The Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw For A Small Workshop

Last Updated on 2022-02-08 by Harry Masterton

We take the pain out of choosing the best sliding compound miter saw for your small space woodworking shop. Whether you're thinking of setting up a wood shop in a basement or a garage or indeed already have and are ready to install a sliding compound miter saw in your shop we've got you covered.

Whether you're using your miter saw for simple chop cutting or you are cutting complex compound miters this is one of the most important woodworking power tool purchases you will make

We have reviewed what we consider to be the 5 best sliding compound miter saw available in the market taking into account user reviews, feedback and customer ratings. We've rated what we believe to be the best overall buy, the best professional grade saw , the best budget miter saw, the best miter saw under $300 and the best compact miter saw.

In A Hurry? Go straight to the Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Winners In Every Category.

DEWALT DWS779 – Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Winner
Bosch GCM12SD – Best Professional Grade Miter Saw
Metabo C10FCH2S – Best Budget Miter Saw
Metabo C10FCH2S – Best Sliding Miter Saw Under $200
Makita 10″ LS1040 – Best Compact Miter Saw Winner

The Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Top Five

Recommended: Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Winner

1. DEWALT DWS779 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Features
The DEWALT DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw features at number one on our best sliding compound miter saw list because it's the number one best seller, and it's in the spot for a very good reason. The combination of features, build quality and DEWALT's legendary service and guarantee. This model the DEWALT DWS779 is the exact equivalent of the DEWALT DWS780 which sels for $200 more on their site. This model just deson't feature the XPS guide light. You'll find that light can be added for $70 or less if you're prepared to do some searching on YouTube and fit it yourself

Assembly

Whenever you get a new item, unboxing and assembling it is the most time-consuming task. The DEWALT DWS779 miter saw doesn’t require any assembling. Right after taking it out of the box, you have to pull down the lock pin, plug in the saw, and be ready to use it.

Accuracy

One of the main reasons your probably looking at buying the best sliding compound miter saw you can afford is for the degree of accuracy you'll get with a good saw, which is precisely what DEWALT DWS779 saw offers. You can cut quick chops or compound miters with maximal accuracy.

Build Quality

The build quality is as good as you'll get with any of the top brands of woodworking power tools. This just feels like a solid well made miter saw yet at 56lbs its not going to break your back moving it around. The DEWALT DWS779 durable, well made and will be your woodworking shop partner for many years to come.

DEWALT DWS779 Specifications

Cutting Thickness to a Depth of 6 3/4 inches
8,000 RPM 15 AMP Motor on a 5/8ths or 1″ arbor
Back fence designed to allow cutting of 2 ‘ x 14″at 90 degrees or 2″ x 12″ at 45 degrees
Excellent dust extraction removes over 75% of dust particles

Who is the DEWALT DWS779 for?

As this saw is extremely easy to use, it can be used by beginner woodworking hobbyists, DIY'ers who may be undertaking a large number of woodworking projects and additional features that come with this sliding compound miter saw make it good choice for professional users.

DEWALT DWS779 Pros

Precise cuts
Captures 75% of the dust generated
Smart features including fence and clamping system
Easy to use
Adjustable

DEWALT DWS779 Cons

Vacuum port not the best
Slider fills with dust

Recommended: Best Professional Grade Sliding Compound Miter Saw

2. Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD

Features

Make no mistake the Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Sliding Glide Miter Saw is a superb woodworking power tool worth every cent and as some reviewers say it's comparable to miter saws priced at $1400. If you're looking for the very best sliding compound miter saw then the GCM12SD is it. At the price it's unbeatable. Just take the time to set it up correctly.

Arms Instead of Rails

Everyone wants a smooth-gliding saw for cutting perfection. The Bosch miter saw comes with two vertical and horizontal arms, which enable a smooth glide. The rails of a miter saw are space-consuming, so with them replaced with arms, almost 12 inches of workbench space is saved so not much room is required to use the Bosch GCM12SD miter saw due to the absence of rails at the back.

Ambidextrous D-shaped Handle

Another plus point of this saw is that it has an ambidextrous handle, which means that it can be used by right-handed and left-handed people alike. Most saws are only for right-handed people, but with this feature, this Bosch saw gains approval of the lefties, making it one of the best miter saws available.

Tension Adjustment

If you're are accustomed to using a miter saw with rails you might find the glide system of this saw unusually smooth at first. If that happens to you then Bosch has included a tension adjustment feature, so that the glide can be tightened until you get used to it.

Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Specifications

The GCM12SD miter saw has a 120V 15 amps motor with 3800 rpm.

A cross-cut capacity of maximum 4 x 14 inches and vertical cut capacity of 6 ½ inches.

The Bosch GCM12SD miter saw can cut at 48 degrees bevel angle and 52 – 60 degrees miter angle.

Who Is The Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD For?

The Bosch GCM12SD is a professional grade compound sliding miter saw for the serious woodworker and cabinet maker. If you're looking for the best sliding compound miter saw then the Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD 12 Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw is it

Bosch GCM12SD Pros

Incredibly accurate once it's set up. Take time to go through the detailed manual
Axial Glide System For Wider Crosscuts
Superb Miter Scales With Accurate marked Detents
Metal bevel lock lever and range selector located at front avoids reaching behind the saw
Very well built

Bosch GCM12SD Cons

It's not cheap, but then its the best saw at 1/2 the price of $1400 models.
It's quite big

Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw Video

Download Our Free Workshop Setup Guide And Tools Checklists

Recommended: Best Budget Miter Saw

Metabo C10FCH2S HPT Single Bevel 10-Inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker

Recommended for: Woodworkers and carpenters looking for a mid-ranged miter saw for simple projects or as a backup on the job.

We have actually included the Metabo C10FCH2S twice in this review. Once here as the overall winner as the best budget miter saw and also as winner in the best sliding miter saw under $200 category.

We really do like the Metabo C10FCH2S at woodworking hobby shop it's a great all purpose lightweight miter saw for DIY projects, the small woodworking shop and job sight use where you need to get into tight spaces.

Carpenters and woodworkers at home will appreciate the measurements of this miter saw at 13.7 x 20.6 x 15.7 inches. It does not stand too high, allowing you more options for placement and storage. The weight of 26.5 pounds keeps it light enough for you to move around without difficulty.

Metabo C10FCH2S HPT – Features

A 15 amp electric motor powers the saw blade, which should be ample for the 10-inch saw blade under normal usage. It has a no-load speed of 5,000 RPMs, well within the acceptable range of most circular saw blades used with it.

The detents on the miter adjustment wheel will engage with no play, but you might need to double-check other positions without detents if you are making several repeat cuts. It has a maximum miter angle of 52-degrees on either side of the blade for cutting tight miters. You can adjust for beveled cuts to the left side of the saw blade, with a maximum setting of 45-degrees.

Metabo C10FCH2S HPT – Things We Like

An ergonomic handle design provides comfort with a horizontal position. Adding padding helps to reduce vibration transfer as you work;
Several positive stops are easy to adjust by thumb. That makes the detents easy to move to, compared to cheaper designs;
The 52-degree miter angles to the left and right of the saw blade. A wider range makes it easy to do more difficult carpentry work for things like stairs.

Metabo C10FCH2S HPT – Not So Good

You will need to double-check your fence alignment regularly to verify it has not drifted. Adjustments seem to move if you are doing repeatable cuts;
The laser for the cut guide can be off-center. It is adjustable, but that process might be intimidating for new woodworkers.

Recommended: Best Sliding Miter Saw Under $200

4. Metabo C10FCH2 Compound Miter Saw

Features

Hitachi have changed the name of their power tools range to Metabo so this saw is now known as the Metabo HPT 10″ Compound Miter Saw Single Bevel C10FCH2. This a great compound Miter saw for the small shop winning our recommendation in this list for Best Sliding Miter Saw Under $200.

The Hitachi (or Metabo) C10FCH2 is a lightweight miter saw weighing in at only 25 1/2 lbs and 26.77 x 21.85 x 18.90 inches its great for small space workshops and moving around a job site.

A great 10″ miter saw with pivoting flip fence, dust bag, a vice assembly and an accurate laser.

Accuracy

Precision while cutting material for building something is of utmost importance. The Hitachi miter saw has a large rotating flip fence that can go 4 inches higher than the other miter saws, making accurate cuts.

Portability

One thing that makes the Hitachi C10FCH2 saw stand out and rate an appearance on our best sliding compound miter saw list is the portability and compactness. It is lightweight and can easily be moved from one place to another without much effort. It can also be stored away when you're not using it, which is not the case with the larger miter saws as they require either fixing to a bench or are bulky and heavy to move. This saw with its zero rear clearance slide system can be placed anywhere and is ideal for a small space woodworking shop..

Thumb-activated Miter Stops

Another outstanding feature of this miter saw is the Thumb-activated miter stops. It makes the saw easier to use.

Hitachi C10FCH2 Compound Miter Saw Specifications

The Hitachi miter saw comes with a 10-inch 24T blade and a 15 amp, 5000 rpm powerful motor. The miter angle range is maximum 52 degrees while the bevel angle range is a maximum of 42 degrees.

It can be used to cut wood, plywood, decorative PVC panels, hardboard and fibreboard.

Who is the Hitachi – Metabo C10FCH2 orC10FCH2S For?

The lightweight and compact dimensions make the Hitachi C10FCH2 or Metabo C10FCH2S ideal for light job site work. This miter saw would also be a ‘good fit' so to speak in a small space woodworking shop.

Hitachi C10FCH2 Compound Miter Saw Pros

Lightweight and portable
Vibration absorbing elastomeric handle
Built-in laser for accurate straight cuts
Thumb actuated positive stops

Hitachi C10FCH2 Compound Miter Saw Cons

The dust collection feature is disappointing
Cannot be used for heavy-duty site work
The blade guard lock is too tight and creates difficulty in removing it

Recommended: Best Compact Miter Saw Winner

5. Makita 10″ LS1040 Compound Miter Saw

Features

An extremely well built 10″ Compound Miter Saw that delivers power with portability. At only 27.3 lbs this great little saw actually beats the Hitachi C10FSHC on features and build quality it's just a way lot more expensive. Superb well engineered compound miter saw for the pro working on a job site, the woodworking hobbyist who wants a compact miter saw for a small woodworking shop or if you're a remodeller with a big project then this is the compound miter saw to go for.

This is a saw thats built to last.

Rails

Most miter saws have rails situated at the back, which causes a problem when you're working in small spaces. To overcome this issue, the Makita miter saw has a dual post compound pivoting arm system.

Fluorescent Light

This compound miter saw has several comfort features, including a fluorescent light which helps illuminate the work surface.

Soft Start Motor

15 AMP Direct Drive motor with soft start feature for smoother start ups

Makita LS1040 10″ Compound Miter Saw Specifications

The Makita miter saw has a 10-inch blade and a 15 amp motor with 3200 rpm. The bevel cut can be pushed to a maximum of 48 degrees, and the miter cut to a maximum capacity of 60 degrees. The vertical crown molding capacity is 6 ⅝ inches, and the baseboard cutting capacity is 5 ¼ inches.

The Makita LS1040 is suited to various types of woodworking, cabinetry, framing, deck building and remodelling.

Who is the Makita LS1040 For?

The Makita 10″ Compound Miter Saw is a well engineered quality compound miter saw for all professional contractors, DIYers, beginners and serious woodworkers. Got a big job in a small shop or need portability? Then the Makita LS1040 10″ Compound Miter Saw is for you.

Makita LS1040 Pros

Accurate and smooth cutting
Lightweight
Can handle a wide range of projects
Impressive cross-cutting ranges
Soft start motor

Makita LS1040 Cons

No laser included
Dust collection is not as good as it could be.
It's not cheap compared to other 10″ saws

Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Comparison Chart

Product Name	Blade Size	Blade Teeth	Built-in Laser	Weight	Saw Type	Style
DEWALT DWS779	12 inches	80T	No	56 lbs	Slide	Compound (Vertical, cross-cut, bevel and miter)
Bosch GCM12SD	12 inches	44T	No	65 lbs	Glide	Dual Compound (Vertical, cross-cut, bevel and miter)
Hitachi-C10FCH2	10 inches	24T	Yes	26.5 lbs	Slide	Compound (Vertical, cross-cut, bevel and miter)
Makita-LS1040	10 inches	40T	No	27.3 lbs	Slide	Compound (Vertical, cross-cut, bevel and miter)

If you like our best compound sliding miter saw reviews then checkout our complete coverage (constantly updated) of the essential woodworking power tools for your shop with links to reviews for each category.

Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Buying Guide

A miter saw is used to perform intricate work in a precise and safe manner. If you’re thinking of buying best sliding compound miter saw for your woodworking shop size, budget and type of work you do, the following points should be kept in mind:

Saw Type

The first thing to look for in a miter saw is the saw type. There are 3 types: Stationary compound, sliding compound, and dual bevel (sliding dual compound).

A stationary compound miter saw can make miter cuts on the right and left but bevel cuts in only one direction. Meanwhile, a sliding compound saw can move up and down on the rails, which is apparent from the name.

On the other hand, a dual bevel can do all the things mentioned above, in addition to making bevel cuts on both sides. So based on what you are looking for personally you can select the saw type accordingly. But as always buy the very best sliding compound miter saw you can possibly afford to future proof your purchase.

Motor

Miter saws have motors of different amp ratings (10, 12, or 15 amps). If your work requires you to make a lot of cross-cuts and use hardwood, then you should go for a powerful motor. But if you have to make thin trims of soft or composite material, then a less powerful motor will be a good choice.

Tooth Count

The blades that come with the miter saws are of various sizes and have a different tooth count. A bigger blade makes longer cuts, while if you want a clean and fine finish, go for a blade with higher TPI (teeth per inch). Also, keep in mind that blades with a higher tooth count cost more than those with a lower tooth count.

Built-in Laser

Most of the best sliding compound miter saw come with a built-in laser guide. It helps in accurately guiding your cuts. So before buying a miter saw, consider the one with a laser to get a professional result.

Dust Extraction

Nobody wants a messy workstation, so most of the miter saws come with a dust bag. In some cases, the dust bag doesn’t work as efficiently as it should. Therefore, you should opt for a miter saw with a dust collection bag and a port for attaching a vacuum cable, to ensure 100% removal of dust and small particles.

Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I look for in a miter saw?

When you go to buy a miter saw, you always want the best one for your type of woodworking and of course the size of your shop. Keeping certain things in mind will aid you in this regard. The size of the blade, the weight of the saw, portability, and the type of saw are the things you should look for to get the best sliding compound miter saw for your money.

Are miter saws dangerous?

Miter saws are only dangerous if you don’t take all the security measures before using them. Make sure to wear protective glasses and check if the blade guard is intact. The kick-offs from the sawing can hit you and cause injury, but using all the protective gear can keep you safe.

What is the difference between a miter saw and a circular saw?

There are a couple of differences between a miter saw and a circular saw. A miter saw can only make cross-cuts while a circular saw can make cross-cuts and rip as well. A miter saw can be set at an angle when cutting, while a circular saw is a handheld. Therefore, the precision of a miter saw is more defined as compared to a circular saw.

So your looking for the best sliding compound miter saw?

With so many different variations of saws available on the market at different price ranges it is not an easy decision and we appreciate the decision needs care

Is a Small Miter Saw a Better Option for Your Woodshop?

If you think these sliding compound designs are too much for your space, maybe looking at the best small miter saw designs will be the answer. A smaller miter saw can still cut most framing lumber with a single crosscut, but they take up less space than the full-sized sliding compound miter saw models above.

What can the best small miter saw products offer woodworkers with a small shop, like yourself?

Easy to move and store;
Latest technology;
Comes in all styles;
Crosscuts common woods.

A small miter saw is easy to move and store

One of the advantages offered by a smaller tool design is its footprint. Space is limited in a small shop, making compact power tools a must. Luckily for us, manufacturers continuously try to outdo each other with smaller chops saws with collapsible support and lightweight materials.

The best small miter saw technology

The DIYers and hobbyists drive the market in ways that professionals can not. Carpenters and fabricators want to buy a tool that lasts. Amateurs are always looking for the latest tech to improve their skills.

Companies fill the tool market with products that offer the latest build materials, engineering, and computer controls. Small chop saws tend to showcase the newest tech since the target audience looks for technology to compensate for their lack of skills.

Pick your small miter saw design

Maybe you need a standard miter saw to cut picture frames or trim. Adding compound cutting ability increases the price but offers lots more cutting ability and flexibity. Finally, the small miter saw can include a sliding design that gives them plenty of capacity for the lumber beginners/intermediates use on projects.

What are you crosscutting?

For most non-professionals, framing lumber and sheet goods are the types of wood used for DIY and woodworking projects. Do you need a full-sized sliding compound miter saw to cut your 2×4 timber?

Small Miter Saw – Things to consider

Before buying a small miter saw, consider future-proofing. You will lose some power and crosscutting capacity; will you need these in the future? Also, full-sized designs target the trades and tend to be more durable.

Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw – Buy The Best You can Afford

Whether you're a contractor or a construction worker or just work with wood as a hobby, finding the best sliding compound miter saw to suit your particular needs should be your first priority. Buying the right saw for your circumstance now doesn't mean relegating your purchase in them future as your skills improve and working in a small space becomes less of a necessity. Buy what is good for you now and upgrade later. Alternatively, if your budget allows, go the whole hog now and future proof your purchase by buying the very best sliding compound miter saw you can afford.

Use our detailed best sliding compound miter saw review and buying guide to know exactly what you’re looking for when you go out there to make your purchase. And then let's make saw dust!

Need More? See Our Comprehensive and Continuously Updated Woodworking Power Tools Rundown Woodworking Power Tools Top 10 Must Have List – Buying Guide

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