Best 12-inch Miter Saw: Get Your New Woodworking Project Started On the Right Foot

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Do You Need Help Choosing the Best 12-inch Miter Saw? Here Are the Best Options on the Market!

Whether you’re a novice or an advanced woodworker, it’s always great to gear up with the best power tools on the market. The great news is that you can choose from a vast range of options, and each one serves a different function that can benefit your project. When you’re working with wood, you want every cut to be precise and accurate, so, logically, you’re looking for the best products.

9.5
Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Miter Saw

Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Miter Saw

If you’re a professional woodworker, this miter saw may seal the deal for you! This model features a 15-amp motor that works at an outstanding 5300 RPM.
9
TACKLIFE 12-Inch, 15-Amp Motor, Double Bevel, Sliding Compound Miter Saw

TACKLIFE 12-Inch, 15-Amp Motor, Double Bevel, Sliding Compound Miter Saw

This is a similar saw to the last one, with the difference that this is more affordable, and it provides some extra features, such as a laser guide.
8.5
Hitachi C12RSH2 12-Inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw

Hitachi C12RSH2 12-Inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw

Hitachi is another great brand that creates reliable miter saws, and this product is not the exception.
8.5
SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Miter Saw

SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Miter Saw

If you were looking for a budget option, this is it. The SKIL 3821-01 comes with everything that you need to make accurate and smooth cuts

One popular product among woodworkers is a 12-inch miter saw. These are a must for your gear since they can help you make repetitive cuts at a specific angle, known as a bevel or miter cut. This is amazing if you’re working on a project that involves pieces of wood that have similar dimensions.

However, choosing a proper miter saw for you may be complicated at first since they come in a wide variety of sizes. While the size may not seem too important at first glance, it can make a significant difference in your project, depending on what type of cutting you want to achieve. Two of the most popular sizes are 10-inch miter saws and 12-inch miter saws. In this article, we’re going to talk about the latter.

We are going to walk you through what a 12-inch miter saw is, how it works, and how you can choose the best model for you. As a bonus, we’re adding an extra section with 12-inch miter saw reviews.

Table of Contents

  • Summary
  • What is a Miter Saw?
  • Types of Miter Saws
  • Why Should You Buy a 12-Inch Miter Saw?
  • What Features Should You Look for When Buying the Best 12-Inch Miter Saw?
  • Product Reviews
  • Conclusion

Summary

A miter saw is a great product that can help you get your woodworking projects done in a faster and more efficient way. However, choosing the best one is not as easy as you might think; there are a lot of features that you need to consider before buying one so that you get a model that suits your project needs and goals.

Overall, the best option that you can get is the DeWALT DWS780. It provides excellent build materials and a powerful motor that can work through all types of wood. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a less expensive option, the SKIL 3821-01 model provides a fantastic value for money. While it may not have all the features that the DeWALT model has, it can get the job done without any issues.

What is a Miter Saw?

A miter saw (Also known as 12 inch miter saws outside the U.S.) is a powerful tool that a woodworker can use to make more accurate miters and crosscuts. This type of saw uses a circular blade that you can pull down onto your working board for each cut. Aside from making miters and crosscuts, a miter saw is also suitable for making quick and repetitive cuts across the wood piece.

In most cases, this is considered a portable tool, but it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have power! Miter saws do an amazing job, and they undoubtedly improve the cutting process in each project, so if you’re looking to be more time-efficient with your crosscuts and miters, consider getting a miter saw.

You can find miter saws with different blade sizes. They usually range from eight-inch miter saws to 12-inch miter saws. While the difference in size is not huge, each one can provide a slightly different cut.

Types of Miter Saws

Before we get into our 12″ miter saw reviews, we are going to show you the different types of miter saws, so you can identify which one works the best for your project:

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Compound Miter Saws

Compound miter saws (Or compound miter saws) come with a circular blade that can pivot either left or right, which helps with angled cutting. The blade can also tilt in one specific direction if you want to make a bevel cut. A compound miter saw is suitable for woodworkers who need to make frequent angled cuts in both the left and right sides of the piece without having to adjust it frequently. This type of saw works amazingly for crown molding or picture frames.

Dual Compound Miter Saws

These work similar to a compound miter saw, with the difference that a ‘dual’ model can tilt to the right and left side, which helps a lot in bevel cutting at any angle that you want. If you feel like you need that extra feature, a compound miter saw can be an excellent choice for you.

Sliding Compound Miter Saws

This is the most versatile type of miter saw. It includes all the features of a compound miter saw, and it also has the ability to drive the blade in a sliding motion. This allows you to drive the saw blade forward and backward, providing a wider cut length.

Why Should You Buy a 12 Inch Miter Saw?

Now that you know the basics of a miter saw, it’s time to answer the question: ‘Why should you choose a 12-inch miter saw?’ The main difference is in the diameter of the blade and how it makes each cut.

Overall, a 12in miter saw allows you to make deeper cuts and make faster cuts through thick pieces. For example, if you’re working with thick wood pieces and cutting them with a 10-inch miter saw, it may take more than one blade pass to go through the piece. On the other hand, you can cut through the entire thing with a single pass with a 12-in miter saw. This can save you a tremendous amount of time if you are working with heavy woodworking projects.

A 12-in miter saw usually comes with a more powerful motor that can withstand the 12-inch blade. This can also help you to cut through thick materials faster. Last but not least, 12-inch miter saws tend to be more durable since they are built with more resistant materials that can support the motor and the blade.

Keep in mind that when it comes to a miter saw, 12-inch blades can make the motor work slightly slower than with smaller blades. While some people prefer a faster blade for their cutting sessions, a 12-inch miter saw compensates for the slower speed with a more powerful motor.

On the other hand, 12-inch miter saws tend to be more expensive than 10-inch miter saws, and since there are not many 12-inch blades to choose from, it may be more complicated for you to choose one at first. Thankfully, we compiled 12-inch compound miter saw reviews so that you can choose a great product at an affordable price.

If you’re a woodworker that continually needs to cut through thick pieces of wood, a 12-inch miter saw can be a significant investment since it can save you a huge amount of time.

What Features Should You Look for When Buying the Best 12 Inch Miter Saw?

Not everything is about the size of the blade; there are also other important features that you need to consider before buying the best product for you. While some of them are not necessary for the miter saw to work, they can save you a lot of time in the cutting process, so consider giving them a look. To help you identify them, we’ve compiled a shortlist with some of the most popular features of miter saws so that you can choose one that has all the features you want or need.

Motor Power

This is one of the primary things that determine if a miter saw is good. The motor (or engine) measures how much power the saw can use when it’s working. If you have a powerful motor, you can perform faster and deeper cuts, whereas a weak motor can quickly wear out. Regardless of the type of saw that you’re getting, try to get a model with a good motor so that you ensure its longevity.

Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)

Along with the motor’s capacity, the RPM measures the efficacy of the blade’s cutting motion. A miter saw with a higher RPM can make the blade cut through thicker pieces of wood more smoothly.

Fences

A fence is a long bar that you usually drive against the wood piece so that you can keep it straight while you’re cutting it. In essence, the fences help you to make straighter cuts. Keep in mind that if you’re working with large wood pieces, you need a large or adjustable fence so that you can support the piece properly.

Miter Gauge

A miter gauge is used to adjust the angle at which the saw blade is going to make its cut. This makes the cuts more precise for you. Some of the Best 12-inch Miter Saws also include positive stops, which allow you to set the angle of your cut to a commonly-used angle. This makes the cutting process even quicker and efficient.

Depth Stops

A depth stop allows you to set a default depth in which the blade is going to cut the wood. This is not a commonly-used feature, but it certainly can help to make the process a bit quicker since you don’t have to waste time adjusting the depth each time you’re cutting something different.

Bevel

If you’re planning on working with some bevel cuts, you have to take a look at how much the saw can tilt. A single-bevel saw can only tilt in one direction, usually up to 45 degrees. On the other hand, a dual-bevel saw can tilt in two directions to at least 45 degrees on each side. The more the saw can tilt, the easier it is for you to make angled cuts.

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Dust Collection

While this feature is not necessary for the saw itself to work, it’s an essential thing to have. Most miter saws come with a dust collection system that allows you to contain sawdust and other debris in an easier way, which keeps your workspace clean and your lungs healthy since you are not going to be breathing everything up.

Electric Brakes

One of the most frequent fears in a woodworking project is the fear of having an accident. Depending on the circumstances, the severity of the accident may vary from mild to dangerous. Thankfully, there’s a way to reduce the risk of accidents; some miter saws come with electric brakes. The brakes work by reducing the saw’s flow of electricity whenever you stop holding the power button, making the blade stop quickly in the event of an accident.

Shaft or Spindle Locks

A shaft or spindle lock can help you secure the blade in place whenever you’re loosening or tightening it on your miter saw. While it’s not a necessary feature, it can save you some time and discomfort when changing your blades.

Product Reviews

10Expert Score
It has 10 positive stops

DeWALT is one of the best manufacturers of woodworking products, which means that durability is not something that you have to worry about with them.

Heavy Duty Guide
9.5
Very Sturdy
9
Pros
  • It comes with a powerful 15-amp motor that provides deep but accurate cuts.
  • It has an amazing dust collection bag.
  • It has 10 positive stops.
  • It has excellent build materials.
Cons
  • It may be challenging to assemble.
  • It's not an affordable product.

DeWALT is one of the best manufacturers of woodworking products, which means that durability is not something that you have to worry about with them. If you’re looking for the best 12″ compound miter saw, don’t look further than this product! DeWALT miter saws never disappoint, and the DWS780 proves it.

Best 12-inch Miter Saw

This compound miter saw comes with a powerful 15-amp motor that works at 3800 RPM. This makes it a powerful tool that can cut through most pieces of wood. As for the blade, it features a 12-inch carbide blade that can cause deep and accurate cuts, leaving a smooth surface after the piece is cut.

This miter saw was made with durable materials, so you don’t have to worry about the saw getting wobbly at high speeds. In most cases, you should be able to operate the saw without any issues. The blade’s dual bevel system allows you to make bevel cuts on either the right or left side of the piece, saving you a significant amount of time since you don’t have to adjust the piece as you cut it.

One of the best features of this miter saw is that it comes with an amazing dust collection bag. According to DeWALT, the dust collection system can capture over 75% of the total amount of dust generated at the worksite.

When it comes to miter saws, DeWALT is a trustworthy brand that provides some of the best tools for woodworkers. If you want to read more about this compound miter saw, click here.

Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Miter Saw

This professional-grade saw comes with a patented axial glide system, which means that you can make wider cross cuts while saving up to 12 inches of workspace.
9.5Expert Score
If you're a professional woodworker, this miter saw may seal the deal for you!

If you’re a professional woodworker, this miter saw may seal the deal for you! This model features a 15-amp motor that works at an outstanding 5300 RPM.

Micro Adjustment
9.5
Exceptionally Built
9
Pros
  • It comes with a patented axial glide system.
  • It's easy to adjust.
  • It has great build quality.
Cons
  • The dust collection system is not great.
  • It's heavier than other models.
  • It's not an affordable product.
Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD Miter Saw

If you’re a professional woodworker, this miter saw may seal the deal for you! This model features a 15-amp motor that works at an outstanding 5300 RPM. This professional-grade saw comes with a patented axial glide system, which means that you can make wider cross cuts while saving up to 12 inches of workspace.

To improve the precision of the blade, it features a square lock fence, which allows you to provide a higher level of support to the piece that you’re cutting. While this is a tool suited for professionals, it’s not hard to adjust; most of the adjustment points are located on the front of the saw, which allows you to adjust everything more easily.

Overall, this is one of the most versatile saws on the market, so if you’re looking for a saw that can withstand heavy projects, this is the best choice for you. You can read more about this product here.

TACKLIFE 12-Inch, 15-Amp Motor, Double Bevel, Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The double-bevel design allows you to make bevel cuts to a maximum of 45 degrees on either the right or left side. The blade comes with ultra-high-grade carbide-tipped teeth, which allows for smoother cuts. To make each cut even easier, the saw features a double linear sliding rail design, which allows you to keep your boards straight when cutting them.
Super Handy
9.5
Extremely Durable
9
Pros
  • It comes with a 15-amp motor that provides outstanding performance.
  • It features a double linear sliding rail for more accurate cuts.
  • It comes with a laser marker to adjust each cut.
  • It has a comfortable handle.
Cons
  • The dust collection system isn't great.
  • The blades are complicated to change sometimes.

This is a similar saw to the last one, with the difference that this is more affordable, and it provides some extra features, such as a laser guide. If you’re looking for a great product, but can’t afford to buy the DeWALT DWS780, this is also an amazing saw that you can use.

TACKLIFE 12-Inch, 15-Amp Motor, Double Bevel, Sliding Compound Miter Saw

For the main features, this saw comes with a 15-amp motor that works at 3800 RPM, which is perfect for cutting most types of wood without any issues. One thing that we like about this saw is that it comes with a D-grip system, which allows you to grab the saw more comfortably when cutting wood.

The double-bevel design allows you to make bevel cuts to a maximum of 45 degrees on either the right or left side. The blade comes with ultra-high-grade carbide-tipped teeth, which allows for smoother cuts. To make each cut even easier, the saw features a double linear sliding rail design, which allows you to keep your boards straight when cutting them.

Overall, this is an affordable but fantastic miter saw that you can use for heavy-duty projects. If you want to read more about this product, click here!

Hitachi C12RSH2 12-Inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw

The Hitachi C12RSH2 features a 15-amp motor that works efficiently at producing smooth cuts. To enhance the accuracy of your work, the saw features a laser guide that you can use to mark where the saw is going to go down.
8.5Expert Score
Cost-Effective Tool

Hitachi is another great brand that creates reliable miter saws, and this product is not the exception.

Fast and Easy to Use
9.5
Easy To Assemble
9
Pros
  • It comes with a laser guide.
  • It comes with positive stops to adjust the cut's angle.
  • It has a large sliding fence.
Cons
  • Its build quality isn't great.

Hitachi is another great brand that creates reliable miter saws, and this product is not the exception. The Hitachi C12RSH2 features a 15-amp motor that works efficiently at producing smooth cuts. To enhance the accuracy of your work, the saw features a laser guide that you can use to mark where the saw is going to go down.

Another great feature about this saw is that it comes with a large sliding fence that can rise to up to 5-1/8 inches, making jobs like crown molding easier. As for the bevel system, you can make cuts up to 45 degrees on the right and left sides. To top it all off, this saw comes with a high number of positive stops that allow you to adjust the angle of your cuts in an easier way.

If accuracy is what you’re aiming for, then this miter saw is fit for the job! If you want to read more about this product, click here!

SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Miter Saw

The most remarkable feature about this product is that it’s fairly easy to set up and operate, and since it’s lightweight, you can move it without any issues.
8.5Expert Score
Versatile, accurate and smooth cuts

If you were looking for a budget option, this is it. The SKIL 3821-01 comes with everything that you need to make accurate and smooth cuts

Affordable
9.5
Easy To Operate
9
Pros
  • It's an affordable product.
  • It's easy to set up.
  • It comes with a laser guide to improve the accuracy of each cut.
Cons
  • The dust collection bag is small, and it doesn't contain much sawdust or debris.
  • The metal fences included in the saw may cause some vibrations when performing a cut on a piece.
SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Miter Saw

If you were looking for a budget option, this is it. The SKIL 3821-01 comes with everything that you need to make accurate and smooth cuts: A powerful 15-amp motor that runs at 4800 RPM, a quick-mount system, nine positive stops, and a laser cutline guide.

The most remarkable feature about this product is that it’s fairly easy to set up and operate, and since it’s lightweight, you can move it without any issues. Overall, this is an affordable product that does the job efficiently and quickly, at an affordable price. If you want to read more about this product, click here!

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of ways to go with a 12-inch miter saw. However, all it takes to choose a proper one for you is to determine your project goals and needs. After you sort that out, it’s fairly easy to choose the best 12-inch miter saw for you. Keep in mind that this type of saw is an investment and that it can improve your workflow by a lot, so consider getting a high-quality product.

Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


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Itamar Ben Dor
Itamar Ben Dor

My father is a practical engineer, and as a hobby he was also involved in construction, renovations, carpentry and woodwork at home; So there was always tools, saws, drills and more at home. Already I was a little kid Dad and I would renovate the house. Once we built a shed for garden tools, once we did flooring for the garden, once we renovated the bathroom and that’s the way it is. Long before there was an internet, directories and plans. We would build things, kitchen cabinets, install electrical appliances, do flooring, pour concrete and more ... I in this blog want to pass on to you the experience I have gained over the last 20 plus-minus years since I was a child to this day and give you information about the best tools, project plans, guides and more.

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