Ridgid MS1290LZA

Reviews say large, heavy 12-inch sliding compound miter saws are overkill for most users, unless you need to cut a lot of molding vertically. The dual-bevel Ridgid MS 1290LZA (also sold as the MS1290LZ1), can miter a two-by-10 board at 45 degrees, miter angle can be set as wide as 60 degrees and the saw bevels to 47 degrees. Dust control is good even with the dust bag (though a few owners complain that the bag is awkward to use), but you can also connect it to a shop vac. The lifetime warranty is another plus. The laser guide is now adjustable, but reviews say the laser guide is better on the more expensive Makita LS1214LF (*est. $620).

We found two recent comparison tests that include the Ridgid MS1290LZA, at Fine Homebuilding and at Tools of the Trade magazine. At Fine Homebuilding, one reviewer tests six current 12-inch sliding compound miter saws on a wide range of materials. At Tools of the Trade magazine, 20 boat builders test the same models plus the new Milwaukee 12-inch and Festool 10-inch saws. Earlier comparison tests at the Journal of Light Construction and at Workbench magazine cover the similar Ridgid MS1290. A single-product review at HGTVPro.com highlights the improvements in the newer MS1290LZA.