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10 Best 12 Miter Saw 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bosch GCM12SD 12 In. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,197
Blade Size
Portability

Most important from
2035 reviews

Blade Size
Changing the blade can be tedious, and the instructions could be clearer.
Portability
The design is incredibly compact, saving a ton of floor space in a small workshop.

The BOSCH GCM12SD miter saw is a powerful tool suitable for professionals and serious DIYers. It features a 12-inch blade and a robust 15-amp motor, ensuring it can handle tough cutting tasks with ease. One of its standout features is the patented Axial-Glide system, which provides wider cross cuts and maintains better alignment, all while being more compact to save workspace.

The saw also has an impressive cutting capacity, allowing for 14-inch horizontal and 6.5-inch vertical cuts, making it versatile for various projects. Adjustments are user-friendly with easy-to-read bevel and miter scales, along with detents for common angles. The upfront bevel controls make it convenient to alter settings without reaching behind the saw. Precision is another strong point, with quick-release square lock fences that stay true without needing adjustments.

However, it lacks a laser guide, which some users might miss for added cutting accuracy. Dust collection is efficient, capturing up to 90% when paired with a vacuum, although the provided dust bag might not be sufficient for heavy-duty use. Despite its numerous features, portability could be a concern due to its 79-pound weight, making it less ideal for frequent transportation. Additionally, while it includes useful accessories like a carbide-tipped blade, wrench, and vacuum adapter, the saw's high quality comes with a higher price tag.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,197
Blade Size
Portability

Most important from
2035 reviews

Blade Size
Changing the blade can be tedious, and the instructions could be clearer.
Portability
The design is incredibly compact, saving a ton of floor space in a small workshop.
#2

DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715)

Rating
9.7
Motor Power
Laser Guide
Dust Collection

Most important from
6808 reviews

Motor Power
Equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor, it effortlessly slices through wood with remarkable ease.
Laser Guide
The innovative XPS cross-cut positioning system casts a shadow line on the workpiece, guaranteeing accurate cuts without complicated measurements.
Dust Collection
The dust collection system is highly effective, significantly reducing cleanup time and keeping the workspace cleaner.

The DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw (DWS715) is a strong contender for anyone working with wood, offering a variety of useful features. The 12-inch blade size is substantial, making it suitable for larger cuts. The saw is powered by a 15-amp motor, providing solid power to handle tough materials. One of its standout features is the stainless steel miter detent plate with 14 positive stops, ensuring precise and repeatable cuts. The bevel capacity is good on the left side, ranging from 0 to 48 degrees, though it is limited to just 3 degrees on the right, which may restrict some angled cuts.

The tool also includes a sliding fence that supports taller material up to 5.5 inches, improving versatility for different types of cuts. It lacks a sliding feature, which can be limiting for those needing to work with wider materials. At 42.8 pounds, it is relatively portable but might still be on the heavier side for frequent transport.

This miter saw is ideal for semi-professional or serious DIY users who need robust and reliable performance for their woodworking projects. It may not fully meet the needs of professionals requiring more advanced features like dual bevel or sliding functionality.

Rating
9.7
Motor Power
Laser Guide
Dust Collection

Most important from
6808 reviews

Motor Power
Equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor, it effortlessly slices through wood with remarkable ease.
Laser Guide
The innovative XPS cross-cut positioning system casts a shadow line on the workpiece, guaranteeing accurate cuts without complicated measurements.
Dust Collection
The dust collection system is highly effective, significantly reducing cleanup time and keeping the workspace cleaner.
#3

DEWALT Miter Saw, 12 Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, Blade Wrench and Material Clamp, Increased Crosscut Capacity, Powerful 3800 RPM Motor, Corded (DWS779)

Rating
8.8
Blade Size
Motor Power
Bevel Capacity

Most important from
8975 reviews

Blade Size
The 32 tooth blade included is great for general cutting, but for perfect miters, investing in a higher quality blade is recommended.
Motor Power
The powerful motor delivers smooth and accurate cuts, suitable for a wide range of projects.
Bevel Capacity
The double bevel sliding compound design allows for maximum versatility and precision in cutting angles.
Dust Collection
The dust collection system, with an attachable vacuum or dust catcher bag, helps maintain a cleaner work environment.
Portability
The carrying handle is solid and reliable, making transportation easier despite the saw's weight.

The DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw (DWS779) is a solid choice for both professional and DIY woodworkers looking for a reliable tool. One of its standout features is the powerful 15-amp motor that delivers a speed of 3,800 RPM, which is efficient for making clean and precise cuts. The 12-inch blade size enables it to handle larger materials, making it suitable for a variety of projects, from framing to finishing work. Its dual horizontal steel rails and linear ball bearings contribute to smooth sliding action, offering accuracy and durability, which is a significant advantage for intricate cuts.

The bevel capacity of up to 48 degrees in both directions allows for versatile cutting angles, enhancing its usability. Additionally, the tall sliding fences support larger workpieces, accommodating up to 6-3/4 inches vertically, which is particularly useful when dealing with thicker lumber.

One of the strengths of the DWS779 is its dust collection system, which can capture over 75% of dust generated during cuts, helping to maintain a cleaner work environment—a vital aspect for any woodworking project. The saw does have some downsides. At 56 pounds, this miter saw may be less portable compared to lighter models, making it potentially cumbersome for on-site work. Lastly, while the saw comes with a user guide, those who are less familiar with miter saws might require additional practice to master its features fully.

Rating
8.8
Blade Size
Motor Power
Bevel Capacity

Most important from
8975 reviews

Blade Size
The 32 tooth blade included is great for general cutting, but for perfect miters, investing in a higher quality blade is recommended.
Motor Power
The powerful motor delivers smooth and accurate cuts, suitable for a wide range of projects.
Bevel Capacity
The double bevel sliding compound design allows for maximum versatility and precision in cutting angles.
Dust Collection
The dust collection system, with an attachable vacuum or dust catcher bag, helps maintain a cleaner work environment.
Portability
The carrying handle is solid and reliable, making transportation easier despite the saw's weight.

Buying Guide for the Best 12 Miter Saw

Choosing the right 12-inch miter saw can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your woodworking projects. A miter saw is a versatile tool that allows you to make precise crosscuts and miters in a workpiece by positioning a mounted blade onto a board. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they impact the saw's performance. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a 12-inch miter saw.
Blade SizeThe blade size of a miter saw determines the depth and height of the cut it can make. A 12-inch blade is larger and can cut through thicker and wider materials compared to smaller blades. This is important if you are working on larger projects or need to cut through substantial pieces of wood. If your projects involve heavy-duty cutting, a 12-inch blade is ideal. For smaller, more detailed work, a smaller blade might suffice.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in amps, indicates the saw's ability to cut through different materials. Higher amp motors provide more power and can handle tougher materials with ease. Typically, miter saws range from 10 to 15 amps. If you plan to cut hardwoods or thicker materials, opt for a saw with a higher amp motor. For lighter, occasional use, a lower amp motor may be sufficient.
Bevel CapacityBevel capacity refers to the saw's ability to tilt the blade to make angled cuts. Single bevel saws tilt in one direction, while dual bevel saws tilt in both directions. This feature is crucial for making precise angled cuts, such as those needed for crown molding or complex joinery. If your projects require frequent bevel cuts, a dual bevel saw offers more flexibility and efficiency. For simpler projects, a single bevel saw may be adequate.
Sliding FeatureA sliding miter saw has rails that allow the blade to move forward and backward, increasing the cutting capacity. This is particularly useful for cutting wider boards. If you often work with large pieces of wood, a sliding miter saw can save time and effort. For smaller projects or if space is limited, a non-sliding miter saw might be a better choice.
Laser GuideA laser guide projects a beam onto the workpiece, indicating where the blade will cut. This feature enhances accuracy and helps ensure precise cuts. If precision is critical in your work, a miter saw with a laser guide can be very beneficial. However, if you are experienced and confident in your cutting skills, you might not find this feature necessary.
Dust CollectionDust collection systems help manage the sawdust produced during cutting, keeping your workspace cleaner and reducing airborne particles. Effective dust collection is important for maintaining a clean work environment and protecting your health. If you work indoors or in a small space, a miter saw with a good dust collection system is essential. For outdoor use or occasional projects, this feature might be less critical.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move and transport the miter saw. This is influenced by the saw's weight and design. If you need to move the saw between job sites or store it away when not in use, a lighter, more portable model is advantageous. For stationary use in a workshop, portability may be less of a concern.

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