I believe that a compound sliding miter saw is an essential tool for any woodworker. It can make your woodworking projects much easier and more precise. However, choosing a high-quality model is crucial to ensure your safety and accurate cuts. I’m here to guide you through finding the perfect sliding compound miter saw for your woodshop.
Reviews of the Best Sliding Compound Miter Saws
1. DEWALT DWS779
This Dewalt saw is a quiet, super-fast cutting saw with its 12-inch blade. With a compact build at 56 pounds, it is capable of creating miter cuts when you rotate its base, and bevel angle cuts by tilting the blade.
The saw also offers an excellent sliding action. You can have a broader cut with its 50° left and 60° right coverage and crown molding up to 7.5 inches. The powerful 15 amp motor can drive the blade up to 3,800 RPM. 2 x 14 lumber is no match for the saw, and it can create cuts at 90° and 2 x 12 inches at 45°. These capabilities easily make the Dewalt DWS799 a reliable companion in your workshop.
What I Like
- The miter angle can reach 50° left and 60° right
- Adjustable stainless-steel miter
- Easy mobility
- Tall fence with up to 7.5 inches cut
- It captures over 75% dust generated
- It has aPpowerful 15-amp
- It comes with 12 inches blade
What I Don’t Like
- It lacks LED or laser cutting edge
- It might cut inches deeper than inches of blade used
2. Makita XSL06PT
A premium product demands a high price tag. As consumers, I expect the performance to mirror the expensive cost. The Makita XSL06PT allows users to make faster and smoother cuts thanks to the brushless BL motor that can power the blade at 4400 RPM.
As a battery-powered model, the XSL06PT runs on dual LXT batteries that are more efficient and bring a longer runtime, more speed and explosive power. The Makita sliding compound miter saw has smart automatic speed change technology that will adjust the torque and speed according to the material.
What I Like
- It has the LXT Technology
- 4,400 RPM
- Automatic speed change
- It is a cordless design
- It has a brushless motor
- It has dual dust collecting ports
- Miter and angle capacity
What I Don’t Like
- The higher cost
- It only has one trigger safety
3. Delta Shopmaster S26-272L
The versatility offered by the Delta Shopmaster S26-272L is unbeatable for the price.The sliding compound miter saw allows for crosscuts, miter cuts and bevel cuts at varying degrees. Then there is an electric brake installed that will halt the blade in just a few seconds during switch release.
Most people wouldn’t associate a sliding compound miter saw with the word “portable”, but the S26-272L is one that is relatively lightweight compared to other models and can be transported from site to site.
Delta ensures the quality of the Shopmaster S26-272L by including a 3-year warranty with your purchase.
What I Like
- It can create many different cuts
- It is lightweight for its size
- 3-year warranty
- Electric brake
- Affordable price
- It has the most common miter stops
- It is excellent for crown molding
- Includes a dustbag and clamp
What I Don’t Like
- It doesn’t have wings
- Single bevel
4. Bosch GCM12SD
For those who want wider crosscuts, the Bosch GCM12SD is for you. The saw is heavy, weighing 88 pound, but that’s a given with a 15-amp motor that can run at 3,800 RPM. You can find the bevel locks on the front, and the miter ranges are average.
Since the bevel control comes in front, it’s easy and safe to adjust. You don’t have to go behind the saw when changing it, which can really cut into your work time.
For max control, you will find a push-button miter detent override. However, the Bosch GCM12SD lacks a guide, making it not the best choice for professional use.
(For more powerful products, you can also check our review of top-tier 10-inch miter saws here)
What I Like
- It has a non-traditional design
- It has an axial glide system
- Accurate and precise cuts
- Double 45-degree bevel to both sides
- The fence is locked with a square lock for precision
- 90% dust collection
What I Don’t Like
- It is heavy
- It ha no laser guide
5. DELTA 26-2241
The saw runs on a 15-amp motor at an impressive 4000 RPM with a safety blade brake. The bevel ranges up to 47° in either direction. As for the miters, you get both left and right. The Delta 26-2241 Sliding Miter Saw gives up to 50 degrees left and 60 degrees right bevel angles with a steel detent plate for durability.
The saw’s aluminum frame design makes it easy to move around. It has seven predetermined positions for bevel cuts with a lever making it convenient to move between stops. The shadow guide improves on the saw precision and the trigger is designed to be comfortable for both left-handers and right-handers.
What I Like
- The trigger is highly responsive
- It has a powerful motor
- Miter angles of 50-degrees left and 60-degrees right miter
- Convenient for right-handers and left-handers
- It has table extensions
- Push-button miter override settings for accurate alignment
- Dual bevel sliding
What I Don’t Like
- The 2-step safety trigger
- It starts loudly
6. MAKITA LS1019L
This 10-inch miter saw has a 60-tooth blade running on a powerful motor. The in-built laser guide will lay out a path for your blade, which gives a clean result. The dust port has been improved with up to 80% efficiency.
To keep you safe, Makita LS1019L has included a soft start feature and an electric brake.
You can lock the slide for miter angles easily with one-touch in this power tool. The front knob makes it easy to adjust the bevel to your desired angle while being portable for you to move around easily.
What I Like
- It has an efficient dust collection
- Electric brake
- Clean and efficient cut
- It is lightweight
- Linear ball bearing system for accuracy
- It has a two-rail system
What I Don’t Like
- It is not suited for left-handed users
- It might drag on long cuts
7. CRAFTSMAN CMCS714M1
This is a 20-pound cordless miter saw with steel castings and handles on the sides for easy use. Craftsman has a 20-V brushless motor running at 3800 revolutions per minute. It also tilts up to 47 degrees in both directions for a miter cut and has additional nine predetermined positions, which makes this a multipurpose product.
The saw also includes a dust bag to keep your workplace clean. The long-lasting 40-tooth carbide-tipped blade can deliver fine cuts with an 8-inch slide capacity and create crosscuts at 90°. The gauge is also in a convenient position for you to monitor the air pressure easily.
(For other miter saw brands, you can also check the best Ryobi miter saw that we reviewed here)
What I Like
- It produces quick cuts at several angles
- It is durable
- It has a dust bag
- LED light
- It is very light and portable
- It is a powerful motor
What I Don’t Like
- It has a slightly rough linear ball bearing system
- It has no adjustable bearings
Sliding Compound Miter Saw Buyer’s Guide
I have curated this guide to help you know what to look out for in the best sliding compound miter saws in the market.
Motor Power
If you go with a saw having a weak motor, not only the results can be undesirable. The saw could get damaged if you keep pushing it beyond the limits. I suggest you go for a saw with at least 15 amps and goes at 3,500 RPM or higher. It is the standard motor power for normal woodworking jobs and the perfect miter saw for beginners like you.
Corded or Cordless Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Cutting Capacity
The cut capacity has to do with the range of functions you want to carry out with your saw. The motor power of your saw is relevant here. Check the miter stops and lock to make sure the saw locks into position. Check if it’s a single or double bevel compound type. A single bevel tilts one way—the double tilts in either.
Blade
When selecting the appropriate blade for your tool, it’s important to consider both the size and arbor. Common blade sizes in the market range from 8, 10, 12, and up to 15 inches.
For large and complicated jobs, larger blades are preferable as they create deeper and longer cuts. The 10-12 inches blades are enough for standard woodworking jobs. Carbide blade, on the other hand, is a preferred type because of the versatility it offers.
(If you are looking for 12-inch blade options, I also reviewed the top 12-inch miter saws here)
Dust Collection System
The dust generated while cutting can affect your health and make your workspace unconducive. Some saws come with an in-built dust collector that reduces the time you spend cleaning and gives you a safer work environment. With a dust collecting system, you can have a tidier setup, and less cleaning work in the process.
Safety Features
Saws could cause physical harm with the slightest whiff of carelessness [1] and lack of woodworking safety practice. I urge you to find a miter saw with safety features. The blade guard, for instance, keeps your fingers away from the blade. The splitter, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls, on the other hand, prevent kickbacks.
Some new releases have a proximity sensor that stops the tool when a body part approaches a running blade. Ensure the saw you buy has all these safety features in place to avoid workplace injury.
Advantages of Using a Sliding Compound Miter Saw
You can enjoy different advantages when using this type of miter saw. It lets you cut broader materials and provides flexibility to your cutting projects. Moreover, using this power tool can save time as you don’t have to change saws to get the work done.
The sliding miters also offer more versatility and gives you an economically wise decision. With a wide range of cutting jobs it provides, it reduces the need for other types of saws, which is why I have a few of these in the workshop.
How to Use a Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Using this type of miter saw is not as challenging as most of us would think. First, you need to clamp the board to the fence and lower the blade to the board before you squeeze the trigger.
After which, let the blade reach its top speed before feeding the board steadily through the blade. In this step, it is important to gradually pull the head down to ensure that it is properly cutting through the workpiece. Keep the head down as you push the blade all the way through the work.
When cutting is done, continue to hold the head down and slowly release the trigger. At this point, the head will finally reach a complete stop where you can bring the head back to its original position. It is an indication that you already complete cutting with a compound miter saw.
FAQ
Are sliding miter saws worth it?
Sliding miter saws are worth it because they can perform a wide range of cutting functions and give you accurate cuts. Aside from that, when comparing sliding miter saws to non-sliding miter saws, a sliding miter saw is a complete package because it provides various types of cut, especially when confronted with a wider board, whereas non-sliding miter saws are not suitable for cutting larger boards.
Top Pick for a Sliding Compound Miter Saw: DEWALT DWS779
The top pick for the best sliding compound miter saw on the market is the Dewalt DWS779. It is a highly versatile, fast-cutting, and heavy-duty miter saw with a motor running at 3800 rpm. This power tool can cut through heavy and rigid materials while maintaining accuracy and outstanding performance and it is the go-to tool for big projects among woodworkers.
Dust and clutter is part of every woodworker’s job. However, you can keep your shop more tidy if you install one of these high-quality cyclone dust collection in your woodshop. Read next!
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.