Compound miter saws are increasingly being utilized to carry out complicated cutting tasks which require precision and this is why they are considered to be the tools to make difficult work easy and with precision. With a basic motorized circular blade, compound miter saws continue to turn out as a very handy tool for a number of jobs which include wood cutting.
However, there are certain limitations to using a compound miter saw and the limitations only surround the basic capability of a general miter saw. A typical miter saw may only be able to go close to cutting a two by four and may not be as good to basically carry out major tasks.
Features to consider in Good Compound Miter Saws
When it comes to miter saws, there are a number of things which a buyer must be aware of and must consider how things may turn up just in case they are to buy the intended miter saw.
Variations
It may often be the case that buyers get a miter saw assuming that it would operate with the intended tasks flawlessly. However, because miter saws vary in their types it becomes essential for a buyer to closely consider the variations. At first, there is a basic power miter saw which are basically just used and even intended for simple wood cutting tasks such as making angled cuts, trimming studs, etc.
Secondly, a compound miter saw comes in when there is a need for a bit advanced cutting tasks such as making bevel cuts. Therefore, a compound miter saw is basically capable of making both, simple cuts and bevel cuts.
Materials of Construction
Typically, a miter saw is constructed keeping in consideration the sort of tasks, materials and conditions it may be exposed to. Therefore, a miter saw is usually constructed and fitted with a blade that is made of steel or aluminum. However, it may be the case that most miter saws are equipped with a heavy – duty plastic handle and anything less than this quality must not be considered even as an option.
The material of construction of a miter saw is important for a buyer because it adds to the performance and durability of the product. In case the materials of construction are not up to the mark, the product may become inefficient depending on the intensity of the task and conditions it is exposed to.
Top 10 Best Compound Miter Saws 2023
1. Hitachi C10FCG
Editor’s Rating:
Performance
The demands of precision in regards to such people and their tasks are extensive and the Hitachi C10FCG compound miter saw provides precision and versatility in every task. This compound miter saw stands out to be an exceptional tool as the professionals get the ability to obtain miter angles.
The 15 – amp motor featured in the Hitachi C10FCG makes it capable to basically generate a speed of 5,000 rpm, making it easy to get sharp, edgy and precise cuts without the saw being stuck in the middle. Moreover, apart from all the precision and powerful motor which it contains, it is indeed the lightest 10 – inch compound miter saw in the market; weighing only 24.2 pounds.
Mobility & Design
The Hitachi C10FCG is specifically designed to be a mobile solution at the work site and along with the fact that it is lightweight, the saw is also designed in a way to basically cater to increased flexibility. The unique design of the Hitachi C10FCG allows it to rotate the blade while enabling it to cut in the angles ranging from 0 to 52 degrees.
Another unique addition to the design and the mobility aspect of the miter is basically the dust bag which comes with it, making the workplace remain clean and gather all the dust in a bag. The dust port at the rear of the machine is basically a universal port which allows it to be attached to any dust collection / evacuation system.
Pros
- 5,000 rpm speed
- Miter angle from 0 to 52 degrees
- Dust vent at the rear
- Affordable price of $99
Cons
- Single bevel
- Non – sliding
- Cut only 10 inch
2. DEWALT DW715
Editor’s Rating:
Performance
Producing rpm speed of 3,600 DEWALT DW715 features a 15 – amp motor which is powerful enough to cut through materials with much ease. The strength and the rigidity of the machine even appears at its surface too as it is mostly made of metal. The DEWALT DW715 compound miter saw uses a 12 – inch blade which makes it capable enough to even cut through an 8 – inch wide laminated flooring.
Design
The DEWALT DW715 compound miter saw is specifically designed to basically cater to tasks which are a bit technical and require precision. Firstly, the design of the miter saw allows it to rotate the blade ranging from 0 to 45 degrees and thus obtain beveling cuts. Furthermore, the DEWALT DW715 is designed in a way to cater to the cutting tasks of tall materials or planks even at the height of 6 to 7 inches.
Furthermore, the ability to tilt towards left and right DEWALT DW715 is able to produce bevel cuts from either side, unlike many other typical compound miter saws. This design value addition basically saves the professionals from a lot of hassle and makes the work easy. Lastly, to make the cuts more accurate and precise there are angle measurements engraved on the surface eliminating any possibility of an error.
Pros
- 3,600 rpm speed
- 12 – inch blade cutter
- Dust vent at the rear
Cons
- Single bevel
- Non – sliding
- Cut only 12 – inch
3. Hitachi C10FCH2
Editor’s Rating:
Performance
The Hitachi C10FCH2 provides an optimum level of performance as it is equipped with a 15 – amp motor which basically gives it a good rpm speed enabling it to cut through heavy materials. Also, it is specifically designed as a compound miter saw to have it give bevel cuts along with an additional capability to make cuts of around 52 degrees at the maximum on both, left and right.
Design and Durability
While moving on to the design and durability aspect of the Hitachi C10FCH2, it is important to highlight that it has the capability of being installed with a universal form of blade and thus, could also be fitted with a carbide blade. The blade equipped in the Hitachi C10FCH2 is a special Hitachi 24 tooth blade which makes it easy to cut through materials.
The degree measurements and the angles which one could cut through with the Hitachi C10FCH2 turn out to be very accurate and precise. Also, the overall body of the saw is basically of metal and with a very little use of plastic which makes it durable.
Price
Compared to other best – selling compound miter saws, Hitachi C10FCH2 gives a very good purchase price of only $158.98. With a similar 15 – amp motor, other competitors go on and charge heavy prices and thus, in the pricing category Hitachi C10FCH2 has an upper hand because it offers almost all the catchy features in a very low price. However, one of the thing customers will have to sacrifice on is that it is a single bevel miter saw.
Pros
- Laser marking feature
- Lightweight
- Portable
Cons
- Cover is of bad quality
4. DEWALT DCS361B
Editor’s Rating:
Performance
Well, the highlight of the product is it being battery operated however; there is also a concern that it may not perform well being operated on batteries. Regardless of the fact that fact that it takes power from a chargeable battery, the miter saw continues to give exceptional performance just like any other compound miter saw.
It is estimated that the DEWALT DCS361B would roughly give around 183 cuts based on its 20V battery with a full charge which is a very good number. However, the number may vary based on the material and size of the material.
Design
The design of the DEWALT DCS361B battery operated compound sliding miter saw is similar to other compound miters in the market. It has all the flexibility options within it such as the capability to rotate the blade to left and right to basically obtain bevel cuts and along with that make cuts based on angles ranging from 3 degrees to 48 degrees.
Price
The DEWALT DCS361B costs around $320 at online stores such as Amazon.com. having considered all the features of the DEWALT DCS361B compared to other miter saws, it is a very good and reasonable purchase considering that it is a battery – operated compound miter saw.
It may not provide all the similar features to other normal products such as it only has a blade of 7 and a quarter inch along with some other restrictions but its price gets justified with the additional capability of mobility.
Pros
- Powerful and accurate
- Powerful angle locking system
- Adjustable miter and bevel adjustment system
Cons
- Dust bag is of bad quality
5. TruePower 919
Editor’s Rating:
Performance
The narrow blade with which the TruePower 919 is equipped basically provides accurate and precise cuts in contrast to the typical thick blades. This is a performance value addition because simply put, having accurate enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the product.
However, if one wishes to cut off some brass or metal wires there would be a need to buy some additional grinding blades to have the work done. This is because the blade that comes equipped with it is not designed to cut off metals such as brass. The more interesting aspect here is that even with other blades, the TruePower 919 continues to work flawlessly and provide accurate and sharp cuts.
Design
The TruePower 919 is designed specifically to be compact, handy and accurate at the same time and it does so by making sure that it has all the relevant features in a very compact manner. The design of the TruePower 919 has two side covers, one on the right to basically cover the blade and the other on the left which covers the belt of the machine.
Price
Priced at only $38.35, this TruePower 919 is a really great tool which simply makes it easy to get the small cutting tasks done within moments. Although the TruePower 919 may not be capable of handling big cutting tasks but still, for a handy, mobile and durable miter saw such as this, the price is very reasonable and justified by its efficiency and power.
Pros
- Powerful and accurate
- Powerful angle locking system
- Adjustable miter and bevel adjustment system
Cons
- Dust bag is of bad quality
- Noisy
6. Hitachi C12RSH2
Editor’s Rating:
Performance
The 15 – amp powerful motor that the Hitachi C12RSH2 comes equipped with gives it a very strong rpm speed which basically makes it cut through thick materials very easily without even a lag in between. The angled cuts of the Hitachi C12RSH2 miter saw are perfect ranging from 0 to a maximum of 57 degrees.
Design
The Hitachi C12RSH2 is a special designed miter saw which comes equipped with a number of very detailed additions which may come in handy for the customers. One of the most important additions to the saw is a laser maker. The laser maker basically projects out a guide line to basically have an idea of where and how precise the cut would be to eliminate any errors.
In addition to this, Hitachi C12RSH2 is also designed to have a guard attached over the blade which basically helps in various situations and keep things safe. However, it is the guard which makes the blade inaccessible while moving it down to basically analyze whether the cut is accurate and as needed or not. Although there is a laser maker given for such purposes but many people prefer the conventional manual way.
Price
The Hitachi C12RSH2 is priced at around $369 on online stores such as Amazon.com. the price seems to be fair enough, considering the features of the overall saw compared to others in the market.
Pros
- Powerful and accurate
- 3,800 rpm speed
- Laser marker system
- Adjustable miter and bevel adjustment system
Cons
- Not much portable
7. Bosch 120-Volt 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter
Editor’s Rating:
Performance
The operating process of the Bosch 120-Volt 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter is relatively very simple and similar to all the best miter saws. Coming in with a bevel and sliding feature, the machine and its mechanisms such as locks do a great job in ensuring that the cuts are precise and accurate which adds to the overall performance of the Bosch 120-Volt 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter.
Design
The Bosch 120-Volt 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter is designed with a very technical perspective while catering to a number of technical and detailed aspects which come in to be really handy. One such design feature is that its scale is adjustable which makes it easy for the product to go through materials which are wider.
Also, it has a dust vent at the side which could basically be covered with a dust bag to ensure that all the dust is gathered in the bag. This makes it certain the workplace is not made a mess once the work is done, and instead of cleaning up the place some rest could be taken.
Price
When it comes to the price of the Bosch 120-Volt 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter, it goes up to $649. Considering the features and capabilities of the Bosch 120-Volt 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter and similar products, the price is very high and thus in much lower prices there are much better options available.
Pros
- Powerful and accurate
- Patented materials
- Adjustable miter and bevel adjustment system
Cons
- No laser marker system
8. DEWALT DWS779
Editor’s Rating:
Performance
The DEWALT DWS779 comes with a 12 – inch cutter blade which is a very heavy duty one, making it a useful tool even for the professionals. Thus, with such a heavy – duty product the professionals would not need those big machines and saws as this would do a pretty fine job at most of the cutting tasks. The sliding feature in the saw is a really great feature which enhances the overall capability and performance of the saw.
Design
DEWALT DWS779 is a double compound sliding saw and is equipped with a rotating screw lock at the back to basically secure accidental sliding of the blade. Also, the DEWALT DWS779 is equipped with a scale indicating the angles at which the blade is placed, making the cuts and bevels precise and accurate.
Price
The DEWALT DWS779 is generally priced at $399 at the online Amazon store which is indeed not a very low price compared to other products and even other versions of the same brand. However, the price is also not unfair for a heavy – duty product such as this because compared to the features it contains it stands in competition with a professional large saw. The price may not be as competitive but based on the overall performance of the saw, it is well deserved.
Pros
- Metal body
- Cutter sliding capability
- Dual bevel capability
Cons
- The belt may kick at start
- No slow start capability
9. DEWALT DWS780
Editor’s Rating:
Performance
When it comes to the performance of the DEWALT DWS780, it is not only considered to be a heavy – duty machine but it indeed is, as it is equipped with a built in XPS system making it able of increased accuracy. The product is tested out against some of the most challenging materials but even after the tests, the DEWALT DWS780 continues to perform at the same rate and precision.
Design
The DEWALT DWS780 is specifically designed to be a portable one on the job site which makes it easy to have the tool moved from place to place instead of all the materials being moved. This makes the machine to be portable while making the whole process to be efficient and time saving. Moreover, the DEWALT DWS780 is also equipped with a template blade which is designed and guaranteed to remain accurate and give precise cuts for longer periods of times.
Price
The DEWALT DWS780 is available for purchase by online stores such as Amazon which are selling it at a price of $599. Based on the overall features and guarantees of durability and precision that the product continues to offer, the price seems to be just but when compared to other models of even the same brand, the price seems to not be a good one. It is rather overpriced based on the comparison of other similar products.
Pros
- Metal body
- Dual steel rails
- Integrated XPS system
Cons
- Heavy considered to other similar products
- Little Overpriced
10. DEWALT DHS790AT2
Editor’s Rating:
Performance
The best aspect of the DEWALT DHS790AT2 in regards to performance is that it continues to perform really well and almost equally whether on AC power or being operated cordlessly. Even being operated cordlessly, the DEWALT DHS790AT2 continues to perform as any other top – notch 12 – inch miter saw.
The DEWALT DHS790AT2 is a very accurate miter saw and while catering to that it even cuts off through materials such as lumber jacks. This miter saw could be used for multiple tasks such trim exterior, trim interior, trim decking, oak stair treads, etc.
Design
The saw is designed to be portable, handy and even work in times when there is no power. The overall weight of the DEWALT DHS790AT2 is around 56 pounds which makes it easy to be carried around the work site. It has a cutting capacity of around 6 and ¾ of an inch while having the capability to miter to the left 50 degrees and 60 degrees on the right.
Price
The DEWALT DHS790AT2 is priced at $799, at online stores such as the Amazon.com. the price of the DEWALT DHS790AT2 is simply put, over the roof. There are other Dewalt models which basically support cordless capability but are priced to be affordable and justifiable by the features. The DEWALT DHS790AT2 is similar to any other top miter saw but is overpriced.
Pros
- Powerful and accurate
- Coded and cordless capabilities
- Adjustable miter and bevel adjustment system
Cons
- FlexVolt technology is not useable with all Dewalt products
Guide to Buying the Best Compound Miter Saws
With an increase in the construction of modern architecture, the use of technology in building and constructing architectural spaces has also increased. Having said that, compound miter saws have also become a normal tool in the modern – day architecture as it has not only developed upon the basic manual saw but has also increased the level of efficiency and accuracy one may achieve through the use of such tools.
Electric Saws
Furthermore, with the introduction of electrical saws, there were a number of restrictions such as adjustable miters along with the incapability of making the tool mobile on the work site. Thus, for such reasons advanced compound miter saws were introduced to basically eliminate all the restrictions.
While providing the accuracy, the compound miter saws began to become an essential tool at a work site specifically because they were lighter in weight which made them to be moved from one place to another.
Compound Miter Saws
As mentioned before, the compound miter saws were an exceptional development over the basic electrical saw back in the day. However, it becomes necessary to keep in mind the necessary aspects which must be considered while considering to basically buying a compound miter saw.
Variations
When it comes to miter saws, there are a number of kinds of forms which may be considered. The very basic and simple miter saw that comes is only with the capability of producing a cut at 90 degrees. This is a similar tool to a basic manual saw but just automated.
On the other hand, an addition over the basic miter saw is the compound power miter saw which adds up over the basic one in functionality and features. The compound miter saw basically adds the feature to adjust the bevel and the miter of the saw to have angled cuts and bevel cuts. This is a very useful addition to the miter saw.
Lastly, comes in the sliding miter saw which basically adds another extraordinary feature making the saw being used at its full capacity. With the introduction of this one, the cuts were no longer restricted to the size of the blade. Thus, it is important to know and be aware of the sort of tasks which may be carried out and purchase a miter saw accordingly with the required features.
Materials of Construction
When it comes to miter saws, the most important aspect which steps in is the durability of the saw. This is specifically because no one purchases a new miter saw every few weeks and therefore, the materials of construction used in the miter saw are very crucial and must be considered while making a purchase.
Most of the miter saws come equipped with either plastic bodies or full metal bodies. The blades are always of aluminum or steel. However, what must be considered here is that the miter saw and its materials be chosen in accordance to the intensity of the tasks it may be exposed to. This decision would directly impact the durability and life of the compound miter saw that is chosen.
Tips and Advice
- While making a purchase of a compound miter saw, it must be considered that it could cut through long pieces of wood.
- Attaching a stand to the compound miter saw would ensure that the work experience is flawless, steady and within control.
- It must be considered very carefully that the blade will do its work on its own. There is never a need to pull the blade through. Doing so would not only be a bit dangerous but would also affect the quality and precision of the cut.
- Refer to the following video to get better assistance into making better cuts in an easy manner. Advanced miter saw techniques (Easiest way to cut angles). (2018). YouTube. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
- While making a purchase of a compound miter saw, it is very crucial to consider the blade size that it is equipped with. This is to make sure that the blade you are opting for would get the job done. This is specifically important if purchasing a basic miter saw.
- Focusing on additional features in a compound miter saw would be a great decision if there may be problems in making the perfect cut. Such additional features may include laser marking systems. Compound miter saw with such a feature may come in handy but would require a rather heavy cost just for the addition of a laser.
- A dust vent and bag option in a compound miter saw is a great addition as it would help keep the trash in one place and not get the workplace messy. Moreover, this option would keep any particles from getting into sensitive body parts such as the eyes.
- A buyer must certainly look for emergency brakes equipped within miter saw as this is a very crucial addition. Such a feature may not only prevent mistakes but also be useful in cases of emergencies.
- If mostly the work site has no power available, a cordless battery – operated compound miter saw would the optimal choice for you. Moreover, there are many other techniques which may come in handy for a beginner and even a professional when working with a miter saw. Refer to the following video for such techniques. 7 Next-Level Tips for Miter Saws | Beyond the Basics. (2018).YouTube. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
- However, if you are aware that the work at the site with no power source would be extensive, it is recommended that extra charged battery packs are carried so that you are not left all rough and dry.