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10 Best Compound Miter Saws 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Festool 575306 Sliding Compound Miter Saw KAPEX KS 120 REB

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,458
Laser Guide
Dust Collection

Most important from
131 reviews

Laser Guide
Laser guides on both sides provide reliable alignment, significantly reducing the need for double-checking measurements.
Dust Collection
The dust extraction system is highly effective, capturing the majority of dust and keeping the workspace clean.

The Festool 575306 KAPEX KS 120 REB is a high-quality sliding compound miter saw designed primarily for woodworking. It comes with a 12-inch blade made of durable high-speed steel, powered by a strong 1600-watt motor which provides enough power for smooth and precise cuts. One of its standout features is the rail forward design, which helps keep the saw compact while improving cutting accuracy by reducing any wobble.

The saw offers a micro-adjustable bevel angle with a convenient front rotary knob, making it easier to set precise angles for bevel cuts. Laser guides on both sides clearly show where the blade will cut, helping users align their materials accurately. Dust collection is impressive, capturing up to 91% of dust through a well-designed hood and a pivoting hose, which helps keep the work area cleaner. The saw weighs around 57 pounds, making it quite sturdy but not too heavy for a workshop setting.

It also includes a few helpful accessories like a hold down clamp and an angle transfer device. The higher price reflects its premium build and features. The included 3-year warranty and quick repair service add confidence for frequent users. This saw is ideal for serious hobbyists or professionals seeking a reliable, precise tool that reduces cleanup time and supports detailed angle work.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,458
Laser Guide
Dust Collection

Most important from
131 reviews

Laser Guide
Laser guides on both sides provide reliable alignment, significantly reducing the need for double-checking measurements.
Dust Collection
The dust extraction system is highly effective, capturing the majority of dust and keeping the workspace clean.
#2

Makita LS1219L 12" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser

Rating
9.4
Laser Guide
Dust Collection

Most important from
394 reviews

Laser Guide
The laser guide is highly accurate and enhances cutting precision, with the flexibility to adjust it to either side of the blade.
Dust Collection
The dual dust collection ports effectively minimize sawdust, keeping the workspace clean.

The Makita LS1219L is a 12-inch dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw designed for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts who require precision and versatility in their cutting tasks. One of its standout features is the unique 2-steel rail sliding system that offers a smooth operation with a compact design, allowing it to be used even in tight spaces against a wall. This saw excels in cutting capacity, handling larger pieces like 8” crown molding and 15” crosscuts, making it a solid choice for detailed woodworking and crown installations.

The saw’s dual dust collection ports effectively minimize sawdust, ensuring a cleaner work environment, which is a significant advantage for those who prioritize cleanliness in their workspace. The in-front bevel lock makes adjustments easy and accessible, enhancing user convenience.

On the motor side, it offers robust performance with 1800 watts power, spinning the blade at 3200 RPM, allowing for quick and efficient cuts. Being corded means that users will need access to power outlets, which can limit mobility in some work settings. While the saw has many strengths, its weight of 81.6 pounds may be cumbersome for some users to transport, especially if they frequently move between job sites. The Makita LS1219L is a fantastic option for those needing a reliable and powerful miter saw with excellent cutting capabilities and dust collection, but those who need portability should consider its weight and corded design before making a purchase.

Rating
9.4
Laser Guide
Dust Collection

Most important from
394 reviews

Laser Guide
The laser guide is highly accurate and enhances cutting precision, with the flexibility to adjust it to either side of the blade.
Dust Collection
The dual dust collection ports effectively minimize sawdust, keeping the workspace clean.
#3

Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser

Rating
8.5
Blade Size
Motor Power
Bevel Range

Most important from
456 reviews

Blade Size
Best 10" slider Makita has produced by far, with lots of power from the direct drive motor setup.
Motor Power
Best 10" slider Makita has produced by far, with lots of power from the direct drive motor setup.
Bevel Range
The up front bevel knob is really useful and locks tight.
Cutting Capacity
Cut capacity is fantastic with super smooth and accurate cuts, even on wider boards.
Laser Guide
Laser works well, although not relied upon for precise work.
Dust Collection
Super nice dust collection using a Fein vac, capturing over 80% easily.

The Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is designed for precision and versatility. Its 10-inch blade offers the cutting capacity typically seen in larger 12-inch saws, making it a strong choice for tasks involving crown molding with a nested capacity of 6-5/8 inches. The saw is powered by a 1510-watt motor, providing robust performance and a speed of 3200 RPM, suitable for most wood cutting tasks. The linear ball bearing system ensures accurate cuts, and the direct drive gearbox enhances its vertical cutting capacity to 5-1/4 inches. The bevel range can tilt in both directions, and the miter range is standard, allowing for versatile angled cuts.

Additionally, the two-steel rail sliding system and compact design ensure it can fit in tight spaces and be transported easily, weighing 57.9 lbs. However, at 72.8 pounds actual, it might be heavier than some users expect. The built-in laser guide helps in making precise cuts, but some users may find it less effective in bright lighting conditions. The dust collection system is included but may not capture all debris efficiently. The saw's multicolor design indicates a focus on functionality over aesthetics. Included accessories like a vertical vise, hex wrench, triangular rule, and dust bag add to its value.

While its price and weight might be a consideration for some, the Makita LS1019L is well-suited for both professional and serious DIY enthusiasts looking for a reliable and precise miter saw with comprehensive features.

Rating
8.5
Blade Size
Motor Power
Bevel Range

Most important from
456 reviews

Blade Size
Best 10" slider Makita has produced by far, with lots of power from the direct drive motor setup.
Motor Power
Best 10" slider Makita has produced by far, with lots of power from the direct drive motor setup.
Bevel Range
The up front bevel knob is really useful and locks tight.
Cutting Capacity
Cut capacity is fantastic with super smooth and accurate cuts, even on wider boards.
Laser Guide
Laser works well, although not relied upon for precise work.
Dust Collection
Super nice dust collection using a Fein vac, capturing over 80% easily.

Buying Guide for the Best Compound Miter Saws

Choosing the right compound miter saw can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your woodworking projects. A compound miter saw is a versatile tool that allows you to make precise crosscuts, miter cuts, and bevel cuts. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they impact the saw's performance. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a compound miter saw.
Blade SizeThe blade size of a compound miter saw determines the maximum cutting capacity. Common blade sizes are 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch. An 8-inch blade is suitable for small, detailed work, while a 10-inch blade offers a good balance between capacity and portability, making it ideal for general-purpose use. A 12-inch blade provides the largest cutting capacity, perfect for larger projects and thicker materials. Choose a blade size based on the types of projects you plan to undertake and the materials you will be cutting.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in amps, affects the saw's ability to cut through different materials. A higher amp rating means more power and the ability to handle tougher materials. For light-duty tasks and occasional use, a motor with 10-12 amps should suffice. For more demanding projects and frequent use, consider a motor with 15 amps or more. Assess the types of materials you will be cutting and the frequency of use to determine the appropriate motor power for your needs.
Bevel RangeThe bevel range indicates the angles at which the saw can tilt to make bevel cuts. A single bevel saw tilts in one direction, usually to the left, while a dual bevel saw tilts in both directions. A single bevel saw is adequate for basic bevel cuts, but a dual bevel saw offers more versatility and convenience, especially for complex projects requiring multiple bevel cuts. Consider the complexity of your projects and whether the added flexibility of a dual bevel saw is necessary for your work.
Miter RangeThe miter range refers to the angles at which the saw can pivot to make miter cuts. Most compound miter saws offer a miter range of 0 to 45 degrees in both directions, with some models extending up to 60 degrees. A wider miter range provides greater flexibility for making a variety of angled cuts. If your projects involve intricate angles and detailed work, a saw with a wider miter range will be beneficial. For standard cuts, a basic miter range will suffice.
Cutting CapacityCutting capacity is the maximum size of the material the saw can cut, both in terms of width and thickness. This is influenced by the blade size and the design of the saw. A larger cutting capacity allows you to work with bigger pieces of wood, which is essential for larger projects like framing or crown molding. Evaluate the typical size of the materials you will be working with to ensure the saw you choose has an adequate cutting capacity.
Laser GuideA laser guide projects a beam onto the material, indicating where the blade will cut. This feature enhances accuracy and helps you make precise cuts. While not essential, a laser guide can be particularly useful for beginners or for projects that require high precision. If you value accuracy and ease of use, consider a saw with a built-in laser guide.
Dust CollectionDust collection systems help manage the sawdust generated during cutting, keeping your workspace cleaner and improving visibility. Some saws come with built-in dust collection ports that can be connected to a vacuum, while others have dust bags. Effective dust collection is important for maintaining a clean and safe work environment. If you work indoors or in a small space, prioritize a saw with a good dust collection system.

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