Cutting wood is usually reserved for the professionals because tasks like construction and remodeling aren’t considered simple. But with more tools becoming more and more user-friendly, its target market has grown considerably in recent years. Now, the only decision that’s yet to be made is this - which one will best fit my own growing needs?
One example is a miter saw, particularly the 12-inch variant. Each model comes in a different shape or size. However, because of its handiness, many people consider it their best friend when working. They are built to rip through wood at 90-degrees, offer in-job adjustments, and require less effort. All this is done without compromising quality.
To further illustrate our point, we’ll be identifying the 10 best 12-inch miter saws on the market today. Join us and realize which one you need to have in your workshed.
12-Inch Miter Saw Comparison
Miter Saw | features | editor's rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | - An easy-glide system move the blade seamlessly and places it in the right locations - When doing repeat cutting, an auto-lock functions holds down your chosen setting so it won’t move | 4.4/5.0 | |
 | - A 15-AMP, 3,800-RPM motor is capable of drilling up to 6.75-inch thick insertions - Comes with a lengthy 3-year warranty to your initial investment is always protected | 5.0/5.0 | |
 | - Equipped with a laser for precise measuring and cutting of any workpiece - The handle is placed on top to make moving and carrying it a lot more natural | 4.9/5.0 | |
 | - Made from tough materials making it less likely to get damaged - A soft-start function ease the motor when starting your work | 4.3/5.0 | |
 | - Weighs just 43-lbs for easier mobilization and transporting; great for users always on the go - Includes 9 positive stops for positions the blade in the exact angles you want | 4.8/5.0 | |
 | - Fortified with a 15-AMP, 3,800-RPM motor for a wider range of uses - A 3-meter-long power cord allows users more freedom to go around the worktable | 4.0/5.0 | |
 | - Comes with a miter detent plate with 14 preset positions - Ergonomically-designed to produce as little noise as possible | 4.5/5.0 | |
 | - A specialized gear system and safety break protects you tool, as well as your body - Its dust-collection system cleans up to 75-percent of dust and other particles | 4.6/5.0 | |
 | - Motor produces close to 4,000-RPM of speed, the most in its category - Has a 13.5-cross cutting depth at a 90-degree angle | 3.0/5.0 | |
 | - The laser guiding system leads the way when cutting so that every motion is precise - Comes with a 5-year long limited warranty package keeps your money secure | 4.0/5.0 |
12-Inch Miter Saw Reviews
1. Bosch GCM12SD 12-Inch Sliding Glide Miter Saw
Are you looking for something that will make cutting smoother and faster? Then the Bosch GCM12SD 12-Inch Sliding Glide Miter Saw is a great option. Not only is it reasonably-priced, but also time-saving. It can get the job done in half the time other models usually take.
The Bosch GCM12SD comes with a patented axial glide system that allows you to work in compact areas. You can make the most out of its alignment and width. Plus, users have said cutting through workpieces has been made simpler, thanks to the easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel scales. The square lock quick-release locks the blade at specific angles for repeat cutting.
Purchasing this sliding miter saw means you prioritize convenience about anything else. And that alone is the reason why it’s part of our best 12-inch miter saw review article. Serious woodworkers are to get their money’s worth when using this in all their daily tasks.
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2. DEWALT DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
This product again? Yes, and for good reasons too! The DEWALT DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw is furnished with a powerful 15-AMP, 3,800-RPM motor for greater power and durability.
Woodworkers will be surprised at the overall value it offers. However, this unit from that 96-year-old company does not just offer cutting strength, but also safety with convenience when working. This is great news for users, particularly newbies, who are still learning the ropes of this craft.
Moreover, this 12-inch saw is backed with a 3-year warranty, giving you an assurance of quality and longevity. The DWS779 comes with an efficient dust collection system that inhales approximately 75-percent of residue. Its cutting ability is impressive as well, with a 6.75-inch depth ability. There’s practically nothing it can’t slice through, and is ideal for both crown and base molding.
We recommend all serious woodworkers to consider investing in the DEWALT DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw. At just below $350, it truly is a value-for-money buy with tons of upside.
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3. Metabo HPT C12RSH2S 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
One of the best 12-inch miter saws you can find on the market is Metabo’s HPT C12RSH2S 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw. Formerly known as Hitachi, this company has nearly 100-years of experience and is a trusted brand among enthusiasts.
Armed with a 15-AMP motor guided and compact sliding system, it powers through workpieces with great ease. It’s very accurate, thanks to a special laser marker. It creates a beam that serves a guide when cutting. This way, there's less likelihood of mistakes because you know exactly what your next move is.
The Metabo HPT C12RSH2S is highly recommended for either do-it-yourself projects or professional tasks like furniture repair and assembly. It’s ability to cut with ease and precision is a reason why it holds a spot on our top 10 best 12-inch miter saw review article. Not to mention an ability to cut at 45-degrees on both sides.
Simple and elegant - yeah, it can’t get better than that.
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4. Makita LS1219L 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The L21219L model, brought to life by worldwide manufacturer, Makita, is a heavy-duty tool perfect for any project imaginable. It offers a wide range of features that’s sure to make your cutting experience a convenient and worry-free one.
Although quite heavy, the Makita LS1219L 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser is generally easy to operate. This unit offers a unique two-steel rail sliding system design for gliding the blade to your desired positions. It’s designed to maximize space and can be moved directly against a wall. You’ll enjoy an even wider range of motion.
For safety, it has a front bevel lock and soft-start function to suppress start-up reactions. These are meant to prevent short-circuiting and ensure a longer gear life. Typically, the Makita LS1219L is priced pretty high. This should protect your initial investment without having to go to a mechanic. The same durability can be said about its laser system as well.
With so many helpful features, the Makita LS1219L 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser is really a handy tool to have. It’s a hassle-free tool that produces impeccable results without compromising on quality.
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5. SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw
For those who anticipate moving around a lot, we’d like to introduce the SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw. Transporting it is even more effortless, thanks to a lightweight frame. Plus, it boasts of one of the best power-for-price ratios on the market.
Weighing just 43-lbs, this saw can go anywhere you need to work. But don’t worry, it has a 15-AMP, 4,500-AMP motor, so power never becomes an issue. The SKIL 3821-01 is equipped to rip through wood like a hot knife through butter. And best of all, this efficiency is never at the expense of quality. No matter what task, it still maintains accuracy, thanks to a high-precision laser, and ensures you are cutting only those areas you want.
Moreover, there are 9 positive stops for adjusting the angle, while tables extensions provide more support when working with larger materials. These features may seem minute, but they offer a lot to ensure a hassle-free work experience.
As one of the cheapest options available, the SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw is great for beginners or professionals looking for a secondary unit. Still, despite this, you’ll hardly find any kinks in terms of efficiency - a true sign of a quality miter saw.
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6. TACKLIFE PMS03A Sliding Compound Miter Saw
For its price, the TACKLIFE PMS03A Sliding Compound Miter Saw delivers incredible value. Particularly a reliable combination of power, safety, and efficiency. It’s definitely a tool you want to have as you embark on this journey called wood crafting.
Built with a robust 15-AMP, 3,800-RPM motor, it pairs perfect with an integrated laser. This way, you can be assured of efficient cuts through virtually any material. It also features a double-bevel cutting function to adjust its head to either the left or right side. Angles cutting up to 45-degrees are not a cinch.
The dust-collection, though, is a bit of a let-down with just 70-percent efficiency. Thankfully, its port can be attached to a vacuum cleaner to clean up the remaining particles. A clamping device, likewise, gives you stability and safety when working. You won’t ever have to worry about the workpiece slipping off. Great news for individuals who often work on highly sensitive protects.
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7. DEWALT DWS715 12-Inch Miter Saw
A serious contender thanks to its overall functionality, the DEWALT DWS715 12-Inch Miter Saw is worth checking out. Despite being priced at less than $200, this set includes a carbide blade, dust bag, blade wrench, vertical clamp, and a set of comfortable side handles - all accessories necessary to make your life so much easier.
Aside from that, it comes with a miter detent plate, pre-set with 14 stops. Users won’t experience any trouble moving the blade to their desired locations. Additionally, this component comes with a safety feature that allows the blade to remain steady when making adjustments. It virtually eliminates any chance that you cut yourself.
We would consider the DEWALT DWS715 12-Inch Miter Saw fundamental, more than anything else. It doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, however everything plays an important role. The blend of practicality and performance will surely appeal to any serious woodworker.
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8. Milwaukee 6955-20 12-Inch Sliding Dual Bevel Miter Saw
For those with a slightly higher budget, the Milwaukee 6955-20 12-Inch Sliding Dual Bevel Miter Saw could be a potential match. It brings a world-class blend of convenience and durability that’s become almost synonymous with their brand.
For starters, this saw comes equipped with a soft-start function, which allows users to slowly ramp up the machine. It keeps the system from overheating, short-circuiting, and damaging wood when immediately running at high speeds. The Milwaukee 6955-20 has a fine miter angle read-out for accurate repeat cuts. You shouldn’t have trouble positioning its blade again.
Additionally, the two jobsite lights fully shed light on workpieces. This not only enhances visibility, but also ensures accuracy around dimly-lit areas like basements, sheds, or construction sites. It’s even equipped with a serviceable dust-collection system that cleans up close to 75-percent of residue. Not bad for a miter saw that doesn’t create much dirt in the first place.
This collection of qualities are why we consider the Milwaukee 6955-20 12-Inch Sliding Dual Bevel Miter Saw a splendid choice, despite its almost $750 price tag. Needless to say, it will prove valuable when placed in the hands of a real professional.
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9. Delta S26-271L 12-Inch Sliding Miter Saw
Tight on a budget and looking for the best 12-inch miter saw your money can buy? Check out this offering from Delta, a company with over a hundred years of experience.
The Delta S26-271L 12-Inch Sliding Miter Saw is complete with every feature you could possibly ask for. It’s furnished with a laser to facilitate precise cutting, a heavy-duty blade, and for those particular about aesthetics, an all-silver body.
Positioning this tool is quite simple too. It comes with miter stops at 0, 22.5, 31.6, and 45-degrees on either side. Simply move the blade wherever it needs to be. Plus, for straight cutting, the Delta S26-271L 12-Inch Sliding Miter Saw also allows up to 13.5-inch crosscuts at 90-degrees. These settings will definitely come in handy when your project requires cutting at different angles.
Finally, don’t be fooled by its relatively small size and price. This sliding miter saw can produce up to 4,000-RPM of power, which is comparable to other industry-leading brands. An amazing feat considering owning one won’t cost you more than $400.
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10. Delta 26-2250 Sliding Cruzer Miter Saw
Last but not least is another offering from Delta. The Sliding Cruzer is one of their high-end offerings. With its 5-year warranty and many features, including it in our best 12-inch miter saw review article is a no-brainer. After all, it’s already being used by professionals all over the world.
It comes with a hefty carbide blade that’s housed in a flip-down military-grade aluminium frame, for the user’s protection. Once initialized by the 15-AMP motor, it is capable of delivering an industry-leading 18-inch nominal crosscut. Needless to say, no workpieces will be safe from that slicing ability.
To supplement that power, the Delta 26-2250 Sliding Cruzer Miter Saw has a unique shadow guide cutting line to direct you when cutting. This is to ensure that all movements are exactly how you want it. Plus, a dual bevel control slants as much as 47-degrees on both sides. Like we mentioned earlier, this is crucial for getting the correct angle when working.
Without a doubt, this unit belongs on our list. Its fusion of strength and accuracy is sure to wow users, ultimately making their lives easier.
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Conclusion
Choosing any 12-inch miter saw only takes a few moments. However, that also means choosing the wrong model can happen instantly. Hopefully, though, our insights proved helpful to steer you in the right direction.
Before canvassing, be sure, also, that it’s clear which one among strength, portability, user-friendliness, price, and accuracy are your prioritizing. Each one of the models we discussed has varying qualities. A way to make things easier is by identifying that before looking through your options. This way, you aren’t easily swayed by any fancy marketing techniques.
It lessens the likelihood that you overspend too.
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