Compound Miter Saws

Types of miter saws

There are several types of miter saws. Manual miter saws are still used in picture framing and by model makers, but powered miter saws are much more popular for woodworking and home improvement. These are mounted on a workbench or stand. You clamp the wood to a back fence, then set the miter angle, which rotates the blade.

A simple chop saw or cut-off saw can cut a board straight across or at an angle. However, experts say that most people will be happier with a compound miter saw, which can also tilt the blade to bevel the cut. The least expensive compound miter saws tilt the blade only to one side; they're called single-bevel miter saws.

Most reviews prefer a dual-bevel miter saw (also called double-bevel miter saws), which tilts in both directions, because it simplifies cutting moldings. For cutting wider boards, sliding compound miter saws allow the blade assembly to slide forward instead of staying in one position. However, the rails built into a sliding miter saw give the whole saw a larger footprint, and sliding miter saws tend to be quite heavy. Since they have more moving parts, they're often a little less sturdy as well.

The most popular compound miter saws come in four basic combinations of size and type:

10-inch compound miter saw (*est. $100 to $220). This type is lightest and easiest to take to a jobsite, but all are single-bevel (meaning they tilt one way only) and can only crosscut lumber up to 2x6 straight across, or 2x4 at a 45-degree miter. (The only current cordless miter saw, the Bosch 3918 (*est. $325), is this size and type.)

12-inch compound miter saw (*est. $280 to $400). This type of saw is relatively compact and can crosscut up to nominal 2x8 lumber, or 2x6 at a 45-degree miter. It can cut fairly tall molding vertically since the blade is two inches wider. These are larger and heavier, averaging 50 pounds, but they’re still suitable for portable use.

10-inch sliding compound miter saw (*est. $450 to $500). A 10-inch sliding compound saw can crosscut up to nominal 2x12 lumber, or 3x8 lumber at a 45-degree miter. However, sliding compound saws weigh about as much as 12-inch compound miter saws, offer less vertical capacity and require a deeper workbench. .

12-inch sliding compound miter saw (*est. $570 to $705). Larger sliding compound saws are big and heavy, usually requiring two people to move. The wider blade enables a saw of this type to have about half an inch wider capacity than 10-inch sliding compound saws, plus an inch higher capacity -- good for crown molding. Many reviews say these saws don't offer enough advantages over 10-inch sliding compound saws to justify their heavy weight and high prices.

Major manufacturers make miter saws that use blades even smaller than 10 inches, but for most users, reviewers recommend getting a miter saw with at least a 10-inch blade. For homeowner use, a 10-inch compound miter saw will probably accomplish most tasks. This size is best for jobsite use, too, since it's easiest to transport.

On the other hand, several expert reviews note that a 12-inch compound miter saw doesn't cost much more, yet adds cutting capacity that you're apt to want eventually. Similarly, a 10-inch sliding compound miter saw provides good value and versatility. Overall, the type least recommended is the 12-inch sliding compound miter saw -- useful for busy workshops with lots of space, but not for most users.

Big blades can cut faster -- which matters if you're making lots of repetitive cuts, especially on big thick boards. However, 12-inch miter saws weigh more and take up more space. Also, Richard Hark, reviewing miter saws for the Journal of Light Construction, notes that larger blades are more apt to wobble a bit, losing accuracy.

Miter saws come in two basic drive types -- direct drive or belt drive. Direct-drive miter saws offer more power (rpm) for the money, but with more vibration (and thus less accuracy). The 12-inch Bosch 3912 (*est. $310) is a good example of this type. Belt-drive miter saws mount the motor offset from the blade, so you can bevel the blade in either direction; thus dual-bevel miter saws are all belt-driven. The belt-driven DeWalt DW716 (*est. $340) is one example, but Bosch, DeWalt and Hitachi make miter saws of both types.

Miter saw laser guides -- worth the price?

Most of the latest miter saws come equipped with a laser guide to help line up the blade with a pencil-drawn cutting line, but reviews say this feature is overplayed. The laser lines are hard to see in bright light, so they're more useful in a workshop than outdoors. Brian Mark, the "power tool geek," says that for the average homeowner, “they're not bad but slightly less accurate than measuring twice and lining it up manually. For a skilled pro, they're a hindrance. Either way, people still want them."

Most miter-saw laser guides are designed so they fall at one edge of the blade's kerf (cutting line), although quite a few owners say they'd prefer it to fall right on the cutting line itself. Even better are dual laser guides that put the pencil-drawn cutting line centered between them. Reviews praise the laser guide on the 12-inch Delta 36-322L compound miter saw (*est. $360) , because the twin-laser design puts the blade right between two laser lines. This is the easiest type of laser guide to use, for as long as your pencil-drawn cutting line is between the two laser lines, the blade will cut right where you expect it.

You can also get a twin-laser guide on the new 10-inch Skil 3800 miter saw (*est. $180) . The guide has a manual on-off switch, but you can also leave it motion-activated, so it turns itself on only when you approach the saw. (It turns off automatically too.) A review in American Woodworker magazine notes that you can adjust the laser beams to the left or right, but not the space between. Since blade kerf varies with the thickness of the blade you use, you may not be able to get the laser perfectly aligned on both sides. Overall, however, the review says the laser guide is quite good.

Reviews say that single laser guides, especially if they're non-adjustable, are apt to be more frustrating. Most such laser lines move or disappear when you actually start the cut. If the laser is mounted on the arbor, the laser line necessarily falls on one side of the actual blade kerf, so you have to learn to line up your pencil-drawn cutting line with the laser line at a certain distance. If the laser guide is nonadjustable, then even if it's correctly set at the factory, it won't line up the same way with a replacement blade that's a different thickness.

In past years, reviews criticized the arbor-mounted Exactline laser guides found on Ridgid, Ryobi and Craftsman miter saws as especially poor, since they were both non-adjustable and often not correctly aligned with the blade. Now Ridgid is making an adjustable Exactline laser guide, but retailers are still selling miter saws with the old non-adjustable laser guides. Ridgid offers a 90-day exchange period, but it's best to be sure the packaging specifies "adjustable Exactline laser guide."

The way a laser guide turns on and off also matters. The Bosch laser guide and even the newer adjustable Ridgid laser guide lack a switch, turning on only when the blade is spinning. Reviews say this can be dangerous, since it requires you to set up your cut under a spinning blade. Better laser guides use a manual switch, so you can set up the cut while the blade is still.

Makita and Hitachi makes adjustable laser guides with manual switches, so you can set up your cut with a stationary blade. You can move the laser guide to shine on either the left or right side of the kerf, and the alignment stays correct when you change the miter angle.

We found some owner-written reviews complaining that some laser guides go through batteries pretty quickly. As an option only for its 12-inch miter saws, DeWalt makes an adjustable laser guide that’s powered by the saw itself and has a manual switch. The DeWalt DW7187 laser system (*est. $70) mounts on the blade guard rather than on the arbor, so the line stays visible during the cut. However, owners reviewing the DeWalt laser guide at Amazon.com complain that it's not only difficult to adjust, but also keeps falling out of adjustment from the saw's vibration. DeWalt's parent company, Black & Decker, offers a similar guard-mounted laser guide on two of its Firestorm miter saws.

Reviews warn that accurate scales and smooth operation are far more important than a laser guide. If you really want a good one anyway, you can add a third-party laser guide to most miter saws. See our Alternative Considerations section below for more on the Laserkerf laser guide (*est. $80), which comes in two widths and adjusts to line up exactly with the kerf. Reviews also like the Irwin 3061001 laser guide (*est. $26).

Best 10-inch compound miter saws

If you want a 10-inch miter saw for more than rough carpentry, reviews recommend spending at least $200. More reviews recommend the DeWalt DW703 (*est. $200) than any other 10-inch compound miter saw. It lacks a laser guide, and some basic accessories are options at extra cost, but these are the only drawbacks. The Wood Magazine review praises the way it can bevel and miter beyond 45 degrees -- especially important if you cut molding or trim to fit existing locations, since they're seldom a perfect angle. Editors also praise its smooth operation, precise settings and tall fence. Recent comparison tests find it especially powerful and fast. You can lock it down for easy carrying.

The product description of the DeWalt DW703 notes that this is the only 10-inch compound miter saw capable of cutting 5.25-inch crown molding and 6-inch base molding. The DeWalt DW703 miter saw gets high ratings in owner-written reviews at Amazon.com, Sears.com and Lowes.com. One owner reviewing it at Amazon.com says it's stayed accurate over a full five years of work. Reviews at Epinions.com are more mixed, with some complaints about having to buy accessories at extra cost. Lots of accessories are available, such as crown-molding stops to hold the molding tilted vertically against the fence. The warranty is for three years.

Wood Magazine editors give top marks for performance to the pricier Milwaukee 6494-6 (*est. $245) , praising its unique override system for bypassing the miter stops. This allows the user to adjust the miter angle with extreme precision. This miter saw comes complete with extensions, which makes the price more in line with the DeWalt DW703. However, more recent comparison tests rank the Milwaukee miter saw lower on speed, edge finish and even accuracy. It's also unusually loud, rated at 103 decibels.

If you're willing to sacrifice a bit of cutting speed for an adjustable laser guide, table extension and lifetime warranty, the 10-inch Ridgid MS1065LZ compound miter saw (*est. $200) gets top ranking in one recent comparison review. Owners reviewing it at HomeDepot.com and Amazon.com give it lower ratings than the DeWalt DW703, however. Some of the complaints are about laser-guide accuracy, so if you're careful to get one with the new adjustable laser guide, this complaint might be resolved. (As noted above, some miter saws with this model number may still have the older, non-adjustable laser guide.)

The Craftsman 21233 (*est. $200) looks like a very good buy because it comes with a stand and extensions, but comparison tests show that it doesn't leave as smooth a finish on cuts as the DeWalt and Ridgid miter saws discussed above. When you take the stand into account, the Craftsman is really more of a budget miter saw -- better for rough carpentry than for finer work.

The Craftsman 21252 (*est. $210) is similar, also coming with a stand and extensions, but this model places the bevel lock conveniently in the front. It's one of the top-rated miter saws in owner-written reviews at Sears.com. We did find complaints from some owners about the laser guide being off -- and not adjustable -- but otherwise it gets good marks. In addition to the stand, it comes with a safety switch, electronic brake and adjustable handle. There's a miter detent at 31.6 degrees for cutting crown molding, the fence slides out of the way for bevel cuts, and the bevel lock is up front. Craftsman miter saws come with a one-year warranty.

Comparison tests show that once price drops below $200, it's hard to find a miter saw that leaves a smooth finish. This doesn't matter for rough construction cuts, but makes it harder to cut molding and other finish pieces -- not to mention wood for making furniture. Among less expensive 10-inch compound miter saws, tests rank the Hitachi C10FCH2 (*est. $160) best for leaving a smooth finish. Equipped with an adjustable laser guide, it's one of the top-rated miter saws in owner ratings at Lowes.com. The Hitachi miter saw has only a 4-inch vertical cutting capacity, and the smaller base makes this 24-pound miter saw easier to transport, but less stable. Table extensions cost extra, but the Hitachi warranty is for five years.

The similar Hitachi C10FCH (*est. $200) weighs slightly more but can bevel past 45 degrees -- an important advantage over the Hitachi C10FCH2, which only goes to 45 degrees. This older Hitachi 10-inch miter saw gets mixed reviews, and owners reviewing it at Amazon.com give it a lower average rating than most miter saws at that site. Owners complain about various quality control and repair problems. (A five-year warranty doesn't help much if you can't get anyone to respond.) This raises some doubt about the newer Hitachi miter saws as well.

The 15-amp Skil 3800 (*est. $180) is getting a fair amount of attention for its innovative motion-activated twin laser guide, which also includes a manual switch. As noted earlier, this is the favorite type among both owners and professional reviewers. The two laser lines can be adjusted left or right, but move together so you can't adjust the width between them to fit your blade's kerf. Still, they're adjustable enough to line up one laser line with the blade edge. As noted earlier, twin lasers are the type that reviews recommend most.

Unfortunately, the early reviews of the Skil 3800 miter saw focus mainly on the laser guide. The Skil 3800 does miter and bevel beyond 45 degrees, and it comes complete with extension tables, a hold-down clamp and crown-molding stops -- but reviews really don't shed much light on how well it cuts. A few owners have rated it at Lowes.com, giving it high marks for ease of use, but an overall rating that's lower than most.

Ryobi miter saws get slightly higher reviews from owners rating them at HomeDepot.com, as well as in comparison reviews in woodworking magazines. A comparison review at American Woodworker finds the Ryobi scales easier to read than most, though editors at Wood Magazine complain that you have to put your eye at table level to read them. However, the Ryobi TS1352DXL (*est. $150) miters and bevels only to 45 degrees, and the vertical capacity for baseboard molding is just 3.5 inches. Comparison tests show that it doesn't cut as smoothly as the Hitachi C10FCH or C10FCH2 budget miter saws. You do get a laser guide, but it's not adjustable and turns on only when the blade is spinning. This 10-inch compound miter saw does have extension rails to help hold work in place, with a stop block for making repetitive cuts. Home Depot, Ryobi's primary retailer for power tools in the U.S., sometimes offers the Ryobi TS1354DXL (*est. $150) instead of the TS1352DXL. However, the two saws are similar and should perform identically.

The less expensive Ryobi TS1341 (*est. $100) actually gets slightly better reviews from owners at HomeDepot.com. It doesn't have a laser guide, eliminating that source of complaints -- it's just a very basic miter saw for making fairly rough cuts. Reviews say this budget miter saw is fine for light-duty carpentry cuts that don't demand much precision or smoothness.

The Ryobi TS1341 is the top budget choice in the American Woodworker review, where editors praise the miter settings and say the scales are especially easy to read. The fence is short, just 2.75 inches high, but it's predrilled so you can add a taller wood facing when needed. As is the case with the Ryobi TS1352DXL/TS1354DXL above, Home Depot sometimes offers the TS1342 (*est. $100) in place of the TS1341. The saws are very similar, with the chief difference being that the TS1342 has a slightly more powerful motor (15 amps vs. 14 amps for the TS1341). Both saws should perform about the same. All the Ryobi miter saws carry a two-year warranty.

12-inch compound miter saws

Because a 12-inch compound miter saw can crosscut a nominal 2x8 board, not just a 2x6, this size is more versatile. Most current reviews say 12-inch compound miter saws are well worth the extra price. You also have the best selection here among top-ranked miter saws from several brands.

Although 10-inch compound miter saws are only available as single-bevel saws (meaning they tilt only one way), 12-inch compound saws are available as either single-bevel or dual-bevel (which can tilt both ways). Dual-bevel miter saws are more flexible and offer better visibility for left-handed users, but single-bevel saws cost less and still do the job, though not quite as conveniently. Dual-bevel miter saws do take up more workshop space, because you need room for the board on both sides of the blade, not just one.

Among single-bevel 12-inch compound miter saws, Bosch, Delta and DeWalt models earn recommendations in more reviews than do Hitachi, Makita or other brands. The Bosch 3912 (*est. $310) and DeWalt DW715 (*est. $330) share top ranking in the Wood Magazine Sept. 2007 comparison review. Both miter saws have a detent override for setting precise miter angles and get top marks for accuracy right out of the box.

Neither miter saw comes with a laser guide, but the DeWalt offers an adjustable laser guide (*est. $70) as an accessory to mount on the blade guard. As noted earlier, this laser guide gets less-than-stellar reviews. Third-party laser guides (*est. $25 to $80) are also available to fit most miter saws.

The Bosch 3912 has a safety switch that works well with either hand, plus miter and bevel settings for cutting crown moldings, a zero clearance insert for the throat plate and a tall sliding fence (which is slightly textured). The Woodworker's Journal review likes the "spunky motor," saying it's more powerful than most, but editors there agree with Taunton's Tool Guide that the bevel scale is a little hard to read. Also, once you set the bevel beyond 45 degrees, you have to recalibrate the stop to get 45 degrees again.

If a laser guide is important to you, reviews top-rate the adjustable twin laser on the single-bevel Delta 36-322L (*est. $360) , which also has a manual switch The blade cuts between the two laser lines, so you can tell exactly where the blade will fall. The Delta 36-322L is the top pick out of 33 miter saws in a review at the American Woodworker. A recent review at Woodworker's Journal also praises this saw for its legible scales and its easy miter and bevel settings, complete with a front bevel lock. The throat plate minimizes tearout, and dust collection is good. The detents, tall fences and blade guard are designed to make it easier to cut crown molding, and the Delta miter saw carries a two-year warranty.

If you have any vision problems or often need to work in dim lighting, the Woodworker's Journal review recommends the large, black-on-silver miter scale on the single-bevel Hitachi C12FCH (*est. $280), saying it's "perfect if you're at that stage of life where you have to read the morning paper at arm's length." The review also praises the saw's outstanding bevel adjustment and adjustable laser. Dust collection works well. The only drawback is the 3/8-inch opening in the throat plate -- wide enough to let tiny cutoffs fall through. Owners give the Hitachi C12FCH high ratings at Lowes.com.

Even better for anyone with vision problems, the newer Hitachi C12LCH (*est. $375) provides a digital readout of miter and bevel settings. It's included in the recent comparison tests at Wood Magazine, where editors agree that the Hitachi adjustable laser is precise and find the digital displays accurate as well. If you use the digital readout for settings, the saw makes accurate cuts, but the regular miter stops prove slightly off in Wood Magazine’s tests.

That's also true on the Ryobi TS1552DXL (*est. $200), but its price and overall accuracy make it the top budget choice in the Wood Magazine review. Tests there find both the laser guide and miter stops accurate, though the fence had to be shimmed. As on the Bosch 3912, you have to recalibrate the 45-degree stop if you override it for a higher bevel. Earlier tests at Woodworker's Journal found the laser guide off, and owners give the Ryobi TS1552DXL a lower rating than most other miter saws in reviews at Home Depot.com. This suggests that quality control may be a problem. The warranty is for two years.

Both the Ridgid MS1250LZ (*est. $270) and Craftsman 21205 (*est. $260) failed recent accuracy tests at Wood Magazine. Editors there made all the adjustments possible, but couldn't get accurate 45-degree miter cuts with either saw. The Craftsman laser guide was especially hard to use, since it's a full eighth-inch off the cut line. The Ridgid laser line was closer, but it was still hard to use, and the dust bag leaked fine dust through its pores.

Dual-bevel miter saws let the blade tilt in either direction to make it more convenient to cut matching bevels. Unfortunately, Delta has discontinued its well-reviewed dual-bevel 12-inch saw, the Delta 36-422L, which not only had twin lasers but also outstanding cutting capacity. This leaves Bosch and DeWalt saws as the top picks among dual-bevel 12-inch miter saws. Both can crosscut nominal 2x10 lumber.

The dual-bevel 12-inch Bosch 4212L compound miter saw (*est. $375) is both the editors' and readers' top choice in both the 2005 and 2006 Taunton Tool Guide, and the Tools of the Trade Online review gives it top ranking too. However, reviews don't praise its single laser guide, which only turns on when the blade starts to spin, and they indicate that the blade can be hard to change. Yet they do say the Bosch 4212L miter saw has by far the most convenient controls, which are not only up front but also color-coded. In addition, the handle adjusts to any of four positions. There's just something about this design that grabs testers; they rave about the ease of use.

The dual-bevel DeWalt DW716 (*est. $340) , formerly the DW706, lacks a laser guide but can be fitted with the optional DeWalt DW7187 adjustable laser guide (*est. $70). Even without the laser, this miter saw gets high marks in several reviews. The DW716 has good height capacity, cutting crown molding vertically up to 6 5/8 inches high -- more than the Bosch 4212L offers. It can miter to 50 degrees, not quite as far as the Bosch. The DW716 comes with a 60-tooth blade, but extension wings and other standard accessories are extra options.

The Woodworker's Journal review gives the dual-bevel 12-inch Craftsman Professional 21235 miter saw (*est. $300) its "Best Bet Award," and owners reviewing it at Sears.com give it reasonably good ratings. This miter saw does have a laser guide, but it's the same nonadjustable laser found on the Ryobi and Craftsman miter saws discussed above. However, the scales are very easy to read, and the saw comes with extension rods, a hold-down clamp and a special clamp for crown molding. Dust collection is good, either with the dust bag or connected to a big 2.5-inch shop-vac hose. Besides the laser guide, the major drawback is that the miter angle only goes as far as 47 degrees, the bevel only to 45 degrees.

Equipped with a well-reviewed adjustable laser guide, the Hitachi C12FDH (*est. $290) costs only slightly more than the single-bevel Hitachi C12FCH (*est. $280) discussed above, and it gets even higher ratings from owners at Lowes.com. The Hitachi miter saw gets mostly good reviews at Amazon.com, where owners praise the laser guide and dust collection, but at least one report indicates that there could be some quality control problems.

Sliding compound miter saws

If you can afford the purchase price and shop space for a sliding compound miter saw, reviews say the 10-inch size is the "sweet spot," giving you the most capability for the price. Most sliding compound miter saws come with better blades, too -- offering 60 to 80 teeth per inch for smoother cuts. If you cut tall moldings, however, you might think twice, as the sliding capability actually decreases the vertical capacity of the miter saw, while letting it cut wider boards flat.

In this category, reviews consistently favor the dual-bevel Bosch 4410L (*est. $530) , and recent comparison tests show it outperforming Craftsman and Hitachi sliding miter saws for power and speed. Featuring a soft-start motor and front-mounted controls, the 4410L is the top choice in comparison reviews at Workbench, Popular Woodworking and Fine Woodworking. The Journal of Light Construction also ranks it at the top in this size range.

Fine Woodworking's review says the Bosch 4410L handles better than any other 10-inch sliding compound miter saw, and even the factory-supplied 60-tooth blade cuts smoothly. The review praises the front-mounted controls, large holdfast-style clamp, micro-adjustment knob and precise detents with an override. The laser guide isn't a strong point, however. It lacks a switch, turns on only when the blade is spinning and gets mixed reviews. Fine Woodworking finds the guide imprecise, while an earlier Workbench review says it's fine

The Makita LS1013L (*est. $500) ranks a close second in several reviews. It comes with a 70-tooth blade, and the Fine Woodworking review says it actually cuts slightly better than the Bosch miter saw -- but doesn't handle as well. Editors there like the large stable table, but say that it's hard to see the pointer on the miter scale and that the miter detents don't hold as well. The laser guide is adjustable but blurry. A review by Brian Mark, the "Power Tool Geek," praises the Makita's laser guide for its manual switch. Owners reviewing the Makita LS1013L miter saw at Amazon.com give it an average rating that's similar to most miter saws reviewed there.

Milwaukee and Hitachi 10-inch sliding compound miter saws get mixed reviews. Fine Woodworking names the Milwaukee 6497-6 (*est. $440) a best value, praising it for excellent accuracy and relatively quiet performance. However, editors say it doesn't cut as smoothly as the Bosch and Makita saws, despite its 80-tooth blade. The 12-amp Hitachi C10FSH (*est. $480) ranks in the middle in this review, though owners rate it near the top at Lowes.com.

Many reviews say 12-inch sliding compound miter saws are overkill for most people, since they don't offer a huge capacity gain over 10-inch sliding miter saws. But if you want as much capacity as possible, they are an option. Be aware that these are very heavy, and most take up a lot of workbench space.

The Hitachi C12LSH (*est. $650) is an exception to this, using an innovative design to save workbench space. Unlike other sliding miter saws, it can sit flush with the back of the bench. Workbench Magazine named it one of the top ten innovative tools for 2006, and Tools of the Trade Online gave it an Editors' Choice award. A review in Wood Magazine gives it a perfect 5-star rating. This miter saw gets attention not only for its space-saving design, but also for an LCD display that shows the miter and bevel angles. The setting mechanisms allow for very fine tuning. The C12RSH (*est. $600) is the same saw without the LCD display.

A review at NewWoodworker.com praises the Hitachi's fully-enclosed adjustable laser guide as well, which is controlled by an independent switch and mounted on the blade guard so the laser line stays in view as you cut. However, this miter saw only bevels to 45 degrees, a significant limitation. Owners reviewing it at Amazon.com express quite a bit of disappointment, giving it an average rating of only 3.5. Some complain that the angle adjustments are not fine enough, that the laser doesn't hold its adjustment and that the motor, which isn't soft-start, makes it difficult to handle.

Owners at Amazon.com give a much better rating to the dual-bevel 12-inch Bosch 5412L (*est. $590) . Though it uses a laser guide that's not nearly as good as that on the Hitachi, the Bosch 5412L can miter and bevel to 52 degrees, and has features similar to those of the top-ranked 10-inch Bosch 4410L (*est. $530) , including controls placed conveniently up front. However, the Journal of Light Construction finds the 10-inch Bosch 4410L a better value since the Bosch 5412L adds very little cutting capacity, just about an inch in height.

The Makita LS1214LF (*est. $650) not only provides a better laser guide (with a manual switch), but it also adds a fluorescent work light. The Makita sliding miter saw is the top pick in a Workbench comparison review, which praises its accurate cuts and nice controls. Editors say the only drawback is that the depth stop is a little "mushy"; otherwise, it's "flawless." Like the Bosch miter saws, it has a soft-start motor. The Makita miter saw comes with a 70-tooth blade and carries a one-year warranty.

The Ridgid MS1290LZ (*est. $570) is now available with an adjustable laser guide, though it still lacks a manual switch. The Journal of Light Construction recommends this miter saw, wowed by its "user-friendly details," something the Popular Woodworking review also notes about Ridgid miter saws. This means little details like a fence you can write notes on and soft overmolding on handle and controls. User reviews at Home Depot.com are also generally positive.

A major advantage is simply this big miter saw's cutting capacity. Miter angle can be adjusted to a full 60 degrees, and the bevel moves to 47 degrees in each direction. Like other 12-inch sliding compound miter saws, the Ridgid MS1290LZ can crosscut a 2x12 at 90 degrees -- but it can also cut a 2x10 at 45 degrees. Both fences slide out of the way as needed. Dust collection is reasonably good too, with a 2.5-inch dust port that connects easily to most shop vacs. Ridgid converts the standard three-year warranty into a lifetime guarantee once the saw is registered. It comes with a 60-tooth blade.

The dual-bevel DeWalt DW718 (*est. $680) gets an enthusiastic review in Popular Woodworking, where editor Christopher Schwartz calls it the best 12-inch miter saw he's ever used. Schwartz says the blade is much better than the blades used in earlier DeWalt miter saws, and he praises the new fence design. It's rated 4 (out of a possible 5) because the throat plate is hard to adjust, there's no safety switch and dust collection is poor. The bevel can be adjusted to 48 degrees left and right, and the miter to 50 degrees right, 60 degrees left. The warranty is for three years. Its predecessor, the DeWalt DW708, was named a top value by Workbench Magazine.

Cordless miter saws

Now that Makita and Ryobi no longer make cordless miter saws, the 18-volt Bosch 3918 (*est. $300) is the only cordless miter saw still on the market. It uses a 10-inch blade and comes with one 2.4 amp-hour BlueCore NiCad battery and a one-hour charger. If you already have other 18-volt Bosch tools, you can get the miter saw alone as the Bosch 3918B (*est. $260) .

The Bosch 3918 miter saw carries a longer warranty than Bosch corded saws -- three years on the saw itself, two years on the battery. It lacks a laser guide, but Bosch laser guides don't get very positive reviews anyway. It miters to 48 degrees, bevels to 47, and can accommodate vertical molding 4.25 inches high.

Bosch claims that its cordless miter saw can make about 100 cuts in 1x lumber on a full charge. Owner-reviews at Amazon.com don't give any counts, but say the battery life is fine; one owner says he can cut 1x oak all day long. A recent comparison test, however, finds the battery life poor. An earlier review of the discontinued 24-volt Bosch 3924-24 cordless miter saw also found the battery life insufficient for most situations. Since both comparison tests focus on corded miter saws, it's possible that the testers didn't condition the battery beforehand. (Usually reviews comparing cordless tools go through a fairly elaborate battery-conditioning procedure before testing the tools' performance.)

Important Features: Miter saws

Most miter saws on the market now come with a carbide-tipped blade and have both adequate blade guards and electronic brakes. Expert reviews recommend considering additional features that distinguish the best miter saws:

• Expect to spend time adjusting the miter saw when you first get it. A few saws are accurate right out of the box, but this isn't something you can count on. You'll need a very accurate square and straightedge at the very least, plus the patience to work through the instructions that come with the saw.

• An electronic brake is a must. Without it, the only safe way to work is to wait for the blade to stop spinning between cuts.

• A self-retracting blade guard is the safest type, covering the blade completely when the blade is raised.

• A lock-off switch prevents accidents. This is especially important if children have access to the saw, but reviews say it's too easy for even a skilled adult to accidentally turn on a miter saw while pivoting the blade to set up a cut.

• A hold-down clamp makes it easy to clamp pieces into place.

• Check for legible miter and bevel gauges. It's equally important that the miter saw hold the exact settings without slippage.

• Positive stops plus an override mechanism make for the most accurate settings. Positive stops at the most common angles let you set the saw for most cuts very quickly, locking the setting into place. But if you need to set an angle very close to one of the stops, an override mechanism is important or this becomes almost impossible.

• Crown molding stops are important if you plan to cut this type of material. These are stops placed exactly where they're usually needed for cutting crown molding, at 31.6 degrees for miter angle and 33.9 degrees for the bevel.

• A depth stop is important if you want to cut dadoes or other grooves.

• A soft-start motor and electronic speed control make for easier, smoother cuts.

• For smooth cuts, use a good-quality blade with 60 teeth or more. Some inexpensive miter saws come with 40-tooth blades that are okay for rough cutting lumber, but can't make smooth, accurate cuts for molding or fine woodworking. Replacing the blade can add $50 to $100 to the price of the saw, so it may actually be less expensive to buy a saw that comes with a higher-quality blade.

• A sliding fence is better than a fixed fence. This provides support for regular miter cuts, but the fence slides or flips out of the way for bevel cuts.

• A zero-clearance insert is best. Some miter saws have slots in the throat plate that let small cutoffs fall through or get stuck; a tiny slot minimizes tearout. The Makita LS1221 has an adjustable slot; you can also make a zero-clearance insert to add to some saws.

• A horizontal D-handle is more comfortable. Most reviews say vertical handles are more awkward and tiring. An adjustable handle is even better. Comfortable soft overmolding can dampen vibration.

• The best laser guides are adjustable, with their own switch. It's easy for laser guides to lose accuracy, so it's important to be able to correct them. Some adjustable laser guides let you position the laser left, right or on center of the blade kerf. Twin-laser guides get the best reviews. Most laser guides turn on automatically when the blade starts, but an on-off switch lets you use the laser for setting up the cut without the noise and distraction of the spinning blade. Also, you can turn off the laser when you don't want it.

• Dust collection is important. Miter saws produce prodigious amounts of sawdust. Be sure to pick one that comes with a dust bag, though reviews recommend connecting the dust port to a good shop vac or dust collector whenever possible. (We have a separate report on shop vacs .) If you mount the miter saw on a workbench, you can build a dust-collection booth behind it as well.

• A shaft lock makes blade changes easier. Reviews note that blades don't need changing often, so this is a minor feature. Onboard storage for the blade-changing wrench is an advantage.

• Extension wings help stabilize the workpiece. However, most experts say you'll still need a miter stand with outboard wings, a long workbench or a similar way to hold long boards at the right height.

• Plan to use hearing protection. Even the cordless Bosch, the quietest miter saw we found reviewed, is loud enough to damage hearing, and most miter saws are much louder.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
8	Bosch 4410L (*est. $530)	details
6	DeWalt DW703 (*est. $200)	details
5	Hitachi C12LSH (*est. $650)	details
5	Makita LS1013L (*est. $500)	details
5	Bosch 4212L (*est. $375)	details
3	DeWalt DW716 (*est. $340)	details
3	DeWalt DW718 (*est. $680)	details
3	Bosch 5412L (*est. $590)	details
3	Makita LS 1214LF (*est. $650)	details
3	Ridgid MS1290LZ (*est. $570)	-
3	Milwaukee 6497-6 (*est. $440)	details
3	Delta 36-322L (*est. $360)	details
3	Hitachi C12FCH (*est. $280)	-
3	Hitachi C10FCH2 (*est. $160)	details
2	Hitachi C10FSH (*est. $480)	details
2	DeWalt DW715 (*est. $330)	details
2	Bosch 3912 (*est. $310)	details
2	Craftsman 21235 Professional Laser Trac (*est. $300)	-
2	Ryobi TS1352DXL (*est. $200)	-
2	Craftsman 21233 with stand (*est. $200)	-
2	Ridgid MS1065LZ (*est. $200)	-
2	Hitachi C10FCH (*est. $200)	details
2	Skil 3800 ten-inch (*est. $180)	details
2	Ryobi TS1341 (*est. $100)	-
1 each	Bosch 3915 , Craftsman 21252, 7.25-inch Craftsman 21180, Craftsman 21233, 10-inch Delta Shopmaster SM100M , Evolution Rage III, Hitachi C8FB2 , Hitachi C10FSB , Hitachi C12FDH , Makita LS1221 , 10-inch Northern Industrial , Porter-Cable 3802L, Ryobi TS1552DXL, Worx T480

The DeWalt DW703 gets the most recommendations among 10-inch compound miter saws. For 12-inch miter saws, reviews recommend the DeWalt DW716 and Bosch 4212L, with the single-bevel Delta 36-322L, Bosch 3912 and Hitachi C12FCH as good budget choices. Among 10-inch sliding compound miter saws, the Bosch 4410L has the lead, but the Makita LS1013L is a close contender. The Ridgid MS1290LZ takes the field among big 12-inch sliding miter saws. The Ryobi TS1341/TS1342 is a 10-inch basic miter saw that's fine for making rough cuts.

The Buzz

The 10-inch Evolution Rage3 sliding compound miter saw (*est. $300) is unique in its ability to cut both metal and wood. Most reviews are positive so far, though one notes that it cuts slowly. Its big advantage is in remodeling, where hidden screws and nails might otherwise be a problem. At 44 pounds, it's also fairly lightweight. You can see a video of this saw in use, crosscutting lumber studded with nails.

SawStop, the company that makes an innovative table saw that stops the blade when it encounters flesh -- limiting a potential amputation to just a nick -- is developing a miter saw with the same safety feature. You can see a video of a prototype on the SawStop website.

Brian Mark, the "Power Tool Geek," predicted in January 2006 that with miter saws taking 12 percent of the power tool market, and cordless tools 44 percent, more cordless miter saws must be on the way. The capabilities of lithium-ion batteries make this even more likely. However, we haven't seen any evidence of new lithium-powered miter saws yet. They'd be used more by contractors, for their extra portability, than by homeowners. Apparently the market isn't there yet.

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