In A Rush? Here's our winner after 65 hours of research!
Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD
Top Reasons to Buy
- Axial Glide System
- Expanded Cutting Capacity
- High-precision Squarelock
Feature list
- Cutting Diameter: 12 Inches
- 65 Pounds
- Warranty: 1-Year
When it comes to making fast and accurate cuts in wood at different angles, the top tool for the job is a compound miter saw. These products let you quickly adjust the angle to the exact measurement that you need and create clean and even cuts in any type of wood. Most use these when creating trim boards and finishing pieces for a home.
The top model we found is the 12-inch glide product from BOSCH (Check Price on Amazon.com). It comes with marked measurements on both sets of scales and a locking fence that you can use for making 90-degree cuts without making any adjustments first. BOSCH also expanded the cutting area on this model to help you use it with different board lengths.
65 HOURS OF RESEARCHING
52 MODELS CONSIDERED
1 WINNER
Our Favorite Compound Miter Saws on the Market
10 Best Compound Miter Saw - Reviews
1. Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD
The glide design of this model from BOSCH makes it easier to slide boards across the top and to keep those boards gliding as you make smooth cuts. It features an ergonomic trigger that reduces discomfort and lets you make cuts for hours without any pain. This product has a vertical capacity of more than six inches and a horizontal capacity of more than 14 inches.
Both the included miter scales have indents and measurements that show you the degree settings. You also get a fence system that installs in seconds, and this system has a locking feature that lets you lock it down or unlock it for removal just as quickly.
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2. DEWALT DWS779
One big advantage to using this DEWALT model in your workshop is that it comes with a dedicated dust collection system that attracts and removes more than 70% of the dust produced by your cuts. As a larger 12-inch model, it works with longer and heavier boards, though the tool itself is heavy and hard to move. It comes with a 15-amp motor that produces 3,800 revolutions every minute.
A back fence design lets you cut boards of up to 16-inches long at a 90-degree angle and boards of up to 12-inches long at a 45-degree angle. It also comes with a three-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
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3. Makita LS1018
Makita makes some great products like this one, which gets strong reviews from customers. As a 60-degree angle machine, it doesn’t offer the same range of angle cuts as other products, but it comes with a system that uses ball bearings for making precise cuts. It also comes with a bevel lock that lets you lock it down to cut multiple boards with the same degree setting.
The left miter works at up to 47 degrees, but the right side works at up to 60 degrees. This model also comes with five positive stops that you can choose from when setting it up.
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4. DEWALT DW715
Suitable for use on a construction site or in your home, this DEWALT model has a 15-amp motor that produces all the power and RMPs that you need, but it also works off any standard 120V outlet. An ergonomic handle on top slides down easily to touch the wood, and a small cage around the sides keeps your hands from touching the spinning blade. It has an easy to use design that lets you change the angle of your cuts via the base.
A built-in override feature gives you the option of skipping the miter stops when making cuts. DEWALT gives you some extra tools with this model that include a dust bag for removing dust from the area around this product and a blade wrench.
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5. RYOBI TSS102L
Avoid some of the common accidents that can occur on the job site with this Ryobi model, which has an electric brake system that brings the spinning blade to a complete stop quickly. It has nine positive miter stops as well as detailed measurements on the base for better and more accurate cuts. This model also comes with a carbide blade that cuts through most types of woods smoothly.
A built-in laser guide also helps you make those cuts because it lets you create a line that you follow along with the blade. As it weighs less than 45 pounds, this is a portable model that you can take to sites with you.
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6. Evolution Power Tools RAGE 3-DB
No matter what type of materials you work, the RAGE 3-DB will help you out because it comes with one blade that is suitable for use with woods, metals, plastics and other materials. This blade has a unique design that reduces the heat and sparks that come off when used on metal. You can use one of the nine positive stops when cutting or pick an angle of up to 55 degrees, and this product is also suitable for making trenches and grooves.
The carbide blade that comes with this model features 28 strong tips that blaze through wood with ease. This model also comes with a laser guide.
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7. WEN MM1011
WEN makes this affordable model for those who have less money to spend but includes features found on some of the more expensive models like bevel and miter settings for making cuts of up to 45 degrees. It also works with both longer and thicker boards and will work on a board of 12-inches long and 3.5-inches thick. The included blade uses carbide tips and has 40 sharp teeth around the edges.
Its 15-amp motor delivers 4,500 RPMs, which is more than almost any other product on the market. WEN also provides some accessories with this model like dust bag and both fence and extension rails. You’ll also get a hold down clamp.
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8. Hitachi C10FCH2
If your hands often move, shake or tremble when cutting, you’ll like this Hitachi model, which comes with an ergonomic handle designed to reduce and absorb the vibrations produced by the blade. It comes with a 15-amp motor and an adjustable design for changing the degree of your cuts. You can use a bevel setting at up to 45 degrees or select a 52-degree setting with a miter cut.
The larger fence that comes with this product flips over to give you more space and to help you make vertical cuts when working with crown molding. It also comes with positive stops that you can select with your thumbs and a larger base for added stability.
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9. Black+Decker M1850BD
The smaller size of this BLACK + DECKER model makes it perfect for hobbyists working from home, but that small size also limits the length and thickness of boards that you can use with it. Made from lightweight aluminum, the whole model weighs under 20 pounds and is highly portable. Included with this product is a small bag that attaches to the back and acts like a dust collection system.
Nine positive stops make it easy for you to set up and cut wood. You can select a right or left degree angle of up to 45 degrees. This model is suitable for trim and molding jobs but will also work with framing boards.
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10. DELTA Homecraft H26-260L
The ergonomic handle found on this DELTA model makes it easier to use and keeps your hand a safe distance away from the blade as it spins. Suitable for use with 2X6 and 4X4 boards as well as those of different sizes, you can make 90-degree cuts with boards of those two sizes. It also has a design that makes it compatible with stands from other companies.
Lightweight in design and compact in shape, the Homecraft is one that you can carry to any job site. It comes with a spindle lock that actually locks down the blade as you make adjustments, and this locking mechanism will also keep the blade from moving as you change it.
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Our Compound Miter Saw Winner
Designed with a glide system built inside, this BOSCH model makes it easier to smoothly run your boards through the cutting area to make clean cuts. It features two sets of scales that each have their own measurements at 0, 15 and other degree markings, which helps you quickly set it up. The trigger on this model has an ergonomic design that increases your comfort and lets you cut for hours at a time.
This model also comes with its own fence system that aligns to the table in seconds for making 90-degree cuts. You can lock and unlock this fencing system with just one touch.
How to Choose the Perfect One
What is the Angle Range?
A good model will have an angle range with positive measurements and cuts available between a minimum of zero degrees and a maximum. Most have a maximum setting of around 45 to 52 degrees. When looking at miter options though, you may find that the maximum measurement increases to 90 degrees.
How Much Does it Weigh?
One thing to think about is the overall weight of the tool, especially if you plan on working in multiple places or away from your home. Those that are larger or heavier in size are much harder to move and designed for permanent use in a workshop. Lightweight models are more portable and can weigh as little as 15 to 20 pounds.
With heavier models, you will want to see if those models are compatible with stands and tables. Compatible models are designed for use on a specific stand that provides the support needed when making cuts.
What Does the Motor Look Like?
The two most important things to consider when choosing one of these tools is the size of the motor and its RPM rating. Most products come with a 15-amp motor, though you’ll find some with a smaller amp motor. The RPM rating, which stands for revolutions per minute, can range from around 3,000 to more than 5,000.
While some manufacturers will provide you with information relating to the horsepower of a motor, this isn’t as important as you might think. A higher amp motor can produce more revolutions and work faster, even if it has less horsepower than you think you might need.
How Many Positive Stops are There?
These models come with positive stops that make it easier for you to set up the depth of your cuts and change the measurements. You typically want one that has at least five positive stops that range between zero degrees and 45 or 60 degrees. The more stops there are, the less time it takes to set up the saw.
Try looking for those with thumb stops or thumb-activated stops. These stops let you adjust the measurements that you need with one or both your thumbs, which reduces the time needed to set up the tool to just a few seconds.