Best Compound Miter Saws Tested
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last updated:
Jan 31, 2018
Whether you’re here in search of the best compound miter saw for the money or want the absolute best compound miter saw that money can buy, you’ve come to the right place. However, before you shell out your earned on money on one of the today’s top miter saw models, it’s a wise idea to know a little about what you’re buying.
Compound miter saws are equipped with blades that swivel right and left for precise angled cuts and also tilt in one direction for smooth beveled cuts. By manipulating the saw on both of these axes at the same time, you can achieve a compound miter cut. Similar to compound miter saws, dual compound miter saws can tilt both left and right, allowing them to quickly create bevel cuts at any angle.
Thanks to their ability to make clean and precise crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and compound cuts, compound miter saws are ideal for cutting crown molding, picture frames, or anything else requiring precise angled cuts along both vertical and horizontal planes.
While compound miter saws are more expensive than basic miter saws, they’re ideal for bevel cuts and provide you with the flexibility you’ll surely need from time to time. With the right compound miter saw in your power tool arsenal, there’s no limit to what you can do!
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10 Best Compound Miter Saws
1. Hitachi C10FCE2
Despite having a refreshingly low price tag, the Hitachi C10FCE2 is one of the best 10 inch compound miter saw models on the market, which just may explain the hundreds of rave reviews it’s received.
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With incredible versatility in the angles it can cut, a 0-52 miter range, a large flip fence, and a 10-inch carbide tooth blade, there’s virtually no limit to what it can cut or how it can cut.
Product Details
0-52 degree left and right miter angle range
0-45 degree left bevel range with adjustable bevel stops
Large flip fence that extends and raises up to four inches
Horizontal handle with comfortable Elastomer grip
Carbon brush access
Dust collector included
Review
Hitachi C10FCE2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw: The Hitachi C10FCE2 is thoughtfully designed to provide the average user with an excellent all-around miter saw for a fraction of the price of larger, more robust models. However, don’t let the low price of the Hitachi fool you, because it has all of the features you need to make any tough angled cut seem like a piece of cake.
With a 0-52 degree left and right miter range, 0-45 degree left bevel range, a handy extendable flip fence, positive miter stops, bevel stops, and the ability to effortlessly change the angle of the cutting blade, the Hitachi C10FCE2 is a great tool for trim carpenters, woodworkers, and weekend warriors alike.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention it’s super lightweight as well. At just over 26 pounds, it’s by far the lightest model in its class. Hard to argue against that!
Conclusion
The Hitachi C10FCE2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw is well-made and equipped with most of the features found in much more expensive miter saws, making it an excellent option worth considering. If you’re looking for a durable, easy-to-use miter saw that just plain works and won’t break the bank, look no further than this Hitachi.
Product Details
0-52 degree left and right miter angle range
0-45 degree left bevel range with adjustable bevel stops
Large flip fence that extends and raises up to four inches
Horizontal handle with comfortable Elastomer grip
Carbon brush access
Dust collector included
Review
Hitachi C10FCE2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw: The Hitachi C10FCE2 is thoughtfully designed to provide the average user with an excellent all-around miter saw for a fraction of the price of larger, more robust models. However, don’t let the low price of the Hitachi fool you, because it has all of the features you need to make any tough angled cut seem like a piece of cake.
With a 0-52 degree left and right miter range, 0-45 degree left bevel range, a handy extendable flip fence, positive miter stops, bevel stops, and the ability to effortlessly change the angle of the cutting blade, the Hitachi C10FCE2 is a great tool for trim carpenters, woodworkers, and weekend warriors alike.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention it’s super lightweight as well. At just over 26 pounds, it’s by far the lightest model in its class. Hard to argue against that!
Conclusion
The Hitachi C10FCE2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw is well-made and equipped with most of the features found in much more expensive miter saws, making it an excellent option worth considering. If you’re looking for a durable, easy-to-use miter saw that just plain works and won’t break the bank, look no further than this Hitachi.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Powerful motor
- Versatile
- Portable and lightweight
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Laser could be more accurate
- Difficult to change blades
2. DEWALT DW715
If your budget is a little lean but you still want a more than capable compound miter saw that can do it all, then the DEWALT DW715 may be for you.
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The popular and competitively priced saw has an extremely powerful motor and a ton of features that make cutting jobs super easy and efficient. Renowned for its accuracy, precision, ease of use, and speedy performance, the DEWALT DW715 is without a doubt one of the best and most popular miter saws being made today.
Review
Designed with speed and accuracy in mind, the DEWALT DW715 is a great tool for a number of cutting applications. Although it’s only a single-bevel saw, it comes with a super strong and durable steel bevel that can cut 45-degree bevel cuts through 2 x 8 lumber with ease.
The 12-inch, single-bevel DW715 is also equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor that spins at a blazingly fast 4,000 rpms, allowing it to quickly and effortlessly finish any cutting or trimming task. What I like best about this DEWALT, however, is its portability. In addition to being lightweight in comparison to a number of other miter saws, it features a built-in handle, allowing you to easily carry it from job to job.
Conclusion
The DEWALT DW715 is powerful, fast, and accurate. It’s also priced reasonably well for all that it offers and is able to tackle an array of cutting tasks faster and easier than the majority of saws out there. When you also consider its three-year warranty and limited money back guarantee, there’s no reason not to check out the DW715 and see for yourself why it’s one of the most popular miter saws around.
Review
Designed with speed and accuracy in mind, the DEWALT DW715 is a great tool for a number of cutting applications. Although it’s only a single-bevel saw, it comes with a super strong and durable steel bevel that can cut 45-degree bevel cuts through 2 x 8 lumber with ease.
The 12-inch, single-bevel DW715 is also equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor that spins at a blazingly fast 4,000 rpms, allowing it to quickly and effortlessly finish any cutting or trimming task. What I like best about this DEWALT, however, is its portability. In addition to being lightweight in comparison to a number of other miter saws, it features a built-in handle, allowing you to easily carry it from job to job.
Conclusion
The DEWALT DW715 is powerful, fast, and accurate. It’s also priced reasonably well for all that it offers and is able to tackle an array of cutting tasks faster and easier than the majority of saws out there. When you also consider its three-year warranty and limited money back guarantee, there’s no reason not to check out the DW715 and see for yourself why it’s one of the most popular miter saws around.
Pros
- Quiet and effortless operation
- A good value for the money
- Improved miter and bevel angle range
- Smaller and lighter than other models
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Laser not included
3. DEWALT DW716
Whether you’re cutting crown moldings or baseboards, the DEWALT DW716 12-Inch Double-Bevel Compound Miter Saw can cut quickly and accurately to get the job done.
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Thanks to its powerful 15-amp motor, range of miter and bevel stops, adjustable cam-lock miter handle, and large fence for cutting over-sized moldings, the DEWALT DW716 was built to complete a wide-range of miter and crosscutting applications. Made by DEWALT, you can rest assured this compound miter saw is as reliable and well-made as they come.
Review
The DW716 is another fantastic DEWALT miter saw designed for both professionals and average users in mind. Powered by a 15-amp motor that smoothly and efficiently spins its 12-inch carbide steel blade at 3,800 rpm, it cuts through wood like butter. However, it’s the other features of the DW716 12 inch Compound Miter Saw that have made it so popular.
Equipped with innovative extra tall fences, an adjustable 11-stop miter detent plate, a double-bevel feature, a cam lock miter handle, and many other neat design features, this compound miter saw is incredibly easy to use yet capable of handling any type of trim work or carpentry task. With the DEWALT DW716 12-Inch Double-Bevel Compound Miter Saw, you’ll not only be getting a great saw, but you'll be getting the best in its price range.
Conclusion
Versatile, easy to use, and highly dependable in any situation, the DEWALT DW716 is a great miter saw in every regard. It has all of the features the pros need yet is easy enough for a newbie to use. Backed by DEWALT’s excellent reputation, you can’t go wrong with this popular saw.
Review
The DW716 is another fantastic DEWALT miter saw designed for both professionals and average users in mind. Powered by a 15-amp motor that smoothly and efficiently spins its 12-inch carbide steel blade at 3,800 rpm, it cuts through wood like butter. However, it’s the other features of the DW716 12 inch Compound Miter Saw that have made it so popular.
Equipped with innovative extra tall fences, an adjustable 11-stop miter detent plate, a double-bevel feature, a cam lock miter handle, and many other neat design features, this compound miter saw is incredibly easy to use yet capable of handling any type of trim work or carpentry task. With the DEWALT DW716 12-Inch Double-Bevel Compound Miter Saw, you’ll not only be getting a great saw, but you'll be getting the best in its price range.
Conclusion
Versatile, easy to use, and highly dependable in any situation, the DEWALT DW716 is a great miter saw in every regard. It has all of the features the pros need yet is easy enough for a newbie to use. Backed by DEWALT’s excellent reputation, you can’t go wrong with this popular saw.
Pros
- One of the least expensive compound miter saws around
- Only 25 pounds
- Very easy to use
- Powerful motor with high rpm output
- Laser guide included
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t perform as well on smaller, delicate stock
4. Homecraft H26-260L
As one of the least expensive miter saws available today, the Homecraft H26-260L 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw is a great choice of you’re simply looking for an affordable, well-built saw to use for small projects that pop up from time to time.
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It comes equipped with a more than capable 14-horsepower motor that spins its 10-inch blade up to an incredible 5,500 rpms.
The nicely priced saw also features five positive stops, a battery-powered laser for increased accuracy, and the ability to make all of the same angled cuts as much more expensive models. Sounds good, right?
Product Details
0-45 degree miter angle range
0-45 degree left bevel angle range
Miter gauge with five basic positive stops
14-amp motor delivers 5,500 rpm
Spindle lock blade changing feature
Upper and lower blade guards
Review
The Homecraft H26-260L may be one of the most affordable compound miter saws available, but it’s far from being one of the worst! In fact, it has everything most weekend warriors and casual craftsmen need and most things they want, making it a solid option worth considering.
Aside from its extremely lightweight design (it only weighs 25 pounds), it can be used for a variety of miter cuts, bevel cuts, compound cuts, and crosscuts just like the big boys. Its blade spins at 5,500 rpm, it has five positive miter stops, 45-degree miter and bevel angles, and the ability to cut through wood up to 12 inches thick.
By offering so much for so little, it’s clear Homecraft designed the H26-260L to be the undeniable champ of the low-priced miter saw category.
Conclusion
The Homecraft H26-260L is a well-made and thoughtfully designed basic compound miter saw that provides everything the average DIYer or weekend craftsman needs in a miter saw and nothing they don’t. Weighing in at only 25 pounds, it’s one of the lightest and most portable miter saws being made. However, it comes with a surprisingly low price tag that makes it one of the most affordable as well. If you’re looking for a basic well-built compound miter saw that won’t break the bank, look no further than this Homecraft.
The nicely priced saw also features five positive stops, a battery-powered laser for increased accuracy, and the ability to make all of the same angled cuts as much more expensive models. Sounds good, right?
Product Details
0-45 degree miter angle range
0-45 degree left bevel angle range
Miter gauge with five basic positive stops
14-amp motor delivers 5,500 rpm
Spindle lock blade changing feature
Upper and lower blade guards
Review
The Homecraft H26-260L may be one of the most affordable compound miter saws available, but it’s far from being one of the worst! In fact, it has everything most weekend warriors and casual craftsmen need and most things they want, making it a solid option worth considering.
Aside from its extremely lightweight design (it only weighs 25 pounds), it can be used for a variety of miter cuts, bevel cuts, compound cuts, and crosscuts just like the big boys. Its blade spins at 5,500 rpm, it has five positive miter stops, 45-degree miter and bevel angles, and the ability to cut through wood up to 12 inches thick.
By offering so much for so little, it’s clear Homecraft designed the H26-260L to be the undeniable champ of the low-priced miter saw category.
Conclusion
The Homecraft H26-260L is a well-made and thoughtfully designed basic compound miter saw that provides everything the average DIYer or weekend craftsman needs in a miter saw and nothing they don’t. Weighing in at only 25 pounds, it’s one of the lightest and most portable miter saws being made. However, it comes with a surprisingly low price tag that makes it one of the most affordable as well. If you’re looking for a basic well-built compound miter saw that won’t break the bank, look no further than this Homecraft.
Pros
- One of the least expensive compound miter saws around
- Only 25 pounds
- Very easy to use
- Powerful motor with high rpm output
- Laser guide included
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t perform as well on smaller, delicate stock
5. DEWALT DW713
If you don’t quite need the larger 12-inch blade and dual-bevel capabilities of the DW716 above but like the idea of owning a DEWALT, then you should definitely consider the DEWALT DW713 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw.
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The competitively priced saw is well-equipped to handle a variety of miter, bevel, and crosscutting applications. Built to deliver quick, precise cuts to finish the job and get it done right, it’s a great all-around 10-inch miter saw and a popular option for many weekend warriors and craftsmen.
Review
The DEWALT DW713 isn’t the fanciest or most expensive miter saw around, but it’s easy to use and can quickly and accurately perform a wide-range of miter and crosscutting jobs. Thanks to its durable stainless steel detent plate with a whopping 11 positive stops, accuracy and the DW713 go hand in hand.
The impressive tool is also compatible with DEWALT’s laser guidance system and features tall sliding fences with a machined base support, a cam miter lock, and a miter detent override, all of which help ensure the most accurate results possible. When you consider the fact that it provides all of this and only weighs 35 pounds, it’s hard not to like the DEWALT DW713.
Conclusion
When you team together price and functionality with the precision and durability of DEWALT products, the result is an excellent miter saw that outshines the competition. The DEWALT DW713 is a definite entry-level contender and a must-have miter saw for any budding carpenter or craftsman.
Review
The DEWALT DW713 isn’t the fanciest or most expensive miter saw around, but it’s easy to use and can quickly and accurately perform a wide-range of miter and crosscutting jobs. Thanks to its durable stainless steel detent plate with a whopping 11 positive stops, accuracy and the DW713 go hand in hand.
The impressive tool is also compatible with DEWALT’s laser guidance system and features tall sliding fences with a machined base support, a cam miter lock, and a miter detent override, all of which help ensure the most accurate results possible. When you consider the fact that it provides all of this and only weighs 35 pounds, it’s hard not to like the DEWALT DW713.
Conclusion
When you team together price and functionality with the precision and durability of DEWALT products, the result is an excellent miter saw that outshines the competition. The DEWALT DW713 is a definite entry-level contender and a must-have miter saw for any budding carpenter or craftsman.
Pros
- One of the best 10-inch miter saws in its class
- Competitively priced
- Very durable and versatile
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Not ideal for larger materials and projects
- Some novices may find it too sophisticated and difficult to operate
6. Ryobi ZRTS1345L
It’s hard to find a compound miter saw for sale today for under $100, let alone one that’s well-built and designed to perform.
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Well, that’s exactly what you get with the Ryobi ZRTS1345L 10-Inch Miter Saw with Laser Line.
Moreover, the bargain-priced Ryobi ZRTS1345L offers nearly all of the features found on models four times its price. With a 14-amp motor, carbide-tipped blade, speed square, laser guide, spindle lock, left and right table extensions, nine positive miter stops, electric brake, and a dust collection system, it certainly provides a lot of bang for the buck!
Product Details
0-50 degree miter angle range
0-45 degree left bevel range
14-amp motor
Dual-view bevel scale
Integrated laser scale
Electric brake
Spindle lock
Review
Compound Miter Saw with Laser Line: If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient compound miter saw that can provide a variety of precisely accurate cuts, then the Ryobi ZRTS1345L is right up your alley. The inexpensive yet incredibly capable compound saw has a number of features any novice craftsmen or DIYer can appreciate.
With a carbide-tipped blade, double-view bevel scale, ergonomic D-handle, electric brake, and more, it can do just about everything much more expensive saws can, making it one heck of a value. While I have decades of experience and only regularly use beefier, more expensive models, this is a great compound miter saw that any beginner will surely love.
Conclusion
It may not be the biggest and baddest compound saw on the block, but the Ryobi ZRTS1345L is pound for pound one of the best saws around. Thanks to a smart design, a laundry list of helpful features, and a super-low price tag that will make you do a double take, you can’t help but love this Ryobi.
Moreover, the bargain-priced Ryobi ZRTS1345L offers nearly all of the features found on models four times its price. With a 14-amp motor, carbide-tipped blade, speed square, laser guide, spindle lock, left and right table extensions, nine positive miter stops, electric brake, and a dust collection system, it certainly provides a lot of bang for the buck!
Product Details
0-50 degree miter angle range
0-45 degree left bevel range
14-amp motor
Dual-view bevel scale
Integrated laser scale
Electric brake
Spindle lock
Review
Compound Miter Saw with Laser Line: If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient compound miter saw that can provide a variety of precisely accurate cuts, then the Ryobi ZRTS1345L is right up your alley. The inexpensive yet incredibly capable compound saw has a number of features any novice craftsmen or DIYer can appreciate.
With a carbide-tipped blade, double-view bevel scale, ergonomic D-handle, electric brake, and more, it can do just about everything much more expensive saws can, making it one heck of a value. While I have decades of experience and only regularly use beefier, more expensive models, this is a great compound miter saw that any beginner will surely love.
Conclusion
It may not be the biggest and baddest compound saw on the block, but the Ryobi ZRTS1345L is pound for pound one of the best saws around. Thanks to a smart design, a laundry list of helpful features, and a super-low price tag that will make you do a double take, you can’t help but love this Ryobi.
Pros
- Very inexpensive
- Has a plethora of features
- Extremely versatile
- Easy to use
- Surprisingly well-made
Cons
- Not ideal for larger projects or stock
- Professionals and experienced users may want more power
7. Bosch GCM12SD
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Bosch GCM12SD 120-Volt 12-Inch DB Glide Miter Saw is one of the absolute best miter saws on the planet, regardless of price. Bosch has a reputation for excellence and it really shows in this impeccably built and oh so capable sliding compound miter saw.
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From its innovative Axial Gliding System and over-sized cutting capacity to its detailed miter scales and everything in between, from top to bottom this Bosch compound miter saw shines in every way.
Product Details
Extra wide 0-60 degree left and 0-50 degree right miter angle range
Stainless steel miter scale
Easy-to-set angles with common detents
Patented Axial Gliding System
Square lock fence with 90-degree table alignment for perfect crosscuts
Comfortable ergonomic trigger handle
Oversized 14-inch horizontal cutting capacity
Review
The Bosch GCM12SD is one of the best sliding miter saws on the market today. With a laundry list of useful and innovative features, a superior design, and a reputation for being one of the best sliding compound miter saws around, the Bosch GCM12SD is a high-performance miter saw with incredible accuracy.
In addition to its precision and accuracy, which is arguably the best in the industry, Bosch’s patented Axial Gliding System makes it extremely easy to use as well. While it’s designed to give you complete control over its super smooth cutting action, what people really like about this system is the fact that it’s unique set-up takes up much less work space.
The Bosch GCM12SD has a ton of other features and a smart, unique design that make it one of the best miter saws you’re going to find anywhere. There are only a few miter saws that I use on a regular basis and this is one of them. That’s saying a lot!
Conclusion
Bosch is well-known for making top-quality power tools, and the Bosch GCM12SD is no exception. While different people have different needs and it’s on the higher end of the price scale, this tool is the go-to choice for carpentry professionals around the globe and I highly recommend it.
Product Details
Extra wide 0-60 degree left and 0-50 degree right miter angle range
Stainless steel miter scale
Easy-to-set angles with common detents
Patented Axial Gliding System
Square lock fence with 90-degree table alignment for perfect crosscuts
Comfortable ergonomic trigger handle
Oversized 14-inch horizontal cutting capacity
Review
The Bosch GCM12SD is one of the best sliding miter saws on the market today. With a laundry list of useful and innovative features, a superior design, and a reputation for being one of the best sliding compound miter saws around, the Bosch GCM12SD is a high-performance miter saw with incredible accuracy.
In addition to its precision and accuracy, which is arguably the best in the industry, Bosch’s patented Axial Gliding System makes it extremely easy to use as well. While it’s designed to give you complete control over its super smooth cutting action, what people really like about this system is the fact that it’s unique set-up takes up much less work space.
The Bosch GCM12SD has a ton of other features and a smart, unique design that make it one of the best miter saws you’re going to find anywhere. There are only a few miter saws that I use on a regular basis and this is one of them. That’s saying a lot!
Conclusion
Bosch is well-known for making top-quality power tools, and the Bosch GCM12SD is no exception. While different people have different needs and it’s on the higher end of the price scale, this tool is the go-to choice for carpentry professionals around the globe and I highly recommend it.
Pros
- Very accurate
- Impressively durable and well-built
- Versatile and designed to make an array of cuts
- Excellent design and robust features
- Great reputation
Cons
- On the expensive end of the price scale
- No quick-release material clamp
Advantages and Disadvantages of Compound Miter Saws
If you can’t tell by now, there are a lot of advantages of owning a compound miter saw, but there are a few disadvantages as well, which most compound miter saw reviews fail to mention. Since my goal is to help you become as informed as possible, let’s take a look at a few of each:
Advantages:
- Very versatile and capable of cutting a variety of angles and materials
- Easy to operate
- Rather lightweight for easy transport
- Come with blade guards, electric brakes, and other neat safety features
- Most models are very durable and built to last for years
- Cordless models are available for added flexibility
- Dozens of various models and sizes to choose from
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than basic miter saws
- Not ideal for larger stock and materials
- Can be difficult for beginners to operate
What is the Best Compound Miter Saw?
As you can see from browsing around this site and reading my detailed saw reviews, there are a number of great compound miter saws available today. However, if you’re on the hunt for the best compound miter saw, you can’t go wrong with the DEWALT DW716 12-Inch Double-Bevel Compound Miter Saw.
The DW716 has a powerful 15-amp motor, multiple miter and bevel stops, a cam-lock miter handle, an extra-tall fence, and a number of other great features that help it perform like a champ. When you factor in DEWALT’s reputation for making some of the best tools in the industry, it’s hard not to like this double-bevel compound miter saw.
Making the Decision
By now, you’ve learned enough about compound miter saws to know what to look for and how to pick a quality model, which is exactly what your next step should be. Today’s compound miter saws are easier to use and have more features than ever before, so now is an excellent time to invest in a quality compound saw that will provide you with years of wood shop fun.
By performing your due diligence, considering all of the features and factors you need, and weighing your options, you’ll be able to find the perfect compound miter saw for you. So, check out our in-depth reviews and choose an awesome saw today!
