Miter Saw vs Compound Miter Saw: Which Do You Need?
Contents
- Our Top Non-Sliding Compound Miter Saws Are:
- 1. DEWALT DW713 15 Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
- 2. Makita LS1221 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw Kit
- 3. Hitachi C10FCH2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker
- Our Top Compound Sliding Miter Saws Are:
- 1. Hitachi C12RSH2 15-Amp 12-Inch
- 2. DEWALT DWS779 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- 3. Festool 561287 Kapex KS 120
- Sliding Miter Saw vs. Compound Miter Saw: Buying Guide
- Blade Size
- Fence
- Safety Clamp
- Bevel Adjustment
- Sliding Rails
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Only a few things can dampen your creative energy more than realizing you bought the wrong miter saw for your trim work. The design of miter saws helps you create cleaner cuts at various angles and bevels in a fraction of the time it would take any other type of saw.
First, what’s the difference between a miter saw vs. a compound miter saw? As the name implies, compound miter saws do more than just miter cuts. Unlike a standard miter saw, the blade of a compound miter saw has a pivoting arm that can be tilted to angles besides just 90 degrees, allowing you to make bevel cuts in addition to miter cuts.
We would actually recommend a compound miter saw over a standard miter saw, just for the sake of versatility and ease of use.
However, depending on the width or thickness of the material you are working with, you might find yourself also contemplating the features and benefits of a sliding miter saw vs. a compound miter saw.
A sliding compound saw has rails that let the blade travel forward and back, so it can crosscut much wider boards. A non-sliding saw has no rails, so its crosscut width is limited by the blade: roughly a 2x6 with a 10-inch blade and about a 2x8 with a 12-inch blade.
Non-sliding saws are simpler, lighter, and fit against a wall, which makes them easy to live with in a small shop.
The takeaway: if you regularly crosscut boards wider than your blade can handle, get a sliding miter saw. Sliders cost more and need more depth behind the saw for the rails.
To get the facts, check out our reviews of the best products in each category.
OUR TOP PICK
This DEWALT DW713 15 Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw is a non-sliding model that is very easy to use. It makes accurate miter cuts and crosscuts, and it runs smoothly.
Our Top Non-Sliding Compound Miter Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. DEWALT DW713 15 Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw | 1. DEWALT DW713 15 Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw Top Pick | - Powerful 15-amp motor - Blade speed of 5,000 RPM - Tall, sliding fence - Positive bevel stops at 0° and 45° - Adjustable, stainless-steel miter detent plate with 11 positive stops - 90-day money-back guarantee, one-year free service, and 3-year limited warranty | Check Current Price |
| 2. Makita LS1221 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw Kit | 2. Makita LS1221 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw Kit | - Positive miter stops at 9 settings - Pivoting fence to support larger material - Large cutting capacity - Carbide tipped blade - Powerful 15- amp motor capable of 4000 RPM - Electric brake | Check Current Price |
| 3. Hitachi C10FCH2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker | 3. Hitachi C10FCH2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker | - Adjustable pivot fence to support a large stock - Large table for enhanced stability - Spindle lock for easier blade replacement - Thumb-actuated positive stops for quick and easy adjustments - Dust guide to collect chips - Laser guide technology | Check Current Price |
1. DEWALT DW713 15 Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
The DeWalt DW713 is a single-bevel compound miter saw that can create quick and accurate cuts, regardless of whether you are cutting crown molding or baseboards. The DW713 comes equipped with a powerful motor that enables it to take on demanding miter-cutting or cross-cutting applications.
It has a cam-lock miter handle and a detent plate with 11 positive stops. It has no built-in laser, so you line up cuts by eye or add an aftermarket light.
Specs
- Powerful 15-amp motor
- Blade speed of 5,000 RPM
- Tall, sliding fence
- Positive bevel stops at 0° and 45°
- Adjustable, stainless-steel miter detent plate with 11 positive stops
- 90-day money-back guarantee, one-year free service, and 3-year limited warranty
Pros
- High quality and durability
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Lacks electric brakes
We love the DeWalt DW713’s smoothness of performance and ease of use. It is an excellent non-sliding saw for inexperienced DIY enthusiasts.
Overall Rating – 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Makita LS1221 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw Kit
The Makita LS1221 is a 12-inch non-sliding compound miter saw with a large cutting capacity for framing, decking, and cabinetry. Makita now lists it as discontinued, with the LS1219L as its replacement, so stock may be limited.
It has nine positive miter stops, an easy-to-read miter scale, a carbide-tipped blade, two extension wings, a socket wrench, and a dust bag.
Specs
- Positive miter stops at 9 settings
- Pivoting fence to support larger material
- Large cutting capacity
- Carbide tipped blade
- Powerful 15- amp motor capable of 4000 RPM
- Electric brake
Pros
- Powerful
- Accurate
- Affordable
Cons
- Bevel gauge could be upgraded
The Makita LS1221’s large cutting capacity makes it the ideal saw for someone who works on a wide variety of projects.
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars
3. Hitachi C10FCH2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker
Hitachi designed this non-sliding compound miter saw as an affordable 10-inch saw with a laser marker. Hitachi’s power tools now sell under the Metabo HPT name.
The C10FCH2 makes crosscuts and miters in wood, plywood, fiberboard, and hardboard. With a suitable blade, it can also cut aluminum.
The Hitachi C10FCH2, therefore, is ideal for woodworkers, framers, and trim carpenters who require accuracy and reliability.
Specs
- Adjustable pivot fence to support a large stock
- Large table for enhanced stability
- Spindle lock for easier blade replacement
- Thumb-actuated positive stops for quick and easy adjustments
- Dust guide to collect chips
- Laser guide technology
- Soft and vibration-reducing grip
Pros
- Lightweight
- Laser technology for enhanced accuracy
Cons
- Changing the blade can be cumbersome
Hitachi C10FCH2’s capabilities make it the ideal tool for professionals.
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars
If your projects require a sliding miter saw, you need to pick the most appropriate one.
OUR TOP PICK
The Hitachi C12RSH2 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is your best bet when working on projects that require you to make cuts on oversized baseboards. It is sturdy and comes with a laser marker, allowing you to make precise cuts at a fast pace. It can also make cross-cuts.
Our Top Compound Sliding Miter Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hitachi C12RSH2 15-Amp 12-Inch | 1. Hitachi C12RSH2 15-Amp 12-Inch Top Pick | - Powerful 15-amp motor capable of handling tough jobs - Compact slide system - Large sliding fence - Easy-to-read measurements | Check Current Price |
| 2. DEWALT DWS779 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw | 2. DEWALT DWS779 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw | - Tall sliding fences - Dual horizontal steel rails with an innovative clamping mechanism for enhanced stability and accuracy - Cam lock miter handle for quick and accurate miter angles - Adjustable stainless-steel miter detent plate - 10 positive stops for improved efficiency and productivity | Check Current Price |
| 3. Festool 561287 Kapex KS 120 | 3. Festool 561287 Kapex KS 120 | - Laser technology for more precise cuts - Angle transfer capability - Micro-adjustable bevel angle - Rail forward design | Check Current Price |
1. Hitachi C12RSH2 15-Amp 12-Inch
The Hitachi C12RSH2 is a 12-inch dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw with a laser marker. It is now sold as a Metabo HPT model.
This saw is capable of making accurate compound cuts thanks to its powerful motor and laser-guided technology. Additionally, it’s capable of cross-cutting large pieces and supporting crown molding.
Specs
- Powerful 15-amp motor capable of handling tough jobs
- Compact slide system
- Large sliding fence
- Easy-to-read measurements
Pros
- Powerful
- Accurate
- Small footprint
- Quiet
Cons
- Its dust collection system is not very efficient
The Hitachi C12RSH2 allows you a higher degree of accuracy thanks to its laser system technology.
Overall Rating – 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. DEWALT DWS779 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The DeWalt DWS779 is a 12-inch double-bevel sliding compound miter saw for cabinet, molding, and flooring work. DEWALT lists a 15-amp, 3,800 RPM motor and 0-48 degree bevels left and right, with crosscut capacity for 2x14 lumber at 90 degrees.
It has no laser. DEWALT now marks the DWS779 as discontinued, so check stock.
Specs
- Tall sliding fences
- Dual horizontal steel rails with an innovative clamping mechanism for enhanced stability and accuracy
- Cam lock miter handle for quick and accurate miter angles
- Adjustable stainless-steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops
Pros
- Quality cuts
- Great price
- Quiet
- An efficient dust collection system
Cons
- Lacks laser technology
We love this product for its ability to take on enormous workloads without compromising on quality.
Overall Rating – 4.7 stars out of 5 stars
3. Festool 561287 Kapex KS 120
The Festool 561287 is expensive, but it is one of the most accurate sliding miter saws available. It comes with a 60-tooth carbide blade for clean cuts in wood.
The Festool also features an angle-transfer device, a hold-down clamp, and a wrench for easier unit adjustments.
It bevels both left and right, and its forward-mounted rails let it sit close to a wall.
Specs
- Laser technology for more precise cuts
- Angle transfer capability
- Micro-adjustable bevel angle
- Rail forward design
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- A high degree of accuracy
- Excellent bevel system
Cons
- Pricey
This tool is as useful as a miter saw can get.
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars
Sliding Miter Saw vs. Compound Miter Saw: Buying Guide
The biggest difference between sliding and non-sliding saws is the width of the material they can crosscut. Beyond that, the buying factors are the same:
Blade Size
Most miter saws use 10-inch or 12-inch blades, with compact 7-1/4-inch and 8-1/2-inch models for light trim work. A larger blade cuts deeper and wider, and 10-inch blades cost less to replace.
Fence
The fence supports your workpiece, so it needs to be flat, square to the blade, and tall enough for the trim you cut.
Safety Clamp
A clamp holds the wood so your hands stay well away from the blade. OSHA's tool safety guidance says to secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
Bevel Adjustment
Bevel adjustment tilts the blade for angled edge cuts, such as crown molding. Both sliding and non-sliding miter saws can be either single or dual-bevel.
A single-bevel saw tilts in one direction only, while a dual-bevel saw tilts both left and right.
Sliding Rails
For sliding miter saws, you will need to find one with rails long enough to accommodate the width of your material.
Final Thoughts
When comparing sliding and non-sliding compound miter saws, the width of your material decides it. A 10-inch non-sliding saw crosscuts about 6 inches, and a 12-inch non-sliding saw about 8 inches.
Therefore, if you are working with a material with a large surface area, a sliding miter saw will be more appropriate. However, sliding miter saws are typically more expensive, in addition to taking up more space than non-sliding miter saws.
As such, if you are going to get a sliding miter saw, first ensure that the materials you regularly work with have a large surface area.
When it comes to non-sliding miter saws, we found the DEWALT DW713 to be the best choice because of its high performance and ease of use. For sliding miter saws, we found the Hitachi C12RSH2 to be the best choice due to its power and ability to handle large loads efficiently.
