Best Saw for Trim Work – Top 10 (Sliding Compound) Miter Saws

Published on: March 24, 2022
Written by Eric Devin / Fact-checked by David Rowan

If you are a woodworker, a sliding compound miter is a must-have tool in your workshop. It can be the most convenient tool in your workshop which can help you to have perfect angled miter cuts.

You can complete any kind of carpentry work faster, safer, easier, and more accurately with the help of a sliding compound miter saw.

It is a specially designed tool that you can use for a different purposes. So if you are going to buy one for the DIY purpose of professional use, I’d like to suggest you go slow and check the detail and features of every saw that you think can serve your purpose.

The best way to choose the one for you is to check products from different brands, look for the features and pick the one that suits your requirement better.

I know, it is pretty much time-consuming and not possible for everyone to perform this type of research. That’s why I’ve found out the 10 best sliding compound miter saws and listed them for you to save you time.

Miter Saw

Miter saws, generally, miter saws are referred to as drop saws, are the kind of saw that is used to get the exact crosscut & miters in your workpiece. It allows you to create decorative pieces or angle joints. If you’re about to buy a miter saw, you’ll find two types of them- Compound Miter Saw and Sliding Compound Miter Saw.

Compound miter saws include blades that pivot right and left for angled cuts. It is perfect for crown molding, picture frames, or any other projects which need angled cut in two planes.

Sliding Compound Miter Saws all the versatility of a compound saw along with the sliding feature. And allows you to move the blade forward and backward.

How to Use a Miter Saw

While using a miter saw, you should follow the proper way to make the perfect cut. I’ve mentioned some of them below-

• Put your board opposite the fence and then clamp it.
• Before starting the blade, pull the miter saw to you until it reaches directly over the edge of the board near you.
• Start the saw and wait until it reaches peak rotation speed. When the speed reaches the peak, you can pull the blade down to the wood.
• Push the saw back and away from you while the blade is cutting through the remaining wood.
• When the blade is finished cutting the wood, remove it and release the trigger to stop it.

Buying Guide (Factors Have to Consider)

Though there are different types of miter saws available in the market, they share some common features which you should look for while choosing a new one.

Laser Guide System

If the miter saw you’re going to buy has a laser guide system, it’ll be very much useful. A powerful laser guide will make your miter saw easier to use and helps you to have accurate cuts.

But some may not have an effective laser guide system, so you must check the system before buying. Try to read as many buying guides as you can and search for users’ opinions. This will really help you to pick the right one for you.

Dust Collection System

Another thing you need to check before buying is the dust collection system of the saw. Usually, the dust collection system that comes with the saw contains a bag which is not so effective.

An effective dust-gathering system will help you to keep your workplace clean and it’ll also increase the lifespan of your saw as it prevents the dust from getting inside the saw.

So get proper knowledge about the sliding miter saw you want to buy through research and make your decision.

Type of Motor

Though it is necessary for you to have a power saw if you need to use the saw regularly, you must choose the powerful one. Or if you do a lot of heavy cutting and need some smooth cuts, you should consider a motor that has the smooth start technology.

The Blade

Most of the miter saws come with a standard blade which is fine for rough cuts but these are not right for your fine woodworking project. So if you need a nice finishing for your job, you should go for the additional and higher quality blade.

And if you need to change the blade of your saw, the changing process must be easy. Because if the process is difficult, it’ll waste your valuable time.

Safety

Generally, miter saws are dangerous to operate so you should look for one which has enough safety features.

When I had to buy a compound miter saw, the safety features I looked for were fence guards and electric brakes. So you should also check the features you need while buying one for yourself.

Size

Sliding compound miter saws are available in different sizes, like 12 inches, 10 inches, and 7 ¼ inches. And this size refers to the diameter of the blade of the saw.

7 ¼ inches sliding compound miter saws are lightweight models, they are handy, portable, and designed especially for small projects.

10 inches miter saws are commonly used for homeowners and DIYers as they can easily complete projects like fences, decks, and renovations.

12 inches sliding compound miter saws can cut larger sizes of boards and are perfect to serve professional purposes like- crown molding or baseboards.

Positive Stops

While working with wood, you must have noticed that there are some angles that will repeat. If your miter saw has positive stops for these common angles, you don’t need to spend more time setting up the cuts.

So it is required that the sliding miter saw you’re going to buy must have positive stops so that you can lock the miter quickly and easily by simply pressing down its handle.

Top 10 Miter Saws Reviews for Compound, Sliding & More

1. Bosch- Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw – (Model no. GCM12SD) – Ideal for Trim Carpenters

• 12-Inch Blade;
• Cuts 6-½ x 14 at 90 degree, 6-½ at 45 degree
• Weights 88 pounds
• dust chute elbow, a vacuum adapter, and a dust bag provided
• 15 amp motor
• 3800 RPM

Professional-level workmanship comes from high-end tools. Make sure your every cut is flawless with the GCM12SD glide miter saw manufactured by Bosch. It gained popularity due to convenience, accuracy, and durability. All the features a carpenter needs to deliver perfect finished furniture.

Axial glide of this saw makes you the boss of this tool by giving you total control to make perfect precise cuts. Its highest capacity expands your eligibility to cut pieces of large dimensions.

Convenient to use for both left and right-handed people because of its dual bevel. The other features that make this saw most convenient are a square lock to release the fence, one touch lock to slide the fence, adjustable miter detent, detent override, battery power laser, and the list is endless.  

The dust chute collects 90% of the dust keeping the machine and workplace clean. It’s not portable; it does not need to be as it is meant for workshops. In spite of the high price, this saw is unbeatable in terms of performance.

Things We Liked

• High capacity cuts;
• Powerful motor;
• Creates most accurate cuts;
• Numerous features for control and adjustments;
• High-end and durable.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Pricey.

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2. DEWALT- Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw – (Model No DWS780)

• 12-Inch Blade;
• 3800 RPM, 15 amp motor;
• Cutting capacity: 2 x 16 dimensions at 90 degrees and 2 x 12 at 45 degrees;
• 10 stop positions of detent plate;
• A 60-tooth carbide blade, dust bag, wrench, and manual were provided.

If precision is what you are looking for from your saw then DWS780 is the perfect choice for you. It is a compound miter saw, so you have all the benefits of using both sliding and miter saws.

This saw is equipped with a  powerful motor and provides high cutting capacity. The flexibility you get from an adjustable meter detent plate is beyond comparable. Because it stops at 10 positions and has a cam lock for hassle-free operation.

The miter can be bent up to 60 degrees to the left and up to 50 degrees to the right. You can lock it down with a bevel lock system for multiple bevel cuts with the same accuracy.

It comes with an advanced laser light, which shows cut points by casting a thin shadow of the blade to let you see where the blade is going to cut.  A 60-tooth carbide blade, dust bag, wrench, and manual are included as accessories.

This saw from Dewalt is suitable for heavy-duty usage and is heavy in weight. To make its portability easier a handle is attached at the top. This product is currently covered by excellent refund, service, and warranty options.

Things We Liked

• Powerful motor;
• Precise cut;
• High capacity;
• Adjustable meter detent plate.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Heavy.

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3. Makita – Compound Miter Saw – (Model No. LS1040)

• 10-Inch Blade;
• 4,600 RPM
• Miter stops at 9 positions
• Cutting capacity: 2-3/4 inch x 5-1/8 inch dimension for 90 degrees and 1-3/8 inch x 3-4/8 inch dimension for 45 degree
• Vertical vise, blade, wrench, and triangular rule are included.

In the LS1040 compound saw by Makita you get all the advanced features you were dreaming of in a budget range for DIY projects. This compound saw is small for its 10-inch blade and grate for storage but it is undoubtedly more powerful than other pricey saws because of its 4,600 RPM capacity.

Only 24 pounds weight of this tool makes this saw ideal for moving from one room to another for home renovation and working outdoors to avoid dust. It has settings for speed control and stops the meter at 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, right or left, and 0° (90° cuts). A miter is able to cut 0°-45° to the left and 0°-52° to right.

For variable cuts, blade changing is made easy by shaft locks. Its cutting capacity is enough for home renovation and DIY projects. For professional use, you have to pick one from 12 inches miter saws rather than this.

Incredible performance, high productivity, and convenience of use have been ensured in this device. It is mostly suitable for light to medium use. As the price is low, the quality is not high-end; so, it may not be long-lasting if used commercially.

Things We Liked

• Affordable;
• Lightweight;
• Compound saw;
• Quiet operation of the motor;
• Speed settings available.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Not suitable for heavy use.

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4. Milwaukee 12-Inch Sliding Dual Bevel Miter Saw (Model No 6955-20)

• Weights 77.8 pounds;
• 12-inch blade;
• Cutting capacity 4-3/4-inches (120mm);
• Dual lasers;
• Dual bevel up to 48 degrees;
• Accessories: Blade Wrench, Carbide Tipped Blade, and Dust Bag.

This miter saw is the perfect choice for applications where you need fine accuracy. This machine is designed to confirm 0.1-degree accuracy for repeated cuts. The attached dial with digital readout makes adjusting your desired angle simple.

It is equipped with a powerful motor to cut the toughest wood in seconds. The added dual light is handy even if one gives out in the middle of an ongoing project. You will not have to deal much with dust as three-fourths of the produced dust will be removed by its dust collector.

Nine positive stops are set in this miter saw. From its weight, you will realize this machine is durable but not portable. It is perfect for workshops where it will not need to move often.

Things We Liked

• 0.1-degree accuracy;
• Dual work lights;
• Powerful motor. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• Heavy.

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5. JCB Tools – Sliding Double Bevel Miter Saw

• Weights 45.1 pounds;
• Speed 5000 RPM;
• Blade Length ‎12 Inches;
• Sliding Bevel 120V, 60T TCT blade;
• Dual lasers;
• Dimensions: 35.2 x 21.6 x 17.5 inches;
•  Includes a 6.5′ cable length for electric sawing.

Festool incorporated the most advanced features with their JCB tools compound miter saw. I call this a ‘perfectionist saw’ because of its numerous features to ensure one can make a cut just the way they want it. It has a capacity of 12 inches blade.

The dual bevel has a fine pointer knob to set the angle up to the fractions of a degree. Cutting molding for awkward corners is made easy with the angle finder. Just measure the angle with the angle finder and transfer the measurement to the saw automatically.

The dual laser works an impressive job by pointing to the area which will be cut rather than just illuminating the workpiece. You can set the speed of the blade with variable speed settings to cut different materials.

91% of the produced dust was removed instantly by the dust collector of this saw. It is portable, compact, and great to work in tight spaces. It is a high-end product, so the high price should not be a headache.

Things We Liked

• Lightweight and compact;
• Collection dust bag;
• 2x workpiece supports;
• Duel lasers;
• Portable.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Expensive.

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6. Makita 10-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw – (Model No LS1018)

• 10 inches blade;
• 13.0 AMP motor, delivers 4,300 RPM    
• Dual bevel with 9 stops;
• Cutting capacity 3-5/8 x 12 inches at 90°, 8-1/2” at 45°;
• Accessories: Triangular rule, blade, dust bag, vise, extension wings, and wrench.

This one is a 10 inches saw but comes with enough capacity to cut moldings, lumber, a dashboard, and many more we need to cut for renovation. The miter has a wide angle capacity at the right and left. On the left, it is 0° – 47° and on the right, the capacity is 0° – 60°. It has positive stops at right and left at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45° angles, which are the most common angles.

The motor is powerful, delivers a soft start, and maintains uniform speed throughout the cut. Its operation is also surprisingly easy, making it suitable to work on residential premises. This tool comes with a wide range of accessories that we always have to purchase separately.

The handle has a rubberized grip on it for day-long stress-free and continuous operation. The machine is covered by an excellent refund and warranty option but some users complained about not getting a replacement due to discontinued parts by the manufacturer.

Things We Liked

• Quiet operation;
• Several accessories were provided;
• Good refund, replacement, and warranty;
• High cutting capacity.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Not serviceable,
• No laser included.

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7. Metabo HPT C10FCH2S Compound Miter Saw for Tight Budget

• 10″ compound miter saw with laser;
• 0-45 degree bevel angle range;
• Weights 2.5 pounds;
• 4mm hex bar wrench;
• Material support extension;
• Single bevel;
• Accessories: C10FCH2S miter saw, 10″ 24T TCT saw blade. 

Metabo HPT C10FCH2S has included all the compulsory features in this tool ensuring quality and low price at the same time. If anyone wants to save a carpenter’s bill by DIY projects but cannot avail of a high-price range saw, then I recommend this saw. Its productivity has been satisfactory so far. With this machine, you can create bevel cuts from 0 to 45 degrees at the left. But the miter is able to cut up to 52 degrees at left and right.

 It creates the highest RPM that cannot be found in the most expensive saws. The machine is portable, compact, and takes little space for storage. You get a 2 years warranty and friendly customer service along with the product upon purchase.

The only complaint I got about this product is, it does not come with a vacuum for dust collection. So, its dust collection is not up to the mark. If that is okay for you, then surely you can invest in this saw for your long awaiting DIY projects.

Things We Liked

• Easy to set up and use;
• Economic;
• Sliding style;
• Long-lasting.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Nothing mentioned.

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8. Metabo HPT Tools – Compound Miter Saw (Model No C10FCGS)

• 10-Inch blade;
• 5000 RPM, 15 amp motor;
• 0-52 degrees, to the right and left for increased flexibility;
• Included 10″ 24T TCT saw blade, dust bag, vise assembly, hex. bar wrench (5mm), holder
• Single bevel.

This miter saw from Metabo HPT Tools can draw the highest RPM. The most convenient feature is its compatibility to mount on any stand, table, or work surface. Mounting accessories are not provided, this job can be done with bolts and washers you have within your reach.

The 10 inches blade can be set to 0-45 degrees, which meets most of the cutting needs of daily life homeowners. Suitable to work and store in crowded spaces as it is small. Can be carried to different places due to its lightweight. This saw comes with a battery-operated laser light for accurate cutting; not just to illuminate the workplace like the lasers of other saws.

The only drawback of this tool is, it cannot make the right bevels. Suitable to cut left bevel up to 47 degrees only. So, you have to replace your workpiece every time if you need left and right cuts on the same piece. You must clean up the mess after your work as the included dust bag is not effective enough to collect all the dust.

Things We Liked

• Lightweight;
• Can be mounted on any surface or stand;
• Easy assembly;
• Affordable;
• Laser included.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Make only the left bevel.

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9. DEWALT – Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw for Home Improvement – (Model No DW715)

• 12-inch blade;
• 11 positive stops of detent plate;
• 15-Amp motor, 4,000 RPM;
• Cutting capacity: 2 x 8″ for 90 degree , 4 x 6″ for 45 degree;
• Single bevel up to 48 degrees at left;
• 4 bevel stops;
• Accessories: a carbide blade, dust bag, blade wrench, and comfortable side handles included.

An ideal saw can make your home improvement hassle-free, effortless, and most importantly, less time-consuming. DW715 single bevel miter saw is meant for cutting pieces we use for refurbishments like molds, framings, and many more.

The fences are taller than other miter saws to support 5-1/4-Inch crown moldings and 6-1/2-Inch base moldings. For bevel cuts, just slide the fences out and make space for bevel cuts.

Ensure accuracy with 11 stops of the detent plate and 5 positions of the bevel. 0°, 33.9°, 45° and 48°are the five settings of the left level, which meets all your cutting needs for household usage. To lock the settings in place and deliver accuracy every time, ‘Cam-Lock’ is added to the base of this saw.

You get only the left bevel in this miter saw, but this does not make this saw any less than the double bevel saws. Dewalt launched this saw quality saw within the reach of homeowners to meet their home improvement needs. This saw is perfect for that job.

Things We Liked

• Ideal for homeowners;
• Powerful motor;
• Moderate cutting capacity;
• Adjustable miter and bevel;
• High quality;
• Portable.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Pricey.

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10. Delta Power Equipment Corporation 10″ ShopMaster Miter Saw – (Model No-S26-262L)

• 15 amp motor delivers 5500 RPM;
• Weights 26.2 pounds;
• 10 inches blade;
• Cutting capacity – 4X4 inches at 90° and 2X6 at 45°
• Bevel stops at 5 positions;
• Laser included.

Like its weight, the price is also low. This super portable saw can do almost any cut that we need for small DIY projects. Its motor is very powerful and created the highest RPM on this list. Its cutting capacity is sufficient to meet the needs of daily usage.

This saw is highly compatible to go with any miter stand of any brand. If you already have one, then you do not need to buy another for this machine. This saw has a battery-operated laser to make precise cuts.

It is a single bevel saw with five-position stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 30, and 45 degrees to the left. Like other miter saws, the dust bag of this saw is useless. The rest of the features are useful and as advertised.

You don’t have to worry about the accuracy of cuts created by this machine because it is UL listed. Besides, for your peace of mind, this machine is backed by a 3 years warranty, the longest for a budget saw.

Things We Liked

• Portable;
• Powerful operation;
• Long warranty option;
• Compatible to any stand;
• Affordable price.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Not suitable for super fine cuts.

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Frequently Asked Questions Saw for Trim Work

What Saw Is Best for Cutting Trim?

Generally, a table saw will give you the most useful for this task. In any case, you may have to utilize a jigsaw, in the same way, assuming that you will be expected to cut through tight regions.

Obviously, taking into account space and financial planning, placing resources between both a table saw and a jigsaw will allow you to work faster to complete the trim initiative.

What Kind of Miter Saw Do I Require for a Trim?

Assuming you expect to use your miter saw to cut trim or siding, and don’t expect to cut something an inch thick or 6 inches wide, a 10-inch miter saw should suffice. Either way, assuming you really want to cut larger sheets, or just need more flexibility, a 12-inch miter saw is a good decision.

Conclusion

So you need to do some research before buying your best budget miter saw as there are different variations in the market.

But you can rely on my buying guide as I’ve tried to summarize all the necessary information about the best sliding miter saw for both homeowners and professionals.

You can also consider the list I’ve provided and match the products with your needs.

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