7 1/4-Inch Sliding Miter Saw Reviews: Best Compact Models

Photo by U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian P. Caracci, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Who says bigger is always better? A 10- or 12-inch miter saw is sometimes more saw than the job needs. A 7 ¼-inch sliding model still crosscuts 2x8 lumber and handles most trim, in a package you can carry with one hand.

Hauling a 12-inch saw across a job site for a few trim cuts gets old fast. Here is how to find the best 7 1/4″-inch sliding miter saw for your work.

OUR TOP PICK

We like the DeWalt DCS361M1, a compact cordless slider sold as a kit with a battery and charger.

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The Best 7 ¼-Inch Sliding Miter Saws Are:

Product	Details
1. DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw DCS361M1	1. DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw DCS361M1 Top Pick	- Capacity for 3 5/8-inch nested crown with 3 ½-inch base vertically - Single bevel - Carbide blade - Charger - Battery - Three-year limited warranty	Check Current Price
2. DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw DCS361B	2. DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw DCS361B	- Capacity for 3 5/8-inch nested crown with 3 ½-inch base vertically - XPS LED cut line system - 11 positive miter stops - Weighs 30 pounds - Compact design - Cam lock handle	Check Current Price
3. Kobalt 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw	3. Kobalt 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw	- Dual slide system - Cuts up to 2 x 8 boards - Suitable for framing and molding - Weighs 29 pounds - Compact design - Dual-bevel system	Check Current Price
4. Evolution Power Tools R185SMS+ 7-1/4-Inch Multi-Material Compound Sliding Miter Saw	4. Evolution Power Tools R185SMS+ 7-1/4-Inch Multi-Material Compound Sliding Miter Saw	- Weighs 19.6 pounds - Multi-material blade - 10-amp motor - Adjustable bevel tilt of 0° to 45° - Laser guide - 10-foot power cord	Check Current Price
5. CRAFTSMAN 7 ¼-Inch Cordless Miter Saw Kit	5. CRAFTSMAN 7 ¼-Inch Cordless Miter Saw Kit	- Fits with other Craftsman V20 models - 3,800 rpm motor - Capacity for 8-inch crosscut at a 90° angle - Will cut up to 5.5-inch materials - Can handle 3 5/8-inch nested crown with 3 ½-inch baseboard - Weighs 21.8 pounds	Check Current Price
6. 2733-21 M18 Fuel, 7-1/4-Inch, Dual Bevel, Sliding Compound Miter Saw	6. 2733-21 M18 Fuel, 7-1/4-Inch, Dual Bevel, Sliding Compound Miter Saw	- Brushless motor - Dual beveling - 28 pounds with battery - Over 600 cuts per charge (Milwaukee rating) - Extended capacity battery - Easy change blades	Check Current Price

1. DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw DCS361M1: Best 7 ¼” Sliding Miter Saw

This model comes in as the best 7 ¼ miter saw. The DCS361M1 and the DCS361B are the same saw: the M1 is the kit with a battery and charger, and the B is the bare tool.

If you don’t already own DeWalt 20V batteries, the kit is the one to buy. The saw is handy for cutting trim on the go and can handle some larger projects as well.

It’s expensive if you’re just a hobbyist. DeWalt lists the saw at 30 pounds before the battery, which is on the heavy side for a cordless 7-1/4-inch saw.

Specs

• Capacity for 3 5/8-inch nested crown with 3 ½-inch base vertically
• Single bevel
• Carbide blade
• Charger
• Battery
• Three-year limited warranty
• Weighs 30 pounds without the battery
• 11 positive miter stops

Pros

• 90-day satisfaction guarantee
• Battery and charger included
• Highly accurate
• Three-year limited warranty
• Great on the go
• Good positioning system

Cons

• Pricey
• Heavy

Overall, this is money that I’d be okay with spending. (I’m never glad to spend money.) It’s a great product that is useful and versatile.

Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5

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2. DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw DCS361B: Runner Up

The DeWalt DCS361B is the same saw as our top pick, sold as a bare tool. It’s a good option if you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, which makes it the best compact miter saw value for DeWalt owners.

The XPS LED cut line system casts the blade’s shadow on the wood, so you can see exactly where the cut will land.

Set your cutting line, position the wood, lock the cam handle, and go. It’s as simple as that. The bevel scale makes it simple to create the correct bevel angle.

Buying the bare tool saves money if you already have DeWalt batteries. If you don’t, the M1 kit is the better deal.

Specs

• Capacity for 3 5/8-inch nested crown with 3 ½-inch base vertically
• XPS LED cut line system
• 11 positive stops on a stainless steel miter detent plate
• Weighs 30 pounds
• Compact design
• Cam lock handle
• Sturdy base fence

Pros

• Versatile
• Easy to use
• Can use the battery from another DeWalt product
• Great for newbies
• Robust design
• Highly accurate
• Portable
• Three-year limited warranty

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately
• Single bevel only

Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5

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3. Kobalt 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw

This is a lightweight model that can be operated with or without the stand. You can clamp it to your workbench, but I’d consider buying the stand. The wheels make it easy to put away later.

It features a 7 ¼-inch blade and is ideal for quick home projects. It cuts hardwood trim cleanly with a good blade, and it has a dust port you can connect to a vacuum.

A dual-bevel slider at this price is a pleasant surprise. If you’re a DIYer who likes to work on the go, the Kobalt is a good value.

The laser guide is not very sharp, so mark your cut line and check it against the blade. Kobalt saws are sold at Lowe’s, which is also where to look for replacement parts.

Specs

• Dual slide system
• Cuts up to 2 x 8 boards
• Suitable for framing and molding
• Weighs 29 pounds
• Compact design
• Dual-bevel system
• Laser guide
• Three-year limited warranty

Pros

• Good quality
• Reasonable price
• Easy to use
• Lightweight
• Great portability
• Durable
• Clean cutting
• Powerful enough

Cons

• Fuzzy laser line
• Parts can be harder to find than for DeWalt or Milwaukee

Overall, this is a nifty little saw that won’t break your back or the bank. It’s easy to move, cuts well, and is simple to use.

Overall Rating – 4 out of 5

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4. Evolution Power Tools R185SMS+ 7-1/4-Inch Multi-Material Compound Sliding Miter Saw: Most Portable Model

This corded saw is the lightest on our list at under 20 pounds, which earns it the title of most portable model. It suits anyone working in a cramped space.

For a 7 ¼-inch compact model, the 10-amp motor provides decent power. Being corded, it never runs out of battery on long projects.

It ships with Evolution’s multi-material blade, which is designed to cut wood, mild steel, and some other materials. Check the arbor size in the manual before you buy replacement blades, since not every 7-1/4-inch blade will fit.

Specs

• Weighs 19.6 pounds
• Multi-material blade
• 10-amp motor
• Adjustable bevel tilt of 0° to 45°
• Laser guide
• 10-foot power cord
• Secure clamp
• Dust bag

Pros

• Well-designed
• Compact
• Very lightweight
• Accurate
• Easy to use
• Durable
• Suitable for a cramped space
• Versatile

Cons

• Check blade arbor size before buying blades
• Not cordless

Overall, this is a well-designed piece of machinery. Its low overall weight makes it easy to move. It’s got some good moves and is reasonably priced.

Overall Rating – 4 out of 5

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5. CRAFTSMAN 7 ¼-Inch Cordless Miter Saw Kit

This Craftsman V20 kit is a cordless, lightweight option for DIYers who already use Craftsman batteries.

The 3,800-rpm motor provides enough power for most DIY trim and 2x lumber cuts. Keep in mind that the tougher the job, the faster the battery drains.

Wipe the slide rails clean regularly. Dust on the rails makes any sliding saw more prone to sticking.

Like most small miter saws, its dust bag catches only part of the dust, so connect a shop vacuum if you can.

Specs

• Fits with other Craftsman V20 models
• 3,800 rpm motor
• Capacity for 8-inch crosscut at a 90° angle
• Will cut up to 5.5-inch materials
• Can handle 3 5/8-inch nested crown with 3 ½-inch baseboard
• Weighs 21.8 pounds
• Strong handles
• Three-year limited warranty

Pros

• Easy to transport
• Durable
• Feels comfortable to use
• Runs pretty quietly
• Can lock adjustments
• Good battery life
• Battery charges fast

Cons

• Dust bag not effective
• Sticks a little when sliding

Priced competitively, this Craftsman model is a solid DIY choice.

Overall Rating – 3.5 out of 5

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6. 2733-21 M18 Fuel, 7-1/4-Inch, Dual Bevel, Sliding Compound Miter Saw: Best Battery Life

This is the most expensive saw here, aimed at professional carpenters and remodelers rather than casual DIYers. We ranked it last only because of the cost.

According to Milwaukee’s 2733-20 page, it weighs 28 pounds with battery and makes over 600 cuts per charge on an XC5.0 battery. It bevels both ways, with stops at 45 and 48 degrees, and crosscuts 2x8 lumber.

The compact base keeps the weight down, but long stock needs extra support.

Specs

• Brushless motor
• Dual beveling
• 28 pounds with battery
• Over 600 cuts per charge (Milwaukee rating)
• Extended capacity battery
• Easy change blades
• Carbide tipped blades
• Adjustable fence

Pros

• High-performance
• Exceptional battery life
• Blade stable and cuts well
• Shadow cut line indicator
• Lightweight
• High accuracy
• Versatile
• Easy to use

Cons

• Expensive
• The base is a little small

It’s costly, but it is a strong cordless choice for professional trim work.

Overall Rating – 3.5 out of 5

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Sliding Miter Saw Buying Guide

What are the main things that you should look at when buying a 7 ¼-inch compound miter saw? Let’s take a quick look.

Consider the Weight

In a world where bigger usually better, a 7 ¼-inch compound miter saw might not sound appealing. After all, why not just go for a 10- or 12-inch model instead? Let’s approach this from a different standpoint.

The saws here weigh roughly 20 to 30 pounds. Many 10-inch sliders weigh 40 pounds or more, and 12-inch sliders more still.

If you move between rooms or around a deck all day, that difference adds up.

Cordless or Corded?

A cordless model is more convenient, especially where there’s no power. The downside is cost and runtime, so keep a spare charged battery.

If you’re just conducting a quick fix, a cordless model could suit you well. For a long-winded project, using a cordless model could mean unnecessary delays.

What Features Do You Need?

More features mean more weight and a higher price. Double beveling, for example, adds significant cost to your machine.

Is the added convenience worth the extra cost? Will you get the full benefit if you only use your tool once a year? Extra features are fun, but the novelty wears off fast.

How Much Power Do You Need?

Consider the types of wood you’re most likely to cut. If you’re cutting hardwood, you’ll need a more powerful motor. If you’re only cutting chipboard, you can get away with something a little less powerful.

Final Thoughts

That rounds out my 7 ¼” miter saw reviews. Each of the models reviewed above should serve you well. The DeWalt DC DCS361M1 scores top honors in terms of utility and performance.

If you spend time on decking or trim outside your workshop, a smaller saw could suit you better. All the models reviewed here are easy to carry. Whichever you choose, keep the blade guard working, clamp short pieces, and let the blade stop before you lift it out of the cut.

Sources

• DCS361B 20V MAX 7-1/4 in. Sliding Miter Saw, DeWalt
• M18 FUEL 7-1/4 in. Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw 2733-20, Milwaukee Tool