When you are working with wood, having options gives you the versatility and flexibility to perform many different tasks. You want a saw that lets you make substantial cuts, change angles with ease, and provide accuracy and precision.
A sliding miter saw is the tool you need to open a world of possibilities.
We look at the best sliding miter saw and rate them on their versatility, price, and performance so that you can make an informed choice on your next miter saw purchase.
10 Best Sliding Miter Saws
#1. DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch (DWS779)
- Stainless steel miter detent plate of the 12-inch miter saw blade comes with 10 positive stops
What’s not to love about this DeWALT sliding miter saw. It has a 12-inch blade, an angle ratio from 0 to 48 degrees both left and right, and 10 positive stops. Couple that with the superb quality of the stainless steel detent plate, and you get amazing precision.
You get a 3,800 RPM motor and dual horizontal steel rails with an innovative clamping mechanism and linear ball-bearing for increased accuracy. You also get a 2-inch by 14-inch cross-cut capability at 90 degrees.
One of the best features of this DeWALT sliding miter saw is it is a dual-bevel model, which means you can adjust the angle on the left and right without having to recalibrate.
Plus, you can perform a 2-inch by 14-inch dimensional lumber cut at 90 degrees, and 2-inch by 10-inch at 45 degrees. It comes with a precise miter system and machined base fence support, as well as a Cam-lock miter handle for increased accuracy.
For added safety, there is a dust chute and port to channel away any dangerous sawdust from your working area. This is not a cheap sliding miter saw, so it might not suit everyone’s budget, but it does come with a carbide blade, a blade wrench, and a full set of instructions.
The only downsides so far are the handle grip, which can be uncomfortable, and the dust collection bag. It stores a fair amount of dust, but an extraction system would be better for health and safety.
#2. BOSCH Power Tools GCM12SD
- Axial glide system: The patented glide system allows wider cross cuts and better alignment while also being compact; This saves you 12 inch of valuable work space; Bosch glide miter saw also offers unmatched smoothness of cut
This Bosch has a unique sliding system that prevents dust from blocking the extending arm. This axial gliding system also saves you up to 12 inches of workspace while increasing the capacity of your cross cuts.
Thanks to the large and easy-to-read bevel and stainless steel miter scale, adjustments are made simple. It also has a heavy and durable base, so it is unlikely to tip over during use.
You also get a push-button detent override to increase the speed at which you work. The V-shaped 33.9-degree bevel stops make accuracy second nature, and the extendable material supports mean you can work on larger projects and still get great results.
This isn’t the lightest saw on the market, weighing in at around 88 pounds, so transporting it to and from the worksite might be a challenge. Plus, it doesn’t really fold that well, so it is also awkward to carry.
The expanded cutting capacity means you get 14 inches maximum on horizontal cuts, 6.5 inches on vertical cuts against the fence base, and 6.5 inches crown capacity against the fence 45-degree spring.
Like the DeWALT, it also has a detent override for faster adjustments and better precision, and it has the same dust collection bag arrangement. However, this Bosch also has a vacuum adaptor to channel the dust to a central collection point.
You also get one-touch lock and unlock to the slide fence for added support and a square lock quick release for the fence to lock at 90 degrees.
All this technology and the added features come at a cost because this Bosch is very expensive, costing a few hundred dollars more than the DeWALT.
#3. Skil 10″ Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saw – MS6305-00
- POWERFUL 15 AMP MOTOR – Delivers 4,800 RPM for quick, detailed cuts
The first thing you notice about this SKIL sliding miter saw is the price. It costs a fraction of the models featured so far. So, what does it have?
It has a powerful 15-amp motor that delivers 4,800 RPM; it has a dual bevel to perform cuts at 4 positive stop positions at 48 and 45 degrees on the left and 0 to 45 degrees on the right.
Surprisingly, you also get an LED shadow line for more precise cutting, which is something that you don’t get on the more expensive Bosch. It cross cuts lumber up to 2 inches by 12 inches at 90 degrees and 2 inches by 8 inches at 45 degrees.
You also get a horizontal grip handle with a center safety trigger for left and right-handed people. The 9 detents on the stainless steel plate and the 11 miter locations allow you to cut at 50 degrees both left and right.
It also has 11 stop positions at the most commonly used angles. The tall sliding fence supports 4.5-inch base molding vertically and 6.25-inch crown molding vertically nested.
It’s lightweight too, weighing just 39.4 pounds, which might indicate that this sliding miter saw may not be as robust as the Bosch, but it is still a great entry-level power tool.
#4.DEWALT DCS361B Cordless Sliding Miter Saw
- Integrated cut line cross-cut positioning system of DEWALT 20V miter saw provides adjustment-free cut line indication for better accuracy and visibility
This 20V cordless sliding miter saw is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which gives you the freedom to work anywhere without worrying about a power supply. Unfortunately, this is sold as the bare tool only, so you have to buy the battery separately.
The good news is that once you do, it is compatible with over 180 DeWALT cordless products. Thanks to its integrated cut line cross cut positioning system; you get better accuracy and speed.
This is a compact tool with a 7.25-inch blade, so you are limited to the size of the material, but as a hobby woodworker, this miter saw should meet most challenges. It has a cross cut capacity of 8 inches and a 3.5-inch vertical capacity.
And because it is cordless, it only weighs 30 pounds, making it easy to transport to the worksite. The adjustable stainless steel miter detent has 11 stop positions to improve productivity and accuracy.
It also has an oversized bevel scale, making bevel adjustments easy, plus the precise miter system and machined base help to increase durability and accuracy.
#5. WEN MM1011 15-Amp 10″ Single Bevel Compact Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Powerful 15-amp motor cuts boards up to 12 inches wide and 3-1/2 inches thick
This WEN comes with a powerful 15-amp motor, which means you can cut boards up to 12 inches wide and 3.5 inches thick. It can miter at 45 degrees in either direction and bevel cut at 45 degrees to the left. It also has 9 miter stops.
This saw is an incredible price, retailing at less than the SKIL miter saw, and that one was cheap! Incredibly, this budget model even comes with a class II laser guide for increased accuracy and speed.
It has a 10-inch blade and is capable of cutting 7.5-inch crown molding nested and 6.75-inch baseboard vertically.
You also get two table extensions to increase the size of material you can work with, and it has a dust port bag and adapter to convert it to a central vacuum system.
This WEN is lightweight and portable, so getting it to the worksite should be a breeze, but this is also a downside because lightweight typically means less robust components, which might explain the tiny price tag.
If you were looking for a starter sliding miter saw, this one would be at the top of the list; however, this is not a model that professionals would choose.
#6. Metabo HPT 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Same tools. New name. Hitachi power tools has renamed to Metabo HPT
Metabo is the new name for Hitachi, and this sliding compound miter saw doesn’t disappoint. Because it is a compound miter saw, the blade is capable of cutting two angles at the same time.
The 15-amp motor produces 4,000 RPM, so it has the grunt to cut through most thicknesses of material. It also weighs a healthy 77 pounds, meaning that it is robust enough to take whatever you throw at it.
It has a compact sliding system that allows the blade to move along the rails without taking up space at the rear. You also get a laser marker system for increased speed when measuring and cutting. It also improves accuracy.
It has large sliding fences to enable the crown moldings to be cut vertically up to 7.5 inches. It cuts at 0 to 57 degrees to the right and 45 degrees to the left, as well as 0 to 45 degrees bevel angles on the left and right.
The handle is soft-padded to reduce vibration, which makes it more comfortable to use across longer periods. The extension arms also equip the saw for larger pieces of material, increasing your scope to work on more substantial projects.
This is a fantastic mid-priced miter saw, so if you are upgrading from a cheaper model, this could be a good choice.
#7. Evolution Power Tools R185SMS+
- Without changing blades, This saw is designed to cut a wide range of materials
Now we come to the least expensive and lightest sliding miter tool to feature so far. This one costs a fraction of the price of the DeWALT and Bosch saws, and it only weighs 19.6 pounds, so you have to question the quality of the materials and components.
We can see where some of the savings have come. It only has a 10-amp motor, so it isn’t as powerful as the other models, and it has fewer features and benefits. However, as an entry-level miter saw, this one ticks the boxes.
It has a laser-guided cutting line to give you the best accuracy, a tungsten-carbide blade that cuts metal, wood, plastic, and just about anything else, and integrated carrying handles for more convenience.
The dust bag is included, along with an extra-long 10-foot power cable. It cross cuts to a width of 8.25 inches by 2.25 inches, miter cuts 5.75 inches by 2.25 inches, bevel cuts at 8.25 by 1.5 inches, and compound cuts to 5.75 by 1.5 inches.
You get 50-degree miter cuts both left and right, and it has a bevel angle of 0 to 45 degrees. It even has a 3-piece top clamp that holds the material in place and prevents it from moving when you are cutting.
As we said at the start, the quality of this tool is questionable because it costs so little. It is more likely to appeal to a home woodworker rather than a professional.
#8. Craftsman Sliding Miter Saw Kit
- POWERFUL MOTOR: 3,800 RPM motor of CRAFTSMAN miter saw is made for cutting 2X dimensional lumber, hardwoods, baseboard and trim with ease
The motor on this Craftsman miter saw produces 3,800 RPM, so it should have enough power to tackle most materials and projects. This saw has an 8-inch cross cut capacity at 90 degrees and 5.5 inches at 45 degrees.
It has an LED cut line indicator to help improve precision and 9 miter detent stops for easy adjustments. This is another cordless miter saw, so it is a go-anywhere tool. It makes up to 585 cuts on 3.25-inch MDF baseboard on a single charge.
It is portable too, weighing just 21.8 pounds, and thanks to side carry handles, it is also easy to lift.
Unlike the previous cordless saw to feature, this one comes with the 4 Ah lithium-ion battery and a fast charger, so there is a saving there. Overall, this is a nice cordless miter saw, but it is better suited to home projects rather than on a construction site.
#9. Makita Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- 10″ slide miter saw with the Crown molding cutting capacity (6-5/8″ nested) of a 12″ miter saw
This Makita is a 10-inch compound sliding miter saw, so it can cut two angles simultaneously. It has a nested crown molding capacity of 6.625 inches and 12 inches using the miter saw for cross cuts at 90 degrees.
It also benefits from a unique glide system that means the saw can sit flush against a wall to save space in the workshop. It also has a linear ball bearing system engineered to deliver precision.
You get a 15-amp motor that delivers 3,200 RPM, which is powerful enough to slice through 4-inch by 4-inch wood in a single pass. It also cuts through 4.75-inch baseboard with ease.
You also get a soft-start motor, which means you get less kickback when you start to cut through new material. It enables you to concentrate on accuracy and to build the speed gradually as you get to grips with the cutting line.
This miter saw weighs just over 72 pounds, so it isn’t the lightest, but extra weight usually means better quality components and robust construction.
The miter angles range from 0 to 60 degrees on the left and right and bevels between 0 and 48 degrees on both sides.
#10. Delta Dual-Bevel Sliding Cruzer Miter Saw
- Shadow guide cutting line projects a consistent and accurate cutting line on your work piece
This Delta Dual-Bevel sliding miter saw has a 15-amp motor and delivers 4,000 RPM, which is enough power to cut through 6.5 inches in depth. The dual-bevel allows for 47 degrees on the left and right, and the miter has a capacity of 60 degrees on the right and 50 on the left.
You get 7 popular bevel stops with a quick-release lever to make the selection easier and to save time. It also has one-handed controls to adjust the miter detent override and bevel release.
This saw falls into the mid-range for weight. It weighs 57 pounds, so it should be a breeze to transport without feeling like it is flimsy and of poor quality.
You get a huge cross cut capacity at 18 inches, which is easily the best so far of any of the models, and it has been designed to make perfect crown molding cuts every time.
This isn’t the most expensive miter saw to feature, but it is up there with the premium models. It is probably likely to appeal to professionals or experienced woodworkers rather than hobbyists and novices.
What Is a Sliding Miter Saw?
A sliding miter saw is just like a miter saw, except the blade moves along a series of rails that enable the saw to cut larger pieces and make smoother cuts in one motion.
Instead of lowering the saw onto the wood, you can lower and glide, increasing the accuracy and choice of cuts.
It enables you to make accurate angle cuts in thicker and wider materials without stopping and make adjustments. If speed and accuracy are top of your priority list, then a sliding miter saw is the right tool for you.
Table Saw vs. Miter Saw
While table saws and miter saws share many similarities in the range of cuts available, they do have some stark differences. Let’s take a look:
Table Saw
Table saws come in portable and cabinet varieties. Portable table saws are smaller and more transportable, making them a favorite with those doing their woodwork on the move.
They have a limited scope in the size of projects you can undertake, but they are handy for making 90-degree, and in some instances, 45-degree angle cuts. They are also excellent for making rip cuts and cross cuts.
Table saws are notoriously dangerous because the blade protrudes through a slot in the middle of the table, and you move the workpiece towards the cutting area. This poses a risk to your fingers and thumbs.
Cabinet table saws are much larger, increasing the types of projects you can undertake. Cabinet table saws are stationary and remain in situ. You find them in woodshops and furniture makers because they speed up the cutting process and are highly accurate.
The blades range in size from 8 inches to 12 inches (the most common) and even 14-inches when the thickness of the material warrants it.
Pros
- Great for rip cuts and cross cuts.
- Cuts 45-degree angles.
- Deeper cutting potential.
- Better for more substantial projects.
Cons
- Limited cutting angles.
- Cabinet saws are expensive.
- Dangerous to use.
Miter Saw
Miter saws are portable and compact compared to table saws. The blade is mounted in a pivoting head that moves from side to side and up and down.
Miter saws have a greater repertoire of cuts available to them. You can cut angles, bevels, cross cuts, and in some cases, compound cuts where two angles are cut simultaneously. Miter saws are the stalwarts of wood shops and construction sites.
Miter saws are safer to use because your hands stay a distance from the cutting blade. You can also set a miter saw to cut at any angle within the saw’s available range of settings, and some models have a dual-bevel feature, which enables angled cuts on the left and the right.
Pros
- Versatile and portable.
- Cuts almost any angle.
- Dual-bevel cutting.
- Great for cross cutting and crown molding.
Cons
- Not great at rip cutting.
- Some models are expensive.
Benefits Of Using a Sliding Miter Saw
There are many advantages to using a sliding miter saw, not least the range of cuts available to you. Let’s check out the benefits.
Convenience
In days past, you would have to use several tools to achieve the same results a sliding miter saw. They are one-stop tool stations for almost every conceivable type of cut.
The only cut you might struggle with is the rip cut, along the grain of long lengths of wood. For this cut, you would need a table saw.
You can set the saw to cut any angle, and some models are compound saws, which means you can cut two angles at the same time.
Cost
Portable table saws and sliding miter saws are similar in price, but compared to cabinet table saws, most sliding miter saws are excellent value for money.
You can get entry-level miter saws for as little as $160, although prices can rocket to $500 and $1,000.
Safer
Miter saws are much safer than table saws. The blade is mounted inside a retractable cover that reveals the blade when pulling the pivoting head towards the workpiece. Your hands stay far enough away to keep them safe.
They also have trigger switches that are prominently placed so that you can kill the motor in an emergency. They are easier to set up and master, and can pack down in an instant.
Portable
When you want a portable saw to take on the road, a miter saw is the best choice, even when compared to portable table saws. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to set up when you arrive at your destination.
It also means you can carry a miter saw in the trunk of the average car, so you don’t need a large truck or van.
Miter Saw Types
What are the differences between the various types of miter saws? Let’s take a look.
Standard
Standard miter saws have a limited 6-inch cutting capacity, unlike sliding models that can reach as much as 12 or even 14 inches.
A standard miter saw does everything a sliding miter saw does except slide in and out for increased cutting capabilities.
Compound
Compound saws are very clever because they can cut dual angles at the same time. This means you can get highly complex shapes for precision woodwork and carpentry. Typically, you can only make the compound cut on one side.
Dual Compound
Dual compound miter saws have the ability to make the compound cut on the left and the right. This means the user can switch between the two without having to recalibrate the settings or move the workpiece.
Sliding
Sliding miter saws have a set of rails that the head of the saw, housing the blade, moves along. The advantage of this is you get increased width cutting capacity, and the process is a lot smoother than simply lowering the cutting disc onto the material.
Some sliding miter saws have an axial arm that extends instead of a rail system, and these tend to be space-saving, but they cost a lot more.
Considerations for Buying the Best Sliding Miter Saw
There are always key factors to consider when buying a new sliding miter saw. So, what should you be looking for? Here’s a handy guide.
Price
The price should always be the number one consideration because your budget determines the quality of the tool and the features and benefits it has.
Unless you are Jeff Bezos with a limitless pot of money, everyone has a limit on how much they want to spend, and with sliding miter saws, that limit varies enormously.
A starter sliding miter saw will set you back about $150 to $250, whereas a premium model could cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000.
Laser
Having a laser guide is very useful because it keeps your cutting edge true and always delivers accurate results. It takes away the guesswork, especially when you start cutting complex angles.
You’d think that all the premium brands feature a laser guide, but many lack this key capability. In fact, the cheaper brands are more likely to have a laser guide.
Dustbag
If you want to avoid breathing potentially dangerous sawdust, you need a saw with a dust collection bag. It channels about 90 percent of the harmful pathogens away from your workspace and keeps you safe.
However, dust bags are not as efficient as vacuum hose extractors, so getting a sliding miter saw with an adaptor is even better because that means almost 100 percent of the dust is sucked away to a central canister to be emptied later.
Cord Type
There are essentially two ways to power your sliding miter saw: via a cord that plugs into the mains electricity supply or via a lithium-ion battery pack. Plug-in saws have the advantage of running non-stop without interruption because the power supply is unlimited.
However, you are limited to working near a power socket, or relying on an extension cord, which is a pain to set up and a trip hazard. This is not ideal if you are working on a busy construction site.
Battery-operated saws need a battery, but that only has a limited charge runtime. However, you should get between 300 and 600 cuts between charges on an average 4Ah battery, and that should be plenty to keep you going.
Most cordless saws are sold without the battery, which is an extra expense to factor in. Still, they do this because the batteries are interchangeable between their range of cordless power tools, and they assume you already have a battery.
The plus with cordless sliding miter saws is they are go-anywhere tools. You are completely independent of a power supply, that is, until you need to recharge the battery.
Safety Mechanisms
Saws are dangerous tools, no matter the type and safety features; however, manufacturers have introduced many safety measures to mitigate as much of the danger as possible.
The first safety feature on your list is a saw guard. The shield raises as you lower the blade and then closes as you lift it back up. It protects your fingers from harm.
Another consideration is the base of the saw. It needs to be heavy and entirely flat to prevent it from tipping over during operation. An excellent addition to consider is a saw stand. It provides your miter saw with a stable base, and it helps you make better cuts.
The third consideration is an electric brake that stops the blade dead in seconds. It could be the difference between a trip to the Emergency Room with a cut and a severed finger.
Power
Your saw’s power capability is what determines the types of tasks you can undertake. Most miter saws have between 10 and 15-amp motors that generate between 3,800 and 4,000 RPM.
If you have a cordless model, it will have a lithium-ion battery and operate at either 18 or 20 volts. The two are, in fact, the same, with the 18-volt rating being an average power performance, while the higher rating is a peak rating.
If you are working in a professional capacity, the higher amperage and RPM will appeal, but in a domestic setting, you probably don’t need all that power, especially if you only use the saw occasionally.
Sawing crown moldings requires less power and more precision compared to cutting fence posts or lumber.
Blade
The larger the blade, the bigger the cutting capability of the saw. Most saws have either a 7.5, 10, or 12-inch blade, which gives you a cutting depth of about 3.5 to 6 inches.
When choosing your new sliding miter saw, consider what you are likely to use the saw for, and choose the blade size accordingly. But remember that if you select a 12-inch saw, you can only fit 12-inch blades.
It’s not always about the size of the blade. The TPI, or teeth per inch count, matters too. Fewer teeth have a rougher cutting action and are better suited to lumber and treated timber used in construction, whereas a higher tooth count is better for smoother cuts.
Larger blades tend to have a higher TPI, whereas smaller blades have less. But this depends on the type of blade and its specific uses. You can get all the information by checking the face of the blade.
Cutting Ability
A miter saw has one job, and that is to cut material, so the importance of cutting ability cannot be understated.
Look for positive stops or predetermined positions because they are typically set at the most commonly used angles. This makes your life that much easier because it takes away any confusion.
You also want a reliable lock. When you lock the angle into position, you don’t want it to move mid-cut. It is also a massive safety concern because if the saw moves mid-cut, it could cause you to slip and injure yourself.
The bevel is another consideration. It determines the angle the saw hinges and the rotation of the base. It enables you to be more flexible with your cutting ability, which increases your repertoire of cuts.
Most sliding miter saws are dual-bevel, which means you can flip the saw from left to right without having to change the angle of the workpiece. It increases accuracy and speeds up the sawing process.
How to Use a Sliding Miter Saw
- Place your board against the fence and clamp it in place.
- Before starting the blade, pull the saw, so it extends over the workpiece with the blade nearest the edge closest to you.
- Squeeze the trigger, and the blade starts to spin. Wait until it has reached maximum speed before attempting to cut.
- Pull the blade down towards the wood.
- With the blade spinning, make contact with the wood and continue pushing with light pressure until the blade makes a clean pass through the wood.
- Always cut on the push and never the pull.
- Once the saw has exited the wood, release the trigger and wait for the blade to stop rotating.
- Lift the blade and unplug the miter saw.
- Check out your workpiece.
Sliding Miter Saw Safety Tips
Whenever you use power tools, safety is the first and last consideration. There are safe practices that you should adopt when operating a sliding miter saw.
Wear Safety Gear
Always don safety goggles and a face mask when using a sliding miter saw. The goggles protect you against flying debris and keep the sawdust from getting in your eyes.
The face mask stops you from breathing in the deadly pathogens contained in sawdust. Wood dust contains pollutants that can cause breathing problems and aggravate existing lung conditions like asthma.
It is possible that sawdust causes lung cancer, although this is rare.
Keep Hands Away From The Blade
While miter saws are pretty safe compared to other saws, keep your hands at least 6 inches from the cutting blade. Grip the workpiece but never place your hands in the path of the blade.
Cut On The Push
Never operate the blade when you pull it towards you. You should only cut the wood when you push the blade. It enables you to apply firm but light pressure and increases your accuracy.
Wait For The Blade To Stop
Never raise the blade while it is still spinning. Wait for it to stop, and then raise the cutting arm. If you lift the blade while still in motion, you risk damaging your workpiece because it still cuts as it spins.
Wait until it stops, and then lift it.
Keep The Saw Lowered and Unplugged
When you store the saw, always leave it unplugged and locked in the lower position. That way, if anyone touches the saw, there is zero chance of it starting up, and the blade is inaccessible because it is locked in the down position.
Use a Stand Or Secure It To a Table
Miter saw stands are readily available, and they increase the stability of your power tool. Alternatively, instead of balancing the saw on the table, either clamp it down or bolt it to the tabletop.
That way, when you use it, it will never move. The last thing you want is for the saw to slide when making cuts because this is dangerous, and it ruins your accuracy.
Wear Earplugs
Miter saws are pretty noisy, so to save your ears from permanent damage, wear earplugs. Hearing loss is unlikely unless you use the saw every day, but the earplugs offer that respite from the constant noise.
Best Sliding Miter Saw FAQ
What is the best miter saw for home use?
When using a miter saw in domestic settings, you don’t need the same amount of power that you do in commercial environments. You also don’t need the same size blade unless you are committing to a larger project.
The DeWALT cordless sliding miter saw has a 7.25-inch blade, so it is smaller than some, but it is a go-anywhere saw, so you can use it inside and outside without worrying about plugging in.
It’s a DeWALT, so you know it is going to be good, and it isn’t too expensive, which is always a bonus.
What is the best sliding miter saw for the money?
The DeWALT DWS779 is pretty much the best sliding miter saw for the money. It does almost everything, is well made, and lasts the distance. The 12-inch blade enables you to tackle larger projects, and the double 45-degree bevel gives you versatility.
It cuts lumber up to 6.75 inches thick and 16 inches wide. And thanks to the powerful 15-amp motor, it slices through the material with ease.
Who makes the most accurate miter saw?
The most accurate miter saw award is probably shared between Makita and DeWALT. Both have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with a sliding miter saw and lead the way in quality, innovation, and accuracy.
They are the brands of choice for many professionals, and that matters because if the pro’s like them, then so should you.
Is a sliding miter saw better?
A sliding miter saw is better than a standard version because it gives you greater control of the cutting blade; and increases the scope of project sizes. A standard miter saw can cut up to 6 inches, but a sliding version can extend that to 12, 14, and even 16 inches.
The cutting arm extends on rails, increasing the width you can cut, but it also makes the cutting experience much smoother and easier to control.
Can a miter saw make straight cuts?
A miter saw can make straight cuts, but you are limited to the width of the material you can cut. A table saw is ideally suited to straight cuts on larger workpieces. However, a miter saw is perfect for making straight cuts, as well as beveled and angled cuts.
Can you use circular saws instead of miter saws?
You can use a circular saw instead of a miter saw to make straight cuts, but that is where the miter saw has the leap on the circular saw. If you want to cut angles, you need a jig, which requires a more complicated setup process.
Miter saws don’t need jigs because you can cut angles with ease using the miter gauge.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, the complete rundown of sliding miter saws, what they can do, and the differences compared to other saws.
With all this information, you should be ready to commit to purchasing that new sliding miter saw with confidence, knowing what to look for and what to avoid.