A 12-inch miter saw is one of the most powerful and versatile power tools that you can ever own. It can shear cabinet parts, lumber, and baseboard molding with minimal effort.
Switch its regular blade for a non-ferrous one and you’ll be able to slice through any material, including aluminum trim, copper tubing, and more.
Given this level of versatility, you might be considering getting one for yourself. This is where we come in. We’ve reviewed the best 12 inch miter saws and provided a detailed guide to help you find the one that meets your cutting needs.
The Different Types of 12 Inch Miter Saws
There are different varieties of 12 inch miter saws, and they include:
Standard 12 Inch Miter Saw
If you only need a miter to set up a simple baseboard or casing for a picture frame molding, then a basic 12 inch miter saw will suffice.
You shouldn’t spend a ton of money buying a complex tool for simple DIY tasks. A standard no-frills miter saw can make angled cuts across the grain of the wood without a hitch.
Besides, most manufacturers supply a miter gauge as well. This lets you set the saw at a precise angle for smooth cutting.
Compound 12 Inch Miter Saw
Now when you enter into the world of crown molding, a standard miter saw is not enough to meet your cutting needs.
If you look at crown molding keenly, you'll notice that the exterior corner is a compound angle. It means it has to be cut at an angle in both the vertical and horizontal directions. To achieve this, you'll have to tilt the saw’s blade as well as swing it from side to side.
This is where dual-bevel compound miter saws come in handy. They can be swung in the vertical direction either to the left or right.
Sliding 12 Inch Miter Saw
This type of saw has a slightly different design. To be more specific, its cutter head is usually positioned on the rails, which allows it to move in the forward and backward directions as well as up and down. The cutter head constitutes the blade and motor.
The benefit provided by this design is the fact that it’s able to tackle larger workpieces; as big as a 2 * 12-inch dimensional lumber.
Sliding miter saws are available in both the standard and compound models. You may even find a dual bevel sliding compound miter saw.
However, such a saw is likely to cost more. But the added flexibility means you’ll be able to tackle all your cutting jobs using just one saw.
Some may argue that a radial arm saw can also be used to make angled cuts and tackle big-sized workpieces as a compound sliding miter saw. Where the compound sliding version proves to be superior is the fact that it’s easier to set up, especially when you’re about to make complicated cuts.
What are 12 Inch Miter Saws Best For?
Miter saws come in a wide range of sizes, running from 7 ½ all the way up to 20 inches. However, the most common are 10- and 12-inch models.
The best 12-inch miter saws have two key selling points: their strength and consistency. The bigger blade size results in greater cutting power and efficiency.
Furthermore, you’ll find that most models also have a higher tooth count. It means that at any one time, there are more teeth on the workpiece you’re tackling, and this increases the tool’s overall speed.
Compared to their 10-inch counterparts, these blades are considerably heavier. This means they’re not easily moved around, leaving little room for human error.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Right 12 Inch Miter Saw
Amps
The ampere or amp is a unit that measures how much power a given miter saw churns out. A higher amp rating translates to more cutting power. This means you can use the miter saw to slice through thicker materials without overexerting the motor.
For most miter saws, the amperage runs anywhere from 10 to 15 amps. So if you’re planning to use it for tough cutting jobs, a 15 amp motor would be ideal.
Watts
This is one feature that a lot of people forget to check, but this shouldn’t be the case.
Watt is the metric used to measure the amount of power that a tool- in this case a miter saw- draws when it’s in use.
So before buying any of these units, check its wattage then determine whether your home is wired to handle such hungry-power tools. If it’s not, look for one with a lower wattage.
Bevel
A common misconception among newbies is that miter saws can only make miter cuts. Far from it, this tool can also be used to make bevel and straight crosscuts.
It all boils down to the features it’s equipped with and the manner in which a board is placed onto the saw. That said, check the saw’s bevel angle range. Although these tools can make bevel cuts, they’re designed for specific angled bevel cuts.
RPM
RPM is the abbreviation for revolutions per minute, and it’s the metric used to measure the speed of a miter saw blade.
The higher the RPM rating, the faster the blade will rotate, and this makes for easier cuts. For the best outcome, look for a model that has no less than 3,000 revolutions per minute.
Fencing & Gauge
Another thing you’ll want to confirm is whether the miter saw includes a miter gauge and fence. Both of these components help to keep the workpiece secure. This way, the material won’t become misaligned or fly out of position in the middle of the sawing process.
Keep in mind that different miter saws will have differently-sized fencing systems. So if you plan to tackle tall crown molding or another tall workpiece, ensure your fence is tall enough to offer the necessary support.
Dust Collection System
Whenever you’re using a miter saw, there’s no doubt that the sawing process will result in a considerable amount of sawdust being released into the atmosphere.
And if you’re working in a confined area, without any ventilation system, this can pose health hazards. The dust can irritate your eyes, not to mention, your throat and nose, making breathing difficult.
To avoid this, ensure that you’re investing in a miter saw with a proper dust collection system. For instance, it should have a dust port or dust bag. The port lets you attach a vacuum while the dust bag directly collects any sawdust emitted by the machine.
Accuracy
If you’re looking for a miter saw that can make accurate cuts, then look for one that has detents or angle stops.
Usually, these are pre-configured at different positions around the saw. Each stop is initially measured for a cutting angle that is commonly used, like say 45°.
The idea of this feature is to allow you to configure the saw at the preset position. This way, every cut you make will be at that preset angle, and this enhances your accuracy while also helping you save time.
Another element that can play into a miter saw’s accuracy level is the presence of a laser guide. The way this works is by shooting up a laser beam that guides the blade on where exactly it should cut through; hence, leading to very accurate cuts.
Cutting Capacity
If you’re looking to buy a 12-inch miter saw, then there’s a good chance that you’ll be using it for heavy-duty cutting applications.
Therefore, you’ll want to ensure that the power tool in question can handle cutting larger workpieces without a hitch. If its cutting capacity is too small, then you should probably consider another model that can live up to your expectations and needs.
Our Top Five 12-Inch Miter Saws
1. DEWALT DWS780 Sliding Compound Miter Saw: Best Overall
Looking to invest in a miter saw that checks all the boxes in terms of functionality and pricing? Well, the Dewalt DWS780 is one of the best 12-inch model. It comes at a mid-range price, and it has the majority of features you’d find in higher-priced models.
Miter saws can be quite difficult to set up, which is why the Dewalt DWS780 comes fully assembled. All you need to do is to get rid of the Styrofoam, connect it to an electric outlet, pull the lock-down pin to release the head, and you’re all set!
The Dewalt compound miter saw is not only easy to set up but also easy to use. Pushing down on the handle is effortless, and the motor is conveniently mounted above the hinge.
Speaking of the motor, it has a 15 amp rating; hence, it delivers a decent amount of power to make smooth, fast cuts.
To be a little more specific, the miter saw clocks in speed of up to 3,800 revolutions per minute. This is fast enough to cut through both soft and hardwood as well as metal, plastic, and aluminum materials.
Another feature we love about this miter saw is the level of accuracy. It comes with a blade wrench, designed for either tightening or loosening the screws on the detent plate. This way, you can set your tool to the perfect angle of cut that you want to make.
In fact, its cutting capacity is another aspect that makes it stand out. Most models can only handle lumber that is 12 inches wide. But the DWS780 tackles lumber that is 2*16(W) inches for dimensional 90-degree crosscuts and 2*12 inches for 45-degree bevel cuts.
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2. SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Quick Mount Compound Miter Saw: Best Budget
There are times when all you want is a basic, affordable miter saw that can do the bare minimum.
For instance, if you’ve only started using miter saws recently, or don’t use them as often, then you’re probably not ready to spend a huge chunk of money on this tool. For those occasions, a low-priced miter saw like the Skil 3821-01 is a great choice.
Powered by a 15 amp motor, this compound miter registers a speed of 4500 RPMs. Interestingly, this makes it faster than our top pick. What this translates to is a decent amount of cutting power to slice through a variety of materials.
Furthermore, this tool lets you adjust the motor’s speed. This implies you can easily decrease the blade speed, in case you want to cut softer materials with a high level of precision.
Speaking of precision, this saw is among the best in this category. This is thanks to the laser cutline system that it’s equipped with. It gives you a clear view of where the saw is cutting through so you can achieve maximum accuracy.
To add to this, Skil 3821-01 includes nine positive stops, which makes it easy to configure the tool to make different angled cuts.
And in case you end up with workpieces that are too big , the manufacturer was kind enough to include a table extension. Simply set up the work surface extension and you’ll be able to slice through larger materials effortlessly.
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3. MILWAUKEE'S 6955-20 Sliding Miter Saw: Best Dual Bevel
The invention of the dual bevel feature was among the best developments in the world of miter saws.
It saves woodworkers significant time as they never have to flip their workpieces or keep adjusting their miters to make beveled cuts. Now, if you’re looking for a dual bevel that also has sliding functions, the Milwaukee’s 6955-20 is the best option.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that this saw is pretty big. Measuring 30 * 23 *22 inches, it’s among the biggest in our review.
This means that if you’re planning to move it around, you should probably invest in a miter saw rolling stand. On a more positive note, its gigantic size leaves enough room for components like the cutting guard, which doesn’t get in your line of sight when you’re cutting.
When it comes to power, the Milwaukee uses a 15 amp motor that registers a speed of 3250 RPM. While it's slower than Skil 3821-01, it's still a decent offering.
Another feature that sets this power tool apart is the detent override and digital readout. It’s equipped with an LCD, which allows you to set specific values for making miter cuts.
And the entire system is very user-friendly. To engage it, just pull the detent lever upwards to the drive shaft into action. Next, press the fine adjustment ring forward and you’re all set. Pushing the ring allows you to adjust the miter angle in 0.1-degree increments.
Thanks to the integrated dust channel, you don’t have to worry about dealing with a messy cleanup. According to the manufacturer, this system captures up to 75% of all the dust and debris emitted during sawing.
For accuracy, the saw comes equipped with dual lights that illuminate that shed light on the workpiece on either side of the blade.
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4. Bosch PROFACTOR 18V SURGEON GCM18V-12GDCN Miter Saw: Best High-End
Any professional woodworker will tell you that one of the most important factors they focus on when buying tools is power. Thankfully, the Bosch Profactor 18V model has the power to back up its hefty price tag.
It comes fitted with a BiTurbo brushless motor and an 8.0Ah core 18V battery, giving you a decent amount of power to work with. In fact, the miter saw can easily slice through 4*4 workpieces.
Another thing we love is that Bosch offers flexibility in the speed sector. You get four-speed settings to pick from, and this includes an ECO mode meant to extend the battery’s runtime by an incredible 20%.
The surgeon’s axial glide design gives it a competitive edge over other miter saws. It increases this saw’s overall efficiency by delivering wider cuts, smoother action, and a more enhanced alignment.
Speaking of cuts, this tool makes the most of its blade. You will be able to make cuts up to a depth of 4.7 inches and a width of 15.7 inches.
The design of this saw’s trigger might not be the one you’re used to. To activate it, you have to first use your thumb to slide the safety either right or left. For some, this will feel slightly strange initially, but after several cuts, you’ll get used to it.
Bosch Profactor 18V surgeon is designed with accuracy in mind. As such, it includes a laser, which is activated with a simple press of the trigger. This helps you align your cut whereas the LED lighting fixture illuminates your work area.
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5. Metabo HPT C12RSH2S 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw: Best Warranty
It can be disappointing to spend a ton of money on a power tool, only for it to end up having issues.
Metabo HPT understands this, which is why they offer one of the most generous warranties on their C12RSH2S miter saw. The warranty covers up to five years, a lot more than what you get from other manufacturers.
Measuring 36.6 * 24 * 23.4 inches, the saw is about as big as the other models in our review. But what sets this one from the pack is the inclusion of holes, allowing you to mount it on a bench or miter saw stand.
The overall design of this miter saw is pretty straightforward, making it suitable for novice and professional woodworkers alike.
For one, its slide system is a little more compact than others. This helps to eliminate the need for rear clearance.
The positive stops and lockdowns are made up of a simple lever-and-knob configuration. This is a lot easier to use than the clutch system that Metabo had put in the previous model.
Another unique feature you might have noticed is the vertical handle. Most miter saws tend to have horizontal ones, so this particular one will require a little bit of getting used to.
That said, it’s a well-positioned handle, which allows for a more natural movement. In fact, it helps to minimize head deflection; thus, improve the quality of your cuts.
This saw also sports an exceptional cutting capacity. The blade is designed to make miter cuts at a maximum angle of 45° to the left and 57° to the right. Furthermore, the fact that this blade is tungsten carbide-tipped (TCT) means it’s able to cut metal tubing, rails, pipes, nickel, and a ton of other materials.
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Conclusion
12 inch miter saws are bigger and more powerful than the 8- and 10-inch models, helping you tackle more heavy-duty cutting applications. However, some are also very pricey, which deters some individuals from purchasing them.
Now, one of the best 12 inch miter saws currently is Dewalt DWS780. It's fairly priced and gives you a nice selection of features without breaking your bank.
It includes a detent plate with positive stops to help you make angled cuts. It also has a tall sliding fence to hold larger workpieces in place. Plus, it arrives fully assembled, which saves you time and energy.