Best Sliding Compound Miter Saws Reviews 2023 – Buyer’s Guide
Sliding compound miter saws are essential if you want to make wide cuts; however, not any sliding compound miter saw can do the job you need it to do.
The above reason is precisely why we have managed to compile a list of the best sliding compound miter saws for you to choose from.
List of The Best Sliding Compound Miter Saws:
- DEWALT DWS780 – Best Overall
- Bosch GCM12SD – Runner Up
- Hitachi C12RSH2 – Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Makita LS1018 – Best Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
- Hitachi C8FSE – Suitable For Hobbyists
- Makita LS1019L – Dual-Bevel
- Milwaukee 6955-20 – Sliding Dual Bevel Miter Saw
- Skil 10″ MS6305-00 – Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
- CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1 – Sliding Miter Saw
- Makita LS0815F – Slide Compound Miter Saw
- Metabo HPT C12RSH2S – Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- DEWALT DWS715 – Single Bevel
- Genesis GMSDR1015LC – Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser Light
- Dewalt DWS709 – High Precision
Our Top Picks:
| Saw | Weight | Dimensions | Speed | Power Source | Voltage | Ampere | Price |
| DEWALT DWS780 | 56 lbs. | 21.5 x 17.7 x 17.1 in. | 3.800 RPM | corded-electric | 120 volts | 15 | Check Price |
| Bosch GCM12SD | 65 lbs. | 33.2 x 26.5 x 22.8 in. | 3.800 RPM | corded-electric | 120 volts | 15 | Check Price |
| Dewalt DWS709 | 51 lbs. | 30.8 x 22.8 x 19.5 in. | 3.800 RPM | ac | 120 volts | 15 | Check Price |
| Hitachi C12RSH2 | 59 lbs. | 25 x 35 x 28 in. | 4.000 RPM | ac/dc | 120 volts | 15 | Check Price |
| Makita LS1018 | 43.7 lbs. | 34 x 22 x 20 in. | 4.300 RPM | corded-electric | – | 13 | Check Price |
| Hitachi C8FSE | 42.7 lbs. | 30 x 16.2 x 15.5 in. | 5.500 RPM | – | 120 volts | 9.2 | Check Price |
| Festool 561287 | 47 lbs. | 29.5 x 22.8 x 20 in. | 3.400 RPM | corded-electric | 120 volts | 10 | Check Price |
The Best 14 Sliding Compound Miter Saws in 2023
- Integrated CUTLINE Blade Positioning System provides adjustment free cut line indication for better accuracy and visibility for the 12-inch miter saw blade
- XPS technology uses an LED to project light down either side of the blade, creating a shadow on the cutline once the saw arm is lowered
- Super-efficient dust collection system of DEWALT miter saw captures over 75% of dust generated
- Tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 7-1/2-inch nested and base molding up to 6-3/4-inch vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts
- Exclusive back fence design cuts up to 2×14 dimensional lumber at 90 degree and 2×10 at 45 degree
- Adjustable stainless-steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops improves productivity and ensures cutting accuracy
- Miters 60 degree to the right and 50 degree to the left providing increased capacity
- Oversized bevel scale makes bevel angle adjustments accurate and easy
- Compact, lightweight design (58 lbs.) allows for easy transport and storage
- Cam lock miter handle with detent override deliver quick and accurate miter angles
It comes as no surprise that Dewalt made it to the top of our list. It has been a reliable brand for such a long time.
Our 12-inch winner here, DEWALT DWS780 is made of stainless steel castings that make it durable, and a handle with a new design that maximizes comfort and portability.
Moreover, it employs a revolutionary XPS cross cut positioning system that allows it to adjust free cuts and allows you to finish your jobs quicker.
Since power is a crucial aspect that hugely affects your choice, let’s talk about it for a bit. This tough guy comes with a powerful 15-ampere motor that reaches up to 3.800 RPM, which is enough for professionals and DIYs alike.
Furthermore, DEWALT DWS780 does not only produce precise cuts but also has several features that help boost the cutting process without sacrificing precision. It provides one of the highest capacities for cutting by allowing you to cut up to 2 x 16 pieces of lumber and 2 x 12 lumber at 90 degrees and 40 degrees, respectively.
It even allows you to bevel from zero to 49 degrees with stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45, and 49 degrees in both directions.
If you hate working in the middle of the dust, you won’t! This clean baby has its own dust collection system that reduces dust on the job site.
Pros & Cons
- Portable
- Dust Collection System
- 3.800 RPM
- Powerful
- Three-year warranty
- No adjustable bearings
- The slide function may stick
Bottom Line
This is the best sliding compound miter saw we can recommend. We say so due to its powerful motor, its speed, and other helpful features.
Check also: Difference between DWS780 and DWS782
- Axial glide system: The patented glide system allows wider cross cuts and better alignment while also being compact; This saves you 12 inch of valuable work space; Bosch glide miter saw also offers unmatched smoothness of cut
- Capacity: Expanded cutting capacity 14 inch horizontal capacity nominal 6 1/2 inch vertical capacity against the fence base 6 1/2 inch crown capacity against the fence 45 spring
- Adjustable: The GCM12SD miter saw provides easy adjustments with a large easy to read uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales with marked detentes and roof pitch angles; Bevel detents: 0, 33.9 degree, 45 degree left/right for accurate cuts; Category best 90 percentage dust collection optimized for cutting 2x material with a vacuum
- Precision: Square lock quick release fences lock fence 90 degree to the table and requires no adjustment, 1 touch lock/unlock to slide fence for added support
- Ease of use: Upfront bevel controls all metal bevel lock lever and range selector located upfront for quick and easy bevel settings without reaching behind the saw
With the 12-inch Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD, you will save space and get smooth, precise cuts. It features an Axial glide system that saves you about 12 inches of valuable workspace as well as provides you with better alignment.
This handy guy comes with a powerful 15-ampere motor that delivers no-load speeds of 3,800 RPM. Speaking of the cutting capacity, this baby offers 14-inch Horizontal capacity, nominal 6 1/2 inch, vertical capacity against the fence base 6 1/2 inch, and crown capacity against the fence 45 spring.
It also offers easy-to-read bevel and miter scales with detents at common angles, and easy-access upfront controls. Moreover, thanks to the Square lock fences, you can lock the fence at 90 degrees to the table without having to make any adjustments.
Besides, its two sliding integrated base extensions provide adjustable support for materials measuring up to 40 inches long.
It has a soft-grip ambidextrous handle that provides you with comfort during work and a dust collection system.
Pros & Cons
- Wide cutting capacity
- Powerful motor
- Precision
- Does not produce a straight cut
Bottom Line
Get this robust power saw if you need a powerful miter saw that can provide you with precision all the way.
Read also: Best Miter Saw Stands – Buyer’s Guide
- Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT; Same great tools, with only a new name
- Compact slide system allows the saw head to slide along fixed rails, for zero clearance. Laser Marker System from Hitachi increases cutting accuracy
- Max Cutting Capacities (HxW) 90 Degree Cross Cut 4 to 3/16×12 ,1/4 inch or 4 11/16×10 3/16 inch. 45 Degree Miter (L/R) 4 3/16×8 5/8 inch or 4 11/16×7 1/16 inch. 45 Degree Bevel (L) 2 3/4×12 1/4 inch or 2 15/16×10 3/16 inch. Compound Cut 45×45 (L/L) 2 3/4×8 5/8 inch or 2 15/16×7 1/16 inch
- Powerful 15 Amp motor to tackle tough cutting jobs with ease
- Large sliding fence raises fence height to 5 1/8 inches to cut up to 7 1/2 inch crown molding vertically
- 0 to 57 degree miter angle to the right and 0 to 45 to the left for flexibility
- 0 to 45 degree bevel angle range to the right and left allowing users to quickly and easily flip the saw blade and leave the material in place
- Positive stops and indications on the miter and bevel scale, for easy to read measurements and quick settings
- Vertical handle with soft, vibration reducing elastomer grip adds comfort and control
This powerful 15-ampere miter saw that can reach up to 4.000 RPM is the one to handle tough jobs with ease and precision. Its large sliding fence raises the fence height to 5 1/8 inches to cut up to 7 1/2 inch crown molding vertically.
It can miter to 57 degrees to the right and 45 degrees to the left, which provides the users with a lot of flexibility. It can also bevel up to 45 degrees to the right and to the left, which allows the users to quickly and easily flip the saw blade and leave the material in place.
Hitachi C12RSH2 requires zero rear clearance because it employs a fixed rail system that lets the head smoothly glide along the fixed rail. It also has a compact slide system, which decreases the footprint of the saw so that you can have more empty space at the workplace.
In addition to all the previous features, this baby has a large sliding fence that lets the users cut large pieces of material of a height that is up to 7 1/2 inch crown molding vertically.
This considerate tool employs a laser marking system to increase the accuracy of the cuts. Moreover, thanks to the laser marker system, hobbyists and amateurs can use this to get accurate cuts, just like the professionals.
There are positive miter stops that allow for quick settings, and there are indications so that you can easily read the measurements.
Moreover, you will find a comfortable vertical handle that reduces the vibration.
Pros & Cons
- Comfortable handle
- Laser marking system
- Large sliding fence
- Accurate
- The bolt might lock up
- Does not cut square
Bottom Line
This is a perfect tool for amateurs and professionals alike for the accuracy it provides its users with. Moreover, you can get it for its wide cutting capacity and comfortable handle.
Read also: Sliding vs. Non-Sliding Miter Saw
- Powerful 13.0 AMP direct drive motor requires less maintenance and delivers 4,300 RPM
- Miters 0° – 47° left and 0° – 60° right, with positive stops at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45° (left and right)
- Cuts up to 12” at 90° and 8-1/2” at 45°
- Linear ball bearing system engineered to deliver “dead-on” accurate cuts
- Rear handle bevel lock is easily accessible and adjusts 0° – 45° (left and right) with positive stops at 0°, 45° (left and right)
- Powerful 13.0 AMP direct drive motor requires less maintenance and delivers 4,300 RPM
- Miters 0-47Degree left and 0-60Degree right, with positive stops at 0Degree, 15Degree, 22.5Degree, 31.6Degree, and 45Degree (left and right)
- Cuts up to 12″ at 90Degree and 8-12″ at 45Degree
- Linear ball bearing system engineered to deliver “dead-on” accurate cuts
- Rear handle bevel lock is easily accessible and adjusts 0-45Degree (left and right) with positive stops at 0Degree and 45Degree (left and right)
With its 13-ampere motor, Makita LS1018 is considered one of the most potent sliding compound miter saws on the market, and it can deliver up to 4.300 RPM.
Check also: The Makita 9557PBX1 Full Review
This powerful man has an impressive cut capacity of up to 12″ at 90° and 8-1/2” at 45°as well as a linear ball bearing system for accurate cuts.
It can miter up to 47 degrees to the left and up to 60 degrees to the right. It also has positive stops at the left and right at the common angles: 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 22.5 degree, 31.6 degree, 45 degrees.
Besides, you can easily access the rear handle bevel lock that can be adjusted up to 45 degrees to the left and the right with positive stops at 0 degrees, 45 degrees (left and right).
It comes with a blade, a vise, a triangular rule, a dust bag, extension wings, and a wrench.
Pros & Cons
- Powerful
- Impressive cutting capacity
- No laser guide
- Miter stops are slightly inaccurate
Bottom Line
Makita LS1018 is worth buying if you will be working on a project that requires wide cutting capacity and precision. It is useful for carpentry and general construction projects.
Also, check the best miter saws for finish carpentry.
- Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT. Same great tools, with only a new name.
- Lightest in its class at only 31 pounds; Power input 1,050W
- Vertical handle that has a soft, vibration reducing elastomer grip
- Large pivoting fence and table provide better support when cutting crown molding lying flat
- Externally accessible carbon brush for quick and easy brush changes
- Easy to use positive miter stops for quick miter adjustments to 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees to the both left and right
This toughie tool has a 9.2-ampere motor that reaches up to 5.500 RPM to make miter cuts and crosscuts.
It helps you get clear, smooth, and precise cuts thanks to its electronic speed control that makes sure that the RPM is consistent. Moreover, with this baby, you can easily make miter adjustments since it has a thumb-actuated positive miter stop that allows you to stop at the most common angles; namely, 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees to both left and right.
Speaking of the bevels, Hitachi C8FSE offers its user with great bevels on the first try as it has a bevel range of 48 degrees to the left and 5 degrees to the right.
The miter saw comes with an 8-1/2-inch blade that is designed for handling trim and other woodwork. You can also use it to cut large pieces of material up to 2-9/16 inches high and 12 inches deep thanks to its large pivoting fence and linear ball-bearing slide system.
For your safety and comfort, it has a vertical handle that softly vibrates to lessen the strain on your hands. It also comes with a dust collector that minimizes the dust and debris that are either around you or inside the tool. This dust collector helps you have a clean workspace as well as it helps in prolonging the lifespan of the machine.
Pros & Cons
- Lightweight
- Comfortable handle
- Dust collector
- Linear ball-bearing slide system
- Poor build quality
- Not suitable for professionals
Bottom Line
Hitachi C8FSE is a nice sliding compound miter saw to use if you are not a professional. Its lightweight, comfy handle and other features make it one of the best miter saws in the market for hobbyists.
- Powerful 15 amp, 3,800 rpm motor delivers extended power and durability for the 12-inch miter saw blade
- Tall sliding fences of the mitre saw support crown molding up to 5-1/2-inch nested and base molding up to 4-1/2-inch vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts
- Exclusive back fence design of DEWALT miter saw cuts up to 2×14 dimensional lumber at 90 degree and 2×10 at 45 degree
- Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 13 positive stops improves productivity and ensures cutting accuracy
- Miters 60 degree to the right and 50 degree to the left providing increased capacity
- Oversized bevel scale makes bevel angle adjustments accurate and easy
- Compact, lightweight design (51 lbs.) allows for easy transport and storage
- Dual horizontal steel rails with linear ball bearings deliver an accurate, durable, and compact saw
- Precise miter system and machined base fence support optimize durability and cutting accuracy
This 15-ampere sliding compound miter saw can deliver up to 3,800 RPM, which is enough for handling massive projects. It also has sliding fences that support crown moldings of up to 5-1/2 inches nested and base molding up to 4-1/2 inches vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts.
Its exclusive back fence design can cut up to 2×14 and 2×10 dimensional lumber at 90 degrees and 45 degrees, respectively. It has an adjustable miter detent plate of 13 stops to allow the user to quickly adjust the saw to the most common miter angles, which improves the quality and precision of the cuts.
There is also a sizable red miter pointer that helps you read and locate the miter angles, and an easy-to-read bevel scale to make bevel angle adjustments with accuracy and ease.
This helpful guy offers increased capacity because it miters 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left.
Pros & Cons
- Heavy-duty aluminum base
- Durable
- Powerfu
- A bad dust collection system
Bottom Line
At an affordable price and 51 pounds, Dewalt DWS709 offers the users with high precision and power.
- 10″ slide miter saw with the Crown molding cutting capacity (6-5/8″ nested) of a 12″ miter saw
- Linear ball bearing system engineered to deliver “dead-on” accurate cuts
- Innovative direct drive gearbox and guard system is engineered for increased vertical cutting capacity (5-1/4″)
- Unique 2-steel rail sliding system design offers single slide-glide operation; reducing saw’s footprint and allowing operation flush against a wall
- Less weight (57.9 lbs.) and the most compact design in its Class for easy jobsite portability
Features
| Manufacturer | Makita |
| Item Weight | 72.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 22.05 x 32.68 x 21.65 inches |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Speed | 3200 RPM |
- Miter angle fine adjust with detent override makes it simple to dial-in precise miter angles
- Miter angle digital readout provides repeatable accuracy to 0.1 degree
- Dual integral job-site lights fully illuminate the work piece and cut line from either side of the blade
- 15-amp, 3.3 max hp direct-drive motor provides increased power for high-performance cutting in hard lumber
- Integral dust channel captures 75 percent of all dust and debris
Features
| Manufacturer | Milwaukee |
| Item Weight | 77.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 30.9 x 22.8 x 21.9 inches |
| Power Source | Corded |
| Speed | 3250 RPM |
- POWERFUL 15 AMP MOTOR – Delivers 4,800 RPM for quick, detailed cuts
- DUAL BEVEL – Perform cuts in four positive stop positions at 48° & 45° left, 0°, and 45° right
- LED SHADOW LINE – Provides high precision cuts with greater accuracy than lasers
- 2×12 CUTTING CAPACITY – Cross cuts lumber up to 2×12 at 90 degrees, and 2×8 lumber at 45 degrees
- CUTS AT COMMON ANGLES – Cuts up to 50 degrees left and right with 11 positive stops at most used angles
Features
| Manufacturer | SKIL |
| Item Weight | 39.4 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 22.44 x 35.43 x 14.17 inches |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Speed | 4800 RPM |
- POWERFUL MOTOR: 3,800 RPM motor of CRAFTSMAN miter saw is made for cutting 2X dimensional lumber, hardwoods, baseboard and trim with ease
- SLIDE CAPABILITIES: The mitre saw has 8-inch cross cut at 90-degree and 5-1/2-inch cross cut at 45 degree
- ADDED CAPACITY: The sliding miter saw cuts 3-5/8-inch nested crowns and 3-1/2-inch baseboards vertically
- ACCURACY AND VISIBILITY: LED cut line positioning system
- QUICK AND ACCRUATE: 9 casted miter detent stops for adjustments
- SINGLE CHARGE: Makes up to 585 cuts in 3-1/4-inch MDF baseboard** on a single charge
- PORTABILITY: Lightweight design with side carry handles
Features
| Manufacturer | CRAFTSMAN |
| Item Weight | 21.8 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 25.51 x 18.9 x 14.57 inches |
| Power Source | Ac/dc |
| Voltage | 20 Volts |
| Speed | 800 RPM |
- Compact and Lightweight Design for Job Site Portability
- Powerful 10.5 AMP direct drive motor requires less maintenance and delivers 5,000 RPM
- Miters 0-50 Degrees left & 0-60 Degrees right, with positive stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, 45 and 50 Degrees (left and right) plus 60 Degrees (right)
- Compact and lightweight (31.1 lbs.) for job site portability
- Cuts up to 12″ at 90Degrees and 8-1/2″ at 45Degrees
Features
| Manufacturer | Makita |
| Item Weight | 31.1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 30 x 18 x 20 inches |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Speed | 5000 RPM |
- AWARD: Rated Best Miter Saw for the Money for Pros by Pro Tool Reviews 2022
- MOTOR: Powerful 15 Amp motor to tackle tough cutting jobs with ease
- LASER: Laser marker system from Metabo HPT increases cutting accuracy
- FENCE: Large sliding fence raises fence height to 5.125 In. to cut up to 7.5 In. crown molding vertically
- MITER: 0-57 degree miter angle to the right and 0-45 degree to the left for flexibility
- BEVEL: 0-45 degree bevel angle range to the right and left allowing users to quickly and easily flip the saw blade and leave the material in place
- SCALES: Positive stops and indications on the miter and bevel scale, for easy to read measurements and quick settings
- HANDLE: Vertical handle with soft, vibration reducing elastomer grip adds comfort and control
- SLIDE: Compact slide system allows the saw head to slide along fixed rails, for zero clearance
- WARRANTY: Covered by Metabo HPT’s Professional 5-Year Tool Warranty
Features
| Manufacturer | Koki Holdings America, Ltd |
| Item Weight | 77.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 36.6 x 24 x 23.4 inches |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Speed | 4000 RPM |
- Stainless-steel miter detent plate of 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 14 positive stops
- The mitre saw features the precise miter system and machined base fence support
- Tall sliding fence of DEWALT miter saw supports 5-1/2-inch base vertically
- Bevels 0 degree – 48degree to the left and 0 degree- 3degree to the right. Tool height-15 inch
- 2-inch x 8-inch dimensional lumber cross cut capacity at 90 degree and 2-inch x 6-inch dimensional lumber at 45 degree
Features
| Manufacturer | Dewalt |
| Item Weight | 42.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 26.77 x 21.85 x 18.9 inches |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Speed | 4000 RPM |
- Make Precision Miter Cut up to 45 Degrees Left and Right. Also make Bevel Cuts up to 45 Degrees Left
- Use Compound Cutting for Crown Molding, Shadow Boxes, Picture Frames, and More
- Laser-Light Cutting Guide for Quicker Alignment and Improved Accuracy
- Electric Brake Stops the Blade in Seconds and Spindle Lock for Quick Blade Changes
- Includes 60T blade, and 2 AAA Batteries
- Max Cutting Capacity: @ 0° x 90° : H 3″ x 12″, @ 45° x 90° : H 3″ x 8-1/4″, @ 0° x 45° : H 1-5/8″ x 12″, @ 45° x 45° : H 1-5/8″x 8-1/4″
- Blade Size: 10″ (255mm) ; Arbor Size: 5/8″
Features
| Manufacturer | Richpower Industries, Inc. |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 30.5 x 16.25 x 15 inches |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Speed | 4800 RPM |
Read also: comparison between Single and Double Bevel Miter Saw
FAQ’S :
How to Pick a Sliding Compound Miter Saw ?
1. Power
If you are a professional, you will probably be using your sliding compound miter saw from morning to night, so you must have a powerful motor. In such a case, get a saw that has a motor of at least 15 amperes and 3500 RPM.
However, if you are a homeowner or still a beginner, you may not need all this power, so you can go for a smaller version. At the end of the day, you want a power tool that can get you through the day with the best results possible.
2. Blade Size
You must know the material you are cutting to know the size of the blade that you should use. The larger the blade size, the larger the cuts it will make. The blade sizes are commonly 10 or 12 inches, but there are blades that are as small as 4 inches.
You must note, though, that if you get a 12-inch miter saw, you will only be able to use a 12-inch blade because the others will not work at all due to the mechanics. Most saws restrict the ability to put the blade on in the first place due to safety reasons.
3. Tooth Count
Besides the blade, you must consider the tooth count. Does the tooth count matter? Yes, it matters big time! The higher the tooth count, the smoother the finish that is produced by the saw. Each saw has its own amount of teeth, and the larger blades have more teeth than smaller ones.
If you are cutting through thicker material, you better have a blade with a few number of teeth so that you can power through the material.
4. Cutting Ability
An excellent sliding compound miter saw has positive stops that have pre-designated positions. They are generally set at the most common cutting angels, and they allow you to change your cut quickly. So, the more positive stops that the sliding compound miter saw has, the quicker you will transition from one cut to another.
Moreover, you must make sure that the saw locks firmly because if the saw moves out of place, it will result in a bad cut.
5. Bevel
You should also consider the bevel as it allows you to tilt the saw. It also allows the saw to rotate the base to change the miter angle that you will be cutting.
Checking the saw is vital because some saws can only tilt in one direction, while better and more expensive ones can tilt both ways, so you do not need to switch the direction in which you are cutting.
6. Dust Collection
Having a power tool with a dust collection system is not only better for your health, but also allows you to work in a clean environment and have a better vision line. Some models have a dust collection area so that as you are cutting, the dust is forced down in a basket. The above is one way of having an easy cleanup process after work.
Some models have an air hose. The air hose will make a lot of mess and will make the process of cleaning up more difficult, yet it offers you a clean area that makes you see where you are cutting.
7. Safety Features
Whenever you are using a saw, there are chances that accidents may happen. So, to prevent any incidents, the saw must have some safety features. Some of these safety features are the saw guard and the electric brakes. These electric brakes can stop the blade from spinning within a few seconds so that there is a next to zero chance of you getting hurt by the blades.
What Is a Sliding Compound Miter Saw ?
A sliding compound miter saw has recently gained a lot of popularity. It has many common features with compound miter saws like making bevel and miter cuts. However, the difference lies in its ability to cut more extensive material because it can reach places that the blade of a compound miter saw can not even touch.
The reason why it can handle larger pieces of wood goes to its “sliding” feature. You can slide it forward and backward to increase its cutting capacity so that you can cut thicker pieces of material without having to reposition anything.
However, we must tell you that they are usually more expensive than compound miter saws, and they also need a spacious space to be stored in.
When to Use a Sliding Compound Miter Saw ?
A compound miter saw will probably be enough for you until you want to make cuts that are wider than 6 inches. So, buy a sliding compound miter saw if you are working on a large project that requires wide cuts.
Its versatility and efficiency can get you through large projects with ease and speed. Moreover, it can perform the job of a regular miter saw, as well, so buying it is never a waste of money. (Yay!)
Who Would Benefit the Most from Buying a Sliding Compound Miter Saw ?
The answer is one word, professionals. (why?) Professionals benefit the most from owning a compound miter saw with the “sliding” feature because it enables them to make wide cuts and it can perform all the jobs that a regular compound miter saw can carry out.
On the other hand, hobbyists and DIYs would find a regular miter saw sufficient for their needs. Most of their work consists of building small furniture, photo frames, crafts, and cutting small thickness crown molding, which does not demand making wide miter cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is The Difference Between Compound and Sliding Compound Miter Saws?
A compound miter saw makes angled cuts using its blade that can pivot from right to left. This angled cut is necessary when you are cutting objects that need to be cut at an angle like moldings and picture frames. It is traditionally used to cut pieces of wood that require cuts on two planes.
On the other hand, a sliding compound miter saw is used to cut longer boards thanks to its slide feature.
If Sliding Miter Saws Are That Great, Why Doesn’t Everyone Use Them?
Using sliding miter saws is not common because they are bigger and heavier. It is true that you can take them from one place to another, but they are not as easy to transfer as other kinds of saws.
Moreover, most of them use stand models that occupy a lot of space. You also must know that it is not the best tool to use if you want to cut extreme angles as it does not offer much range as its fellow non-slider saws since its head bumps into the rails.
Which Is Cheaper? A Sliding or Non-Sliding Miter Saw?
A sliding compound miter saw is more expensive because it is heavier and has more moving parts.
How to Operate a Sliding Compound Miter Saw ?
1. Put your board against the fence and clamp it
2. Pull the saw toward you until the blade is directly over the board’s edge that is closest to you
3. Start the saw by squeezing the trigger
4. Wait for it to reach its peak rotation speed and then pull the blade down into the wood
5. While the blade is still rotating, push the saw back and away from you as your blade cuts through the rest of the wood
6. When the blade has finished cutting, raise the saw and release the trigger to stop the saw
How to Stay Safe While Using The Saw ?
Here are a few tips to follow if you want to work safely (and you should!)
- Take care that the accessories may get hot during use, so make sure you are wearing gloves before you touch them
- Wear hearing protection if you will use the tool for a long time to avoid hearing loss
- Wear safety goggles or any eye protection to keep dust and concrete fragments from getting into your eyes
- Wear a dust mask or a respirator to protect your lungs from inhaling dust or debris
- Stay away from water to avoid getting electrocuted
- Always work with both hands to make sure you have a strong grip of the saw
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you now have a clearer vision regarding how to choose the best sliding compound miter saws out of a huge number of ordinary ones.
If you still need my recommendations, I would say that you better go for DEWALT DWS780 as it is portable, powerful and speedy. Moreover, its dust collection system and three-year limited warranty add to its beauty.
If you do not need your sliding compound miter saw to make straight cuts, you can also go for Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD for its precision, power and wide cutting capacity.
