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If you plan to do woodworking—and especially if you'll be cutting trim—a miter saw is an essential tool. If you’re working on larger projects, you might be ready to graduate from a miter box to a power saw for more speed and to cut bigger material. In any case, a quality saw will make it easier to perform precise cuts, but if you’re thinking about making the upgrade, there's no getting around the fact that miter saws can be expensive.
But they can be less expensive. Right now, DeWalt's best 12-inch double-bevel compound chop and miter saw is on sale for $499 at The Home Depot. That's 43% off its regular price—and it comes with a stand.
Why I love this saw
A combination chop saw and miter saw allows you to make angled cuts as well as straight, 90-degree cuts, and the double bevel allows you to also make compound angled cuts for things like crown molding. This saw can cut through boards up to 14 inches wide, as well as make cuts to crown molding on a double bevel up to 7 ½ inches wide. You can also use this saw for making square cuts, like cutting 2x4 for framing, or you can use it for precise cuts for trim.
If you’ve ever tried your hand at installing trim, you’ll know that in many cases, things that are supposed to be square (like the corners of a room) might actually be 91 degrees or 89 degrees instead of a true 90 degrees. In these cases, a miter saw that can cut multiple angles in more than one direction at a time is indispensable.
I’ve used a DeWalt double-bevel chop saw for over a decade, and this model has proven to be reliable and durable. The adjustment mechanism for mitered cuts is easy to use and locks firmly to keep your angle secure. I use mine frequently to cut framing, but I also sometimes use it for precision cutting for making furniture or installing trim; its versatility means that I only need one tool for all these jobs.
I would, however, recommend picking a higher tooth-count blade for cutting trim or for furniture-making, as a finer-toothed blade will cause less tear out and make smoother, more regular cuts. To make precision cutting easier, I usually opt for an 80-tooth combination blade that will allow both crosscuts and rip cuts.
What’s included in the kit
The DeWalt 12-inch compound sliding miter saw comes with the saw; a 12-inch, 32-tooth blade; a wrench for swapping out blades; a material clamp; and a dust bag. While the included multipurpose blade is great for framing, a higher tooth count will be more successful for projects with less margin for error, like cutting trim. The material clamp can come in handy if you want to set up a jib, or to avoid movement in your material while you’re cutting.
Also included in this set is a folding saw stand with adjustable material run-off supports. The stand is a relatively sturdy option that also allows the saw to be portable, as it is collapsable.
Why I recommend DeWalt tools
The DeWalt combination miter and chop saw is a favorite of woodworkers because the miter adjustment is dependable and easy to use. The reputation of this particular line of tools goes back over a hundred years, to the invention of the first radial arm saw in 1920. The radial arm saw and the adjustable radial arm saw were the first ever of their kind, first produced by DeWalt tool company beginning in 1924. Since then, DeWalt has expanded their line to include much more portable options, but they have maintained their status as a trusted brand for woodworkers.
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