Believe it or not, woodworking is actually a popular pastime nowadays and an outlet for people to express their creativity. And just like any passion, you'll need the proper tools to make the time you spend worthwhile.
In today's article, we'll be reviewing a power tool that's of utmost importance in any home or workshop. A compound miter saw is an instrument with the unique ability to deliver cuts at varying angles. This is ideal for repairs and renovations, furniture production, and carpentry works, among others.
Nevertheless, our goal isn't only to describe what it does; but to enumerate what the top ten best compound miter saws the market are. In doing so, we hope that making a decision comes much easier for you. Thus, whether you're a professional, seasoned hobbyist or beginner, you've come to the right place.
Compound Miter Saw Comparison Table
compound miter saw | features | editor's rating | |
---|---|---|---|
- Its 15-AMP, 3,800-RPM motor can cut through workpieces as thick as 6.75-inch - The CUTLINE blade positioning system simplifies the task of creating angled cuts | 4.3/5.0 | ||
- Ergonomically designed to be easily transported and move from jobsite to jobsite; weighs 27-lbs - A laser marker serves a guide so you know exactly where to position the blade | 4.8/5.0 | ||
- Built for harsh working conditions, its 15-AMP motor can cut through workpieces with ease - An amazing linear ball-bearing system allows you to move the tool in almost any direction and angle | 4.2/5.0 | ||
- The 40-tooth TCT blade can deliver smooth and precise insertions on almost every type of workpieces; this includes wood, plastic, and metal - Comes with a miter scale with pre-installed positions of the most commonly used angles; very easy to adjust even for beginners | 4.9/5.0 | ||
- Its 15-AMP motor produces a category-leading 4,500-RPM of speed - Has 9 positive stops on the miter scale for easy maneuvering of this tool’s position | 4.0/5.0 | ||
- A Bosch-exclusive Axel Glide System serves as an alternative to rails; much easier to move the blade in any direction - Constructive with a sturdy body that weighs roughly 64-lbs; ensures stability when working on sensitive projects | 5.0/5.0 | ||
- The 15-AMP motor pairs perfectly with a 60-tooth TCT blade for use on almost any jobsite task - Its compact gliding system moves the tool and cutterhead to all the best spots | 4.4/5.0 | ||
- Its special rail system and adjustment knob helps to position the tool and blade more easily - A heavy-duty dust host cleans up to 91-percent of dirt in your area so you can rest easy | 3.0/5.0 | ||
- Cordless design and long-lasting battery is perfect for users who are always on the move - Incorporates a category-leading 5-year limited warranty to keep your interests protected | 4.3/5.0 | ||
- Durably built to withstand wear-and-tear and other jobsite rigors; weighs a total of 62-lbs - A molded handle and trigger offers an easy way to adjust the speed, direction, and angles | 3.3/5.0 |
Compound Miter Saw Reviews
1. Dewalt DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw
There's very little doubt that Dewalt is a world-class brand. After all, through nearly one hundred years of experience, they've introduced countless products that changed the lives of their consumers forever. The Dewalt DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw, in particular, has been a tremendous help, especially for professionals.
Arguably its most notable feature is a 15-AMP, 3,800-RPM motor that's perfectly suited for rigid working conditions. It allows users to cut through most types of workpieces as thick as 6.75-inches. That's strong enough for most jobsite requirements.
Another great thing about the Dewalt DWS779 is its CUTLINE blade positioning system. This is meant to help you make adjustments more effortless while maintaining accuracy. The exclusive back fence design likewise simplifies slicing at different angles. And as an additional treat, we absolutely love how easy it is to control. Not even beginners should have a hard time.
As we've mentioned earlier, this tool is perfect for the modern-day specialist, and its price tag supports that. We'd recommend it only for people absolutely serious about woodworking. However, if you were, then the Dewalt DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw would be amazing to have at home.
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2. Metabo C10FCH2S Compound Miter Saw
Are you a newbie on the lookout for an entry-level model? If so, then the Metabo C10FCH2S 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw could be an ideal choice. Even though it bevels only in one direction at a time, its affordable price, compact size, and pound-for-pound power are all too appealing to pass up.
Coming in at just under 27-lbs, this compound miter saw is incredibly easy to transport. It can be carried by its handle and won't take up much space in your car or pick-up truck either. Plus, the Metabo C10FCH2S snuggly fits inside most closets, so storage never becomes an issue.
Nonetheless, we're happy to report that despite its smaller size does not mean it compromised on strength. A reliable 15-AMP can still overcome any jobsite application thrown at it. It has also been outfitted with a laser marker system that increases cutting accuracy considerably. You'll feel more confident knowing there's a guide like this that has your back.
Considering everything we mentioned, there's no question the Metabo C10FCH2S is perfect for beginners. We'd even go as far as calling it one of the best compound miter saws on today’s market.
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3. Makita LS1219L Duel-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
Considered by many as a professional-grade model, the Makita LS1219L Duel-Bevel Compound Miter Saw offers you all the necessary features to succeed in this craft. It is furnished with a 15-AMP direct-drive motor that's one of the most powerful in its category. You won't have trouble delivering smooth and accurate cuts, which go right through most workpieces.
What sets this apart from other compound miter saws is its functional design and construction. Not only is the Makita LS1219L durably built, but a linear ball-bearing system helps improve your cutting precision too. It even comes with a laser marker that shows you where to position the blade.
This unique combination of power and efficiency allows you to work on 6.75-inch baseboards, 8-inch nested crown molding, 15-inch crosscuts at 90-degrees, and other angled insertions. And because the Makita LS1219L Duel-Bevel Compound Miter Saw weighs only 65-lbs, transporting it from jobsite to jobsite is made much easier.
The only potential issue we foresee consumers facing is its steep price. Not everyone is comfortable spending $500 or $600 on a single tool. Still, if you have any extra funds and are looking for a compound miter saw, this tool is probably it.
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4. TACKLIFE PMS03A Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Despite being founded just five years ago, TACKLIFE has already left a lasting mark on this industry. They are known globally as a manufacturer that prioritizes – and even balances – both quality and affordability. One prime example is their PMS03A Sliding Compound Miter Saw.
Much like its competitors, this machine is equipped with a tried-and-tested 15-AMP that revolves at a maximum rate of 3,800-RPM. This, paired with a 40-tooth TCT blade, can cut through different materials such as wood, plastic, and soft metal. Plus, a wider worktable with built-in clamps helps support larger workpieces while holding them firmly in one place.
Of course, the TACKLIFE PMS03A comes with a double-bevel design too. You'll be able to maneuver its cutterhead up to 45-degrees on either side. Beginners can likewise adjust the saw using a miter scale, which has already been pre-installed with the most commonly selected positions. This should make delivering square, bevel, and compound cuts much easier for you.
Every single one of these functions beginning from the comfortable handle, 3-meter long power cord, and everything we mentioned is intended to make life easier for its consumers. There's no question it can take your skills to a whole new level.
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5. SKIL 3821-01 Compound Miter Saw
The SKIL 3821-01 Compound Miter Saw isn't riddled with bells and whistles, but that doesn't mean it's any less capable. Instead, manufacturers chose only on a handpicked set of features that they felt resonated most with consumers. Their strategy worked because, at present, it's one of the top-rated models on the market, not to mention competitively priced.
For starters, this tool's detent plate comes with 9 positive stops for setting commonly-used miter angles. Users can now adjust the cutting position precisely for each project's requirements and without moving the machine around too much. This is especially beneficial for newbies without any prior experience.
We also love the SKIL 3821-01 Compound Miter Saw's 15-AMP variable-speed motor that's capable of producing up to 4,500-revolutions-per-minute. It is strong enough to rip through all the workpieces typically used by woodworkers. And with a broader worktable, you'll be able to support heavier materials better.
Numerically, these may not seem like a lot. However, we've come to realize that in this situation, quality beats quantity. Any person would be lucky to own the SKIL 3821-01 Compound Miter Saw.
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6. Bosch CM10GD Compact Miter Saw
Small as it may be, the Bosch CM10GD Compact Miter Saw is one of the most useful power tools to own today. And a majority of its value lies with an ability to maintain dead-eye accuracy even when performing angled cutting. Specifically, a brand-exclusive Axel Glide System enables wider crosscuts and better alignment for higher quality outputs.
Current users have shared, though, that the Bosch CM10GD is quite bulky, and that's certainly a point for consideration. It weighs approximately 64-lbs, which can be tricky to transport. However, this also means it's more structurally sound, capable of supporting objects with a 12-inch width. We haven't even mentioned its 6-inch crown and 45-degree spring capacity.
Ultimately, this device is rounded out by its 15-AMP motor with a maximum no-load speed of 4,800-RPM. It is likewise sustained by an astonishing lock and miter detent plate combo, allowing users to adjust the saw's positions within only a few seconds. And yes, it includes angles for both sides.
All in all, we are truly amazed by the Bosch CM10GD Compact Miter Saw's ability to be so user-friendly. These inclusions will definitely go a long way in making everyone's life at work more manageable.
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7. Metabo C12RSH2S Compound Miter Saw
Bigger and mightier than its predecessor, the Metabo C12RSH2S Compound Miter Saw is ideal for almost any jobsite application. It has been equipped with a 15-AMP motor and 60-tooth TCT blade to carve right through thicker workpieces while maintaining a high level of accuracy. The clamping tool, though, needs some slight tinkering before getting it aligned properly.
Aside from the added cutting power, another feature we wanted to highlight is its compact sliding system. The Metabo C12RSH2S, being a double bevel tool, is more flexible and much easier to adjust, especially when working at very steep angles. Just slide the saw along this rail and move the cutterhead upwards, downward, inwards, or outwards. You can even set it up to 45-degrees on either side.
Best of all, especially for those working with a limited budget, this compound miter saw is quite competitively priced too. However, given its elevated specifications, we believe that professionals might benefit from it more.
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8. Festool 561287 Kapex KS 120 Compound Miter Saw
With ninety years of experience in the field, there's no question that Festool is already a household name. It's known around this industry that albeit expensive, they produce world-class and highly-effective power tools that cater to many of the problems faced by consumers.
The Festool 561287 Kapex KS 120 Compound Miter Saw, for instance, is a compact-sized machine built for smaller spaces. Yet, thanks to an impressive 13-AMP variable-speed motor, it still manages to deliver smooth cuts. Its rail forward design likewise provides you with enough space to operate, even when pressed up against the wall. Don't forget about its fine-adjustment knob, used when positioning this tool. Feel free to customize the settings depending on the need of each project.
Then, after a long day's work, just utilize its dust extraction host to clean up your area. It is capable of removing up to 91-percent of residue, saving you a ton of time in the process. That's just one of the reasons why we love the Festool 561287 Compound Miter Saw so much.
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9. Milwaukee 2734-21HD M18 Compound Miter Saw
It's not every day you see a cordless device as powerful as the Milwaukee 2734-21HD M18 Compound Miter Saw. Don't get us wrong, though, because we're not complaining; we're still just in awe at the raw power, portability, and precision that this tool brings to the table.
Unlike many of the contenders on our best compound miter saw review article, the Milwaukee 2734-21HD is loaded with a 9.0-Ah battery. And when fully energized, it offers approximately 400 cuts per charge. Thus, you'll have the freedom to work anywhere you’d like without fear of losing power.
Furthermore, this unit has a reliable brushless motor too, that's designed to last longer and perform more efficiently. It pairs well with a 60-tooth carbide blade to produce up to 4,000-revolutions-per-minute, which matched up with the other top models.
Finally, users will be thrilled to know the Milwaukee 2734-21HD M18 Compound Miter Saw is easy to maneuver. The control panel comes with 11 pre-existing miter locks, leading to a varied cutting capacity. You can freely use it on a wide range of applications without skimping on performance.
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10. Delta 26-2241 Compound Miter Saw
Our final contender vying for the title of best compound miter saw is the Delta 26-2241. This unit may seem expensive for a 10-inch model, but its potential contributions to your life are undeniable. And as an added treat, it looks incredibly stylish too!
Interested buyers will be happy to know that the Delta 26-2241 Compound Miter Saw is armed with unwavering power. Its 15-AMP high-speed motor pairs nicely with a 10-inch blade, delivering clean straight cuts or at an angle. There's even a shadow line function to guide you and ensure that every movement is precise.
At the same time, we love how flexible this tool is. It can be beveled to either side up to 45-degrees, while the miter detent is adjustable as well. Plus, each one has pre-installed positive stops to choose from, so alterations become much more manageable. New users, in particular, should find this advantageous.
We would recommend the Delta 26-2241 Compound Miter Saw to newbies with more complicated requirements. It’s durable, user-friendly, and performs well each time you need it.
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Things to Consider When Buying a Compound Miter Saw
To supplement your decision-making process, we’ve also compiled our own list of the top 3 factors to consider. Take note, though, because these are often ignored, but play a vital role in the woodworking process.
1. Footprint
After checking out the power and price, make sure you consider how much space it takes up. After all, this can affect your range of motion and efficiency, especially if it's not fit for your work area. The last thing you want is to feel crammed because this could lead to poor performance while working.
2. Dust Collection
Even the best compound miter saw is going to make a mess -- that much is true. So you need a plan to make cleaning up more bearable. Having a unit with a reliable dust collection system can go a long way in saving you time, effort, and energy. After a long day of work, don't we just want to rest and relax? This should help ensure that.
3. Warranty
These machines aren't exactly cheap. Most are priced at a few hundred dollars, while some could go as high as four digits. We want your investment to be protected, so we recommend buying tools with a warranty. The faulty parts replacement, repairs services, and even money-back guarantee will help safeguard your interests in case something goes wrong. This is something you hope to never use, but glad that it's around.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a single bevel and double bevel compound miter saw?
Single bevel models can only be slid in one direction, while a double bevel is movable to two. From its name alone, the later provides greater flexibility and saves you from the hassle of manually moving the workpiece.
2. Are these tools corded or cordless?
Most are built using a cord, but there are a select few like the Milwaukee 2734-21HD M18 Compound Miter Saw that is cordless. The difference between the two, particularly in terms of strength and mobility, isn’t much anymore. As such, choosing what to buy will depend heavily on your taste.
3. How much does the best compound miter saw typically cost?
We would say between $250 to $350. Still, the unit you purchase must directly answer your needs. Be sure your budget matches this as well.
Conclusion
After going through our top ten contenders, there’s no question that you’ll be lucky to own any of them. Each one offers something new, whether in terms of strength, size, accuracy, or price.
However, if we were to narrow everything down to one choice, we'd probably go with the Bosch CM10GD Compact Miter Saw. Not only does it come from a reputable brand, but its performance is also top-notch. We are extremely comfortable promoting it to professionals and new users because of all its advantages.
Still interested in learning more? Check out the other woodworking articles on our site.
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