Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw [ 2020 Reviews]

A must-have item in your arsenal of woodworking tools is a sliding compound miter saw. This saw has a circular blade that allows you to cut angled shapes. If you’re a furniture maker or woodworker, who focuses on precision, there’s hardly a better tool than this. According to a survey, 80% of professional carpenters prefer sliding compound miter saw for shaping the angles.

But since there are so many models in the market, choosing the best one can get difficult. Each saw has a unique set of features, pros, and cons and comes at a different price point. So deciding which one to buy becomes confusing, especially for beginners.

That’s why we’ve created a quick buying guide for the best sliding compound miter saw. You can go through all the details of our three picks, and even see which one we think comes out at the top.

Top 10 Product Reviews

DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Get accurate and adjust cut line indication with 12-inch DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw. Oversized bevel scale featured by this sliding compound miter saw makes bevel angle adjustments trouble-free and accurate as well. It includes a 15-Amp motor  that delivers durability plus extended power.

Moreover, a super-efficient dust collection system involved in this miter saw captures more than 70% of the dust generated. Though Dewalt calls it a bag, but it’s not that big to be honest. However, you can always use a vacuum/shroud for better dust collection.

The plus point is that the exclusive back fence design of this miter saw cuts up to 2X10 at 45-degree and 2X14 dimensional lumber at 90-degree.

The sliding compound miter saw includes a cam lock knob with detent override that provides you rapid and precise miter angles. Now, you can ensure cutting accuracy and enhance productivity with the adjustable stainless-steel miter detent plate that comes with ten positive stops.

DEWALT DWS715 12″ Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw

Though this is not a sliding compound, but the reason to include this in our list because of its larger blade diameter. However, skip this model if you really paranoid about sliding.

Improve productivity and ensure proficient cutting with DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw. Cam miter lock and stainless steel miter detent plate involved provides you with tremendous accuracy with trouble-free adjustments.

A tall sliding fence of the miter saw maintains molding up to 5-1/4 inch nested. Along with it, base sorting up to 6-1/2 inch vertically alongside the fence. It can cross cut 2X6 inch lumber at 45° and 2X8 inch at 90°.

Powered by 15 Amp and 4000 RPM motor delivers, this sliding compound miter saw delivers you with extended power and durability as well.

Apart from it, the specific miter system and machine-based fence help in maintaining cutting accuracy. 0-48-degree to the left and 0-3-degree to the right bevels provide you in increased capacity.

This saw comes with blade wrench, vertical clamp and a carbide blade.  With an additional cost, you can get this saw with a stand here =>DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715) & Miter Saw Stand, Compact (DWX724), Silver.

Makita LS1019L 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

With Makita LS1019L Miter Saw, you will get all the cutting performance with precision exact out of the box. It combines accuracy, cutting capacity, and proficient dust extraction in a compact size. An exclusive 2-steel rail sliding system offers a dense path for process flush against a wall. Direct drive allows levelled startups and constant power with no belts to slide.

A direct-drive gearbox plus the guard system delivers a better cutting capacity of the baseboard. Being the best sliding compound miter saw, it miters 0-60-degree with positive stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, 45, and 60-degree left and right. Perhaps, it has a depth stop for dados. Consider buying an additional crown molding stopper and there’s no crown stops in ths saw.

What else do you want if you are getting dead-on accurate cuts with the linear ball bearing system featured by this miter saw? The electronic speed power maintains consistent speed under load for higher-quality and smoother cutting. Moreover, the electric brake offers additional convenience.

Finally, this model equipped with a laser guide which is absent in the above DeWalt models. Also, electric brake is a valuable add-on in this model by Makita. In case you don’t know, the electric brake stops the blade 2-3 second after the trigger is released. It’s pretty useful for doing repetitive cuts faster.

Apart from the tool, you’ll receive blade, dust bag and hand tools as accessories.

Metabo HPT 12″ C12FDHS Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Another one, which is not sliding but have 12″ blade and does every task a sliding miter saw can do. We have added this because you don’t really need a sliding model unless you’re a serious contractor.

With smooth operation and cut performance, Metabo HPT 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw offers great balance and power to keep your projects moving forward trouble-free. It’s a highly reliable product and particularly designed for highly precise cutting works for trim carpenters, framers, and woodworkers. The high precision comes from micro beveling and laser marking system.

Its compact, flexible design with 0-52⁰ miter angle R/L and 0-48⁰ bevel R/L ensures quality range. The compact slide system allows the saw head to glide along the fixed rails eliminating the need for rear clearance. Be it cutting much larger material or making smooth bevel cuts; tall sliding fences operate smoothly, allowing to raise fence height to 5-1/8 inches to cut up to 7-1/2″.

Easily adjustable laser marker provides higher precision to lead to perfect accuracy while cutting effortlessly.

CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1 V20 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Miter Saw

The CMCS714M1 is a cordless model which works with Li-Ion batteries. Plus, the lightweight design makes it great at portability. Perhaps, this is the lightest model in our list.

CRAFTSMAN V20 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Miter Saw, with its several inventive features, screams perfection and efficiency. This product runs on a V20 battery platform with a powerful 3800RPM motor. The power button is installed above the handle, a safety precaution to prevent accidental starting when the battery is installed.

Note: Amazon specifies the motor as 800 RPM, which is a serious error. The Actual RPM is 3800(Verified from the official site).

7-1/4″ sliding blade allows the cross cut capacity of up to 8 inches, and the 9 miter detents and single bevel blade allow for angled cuts. LED light eliminates shadows, ensuring cutting efficiency by allowing it to follow the cut line.

The saw uses a carbide-tipped blade, good for rough lumber (2×4s) as well as MDF trim. The 7.25″ installed blade itself makes clean cuts on a variety of materials, including oak hardwood flooring, pine lumber, PVC, pine trim, etc.

Delta 26-2250 12 In. Dual-Bevel Sliding Cruzer Miter Saw

Delta has made a Cruzer miter saw with a double angle sliding framework, giving a strong choice to both the professionals and the people who use the miter saw rarely. The delicate starting and aluminum built saw arm configuration makes it an incredible decision for the client to make a purchase.

The saw arm configuration has a “robot” arm that gives exact and appropriate cuts that give perfection and are incredibly precise. It is produced using military-grade aluminum for magnificent exactness, perfection, and long-lasting durability. It begins with a rock-solid base table, with a wide, sliding wall to safely hold a crown forming up to 7.5 inches settled or 6.5-inch vertical baseboard.

Makita XSL06Z Cordless 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw

Makita is a pioneer in Brushless Motor designing, battery innovation, and combined skilled miter saws. It’s controlled by two 18V Lithium-Ion batteries for 36V force and execution, yet without leaving the 18V LXT stage. If you’re looking  for a sliding compound variant of a cordless miter saw, this one is for you. Perhaps, this is the only cordless model in our list.

Makita Brushless Motor is designed for up to half longer run time, sped up, and longer apparatus life. The XSL06Z has a productive BL Brushless Motor that conveys up to 4,400 RPM for quick and proficient cutting, with programmed speed change innovation to alter cutting pace and force under burden for ideal execution. Also, it dispenses with carbon brushes, empowering the BL engine to run cooler and all the more productively for longer life.

X2 LXT innovation conveys up to 334 cuts for every charge in 2×4 SPF, and up to 192 cuts for every charge in 2×12 SPF stumble utilizing two 5.0Ah (batteries excluded). Biggest crown forming cutting limit in its 10″ miter saw class, slicing up to 6-5/8″ vertically settled.

Hitachi C12RSH2S 12″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The Hitachi C12RSH2 is one of the best-selling 12’’ inch sliding dual compound miter for farmers, carpenters, and woodworkers. If you are finding a compound miter saw for reliability and precision, this is the ideal machine.

This machine requires zero clearance and equipped with a compact slide system. Due to the compact slide system, you can move the slide head around fixed rails for zero clearance. With the help of the Hitachi Laser Marker System, you can increase the accuracy of cutting.

The miter saw of this machine also features tall sliding fences for cutting large materials. Soft vertical handle with elastomer grip for comfort and easy controlling.

Bosch CM10GD Compact Miter Saw Sliding Glide Miter Saw

Bosch CM10GD is a heavy-duty miter saw that assures cutting accuracy and easy controlling at different angles. Due to the unique Bosch Axial-Glide System provides smoother glide and enhanced alignment. Moreover, it ensures smooth cutting control up to 10 inches without any hassle.

The Bosch CM10GD is featured with a highly-advanced 15 Amp motor that generates 4,800 no-load RPM. With the help of bevel detents and adjustable miter helps users to make accurate bevel cuts. The range selector and bevel lock lever are attached for easy adjustments of bevel and miter saw.

This machine includes a combination of vacuum adapter and dust chute that ensures vac hose doesn’t irritate you. Now maximize your cutting versatility and capacity with Bosch CM10GD. It has a chop/crown lock to keep the heads in the center while cutting.

The tall sliding of 4-inch fences increases your cutting capacity while crown molding. With push-button miter detent, it helps you to access your thumb for adjusting the miter angle easily.

Things to keep in mind before buying a saw

Like we’ve already said, choosing a miter saw isn’t an easy task. Especially when you don’t have prior knowledge. You can end up with a saw that’s overpriced, doesn’t meet your needs or one that breaks within a few days of purchase. To avoid such a situation, make sure that you consider the following things.

Blade size

The first thing that you need to look out for a while buying a sliding compound miter saw is the blade size. The three standard blade sizes are 8,10 and 12-inch blades. Remember that the larger the diameter, the longer the cuts. A larger sized blade can also cut through thicker material. So make sure that you buy according to your needs.

Single/Double Bevel

Such saws have a dual-action. Not only do they rotate on the machines, but they also tilt towards the side. Single bevel saws tilt-only towards the left, whereas double bevel ones tilt both left and right. If you’re going to be making precise and angled cuts, then getting a double bevel one is recommended. However, if you’re going to be using it for basic constriction, then a single bevel one should work just fine.

Portability/Weight

If you’re going to be moving your miter saw around, then you have to make sure that it’s portable. Buying a small and more compact saw is the way to go. It needs to be light and easy to carry around. However, if you’re going to keep your saw attached to your garage floor or you simply don’t have plans of moving it around, then this is something you need not worry about.

Support fences

A fence is that part of a saw which keeps the wood or material that you’re cutting, from moving away. Not having a sturdy fence can add to the risk factor of using the equipment. If you are sawing through tall molding or stock, then make sure you opt for a saw with a tall fence. Otherwise, you will be putting yourself in harm’s way every time you use it.

Dust collection

The fact that sawing generates a lot of dust is nothing new. However, proper dust collection is important because the amount of sawdust that is generated can become harmful to your health. Even though new-age saws produce less dust than before, it’s still not a less amount. Buying a sliding compound miter saw with a dust collector will be much more beneficial for your health and safety.

Price

Make sure that you pick a saw that fits your budget. While going over-budget is an obvious no-no, it’s important to not buy the cheapest thing available as well. It may be tempting, but remember, it’s a pretty dangerous piece of equipment. You cannot take a chance and buy a shoddily made one, because it can end up gravely injuring you.

Warranty

Before buying any equipment, looking at the warranty period is a must. Otherwise, you’ll be missing out on a key piece of information that will later lead to you shelling out a lot of extra money. Warranty depends not only from brand to brand but depends on models as well. They also come with a lot of terms and conditions. So don’t forget to take a look at it.

Advantages of Miter Saw

With the miter saw, you’ll be able to cut building material within a short period precisely. A compound miter saw makes wider cuts than other types of saws.

With a compound miter saw, you can design different types of angles without any additional tool. You can easily make your preferred angles with the miter saw.

Disadvantages Of Miter Saw

Miter saws are way expensive compared to other types of saws. However, miter saw comes with a user guide. But you need some experience to use this tool.

A Miter saw can move forward and backward as well just like a radial arm saw. Due to which, you need more space to operate this tool. If you are a novice, then stay away from this tool or use it under expert guidance.

FAQ Section

What Is The Difference Between A Compound And Sliding Miter Saw?

One of the significant differences between sliding and compound miter saw is the rails attached to the sliding saw. These rails allow you to move the saw in forwarding and backward directions. Both the sliding and compound miter can perform the task efficiently. But, compound sliding saw helps you to cut wider materials easily. You can use compound sliding saw if you are working on large or wider boards.

What Is The Advantage Of A Sliding Miter Saw?

Sliding miter saw can easily slide in any direction. You can tilt towards the left and right direction. Sliding miter saws help you to design bevels at different angles. The versatility of both sliding and compound miter is the same. One of the major advantages of sliding miter saw is the increased lengths of cuts it provides even on the large materials. You can use them for picture frames and small projects.

What Can You Do With A Sliding Compound Miter Saw?

As you know, the ultimate advantages of the sliding compound miter saw. With a compound miter saw, you can do miter cuts and bevels simultaneously. Compound miter saw features a fence allows you to adjust the board in the opposite direction while cutting. With this tool, you can cut any material to your preferred precise degrees.