10 Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Reviews 2023

When it comes to all kinds of miter and bevel cuts, miter saws are unbeatable. This especially applies to sliding compound miter saws that allow you added flexibility in blade adjustment and wood cutting.

If your woodworking projects require that you do bevel or miter cuts often, then you are probably looking for the best sliding compound miter saw. In this post, we are going to help you with picking the right tool in this class.

We’ve shortlisted 10 great miter saw models to give you some perspective on what you cant find. Not only that, but we’ve crafted a handy buyer’s guide to help you understand our reviews better and hopefully walk away from this post with a brand new sliding compound miter saw!

10 Best Sliding Compound Miter Saws

Let’s start our guide with our review section. Here, we will introduce you to our 10 best picks. When selecting products for overview, we’ve tried to diversify our ranking and choose miter saws from various price ranges and with distinct features.

To allow you to get a better idea of what each of the featured tools offers, we will now have a brief look at their features and will particularly focus on what sets them apart. After you are done with this section, you should clearly understand the good and bad sides of our 10 miter saw picks.

Image	Product
	Our Top Pick Hitachi C10FCG Single-Bevel Compound Saw Blade size: 10 inches. Miter angle: 52 degrees	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw Blade size: 12 inches Miter angle: 45 degrees	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	DEWALT DWS715 12-Inch Miter Saw Blade size: 12 inches. Bevel angle: 48/3 degrees (right/left).	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw Blade size: 12 inches. Miter angle: 50/60 degrees (right/left).	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	DEWALT DWS713 Compound Miter Saw Blade size: 10 inches. Bevel angle: 48/3 degrees (right/left).	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	TACKLIFE PMS03A Sliding Compound Miter Saw Blade size: 12 inches. Miter angle: 45 degrees	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	TACKLIFE EMS01A Sliding Compound Miter Saw Blade size: 10 inches. Miter angle: 45 degrees	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	Bosch GCM12SD Sliding Glide Miter Saw Blade size: 12 inches. Miter angle: 52/60 degrees (left/right).	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	DEWALT DCS361M1 Miter Saw Blade size: 7-1/4 inches Bevel angle: 45 degrees to one side.	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	Craftsman CMCS714M1 Sliding Miter Saw Blade size: 7-1/4 inches. Bevel angle: 47 degrees to one side.	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →

1. Hitachi C10FCG Single-Bevel Compound Saw

For occasional home projects, Hitachi’s C10FCG compound saw appears to be a great choice. It’s rather pocket-friendly and offers the essentials to help you go through light jobs easily.

In terms of motor power, this miter saw is actually pretty solid. 15 amps are on the higher end of what you can find on the market, so you probably won’t ever feel a lack of power with this machine.

The adjustments in the C10FCG compound miter saw are pretty nice too. The miter angle is 52 degrees to the right and left, while the bevel angle can be adjusted to up to 45 degrees to the left. For added convenience, this miter saw has thumb-actuated positive stops for the miter.

With that said, when it comes to accuracy, CF10CG isn’t the best. The fence is rather flimsy and not perfectly aligned, and you also aren’t getting any visual aids for accurate sawing. This is the primary reason why this miter saw can’t uncover the full potential of its 15-amp motor.

Interestingly, this compound saw is advertised to be covered by a 5-year warranty, which, if the manufacturer does still support the saw, is very nice at this price point.

Note that the official Metabo HPT website (the parent company of Hitachi Power Tools) lists this tool as discontinued, so getting support might be challenging.

2. DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw

DEWALT DWS779 is an excellent sliding compound miter saw for heavy use cases. This thing is durable, convenient, and offers plenty of power.

Perhaps the best thing about this miter saw is the dual design – its saw blade bevels both to the right and to the left. The fences slide out as well to allow for more convenient and precise cuts. The miter angle here is 45 degrees, which is standard for miter saws.

Build-wise, the DWS779 miter saw feels much sturdier than the Hitachi tool reviewed earlier. This thing weighs at a whopping 56 pounds as well, which is probably due to the higher material and component quality.

This compound miter saw is available bare or with blades – either the DEWALT 80T or 90T. These are carbide blades with 80 and 96 teeth respectively, and they are tough enough for most people’s needs. Thanks to their high teeth count, the blades should be able to make cuts very smoothly.

What’s also nice about DWS779 is that it has an integrated dust collection system. It’s advertised to capture up to 75% of generated dust, and you are also getting one dust bag to get started (only in the listings with the blades).

3. DEWALT DWS715 12-Inch Miter Saw

The DEWALT DWS715 is a solid option if you want something with good performance and for not too much money. DWS715 doesn’t have the dual-bevel flexibility of DWS779, but it offers sufficient durability and performance for most DIY and perhaps even light workshop needs.

For some readers, what might instantly catch the eye in this miter saw is the bevel angle – it goes up to 48 degrees to the right. If you think that the standard 45 degrees won’t be enough for you, then DWS715 may be just right.

For added convenience, DWS715 has multiple stops both for bevel and miter adjustments. The miter detent plate has a whopping 14 positive stops, while the bevel adjustments have 4 stopping positions.

In terms of cutting capacity, DWS715 is pretty nice – it can make crosscuts in up to 2 x 8-inch lumber at 90 degrees and up to 2 x 6-inch lumber at 45 degrees. The motor is rated at 15 amps as well for excellent power delivery.

4. DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw

DEWALT DWS780 offers a bit added flexibility over DWS779. Namely, DWS780 boasts an extra-wide miter adjustment range – up to 50/60 degrees. The same applies to the bevel angle – it goes to 48 degrees left AND right. For added convenience in adjustment, this miter saw has multiple stop points too.

What’s also notable about DWS780 is that it is available with a variety of accessory options. Depending on which listing you choose, you get:

• 2 durable tungsten carbide blades (w/ 80 and 32 teeth).

• 80T or 96T blade.

• Rolling or stationary stand.

The stands are especially nice since they will provide added support while you are making your cuts.

5. DEWALT DWS713 Compound Miter Saw

DEWALT DWS713 is a more compact alternative to the DWS715 we reviewed earlier. The main difference between this and the DWS715 miter saw is the blade size. Sized at 10 inches in DWS713, the blade should be interchangeable with most table saws, and it also makes the tool a little more compact.

Of course, the smaller blade also limits cutting capacity – DWS713 can only do crosscuts in up to 2 x 6-inch lumber at 90 degrees and up to 2 x 4-inch lumber at 45 degrees.

DWS713 is 5 pounds lighter than DWS715 as well – a seemingly small number, but it will be big enough for some buyers.

Other than these differences, DWS713 offers the same major features and benefits, including multiple miter & bevel stops, the 48-degree bevel angle to the left, and the powerful 15-amp motor.

6. TACKLIFE PMS03A Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The TACKLIFE PMS03A boasts wonderful functionality at a very attractive price. Perhaps most importantly, PMS03A offers dual-bevel functionality, allowing you to adjust the bevel angle 45 degrees both to the right and left.

Notably, the PMS03A sliding miter saw also has an integrated laser guide. This guide works pretty nicely, but as all laser guides, it won’t allow you to do 100% accurate cuts.

The table extensions are also useful – when dealing with long workpieces, you may extend the supports for added precision.

7. TACKLIFE EMS01A Sliding Compound Miter Saw

TACKLIFE’s EMS01A is a nice alternative to EMS03A if you want a more portable and affordable sliding compound miter saw. Sized at 10 inches and weighing a mere 31.5 pounds, this is one of the most convenient miter saws on this top in terms of carrying.

What’s also interesting about the EMS01A miter saw is that it has 2 speed modes – 3,200 and 4,500 RPM. According to TACKLIFE, the low-speed mode is good for mild metals, while the high mode is better for wood, plastic, and plywood.

EMS01A retains the two key features of EMS03A as well – the integrated laser guide and the extendable table supports for long workpieces.

8. Bosch GCM12SD Sliding Glide Miter Saw

Traditional sliding compound miter saws employ rails to allow the blade assembly to slide. In the GCM12SD miter saw, Bosch has decided to go a different route.

GCM12SD boasts the patented Axial Glide system that uses articulating arms instead of rails. This system allows for smoother and more accurate adjustments than in rail-based designs. It makes the miter saw compact as well.

Additionally, Bosch claims that the Axial Glide system is more durable, but it also probably is more difficult to maintain than rail-based designs.

What’s also nice about this miter saw is that it’s available with a portable wheeled stand. This particular kit is rather expensive, but it’s a worthy investment if you want to stay portable.

9. DEWALT DCS361M1 Miter Saw

The DEWALT DCS361M1 miter saw is a fine choice for jobsites where access to electricity is limited. This miter saw is battery-powered, and DEWALT also nicely includes a battery along with a charger out of the box.

DCS361M1 is quite compact and light too, which is great for a tool that is aimed to deliver increased portability.

Another important feature in DCS361M1 is the LED light guide. LED guides are much more accurate than laser guides and are excellent if you want spot-on cuts every time.

10. Craftsman CMCS714M1 Sliding Miter Saw

Finally, we have the CMCS714M1 miter saw from Craftsman. This is a slightly less expensive alternative to the DEWALT cordless tool we reviewed earlier, so it may be a better pick for lighter jobs.

The biggest advantage of CMCS714M1 is its weight – at only 21 pounds, this is the lightest sliding compound miter saw on our top. What’s even better is that the cutting capacity of this tool is more or less similar to DCS361M1’s capabilities!

Interestingly, Craftsman also offers this miter saw in multiple listings, including ones that come with an oscillating power tool, finish nailer, or a LED area light.

What Is A Sliding Compound Miter Saw?

If you aren’t sure how a sliding compound miter saw differs from a compound miter saw, then this section is for you.

A compound miter saw is a miter saw that has a tilting head. The tilting head allows you to make a variety of cuts at an angle (called beveled cuts). In a sliding compound miter saw, the blade can be additionally slid across the mounting rail, allowing you to make wide cuts without having to move the wood.

Note that although sliding compound miter saws allow for added flexibility in cutting, they sometimes can’t cut as thick pieces as compound miter saws. This is because the rails that hold the blade occupy some of the tool’s working area.

Apart from that, sliding compound miter saws are more expensive. However, if you need to make wide cuts often, then such a miter saw is worth the investment.

With that, both types of miter saw have their benefits, and you’ll have to decide which one is right for you.

Key Specs & Features To Consider In A Sliding Compound Miter Saw

This section is dedicated to our buying tips. Below, we’ll talk about the most important features to consider in a sliding compound saw.

Motor amps & RPM

Miter saw motors are typically rated at 10-15 amps. The more power you need, the higher the amperage should be. If you are intending to saw through large amounts of hardwood, then a 15-amp miter saw would be ideal.

Power source

Most sliding compound miter saws out there are corded, but you can find cordless models as well. The benefits of cordless tools over their corded analogs are as follows:

• Portability. You can use a cordless miter saw anywhere as long as the tool’s battery has charge.

• No cords. You won’t have to deal with any power cord messes since there are no cords in the first place.

On the other hand, also keep in mind that corded miter saws have the following upsides:

• Higher power. Though cordless miter saws can get really powerful, the typical corded miter saw is more powerful than the typical cordless one.

• Lighter weight. Batteries can get really heavy, which, in turn, makes cordless miter saws weigh a lot.

• Lower price tag. Cordless compound miter saws are usually more expensive than comparable corded saws.

When choosing between a cordless or corded sliding compound miter saw, the main consideration is portability. If you need to be able to use a miter saw in remote locations with no power, then a cordless miter saw would be ideal.

Note that cordless miter saws usually do not include a battery. You will have to check with the manufacturer what kind of batteries the tool supports and get the right one separately.

Blade size & cutting capacity

Miter saw blades are typically sized at 8-1/4, 8-1/2, 10, and 12 inches. Needless to say, the larger the blade, the longer cuts you will be able to make.

Most miter saw jobs can be done with 10- or 12-inch blades, so these are the sizes that you should be considering, unless you have special needs.

For some perspective as to what these blade sizes can do, a 10-inch non-sliding blade can make cuts across 5-1/2 inches wide boards. This makes 10-inch blades sufficient for 2 x 6 lumber. In terms of depth, a non-sliding blade will typically do up to 1.25 inches.

At a 45-degree angle, a 10-inch blade would cut a 2 x 4 lumber.

With a sliding 10-inch saw blade, you would be able to make up to 2-inch deep cuts. Not only that, but the width of the crosscut could be up to twice as much, though this depends on the miter saw design.

In contrast, a 12-inch non-sliding blade would be able to make a crosscut in a 7-1/2 inches wide piece of wood. This is equivalent to 2 x 8 lumber. Accordingly, a sliding 12-inch blade would make up to 2 times wider cuts.

12-inch blades can also easily handle 4 x 4s. A 10-inch saw can also cut 4 x 4s, but not in one cut, even in sliding miter saws.

Besides raw cutting capacity, there are some other things that differ between 10- and 12-inch miter saws:

• 12-inch miter saws are usually 15-amp. 12-inch sliding miter saws are designed for more demanding jobs, and they therefore typically have 15-amp motors.

• 12-inch blades have more teeth. Thanks to their higher teeth count (usually 60-80), 12-inch blades can typically cut through hardwoods easier, and they also make smoother, finer cuts.

When it comes to teeth count, you may also consider TPI (teeth per inch). High TPI equates to high teeth count. And needless to say, a high TPI would allow for cleaner, faster cuts through hardwood.

One more thing – 10-inch miter saw blades can usually be used in table saws as well. So by opting for a 10-inch sliding miter saw, you would get cross-compatibility with 10-inch table saws.

Additionally, sliding compound miter saws with smaller blade sizes are more compact and space-saving. If you have limited storage space for your tools, then a small-size miter saw might be ideal. But note that you may need to do more passes to make cuts with a smaller miter saw.

Blade adjustments

Pay careful attention to what kind of adjustments you can do to the blade.

The simplest sliding compound miter saw will allow you to make up to 45-degree bevel cuts to one side. More advanced dual sliding compound miter saws can make bevel cuts to either the right or left.

Additionally, some sliding compound miter saws might allow a wider degree range –  up to 48-52 degrees. A handful of models may also do, say, 45 degrees to one side and 50 degrees to the other.

For most people, 45 degrees to one side is going to be more than enough. On the other hand, if you are looking for a miter saw for workshop use, then a dual compound miter saw could make your job much easier, especially with odd angles.

With beveling blades, you should also consider positive stop detents. These detents fix the blade assembly at preset angles, allowing for accurate bevel cuts. Typically, stop detents are made at 22.5, 45, or 90 degrees. Simpler saws may have detents at only 0 and 45 degrees, which is fine for most needs.

Thumb-activated positive stops would be nice too since they would allow you to adjust the blade without it contacting each stop.

Aside from positive stop detents, you may also want to look for depth stops. As implied by the name, depth stops allow you to adjust the height of the blade and along with it the depth of the cut.

Fences

Miter saw fences are designed to support the workpiece as you are making a cut. Aside from ensuring a cleaner cut, a saw fence keeps the material stable and safe, preventing kickback and operator injury.

With fences, you may want to pay attention to their length and height. Needless to say, with longer and thicker pieces, you would want a larger support fence.

Additionally, consider fences that may be slid out of the way to allow you to make longer cuts, as well as bevel cuts.

Cut guides

If cut accuracy is of utmost importance to your projects, consider a miter saw that either comes or supports accessory cut guides.

Laser diodes have long been used as cutting guides in miter saws. They work pretty decently to ensure an accurate cut, but they have a few shortcomings.

Most importantly, lasers are typically not paired with the blade, so they do not show 100% exactly where the blade is aimed. And secondly, the typically used red laser diodes are difficult to see in bright conditions.

To solve the visibility issue, some high-end saws have started using green diodes. However, these diodes still don’t offer foolproof accuracy.

As an alternative, consider LED light guides. Not many saws are using this tech, but it’s very accurate since the blade’s shadow itself is cast onto the material.

Dust collection

Some miter saws have integrated dust collection systems as well. This is a very helpful feature, especially if your job volume is high. A miter saw’s dust collection system would allow you to avoid annoying cleaning jobs after you are done with woodworking.

Typically, miter saws with dust collection systems allow you to hook up a dust bag to a dust exhaust port to collect sawdust and wood debris. You can also often connect a shop vac to the dust exhaust port, but you’ll need to have a compatible hose.

Note that dust collection would be particularly useful inside. Outdoors, it’s not too helpful since you may not need to clean any dust to begin with.

Safety features

Pay careful attention to the miter saw’s safety features. Among the key things to consider are:

• Electric brake reverse. This feature reverses the flow of electricity, which forces the blade to stop quicker than in miter saws. Electric brakes can stop the blade in as quickly as 2 seconds. In standard miter saws, the blade’s momentum will go on for much longer, depending on the saw’s speed.

• Articulating blade guard. An articulating blade guard can be lifted up when the saw is off to allow for better visibility of the workpiece. When you are ready to make a cut, the guard is brought down to cover the blade.

Weight & size

Weight & size might be important to some people as well.

Miter saws are stationary tools and aren’t really meant to be moved from place to place frequently. However, if you do need to be able to easily transport your miter saw, preferably get yourself a light and compact tool.

Keep in mind that lightness and compactness need to be achieved at the expensive of something. Most often, you have to sacrifice tool quality to receive low weight. With that, if you do woodworking projects frequently, you may need to get a heavier saw than you would have wanted just to get a good tool that will work for a long time.

Final Words

As your first step when shopping for the best sliding compound miter saw, try to determine if you really need this miter saw style. It has great benefits, but why get an overly complex tool if its advanced features will be left unused?

If you do think that a sliding compound miter saw is the right tool for your needs, then by now, you should know all that’s important to be able to invest your money effectively!