Compound Miter Saws: Reviews

Compound miter saws make short work of crosscutting lumber and molding. They're more space-efficient than most table saws, and since they're mounted on a stand, miter saws are faster and less tiring to use than circular saws. Whether you need a 10-inch, 12-inch or sliding miter saw, we've got you covered in this report.

Craftsman MiterMate 21226

10-inch compound miter saw

*Est. $250

Estimated Price

Reviews say this Craftsman miter saw makes accurate cuts and is a good buy, with basic accessories already included. It's designed to miter and bevel molding to fit corners that aren't exact 45-degree angles. Reviewers say beginners and casual users should have little difficulty cutting accurate joints the first time. Dust collection is a weak point, as is typical of miter saws. Like other 10-inch miter saws, the Craftsman MiterMate can only crosscut up to 2-by-6 lumber. Standard warranty coverage is for one year.

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DeWalt DW716

12-inch compound miter saw

*Est. $400

Estimated Price

If you need a larger miter saw, reviewers say the DeWalt DW716 provides excellent cutting capacity; with some tweaking, it can even crosscut a 2-by-10 board. Vertical capacity for baseboard and crown molding is also outstanding. Reviews praise this top-rated saw's build quality, performance and convenience. It's a double-bevel miter saw, which helps save time as well. A three-year warranty is standard, and a laser guide is available as an optional accessory (*Est. $70).

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Makita LS1016L

10-inch sliding miter saw

*Est. $505

Estimated Price

Experts say that sliding miter saws are the "sweet spot" in terms of miter saw sizes and types, with ample capacity for most users. This award-winning Makita miter saw makes smooth cuts on up to a 2-by-12 board, but its four-rail system makes it more compact than most 10-inch sliders. Admittedly the Makita doesn't meet the level of precision and features of the highly-regarded but pricey Festool Kapex KS 120 (*Est. $1,300), but comparison tests find the Makita is very competitive in terms of performance and ease of use. Its soft-start motor with electronic speed control handles thick hardwoods well, and the adjustable laser guide has a separate power switch. Warranty coverage is for one year.

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Milwaukee 6955-20

12-inch sliding compound miter saw

*Est. $650

Estimated Price

Reviews say miter saws this big are overkill for most users unless you need to cut a lot of molding vertically. If you need this capability, the Milwaukee 6955-20 is the critics' favorite. A five-year warranty is another plus.

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