A 12-inch miter saw is the largest in its category. And if you came here looking for the best milter saw with a 12-inch blade then you’re probably a woodworker or a professional. A large 12-inch blade is great for fencing projects, laminate flooring, and cutting hardwoods at a miter angle. No matter whether you’re a pro or just a beginner, the below miter saw reviews will help you find the best 12-inch blade. But before beginning with reviews let us throw some light on different types of miter saws.
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Types of Miter Saw
All miter saws consist of a circular blade. Then what makes them different? See the brief description below to understand the differences between them. This will help you decide the right tool for your workshop or home use for flawless wood cutting and trimming every time.
Classic Miter Saw
The simplest or say standard miter saw, is ideal for blunt cuts. Usually, such saws have a fixed blade angle that goes through the material as you pivot the swingarm. The blade then cuts the material apart similar to a ‘chop saw’. These basic saws are not very popular as they are limited to particular cuts only.
Single Compound Miter Saw
These saws have the ability to tilt down to one side, usually the left side. The tilting angle of the blade provides a bevel cut that is usually one on the end of the lumbar or laminate board for proper finishing. The tilting direction of a single compound miter saw is usually fixed and is more suitable for unvarying wood cutting work.
Dual Compound Miter Saw
If you work on a lot of different projects that involve crown molding, fencing, etc, then go for a dual compound miter saw. These tools provide two-way bevel and miter cuts. Thanks to its cutting head that tilts in both directions so that you can make accurate miter cuts without much lifting or setting. They can save you time and energy.
Compound Sliding Miter Saw
While small wood lumbar are easy to cut, the problem arises when you have to make wider cuts. And that’s when the compound sliding miter saw comes into action. Such saws have sliding rails attached to them which allows sliding of miter blade for wide cuts without having to flip the board halfway. Not only does this save time but also helps in even cut every time.
Here are the 10 best 12-inch miter saw that you can use for Jobsite, woodworking, and more.
1) DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw,Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715)
Equipped with a powerful 15 amp motor, Dewalt single bevel compound miter saw is ideal for home use. This powerful yet budget-friendly miter saw is one of the best-rated tools among buyers. And the credit goes to its robust construction and a highly effective motor that provides up to 4000 RPM. You can cut a variety of materials with such an impressive speed.
Dewalt DWS715 comes with a 12-inch carbide blade. This blade has a beveling capacity of 0-48 degrees to the left, while it can go from 0-3 degrees on the right. In addition to that, the blade provides positive stops at 0º, 45º, and 33.9º that is useful for cutting crown molding. Whereas, the 4 hardened steel bevel stops delivers versatility at common bevel angles.
The power tool is safe to use right out of the box as the package comes with all important components. It includes a carbide blade, dust bag, blade wrench, vertical clamp, and comfortable side handles in the base. Set the tool properly by following the instructions in the manual. Once set, you can use the 12-inch miter saw blade for chop cuts, cross cuts, miter, and bevel cuts.
Pros:
- Tall sliding fence supports crown molding up to 5-1/4 inches
- Crosscut capacity of 2×8-inch lumbar at 90º and 2×6-inch lumbar at 45º
- 4 hardened bevel stops at 0º, 33.9º, 45º, and 48º
- The electric miter saw features a long 6-feet cord
- Includes all important components to use the tool right out of the box
- Adjustable stainless steel miter plate with 14 positive stops
- Includes a headlock pin that locks the blade in the down position for repeatable accuracy
- Best budget 12-inch miter saw for beginners
Cons:
- Lacks LED cutting guide
- Heavyweight tool
Key Features:
- 15-amp motor
- 4000 RPM
- Single compound
- 48º bevel limit(left)
- 8-inch max cutting thickness
- UL listed
- Weighs 42.8 pounds
- 3-year limited warranty
2) Bosch Power Tools 12 Inch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw
Accuracy is the key while working on big wood projects. And if you’re a pro woodworker searching for the best dual-bevel miter saw then go for Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD. This industry-quality tool equipped with a 15 amp motor provides a maximum of 3 HP. With such impressive horsepower and 3800 RPM speed, the 12-inch saw blade provides accurate cuts on every single use.
The best part about Bosch sliding miter saw is its dual-bevel design. This means you can adjust the bevel angle at 45 degrees to left or right without moving the piece of wood. Thus, saves time and energy. Besides, the pre-aligned square lock fences help the saw maintain precision throughout life. It locks the fence at 90º to the table for even cuts, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments.
While dual-bevel cutting angles help to bevel the lumbar precisely, the patented axial guide system of Bosch allows for wider cuts. The unmatched flexibility of glider arms expands the cutting capacity of the job site miter saw to 14-inch horizontal. Plus, 6-1/2-inch vertical capacity against fence base, whereas, provides 6-1/2-inch crown capacity against the fence spring. In short, this powerful tool can handle various household and job site projects with ease.
Pros:
- 4×14-inch maximum crosscut capacity at 90-degree for both left and right sides
- Features a dust chute that is compatible with 1-1/4″ and 35 mm hoses
- Clear lower guard for unobstructed visibility
- Integrated sliding rails provides a total length of 40 inches
- Tip-resistant stable base
- Large, easy-to-read uniform bevel, plus, stainless steel miter scales with marked detents and roof pitch angles
- UL and CSA listed tool
- Best 12-inch dual bevel sliding miter saw in its class
Cons:
- No laser guide
Key Features:
- 15-amp motor
- 3800 RPM
- 3 HP
- Glide movement controller
- Dual bevel design
- 4-inch max cutting thickness
- Weighs 65 lbs
- 1-yeat manufacturer warranty
3) Makita Cordless 12″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser
It is hard to find one free power source at a busy job site. And you’re lucky enough to find a power plug, the location might not be the best to set the miter saw. In that case, it is better to go for a battery-powered miter saw like Makita XSL07Z. Powered by 2 LXT batteries, the machine delivers enough power to carry most of the woodworks. The batteries are 2x more powerful and long-lasting to let you finish the work in time.
Do not let the cordless feature of Makita 12-inch miter saw think of it any less. Despite running on battery, Makita features a brushless motor that delivers a powerful output of 4400 RPM. This Makita-built electronically-controlled brushless motor is fast, efficient, and runs quietly. Also, thanks to its automatic speed change technology that adjusts cutting speed and torque during the cut for smooth results.
Equipped with a 60T 12-inch carbide-tipped blade, the saw provides a maximum cutting capacity of 3.625 inches. While dual bevel sliding compound miter saw provides the best cutting accuracy, a built-in laser eliminates the need to manually mark the cutting surface. You can simply turn on the laser guide to get a precise line of cut instantly. Thus, reducing your work further and saves time.
Pros:
- Brushless motor runs quietly, plus, eliminates carbon brushes that result in less heating on continuous use
- Additional features include electric brake, keyed blade change, and positive stops
- Direct drive motor for quick and efficient cutting
- UL listed
- 0º-48º bevel cuts(left+right) and 0º-60º miter cut(left+right)
- Linear ball bearing system for precise cuts every time
- Dual dust collection ports to work in a cleaner environment
- Best battery 12-inch miter saw with laser guide
Cons:
- No batteries included
- Heavy
Key Features:
- Brushless motor
- 4400 RPM
- 3.625 max cutting thickness
- Dual bevel type
- Laser guide
- Battery-powered
- Weighs 91 pounds
- 3-year limited warranty
4) Milwaukee 6955-20 12″ Sliding Dual Bevel Miter Saw
Remodeling a home or commercial space requires a lot of accuracies as you need to cut lumber or wooden sheets according to the existing size. And there are high chances of uneven miter cuts if you’re new to trimming or woodcutting work. However, setting miter angle would not be a problem with Milwaukee sliding dual bevel miter saw as it features digital readout. This highly accurate digital readout provides repeatable accuracy to 0.1 degrees. Therefore, eliminates the need to manually burr a few inches.
The powerful direct drive motor of the Milwaukee 12-inch sliding miter saw is highly efficient. It provides increased power to cut hardwoods. Besides, it features dual integral Jobsite lights that illuminate the workpiece for better cutting. Do not confuse it for laser guide as these are bright led lights that let you see the blade enter the material for precise trimming.
To ensure smooth sliding cuts every time, the Milwaukee electric saw features dual horizontal steel rails. These rails are integrated with 3 large linear bearings that offer smooth sliding action. With a sharp 12-inch rotating blade saw and smooth sliding action, cutting wide lumber is a breeze with this power tool.
Pros:
- 60º maximum miter cut(right) and 55º maximum miter cut(left)
- Robust aluminum construction
- Integral channel dust collects up to 75 of chips and debris for a cleaner work environment(1 dust bag included)
- Features electric brake, keyed blade change, and positive stops
- Dual integral bright job lights for precise cuts in poorly lit areas
- Soft start decreases head movement on startup and helps to control the blade better
- Best 12-inch dual compound miter saw with sliding feature
Cons:
- No laser guide
- it might take you some time to get used to the tool’s thumb screw lock
Key Features:
- 15-amp motor
- 3.3 HP
- 3250 RPM
- Dual bevel design
- 6-inch max cutting thickness
- Digital readout miter angle
- Weighs 77.8 pounds
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
5) TACKLIFE Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch
Looking for a good quality 12-inch miter saw under budget? Then check out the Tacklife compound milter saw that is both affordable and functional. Costing under $300, this power tool is perfect for home use. The tool is designed for DIY projects that involve a lot of wooden work. This home miter saw is ideal for making window frames, crown molding, lumber cutting, etc.
An integrated laser guide makes the double compound miter saw perfect for home use. Speaking of a double compound, the tool head goes from 45º left to 45º right. This smooth tilting head allows for a precise cut on various materials. The electric home miter saw is equipped with a 305mm 40-tooth TCT blade that cuts through various materials other than wood like plastic tubing, soft metals, etc.
Nobody likes to work in a messy environment. So Tacklife corded-electric tool offers a 35 mm dust port that lets you connect the machine with a vacuum cleaner. This way you can reduce the dust and debris by up to 100%. If not vacuum cleaner, then attach the port with a dust bag that will also help to collect more than 70% of the dust.
Pros:
- Includes a 12-inch 40-tooth TCT blade that cuts through various materials
- The box contains a clamping device, dust bag, side support, Allen wrench, and a user manual
- Long 10-ft power cord length
- Suitable to use for wood, soft metals, and plastic
- Soft-grip cutting handle for better control
- Both sides feature a large area of extended worktables to cut wide wooden boards
- Best cheap miter saw for homeowners and beginners
Cons:
- Limited laser light range
- The poorly designed dust collection port
Key Features:
- 15 AMP motor
- 3800 RPM
- Double bevel cutting
- Red laser guide
- 40T TCT blade
- Weighs 46 pounds
- 24-month warranty
6) Delta 12 In. Dual Bevel Sliding Cruzer Miter Saw
Better control over the blade while sliding results in a smooth cutting. So Delta 12-inch dual bevel sliding miter saw features many heavy-duty bearings. These numerous bearings let you maneuver the 12″ rotating blade for smooth crosscuts/miter cuts. And speaking of crosscut, you would be surprised to know that this compact tool provides a huge 18-inch crosscut capability. Thanks to the extendable arm and sharp 12″ carbide blade that easily rips wide wooden plank.
The fence miter saw takes up less storage space even though it features an extendable arm. The saw’s unique design lets you use rails and sliding mechanisms in small spaces. And such a space-saving design is ideal for garage or job site use where workspace is limited. Even though the compact size, the small miter saw can easily cut a 7-1/2-inch crown and 6-1/2-inch standing base moldings.
Bevel adjustments are typically on the back of the saw blade which can be quite problematic. However, you do not need to lean all the way back to adjust the bevel-cut angle. Thanks to the smart design of sliding compound miter saw that features forward located dual bevel lever. You can easily set the bevel angle with one hand.
Pros:
- Features a blade brake for safety shadow guide cut line for repeatable accuracy
- 7 positive bevel stops
- One-handed front miter controls with push-button miter detent override
- Military-grade aluminum frame construction with 18 heavy-duty bearings
- Compact, space-saving design
- The ergonomically placed trigger is easy to use for both left and right-handers
- Best rated 12-inch miter saw for woodworking
Cons:
- No laser guide
- Dust collection could be better
Key Features:
- 15 amps power
- 4000 RPM
- 18-inch cross-cut capability
- 6.5-inch maximum cutting thickness
- Flip-down slide lock
- Weighs 57 pounds
- 5-year limited warranty
7) Hitachi C12FDH 12-Inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw with Laser
If you want a good quality tool for occasional home use then consider Hitachi C12FDH. This 12-inch dual bevel miter saw is now known as Metabo HPT. Only the name is been changed, the product still remains efficient. The budget-friendly price tag of Metabo HPT makes it perfect for DIY lovers who love to do various small and mid-size projects of their home.
The sharp TCT 32-tooth saw blade cuts various materials including wood, plywood, crown molding, decorative panels, soft fiberboard, aluminum sashes, etc. Do not worry if you’re new to woodworking as Hitachi’s exclusive laser marker system helps you with accurate cuts. Simply turn on the laser guide and follow the bright red line to cut the material into two evenly.
Do not let the low-price of the tool confuse you with its abilities as it offers a double compound design just like high-end models. The bevel scale ranges from 0º to 48º to both left and right. In short, you no longer have to readjust the lumber for bevel cut on the other side. Instead, simply tilt the head of the electric saw.
Pros:
- Tall, pivoting aluminum fence that stands at a height of 5-1/8 inches for better crown molding
- Comfortable horizontal handle with vibration-reducing elastomer grip
- Miter range of 52 degrees right and left
- Micro bevel adjustment knob for fine-tuning bevel angles
- The powerful motor generates a no-load speed of 4000 rpm that easily cuts through the toughest hardwoods
- Splinter guard behind the fence for user safety
- Best affordable 12-inch miter saw with laser guide
Cons:
- Laser adjustment does not come installed
Key Features:
- 15-Amp motor
- 4000 RPM
- Laser marker system
- Double compound design
- 12-inch TCT blade
- Weighs 46.3 pounds
- 5-year warranty
8) WEN MM1214 12″ Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser
A budget search can be quite a tedious job. And it is obvious that you do not want to compromise on quality even with a low-budget. So we’ve picked Wen 12″ sliding compound meter saw that is excellent for beginners. Just like a majority of 12″ saws on the list, the Wen MM1214 also features a powerful 15 amp motor. The flawless output of the motor can cut boards up to 13-3/8-inch wide and 3-1/2-inch thick.
Beginners might find it difficult to achieve accuracy on a new tool. So Wen 12″ miter saw features 2 retractable table extensions with work stops and one clamp assembly. You can tighten the lumbar or ply sheet with the help of a clamp while using the extensions to set the material perfectly. This will help you achieve even and smooth cuts even if you’re new to woodcutting.
In addition to clamp, Wen MM1214 features an onboard class II laser guide to further ease trimming wood. This red laser guide combines with the LED work light for maximum visibility. And with these two features combined, you can precisely cut the lumber, plywood, and other soft materials.
Pros:
- The saw features 9 positive stops, however, you can also lock any angle between stops for customized cut
- 7-1/2-inch crown molding nested capacity and 6-3/4 baseboard vertical capacity
- The dust collection port allows for connection to either dustbag or vacuum cleaner
- Offers both, a red laser guide and led work lights
- CSA listed
- Cuts through various materials including nylon, PVC, plastic, and wood
- Best portable 12″ dual bevel sliding compound miter saw
Cons:
- Manual has limited instructions on setting laser light
- Do not use the included blade to cut alloy steel and other similar materials
Key Features:
- 15-amp motor
- 3800 RPM
- Dual bevel design
- 60T carbide-tipped blade
- 3.5-inch max cutting thickness
- Weighs 65.9 pounds
- 2-year warranty
9) SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Quick Mount Compound Miter Saw with Laser
Cut the material accurately whether it is your first time or the hundredth time, with Skil 12-inch compound miter saw. Equipped with a laser guide, the tool throws bright led light on the surface for even cutting. Also, it offers 9 positive stops for setting miter angle to finish various projects.
The powerful motor of the Skil 12″ electric compound saw handles a variety of tasks easily. The motor provides a no-load speed of 4500 RPM that is good to cut lumber, plywood, PVC pipes, and soft metals. However, you need to assemble the tool before using it. But do not worry about the assembly as it comes with a quick-mount system that eases the setup part.
Apart from being user-friendly and powerful, the tool stands among one of the best budget miter saws on the market. With a price tag under $300, it offers heavy-duty construction that will last for years with minimal maintenance. Also, the 12-inch miter saw is corded-electric that does not require you to keep a pair of batteries or chargers. Simply plugin the toolset it, and start trimming.
Pros:
- Bright laser cutline guide for fast and accurate cuts
- Features electric brake for user safety
- CSA listed
- 45-degree miter cuts to the right
- Quick-mount system eases assembling
- Includes 40T carbide blade, extension table, 2 extension rails, vertical clamp, stop block, dust collection blade, blade guard, and a wrench
- Best single bevel 12″ miter saw under $500
Cons:
- Tilting single side only
- You need to register the saw to avail warranty
Key Features:
- 15 amp motor
- 4500 RPM
- 3.5-inch maximum cutting thickness
- 9 positive stops
- Laser guide
- Quick-mount system
- Weighs 46.3 pounds
- 3-year limited warranty
10) Makita 12″ Compound Miter Saw
Experience power and performance with Makita 12″ compound miter saw. Its robust 15-amp motor delivers 4000 RPM of power that provides unmatched cutting capacity. Equipped with a 40T carbide-tipped blade, you can use the tool for cutting wood, lumber, plywood, and soft metals. Also, thanks to the direct-drive motor that delivers enormous power without much energy loss.
Makita tool has a large capacity with a 4-1/2-inch tall pivoting fence. This helps to cut up to 5-1/2-inch crown molding and pivoting fence for larger stock. In short, the tool is great for both home DIY projects and professional work. The unit provides a total of 9 positive miter stops at 15º, 22.5º, 31.6º, 45º, and 0º.
Horizontal D-handle design offers a comfortable cutting position for uneven cuts. However, there’s also an electric brake that maximizes productivity by helping you with safer cuts. The precise-machined aluminum base further ensures accurate cuts. In short, you’ll not have to put the lumber or wooden sheet onto the rails again for retrimming.
Pros:
- 4-1/2″ tall pivoting fence for cutting up to 5-1/2″ crown molding
- Carbide tipped blade cuts through various materials in one go
- Includes a 12″x1″ 40T micro-polished miter saw blade, extension wings, vertical vise, wrench, and dust bag
- Larger cutting capacity; 3-7/8″ x 6″ at 90º
- The direct-drive motor is designed for unmatched power and not to slip or bog, like belt-drive motors
- Best lightweight miter saw for Jobsite and home use
Cons:
- Does not include stand
- No soft start
Key Features:
- 15 amp
- 4000 RPM
- Direct drive motor
- Electric brake
- 9 positive miter stops
- Weighs 37 lbs
- 1-year warranty
How to choose the best 12-inch miter saw
Laser Guide
A miter saw with a laser guide helps you cut material without having to mark it manually. This saves time as well as results in an even cut every time. Many models on the market offer a built-in laser marker system. This feature is great for beginners and homeowners who have little experience in woodworking.
90 Degree Cut Capacity
Miter saws are not just limited to miter cuts. There are many instances where you would need to cut lumber straight. So a saw with a positive stop at 90-degree helps you cut the wood or other material into two.
Non-Slip Grip
Better grip on the handle results in an even cut. Not only does it help to finish the project in time but is also safer. And thankfully, a majority of the tools comprise soft-grip handles. Many of them feature a horizontal D-shape handle that might benefit new users in getting to know the power tool better.
Lumber Cutting Ability
The best thing about having a good quality 12″ miter saw is its lumber cutting capacity. While fixed chop saws are designed to cut a limited size of lumber, the possibilities are flexible with these tools. For example, a sliding compound miter saw can handle various sized materials like 2×4, 4×4, 2×6, etc. The sliding feature allows you to cut a wide ply sheet in one go by a smooth sliding action.
Adjustable Bevel Angles
A dual bevel miter saw lets you trim, i.e, bevel cut the lumber on both sides without having to lift it. This not only saves you time but also ensures accuracy as you’re only tilting the 12-inch blade head. Such a dual compound feature is ideal for serious DIYers and professionals who have got a lot of work to complete in a limited time.
Motor Power
A well-built motor of the tool results in good no-load speed. This no-load speed or RPM determines how smooth the blade will cut through the material. Any tool with no load speed between 3500-4000 RPM is best for cutting hardwood. They will cut easily without leaving the surface very rough. Therefore, you’ll have to spend less time blurring the cut ends.
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Conclusion
If you’ve come looking for a 12-inch miter saw then one thing is for sure, either you’re a serious DIYer or a professional. This is because a 12″ miter saw is large, heavy, and ideal for big projects that involve crown molding, fencing, framing, laminate flooring, etc. And if you love to take remodeling projects then it is time to make space for a good compound miter saw in your workshop. We’ve made our best efforts to pick the best 12-inch miter saws on the market. Now it’s your time to select that one model and miter cut wood and other materials easily.
