Tired of flipping over your wooden items just to cut through? It might be best to consider getting a 12-inch miter saw. The market offers a wide selection and choosing the wrong model for your needs can wreck your project and be a waste of your time and money. Our experts tried and reviewed the best 12 inch miter saws on the market to help you out.
Reviews of the Best 12 Inch Miter Saws
1. Dewalt DWS779
The Dewalt DWS779 compound sliding miter saw is made up of stainless steel that can cut precisely with 10 positive stops. For both accuracy and durability, it has dual horizontal steel rails with a clamping mechanism and linear ball bearings. This sliding compound miter saw will arrive fully assembled for your convenience.
Our team commends its dust efficiency rate collection of 75% and its powerful 15 amp, 3800 RPM powerful motor for extended power and accurate cuts even at a 45-degree angle. A cam lock handle with detent override is included to create more accurate angles for your cuts.
What We Like
- Built out of stainless steel
- Dual horizontal steel rails
- High dust efficacy collection
- Cam lock handle for accuracy
What We Don’t Like
- Somewhat heavy
- No laser guide
2. Dewalt DWS780
Because of its powerful 15 amp, 3800 RPM blade, and adjustable steel plate, the Dewalt DWS780 ensures extended power and durability. For accurate and easy adjustment, an oversized miter and bevel scale with integrated cutline blade position are included. With its 0 degree – 50 degrees left and right miter capacity, it also guarantees clean and accurate cuts.
Safety measures such as slide locks, lock down pins and automatic electric brake are also installed to stop the blade and prevent accidents. Tall sliding fences are included to serve as support for easy sliding out.
What We Like
- Clean and accurate cuts
- Reasonable Price
- Adjustable stainless plate
- Excellent safety measures
What We Don’t Like
- No laser guide
- Heavy and space consuming
3. Metabo HPT C12FDHS
Formerly a Hitachi power tool, Metabo HPT C12FDHS guarantees a powerful motor performance with 1,950W output power and a 15 amp motor. For accurate blade location, a laser system that can be easily adjusted is attached, making it easy for the miter saw to cut at a 45-degree angle. After securing the major bevel angle, a micro-bevel knob for adjustment can be used for a precise bevel miter angle.
With a double bevel and 5-inch aluminum fence, more stable and precise cuts can be made with this compound miter saw. To reduce vibration, prevent slippage and add comfort, the horizontal handles are coated with elastomer compound.
What We Like
- Best value for money
- Perfect for the DIY enthusiast
- Easy to maneuver
- High-quality build
What We Don’t Like
- The laser may be indistinguishable
- Limited positive stops
4. Bosch GCM18V-12GDCN
The Bosch GCM18V-12GDCN is a high technology saw product that comes with two bevel and axial glide system. It is powered by bi-turbo brushless technology for high-performance motors. Bosch also offers an eco-mode that extends the battery life of CORE 18V PROFACTOR by 20%. For your convenience, this glide miter saw is wireless so you could easily work around it.
For wider and smoother cross cuts, it also has a large cutting capacity of 4.7-inch depth and 15.7-inch width that is ideal for framing, finishing, and trimming. With two lasers in which the blade falls, it will give you well-guided and clean cuts.
What We Like
- Wireless
- ECO Mode for extended battery life
- Portable
- Large cutting capacity
What We Don’t Like
- Battery and charger are sold separately
- Pricey
- Purely battery operated
5. BOSCH GCM12SD
The Bosch GCM12SD miter saw is powered by a corded electric 120V, 15 amp motor with a 60 tooth carbide tipped blade for smooth and accurate cutting performance. It has an axial glide system that offers unmatched smoothness cuts and precision. A square lock is installed 90 degrees to the table fence lock.
Its miter detent plate has 4 screws accessible through holes that are used when adjusting the plate and an arbor lock to keep the blade from loosening during blade installation or removal. This saw is compatible with various 12” blades and has a clear lower guard for cut-line visibility.
What We Like
- Expanded cutting vertical capacity of 6 ½ inch
- No exposed grease joints
- Smooth gliding
- Compact
What We Don’t Like
- Dust Bag could be larger
- Blade may wobble if not used properly
6. SKIL 3821-01
The SKIL 3821-01 miter saw is powered by a 15 amp motor with 4,500 RPM. It has a quick mounting system for easier setup on the miter saw stand. Equipped with laser guidance, this miter saw can cut fast and accurately at a certain angle.
It is a bevel compound miter that can cut through miter and bevel. The head can tilt in both left and right, making bevel miter cuts from top left to bottom right, or from top right to bottom left. It can also work with large workpieces as it has table extensions for left or right.
What We Like
- High portable design
- 9 built-in detents
- Large dust bag
- Adjustable motor speed
What We Don’t Like
- SKIL Stand sold separate
- Lasers may not be visible
7. Dewalt DWS716XPS
With a powerful 15 Amp motor and 3800 RPM, power tools like Dewalt DWS716XPS guarantee durability and extended power that will last for years. This Dewalt miter saw has a good quality detent plate and carbide blade that has 14 positive stops and is dual bevel. The LED light system needs no adjustment, so the cuts will be easier and more accurate.
A dust duct is directed near the blade for utmost and high efficacy dust collection. Lightweight and easy to carry, this Dewalt 12 inch is highly recommended by our experts especially for heavy cutting and large woodworks.
What We Like
- Detent override for quick adjustment
- Upgraded dust collection
- Removable table extensions
- Lightweight and portable
What We Don’t Like
- Power cord could be better
- Expensive
12 Inch Miter Saws Buyer’s Guide
Durability
Miter saws are widely popular nowadays because of their portability, overall accuracy, and convenience [1]. If you are looking for 12” miter saws, the very first thing our experts consider is their durability.
Since power tools like this are frequently used for heavy-duty work, durable and heavy-duty blades for big and thick cuts are highly suggested. Bear in mind that most of the warranty periods last up to a year only so make sure to purchase something that will last longer than expected.
Revolution Per Minute
Revolution per minute (RPM) is important when buying because it indicates how fast the blade can spin or how many full spins it can have per minute. The average RPM ranges from 3,500 – 5,000 which increases cutting capacity.
Safety Features
Accidents can happen when working with power tools. Professionals have experienced that some miter saw blades for metal don’t quickly stop right after you turn it off, so before buying a product, look for a model with an electric brake that stops the blade upon releasing the switch. Blade guard, lock out triggers, safety clamps, miter saw stop blocks, extension cords are also included as additional safety features of a miter saw.
Dust Collection Mechanism
Woodworking is messy, so a nice dust collection mechanism is one you might consider buying. Manufacturers these days offer 75% dust collection efficiency as an average and some include a dust bag as an additional feature. You can opt for an industrial vacuum if you want a more efficient dust collection system.
Want to know if circular saws have better dust collection than miter saws? Check out this comparison of circular and miter saws.
Bevel Capacity
The typical bevel capacity is 45 degrees. Compound miter saws degree bevel can cut on sharp edges that are not perpendicular to the top of wood. Choosing a double bevel can be a bit pricey but will give you a wide degree range for cut capacity. Some can even cut through up to 135 degrees angle on a miter saw.
Precision
Additional Features
Price and Warranty
12” miter saws are quite expensive due to their bigger blade, motor power, and high cut capacity. Most warranties range from 1 – 3 year limited warranty but some offer a 5-year limited warranty.
( For more power tools, we also have an infographic of power saws here)
FAQ
Is a 10 or 12 inch miter saw better?
Can a 12 inch miter saw cut a 4x6?
Our Top Pick for a 12 Inch Miter Saw: Dewalt DWS779
Our experts’ best 12 inch miter saw is the Dewalt DWS779. Dewalt has built a reputation with high quality saws and it can guarantee a durable and high functionality cutting tool. The DWS779 is made up of stainless steel and has dual horizontal steel rails for accuracy. It has a powerful 15 amp, 3800 RPM motor for extended power and accurate cuts.
For more miter saw products, you can check our list here:
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