option is a good choice for the guy that will hardly use it, entirely based on the idea “cause its what the pro’s use”

OP - just think - you can cut that cost in half in you buy it when you’re 10 and use it till your 90.. I’m curious, why we dont have a forum full of people using antique tools.. just sayin..