Are you pressed for time and simply want to know the best 12-inch miter saw? Your best choice is the DeWalt DWS779 Compound Sliding Miter Saw.
One of the first power tools you might think about purchasing when you outfit your workshop is a miter saw. While a lot of individuals will choose a 10-inch model, 12-inch miter saws are certainly something to think about. Which 12-inch miter saw is the greatest one you can buy, you ask? You should be able to discover the ideal model for your shop and your needs for woodworking with the assistance of the information provided below and the reviews that follow.
Features You Should Look For
One of the first things I tend to look at is the Amps rating. I’ll be able to determine how much power the electric motor is capable of producing thanks to this. The motor has more power the higher the amperage.
Another feature I like to see on a miter saw is what many refer to as “stops.” These are located on the miter saw’s angle and height adjustments. A positive stop is a place the manufacturer has predetermined where the saw will stop as the blade angle is being adjusted. Without needing to measure it as precisely on the gauge, a positive set enables you to swiftly shift the saw into a predetermined angle. You can set up for a variety of angled cuts more quickly the more positive steps you have.
Depth stops You can easily modify certain areas to control how deeply the blade will shave the wood you are working on. A decent miter saw will have at least a few points set for depth, even though they may not be utilized as frequently as positive stops. For cuts that are repeated often, these can save time.
Safety features are crucial while using a miter saw since this power tool has the ability to easily cut off your hand. are vital when using all tools. Blade guards with articulation should be able to freely cut through wood while covering the blade as it exits the piece of wood you are working on.
A nice feature to look for is electric brakes. When you release the power button, the miter saw turns the electricity on and off again. This makes it easier to swiftly stop the blade after usage.
Shaft or spindle locks are another feature I’d look for. As you tighten or loosen the blade of the saw, these assist in keeping it in position.
Our Top Picks
- Stainless steel miter detent plate of the 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 10 positive stops
- The mitre saw has a precise miter system and machined base fence support
- Precise miter system and machined base fence support Cam-lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles for DEWALT miter saw
- Tall sliding fences support 6-3/4-inch base vertically
- Bevels 0 degree - 48degree left and right
- AXIAL GLIDE SYSTEM: patented glide system allows wider cross cuts and better alignment while also being compact, saving you 12 inches of valuable work space
- CAPACITY: expanded cutting capacity, 14 inch horizontal capacity nominal 6 1/2 inch vertical capacity against the fence base 6 1/2 inch crown capacity against the fence 45 spring
- ADJUSTABLE: provides easy adjustments with a large, easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales with marked detentes and roof pitch angles; Bevel detents: 0, 33.9 degree, 45 degree left/right for accurate cuts; Category's best 90 percentage dust collection optimized for cutting 2x material with a vacuum
- PRECISION: square lock quick release fences lock fence 90 degree to the table and requires no adjustment, 1 touch lock/unlock to slide fence for added support
- EASE OF USE: upfront bevel controls all metal bevel lock lever and range selector located upfront for quick and easy bevel settings without reaching behind the saw
- Laser cutline guide for fast and accurate cuts
- 9 positive stops for setting common miter angles
- Powerful 15 amp motor with 4,500 RPM
- Table extension with left/right extension rails for long, large work pieces
- Quick-mount system for quick and easy setup on SKIL miter saw stand (3302-02)
- Compact slide system with large cutting capacity
- Sliding sub-fence
- Laser marker
- Stainless-steel miter detent plate with 14 positive stops delivers repeatable accuracy and worksite durability for the 12-inch miter saw blade.
- Tall sliding fences of the mitre saw support crown molding up to 6-5/8-inch nested and base molding up to 6-1/2-inch vertically against fence.
- Double-bevel design of DEWALT miter saw allows saw to bevel 0 degree - 48 degree to the left and right with positive stops at 0 degree, 22.5 degree, 33.9 degree, and 45 degree
- 0 degree - 50 degree left and right miter capacity
- Cam lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles.
12-Inch Miter Saw Reviews
DeWalt DWS779 – Best 12-Inch Compound Sliding Miter Saw
- Stainless steel miter detent plate of the 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 10 positive stops
- The mitre saw has a precise miter system and machined base fence support
- Precise miter system and machined base fence support Cam-lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles for DEWALT miter saw
- Tall sliding fences support 6-3/4-inch base vertically
- Bevels 0 degree - 48degree left and right
- Stainless steel miter detent plate of the 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 10 positive stops
- The mitre saw has a precise miter system and machined base fence support
- Precise miter system and machined base fence support Cam-lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles for DEWALT miter saw
OVERVIEW
DeWalt’s motor for this 12-inch miter saw produces 15 amps, which, under ideal conditions, is powerful enough to produce 3,800 RPMs. This speed ought to be adequate to let you make substantial cuts into the heavier stock while yet leaving a smooth surface where the blade passes. At this speed, you ought to be able to use the saw without experiencing any blade wobble that might jeopardize the cutting edge or the saw itself.
PROS
- The back fence has been designed to provide support while giving plenty of clearance for the blade at all adjustment angles
- There is a dust collection system that helps to gather up to 75-percent of the debris generated with each cut
- DeWalt provides you with a three-year limited warranty on this power tool
CONS
- This unit does not include a laser guide or other component for aligning your cuts, which is a bit surprising at this price point
- You will find yourself paying more for this model due to the DeWalt name and the warranty that the company offers on the product itself
Bosch 12-Inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw (GCM12SD)
- AXIAL GLIDE SYSTEM: patented glide system allows wider cross cuts and better alignment while also being compact, saving you 12 inches of valuable work space
- CAPACITY: expanded cutting capacity, 14 inch horizontal capacity nominal 6 1/2 inch vertical capacity against the fence base 6 1/2 inch crown capacity against the fence 45 spring
- ADJUSTABLE: provides easy adjustments with a large, easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales with marked detentes and roof pitch angles; Bevel detents: 0, 33.9 degree, 45 degree left/right for accurate cuts; Category's best 90 percentage dust collection optimized for cutting 2x material with a vacuum
- PRECISION: square lock quick release fences lock fence 90 degree to the table and requires no adjustment, 1 touch lock/unlock to slide fence for added support
- EASE OF USE: upfront bevel controls all metal bevel lock lever and range selector located upfront for quick and easy bevel settings without reaching behind the saw
- AXIAL GLIDE SYSTEM: patented glide system allows wider cross cuts and better alignment while also being compact, saving you 12 inches of valuable work space
- CAPACITY: expanded cutting capacity, 14 inch horizontal capacity nominal 6 1/2 inch vertical capacity against the fence base 6 1/2 inch crown capacity against the fence 45 spring
- ADJUSTABLE: provides easy adjustments with a large, easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales with marked detentes and roof pitch angles; Bevel detents: 0, 33.9 degree, 45 degree…
OVERVIEW
The axial glide mechanism is this product’s most notable feature. Its small size allows you to save up to 12 inches of table space while yet getting enough support for your project. The gliding technology allows for far wider crosscuts than comparable-sized models and glides smoothly throughout the whole cut. Above the table, the dust extraction tube bends in the direction of the miter saw’s back.
PROS
- Almost all of your major adjustment points have been located along the front of the saw, making it easier to adjust the controls as you work
- Each of the scales and bevels are easy to read with a comfortable print that can be seen against the body of the miter saw
- Its sliding capacity extends the total cutting size of the saw to 14-inches along the slide, allowing you to work on wider stock
CONS
- A smaller work surface may take a while to get used to for many users that are not used to the compact design
- There are a lot of areas that can become filled with sawdust on this particular model
Skil 12-Inch Miter Saw (3821-01)
- Laser cutline guide for fast and accurate cuts
- 9 positive stops for setting common miter angles
- Powerful 15 amp motor with 4,500 RPM
- Table extension with left/right extension rails for long, large work pieces
- Quick-mount system for quick and easy setup on SKIL miter saw stand (3302-02)
- Laser cutline guide for fast and accurate cuts
- 9 positive stops for setting common miter angles
- Powerful 15 amp motor with 4,500 RPM
OVERVIEW
This miter saw from Skil includes nine positive stops that let you easily establish common angles that you might utilize for your project. Most individuals can use the handle and locking mechanism with just one hand and they are both simple to use. However, it could be more challenging to tighten finger knobs that hold the table extensions in place without having them go loose over time.
PROS
- Skil has designed the miter saw with a quick connect element that will allow you to mount the saw quickly to your work surface
- Table extensions have been added to the left and to the right side of the blade, offering extra support for your workpiece as you make the cut
- Woodworkers on a budget will appreciate the lower price point found on this particular model
CONS
- The dust collection bag included with this model is rather small and will fill up quickly with sawdust
- Thin metal bars used for the table extensions on this unit may increase the vibration through the wood as you make a cut
Hitachi 12-Inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw (C12RSH2)
- Compact slide system with large cutting capacity
- Sliding sub-fence
- Laser marker
- Compact slide system with large cutting capacity
- Sliding sub-fence
- Laser marker
The placement of the big handle is great for comfort and control as you move the blade in tandem with the slides to maintain a smooth cut. To lessen the extra vibration produced by the handle material utilized on this model, an elastomer grip is offered. You may use this saw with no clearance along the back of the miter saw thanks to its slide system.
PROS
- This miter saw includes a laser marking system that will help you make well-aligned cuts easier than judging by eye only
- It has a tall fence that reaches over five inches in height, making it good support when working with wider moldings and timber
- You are able to make angle adjustments from 0 to 57-degrees to the right of the blade, giving you a wider selection of angles than the standard 45-degrees found on the left side of the blade
CONS
- This rebranded Hitachi product may have locked positions that can work loose, which may cause some error in measurements if not watched
- You may feel more vibration through the handle on this unit as you cut due to the plastic components used in certain places
DeWalt 12-Inch Miter Saw With Xps Cutline (DWS716XPS)
- Stainless-steel miter detent plate with 14 positive stops delivers repeatable accuracy and worksite durability for the 12-inch miter saw blade.
- Tall sliding fences of the mitre saw support crown molding up to 6-5/8-inch nested and base molding up to 6-1/2-inch vertically against fence.
- Double-bevel design of DEWALT miter saw allows saw to bevel 0 degree - 48 degree to the left and right with positive stops at 0 degree, 22.5 degree, 33.9 degree, and 45 degree
- 0 degree - 50 degree left and right miter capacity
- Cam lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles.
- Stainless-steel miter detent plate with 14 positive stops delivers repeatable accuracy and worksite durability for the 12-inch miter saw blade.
- Tall sliding fences of the mitre saw support crown molding up to 6-5/8-inch nested and base molding up to 6-1/2-inch vertically against fence.
- Double-bevel design of DEWALT miter saw allows saw to bevel 0 degree – 48 degree to the left and right with positive stops at 0 degree, 22.5 degree, 33.9 degree, and 45 degree
OVERVIEW
LED lighting is used in an XPS cut line system and is mounted at the base of the saw handle. By doing this, you’ll be able to precisely align the saw blade with the cut line you’ve marked before lowering it to make the cut. The LED light won’t be obstructed while you’re working thanks to its location on the rear of the handle. You can maintain a steady grasp for the whole cut, including the lowest position at the end of your cut, thanks to the control handle’s horizontal orientation.
PROS
- Left and right bevels can be made at angles from 0 to 48-degrees with four positive stops on each side for quick adjustments
- The detent plate is made from stainless steel and should last you a long time without wearing out
- Your bevel gauge is marked with high-contrast black letters on a yellow plate, making this easy to read
CONS
- A few of the components are made from lighter materials that reduce weight but may not stand up as well to damage during use
- It comes with a miter detent override that may be somewhat difficult to adjust without slippage
Why Use A Miter Saw?
When using a miter saw to cut wood, there are several benefits to consider. The first benefit of using a miter saw is that you can precisely cut the angle of the end of your wood piece. It might be a bevel or miter cut.
Second, you can repeatedly make those cuts with a miter saw. For individuals working on projects involving similar-sized wood, this can be crucial. Your ability to save time is incredible.
The best miter saws are available in various sizes. The two most common sizes are, however, those two. The two most prevalent sizes of miter saws in a woodworker’s shop are the 10-inch and 12-inch models.
What Makes 12-Inch Miter Saws Stand Out?
The sticker price will be obvious right away. A 12-inch miter saw costs extra, as do the blades that go into it. Speaking of blades, the selection available for the 12-inch variants will be more limited.
The bigger blade on 10-inch miter saws causes them to spin more quickly than larger models. Some will contend that the cleaner cut will occur more quickly with the faster blade. This benefit might not be noticeable with many types of wood.
Should You Buy A 12-Inch Miter Saw?
The size of the material you can work on is a benefit. It goes without saying that a larger blade can cut through thicker stock than one that is two inches smaller. Additionally, you will be able to cut through certain lumber with a 12-inch model in a single pass as opposed to two passes with a smaller miter saw. That may help you save time.
The majority of 12-inch miter saws will have more power because of the larger blade. You can cut through thicker materials with less effort because to the increased power. When your blade is passing through smaller durations, the additional power may also be able to make up for a slower spin rate.
The 12-inch miter saw designs tend to be more robustly constructed than smaller miter saw designs since they are bigger and more powerful. This could just be because the fence and plate were made of tougher materials, but it could also be because the motor’s components are heavier and designed to survive longer. In construction settings when a more durable power tool is also needed, the larger designs are employed more frequently.
Clear Cut Winner
Although both saws produce beautiful cuts, the DeWalt DWS779 Compound Sliding Miter Saw is by far the most effective 12-inch miter saw you can buy for the money.
It starts out by providing a motor with a 15 amp rating. This should provide you with enough RPMs on the 12-inch blades to ensure that your cuts look tidy and that your machine doesn’t bog down as you cut into larger materials. You won’t experience much wobble while working because the blade will mount flush.
In addition to keeping the blade covered when it is not in the cut and providing ample clearance for the majority of the sawdust you will produce, a well-designed blade guard moves smoothly and shouldn’t catch as it goes.
You don’t think any of the 12-inch miter saws we tested are adequate for your needs. If money is limited, take a look at my assessment of the top miter saws for less money.
Last update on 2023-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
