10-Inch Compound Miter Saws

10-inch miter saws: Light, but single-bevel only

DeWalt, Ridgid and Hitachi make the 10-inch compound miter saws that earn the most recommendations in reviews. They're all single-bevel saws -- meaning the blade only tilts in one direction. Reviews say to be sure to pick a model that can bevel and miter beyond 45 degrees. This is especially important if you cut molding or trim to fit existing locations, since they're seldom a perfect angle.

The comparison review at Wood Magazine gives top ranking to the DeWalt DW703 -- now the DW713 (*Est. $220) . It miters and bevels beyond 45 degrees, and editors also praise its power, speed, smooth operation, precise settings and tall fence. This miter saw also earns high ratings in owner-written reviews at Amazon.com, Sears.com and Lowes.com. It carries a three-year warranty. The main drawbacks are that it lacks a laser guide (now a given on most miter saws) and doesn't come equipped with any accessories; they all cost extra.

If you're willing to sacrifice a bit of cutting speed for an adjustable laser guide, table extension and a lifetime warranty, another comparison review gives top ranking to the 10-inch Ridgid MS1065LZA (*est. $200). Owners reviewing it at HomeDepot.com give it mostly quite positive reviews, but warn to check the box to be sure the laser is adjustable. The earlier MS1065LZ earned some complaints about laser-guide accuracy, and some miter saws with that model number have the adjustable guide, but some do not. The saw can cut 3.5 inches vertically against the fence, but wider molding must be cut flat. The Ridgid miter saw comes with a left table extension, work clamp, depth stop, markable fence and a 2.5-inch dust port that fits shop vacs or an included dust bag. Note, however, that few miter saws collect dust very well.

The same comparison test ranks the less expensive Hitachi C10FCH2 (*Est. $175) a bit lower, rating it about as fast as the Ridgid miter saw, but with an edge finish to the cuts that's not as smooth. It's still one of the top-rated miter saws at Lowes.com, where owners like it even more than the DeWalt DW713 -- probably because the Hitachi miter saw has an adjustable laser guide and carries a five-year warranty. Also, it weighs only 26.5 pounds, compared with 35 for the DeWalt and 34 pounds for the Ridgid -- an advantage if you need to take it to jobsites. In addition to the rougher edge finish, however, this Hitachi miter saw has some other drawbacks. The smaller base makes it less stable, and the vertical cutting capacity is only four inches. The saw can't bevel past 45 degrees, but you can still miter to 52 degrees.

Owners rating miter saws at Lowes.com give slightly lower ratings to the similar Hitachi C10FCE2 (*Est. $140) , which lacks the laser guide. However, this model bevels to 48 degrees -- a feature experts say is a lot more important. At Amazon.com, owners give both miter saws good reviews, but prefer the C10FCE2.

For fairly rough carpentry, owners at Sears.com like the inexpensive Craftsman 21231 (*est. $120). It's a budget miter saw, with mixed reviews for the laser guide, but most owners are quite happy with it. It comes with a stand and extension tables. The main drawback, beside plastic parts that aren't very durable, is that it doesn't miter or bevel beyond 45 degrees.