Kobalt Sliding Miter Saw Reviews
Contents
- Our Top Kobalt Sliding Miter Saws Are:
- 1. Kobalt 12-inch Dual-Bevel Miter Saw: Top Pick
- 2. Kobalt 10″ 15-Amp Laser Sliding Miter Saw SM2505LW: Budget Pick
- 3. Kobalt 7-1/4-in Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- 4. Kobalt 7-1/4-in Single Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
- About Kobalt Tools
- Kobalt Tools Launch
- About Lowe's
- Kobalt Manufacturing
- Kobalt and NASCAR
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Photo by New Mexico National Guard, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shopping for a miter saw online can turn into a long search. Hundreds of products claim to be the best, which makes it harder to choose.
A good way to narrow the search is to start with brands that have a solid reputation for value and support.
Kobalt is the tool brand sold by Lowe's. If the name rings a bell, it may be because Kobalt has sponsored NASCAR races.
Kobalt tools are known for being affordable, and they are easy to buy, return, and get warranty help for at any Lowe's store.
In this Kobalt miter saw review, we look at the brand's main sliding miter saws.
OUR TOP PICK
Compared to other products in its category, the Kobalt 12-inch Dual-Bevel Miter Saw is quite affordable. The saw bevels in both directions and handles wide boards and thick stock. We recommend it for home shops and light professional use. If you are on a budget and need a reliable workhorse, start here.
Our Top Kobalt Sliding Miter Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Kobalt 12-inch Dual-Bevel Miter Saw | 1. Kobalt 12-inch Dual-Bevel Miter Saw Top Pick | - Dual bevel capacity - 15-amp motor - 12-inch carbide-tipped blade - Laser guide - Extension wings - Positive stops | Check Current Price |
| 2. Kobalt 10" 15-Amp Laser Sliding Miter Saw SM2505LW | 2. Kobalt 10 | - Slide-out table extension - Laser technology - Dust bag - 9 miter detents | Check Current Price |
| 3. Kobalt 7-1/4-in Sliding Compound Miter Saw | 3. Kobalt 7-1/4-in Sliding Compound Miter Saw | - Dual-slide rail system - Compact and light - AC power source - Die-cast aluminum base | Check Current Price |
| 4. Kobalt 7-1/4-in Single Bevel Sliding Miter Saw | 4. Kobalt 7-1/4-in Single Bevel Sliding Miter Saw | - Laser-guided system - 10amp motor - Carbide-tipped blade - Safety clamp - Blade wrench | Check Current Price |
1. Kobalt 12-inch Dual-Bevel Miter Saw: Top Pick
The Kobalt 12-inch dual-bevel miter saw is the one to get if you regularly cut wide or thick stock. It has a 15-amp motor and tilts both left and right, so you can make bevel cuts without flipping the workpiece.
It has positive miter and bevel stops at the most common angles, which speeds up trim work.
The tall fence supports baseboard and crown molding, and it slides out of the way for steep bevel cuts. Kobalt's sliding fences and stop locations vary by model year, so check the current spec sheet at Lowe's before you buy.
Extension wings support longer pieces, and the included clamp holds the workpiece against the fence. Miter saw manuals warn you to clamp or hold the workpiece firmly and never cut freehand.
The 12-inch carbide-tipped blade gives you more crosscut and cut-height capacity than a 10-inch saw. A spindle lock makes blade changes faster. Unplug the saw before changing the blade.
A laser guide shows the blade's path on the workpiece, and a dust bag catches some of the chips. Expect to add a shop vac for real dust control.
Specs
- Dual bevel capacity
- 15-amp motor
- 12-inch carbide-tipped blade
- Laser guide
- Extension wings
- Positive stops
- Clamp
- Spindle lock
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Excellent miter range
- Good fence
- Adjustable laser
- Easy warranty service through Lowe's stores
Cons
- The laser could use some fine-tuning.
The Kobalt 12 gives you a full-size dual-bevel sliding saw at a lower price than most name-brand competitors.
Overall Rating – 4.9 out of 5 stars
2. Kobalt 10″ 15-Amp Laser Sliding Miter Saw SM2505LW: Budget Pick
The Kobalt SM2505LW is a long-running budget sliding saw from the brand.
It is a single-bevel saw that tilts to the left, with a traditional rail system that extends backward. Plan for extra bench depth behind the saw so the rails can travel.
The carriage moves smoothly, which helps you make clean cuts.
The laser sits on the right side of the blade. Some users would prefer it on the left, depending on which side of the line they cut.
It is light enough for one person to move between the shop and the job site.
Specs
- Slide-out table extension
- Laser technology
- Dust bag
- 9 miter detents
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Laser for accuracy
Cons
- Fence is too far back
At its price, you should not expect the fit and finish of a premium saw. The Kobalt 10 is still a solid choice for a workshop on a budget.
Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars
3. Kobalt 7-1/4-in Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The 7-1/4-inch model is the smallest of the Kobalt miter saws.
It has a hold-down clamp that keeps the workpiece steady during miter, bevel, and compound cuts.
The die-cast aluminum base supports the work, and a laser helps you line up your cuts.
Specs
- Dual-slide rail system
- Compact and light
- AC power source
- Die-cast aluminum base
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ideal for molding
- Inexpensive
- Can be used without a stand
Cons
- No dust bag
This compact Kobalt is an affordable saw for cutting interior molding and small stock. It is small enough to store on a shelf. We recommend it for DIY enthusiasts.
Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Kobalt 7-1/4-in Single Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
This compact Kobalt sliding saw is one of the lighter miter saws you can buy. It handles framing and molding cuts on smaller stock, such as 2x lumber and trim.
It has a die-cast aluminum table and base and bevels to the left, with positive stops at common angles.
The adjustable laser guide shows where the blade will cut.
Kobalt has sold more than one version of this saw. The video below shows model SM1816LW, so confirm the model number and capacities on the listing you buy.
Specs
- Laser-guided system
- 10amp motor
- Carbide-tipped blade
- Safety clamp
- Blade wrench
- Manual
Pros
- Light and convenient
- Precise cutting
- Good value for the money
Cons
- Blade guard can shatter
This miter saw is great for small jobs and remodeling projects.
Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars
About Kobalt Tools
Here is a look at the company behind the saws. The Kobalt Tools line is Lowe's private-label tool brand.
Lowe's does not build the tools itself. Like most store brands, Kobalt tools are made for Lowe's by outside manufacturers, and the maker can differ from one product line to the next.
Kobalt Tools Launch
Lowe's created Kobalt to compete with the house tool brands sold by other big retailers.
Today the Kobalt name covers hand tools, mechanics tools, storage, and corded and cordless power tools.
About Lowe's
Lowe's traces its roots to a hardware store that L.S. Lowe opened in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in 1921. After World War II, the company refocused on home improvement products, according to Lowe's company history.
Lowe's is one of the two largest home improvement chains in the United States, alongside Home Depot.
Kobalt Manufacturing
Because Kobalt is a store brand, different Kobalt products come from different manufacturers. Warranty coverage also varies by product type, so check the terms for the specific saw you buy.
Kobalt and NASCAR
Kobalt also sells mechanics tools. The brand has sponsored NASCAR races, including the Kobalt Tools 400 in Las Vegas and the ‘Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR’ in Arizona.
Final Thoughts
Kobalt's selling point is solid performance at a lower price than most name brands, with easy in-store returns and service.
If you want the best Kobalt miter saw for a home shop, we recommend the Kobalt 12-inch dual-bevel miter saw. It has the capacity for wide boards and the dual bevel for trim work.
Sources
- Our History, Lowe's
- C10FCG Compound Miter Saw Owner's Manual (miter saw safety instructions), Metabo HPT
