With the wide range of miter saws available on the market today, we are sure you have run across some of the most impressive (and most fearsome) miter saws out there – saws with a 12 inch blade.
As intimidating as these saws may be, they can get a lot of woodworking done effectively and efficiently. Read on to learn more about these saws.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 12 Inch Miter Saws
- OUR TOP PICK: DEWALT DWS780 Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- RUNNER-UP: Bosch Power Tools 15 Amp Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: DEWALT DW715
Comparison of the Best 12 Inch Miter Saws
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What is a 12 Inch Miter Saw Best Used For?
Working with a miter saw with a blade that is a full 12 inches long can be overwhelming for a lot of people. But these blades can be extremely effective, particularly when working on larger projects. All other miter saw blade lengths result in blades with a somewhat limited cutting capacity, but not the 12 inchers. These blades are tough enough to chomp through anything you throw at them, so if you have got an intense project, these blades are for you.
What Makes a Great 12 Inch Miter Saw?
Because there are such a wide variety of 12 inch miter saws out there, we have compiled a list of the most important qualities to keep an eye on:
Accuracy
Because you are going to likely be making complicated cuts with the heftier blades on these saws, you want a saw that is going to be able to work accurately for you. Invest in a saw with a proven track record of precise cutting.
DEWALT DWS780 Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Power
Although the 12 inch blades on these saws are impressive and substantial all on their own, they will not really be capable of doing much without a powerful motor to back them up. Make sure you find yourself a saw with a motor tough enough to eat through any type of wood, even the harder woods.
Durability
Like we mentioned above, these saws are ideal for really intense projects with a lot of complicated cuts. With that being said, it is difficult to imagine something more frustrating than your saw breaking down in the middle of your crazy project. Make sure you find yourself a saw that is built to last.
Review of the Best 12 Inch Miter Saws
Now that you have a sense of what to look for in 12 inch miter saws, here are our top choices for products:
Best Overall:
DEWALT DWS780
PROS
CONS
The DEWALT DWS780 Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is the premiere 12 inch miter saw and the absolute best overall model we could find. What can this saw not do for you? It can handle pretty much any width of wood you may want it to chomp through, and best of all, no matter how complicated the cut, the finished product will be incredibly smooth.
In fact, users report that when working with this saw, they are able to save themselves a substantial amount of time thanks to the fact that they often do not need to sand their cuts down afterwards.
Plus, the dust collection system on this bad boy is so effective that you will not need to spend time cleaning up your workspace afterwards, either.
Bottom Line
The DEWALT DWS780 Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a fantastic 12 inch miter saw that is tough on wood and convenient to use. Just make sure you have enough room on your workbench to accommodate this big boy.
Runner-up:
Bosch Power Tools 15 Amp Corded Dual Bevel Sliding Guide Miter Saw
PROS
CONS
The Bosch Power Tools 15 Amp Corded Dual Bevel Sliding Guide Miter Saw is a close runner-up for first place in best overall 12 inch miter saws, right behind the DEWALT DWS780 Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw. But do not think the Bosch is in second through any fault of its own – this saw kicks some ass!
The Bosch is surprisingly quiet for the amount of power and punch it packs, and if there is ever a situation where you will need to perform repairs on this saw, there is no need to be intimidated, as the repair process is quick and intuitive.
Plus, you will likely never need to even engage in the repair process, seeing as the Bosch’s axial glide system will prevent the slide machinery from ever being clogged up with sawdust and needing to be fixed. What could be easier than that?
Bottom Line
The Bosch Power Tools 15 Amp Corded Dual Bevel Sliding Guide Miter Saw is a fantastic miter saw and our runner-up choice for best overall saw. Just know that you will likely need to upgrade the blade situation.
Best for the Money:
DEWALT DW715
PROS
CONS
If you want a 12 inch miter saw that you can rely on to always get the job done, but one that will also not completely drain out your bank account, you will find such a saw in the DEWALT DW715. This 12 inch saw will deliver the absolute best value for the money out of all its competitors.
It comes accurately calibrated right out of the box, so there is no additional work required on your part. Users report that it can cut through hard woods like oak just as easily as it cuts through more soft woods such as pine.
Its included thirty two tooth blade is surprisingly high quality, and it is durable enough to last you a long, long time. You can’t go wrong with this saw.
Bottom Line
The DEWALT DW715 is an awesome 12 inch miter saw that will deliver when it comes to performance as well as value. Just know that you can’t really trust its dust collection system.
4. Makita LS1221 Compound Miter
PROS
CONS
The Makita LS1221 Compound Miter is an impressive little 12 inch miter saw that you will always be able to count on to get the job done for you. If you are slightly intimidated by using a 12 inch miter saw, or if you are a beginner to miter work entirely, this would be a great saw to start out on.
It is quite easy to use, due in large part to its thoroughly detailed instruction manual. And, if you are looking for a saw that you can bring from work site to work site, instead of having to bring all of your work to your workshop, you will not be able to find a 12 inch saw that is more portable than this Makita. It is only about 35 lbs. in total, making it very easy to transport.
Bottom Line
The Makita LS1221 Compound Miter is a phenomenal 12 inch miter saw. It is lighter than pretty much any of its competitor brands, and it is extremely easy to use. Keep in mind that the motor does pack a punch when it first starts running, so be ready.
5. Hitachi C12RSH2 15 Amp Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
PROS
CONS
The Hitachi C12 RSH2 15 Amp Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is an amazing 12 inch miter saw that will always be able to get the job done, no matter what you throw at it. This saw has a number of features that will make your woodworking life easier.
First and foremost, this saw arrives already on point and accurate, so you will not need to spend time calibrating it out of the box. It is tough enough to cut through even the hardest of wood and it is durable enough to last you for an extremely long time. Its detents lock in securely and do not allow for any sort of play, so you know you are always going to be making the most accurate cuts.
Bottom Line
The Hitachi C12 RSH2 15 Amp Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is an all around excellent miter saw that will last a long time and always empower you to make the best cuts possible. You will likely want to change out the factory blade, though.
6. DEWALT DW716XPS
PROS
CONS
The DEWALT DW716XPS Dual Bevel Compound Miter Saw is a phenomenal 12 inch miter saw with so many cool features, you will not even know where to start (we certainly didn’t!). Its angle dial is large and easy to see and read.
It is hefty enough to feel sturdy, but not so heavy it will be a struggle for you to lift it, and when using it, the saw will not wiggle or flex at all. It comes with its own storage space for the included blade changing wrench, so you never have to worry about misplacing that crucial tool.
Its XPS system casts a shadow from the blade so you will be able to sight precisely where you are going to be making your cut. And, the motor is strong enough to handle harder woods such as oak, walnut, and ash.
Bottom Line
The DEWALT DW716XPS Dual Bevel Compound Miter Saw is a top notch saw with a number of awesome features. Just do not use it for finishing work until you have gotten the yellow from the blade out on your first few cuts.
Conclusion
12 inch miter saws can be the most effective tool in your shop, if you invest in one that can really put in the work for you. Make sure you are paying attention to those important qualities in twelve inch miter saws that were mentioned previously, including accuracy, power, and durability. If you choose to go with one of the saws on our list, we can promise that you will not be disappointed and you will be nothing but impressed with the way in which your saw can change up your woodworking game forever.