The DEWALT DW713 is designed to cut a variety of materials, including molding, sheet materials, lumber, veneer and non-ferrous metal. The saw offers superior vertical capacity, with the ability to cut up to 3-1/2 inch base molding and 4-1/2 inch crown molding against the fence. Horizontally, the DW713 also can cut up to a 2 by 6 piece of material at zero degrees and 2 by 4 materials at 45 degrees. Get a great value on this top notch miter saw by purchasing a like new, factory-reconditioned version.

This Milwaukee dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw offers accuracy, power and ease of use. It includes a miter angle digital readout that provides repeatable accuracy to 0.1deg and fine adjust with detent override makes it simple to dial-in precise miter angles. Blade Diameter (in.): 12, Amps: 15, Bevel: Dual, HP: 3.3, Speed - No Load (RPM): 3200, Total Positive Miter Stops: 12, Max. Degree Miter Cuts - Left: 55, Max. Degree Miter Cuts - Right: 60, Total Positive Bevel Stops: 9, Max. Degree Bevel Cuts - Left: 48, Max. Degree Bevel Cuts - Right: 48, Arbor Size (in.): 5/8 or 1, Blade Included: Yes, Wrench Included: Yes, Dust Bag Included: Yes

A serious tool capable of making a wide range of cuts, the DeWalt DW716 Double-Bevel 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw makes use of a 15.0 Amp, 3,600 RPM motor to ensure the power, durability, and versatility that professional craftsmen and women need. 11 positive stops on the adjustable stainless steel detent plate and a cam lock miter handle with detent override make all the most frequently used miter cuts easy to achieve. Furthermore, DeWalt's exclusive back fence makes it possible to cut two by ten dimensional lumber at 90 degree angles and to cut two by eight lumber at 45 degrees, while the unique double bevel design allows you create both left and right bevels from 0 to 48 degrees. Positive stops in commonly used positions make it easy to change the position of the saw instead of flipping the material to give you more complete control. A machined base fence support helps guarantee accuracy, while the innovative engineering behind the gearbox and belt-drive increases vertical cutting capacity. In order to help you take advantage of this capacity, the saws extra-tall fences leave space to cut nested crown moldings up to 6-5/8-inches and base molding up to 6-1/2-inches in a vertical position up against the fence. And you don't have to worry about these fences interfering with bevel cuts, because they slide neatly out of the way.

This fully-featured miter saw is relatively lightweight at just 44 pounds, and it offers a built-in carrying handle that makes it easy to move from job to job. It's also noteworthy that this saw is designed for use with the DW7187 DeWalt adjustable miter saw laser system (NOT INCLUDED), which makes the cutting path visible for improved accuracy and easier handling. Included with this saw is a durable carbide blade, a blade wrench, and dust bag to get you started. This DeWalt high-performance industrial tool is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

There are plenty of chop saws on the market, but there are a few features that set the DeWalt DW715 apart from the mitering crowd. First among them, we think, is the great detent override, because every corner in your workday is not a perfect 90 degrees. With most saws, it’s impossible to set a miter at 44.5 degrees, because you’ll slide right into the otherwise handy detent. But on this DeWalt, a simple override lets you lock into the exact – and we mean exact – angle you need to get the tightest fit. There are 11 miter detent stops, and arriving at them takes just a squeeze on the cam lever, which we like a whole lot more than the turnscrew knobs on other saws.

Running a close second is the machined base support for the tall sliding fence, which DeWalt promises will never give you anything but the ultimate accuracy. We like the extra height because it supports crown molding beautifully, even up to 5-1/4 inches nested and base molding up to 6-1/2 inches vertically. Need a bevel cut? The fence slides neatly out of the way for bevels, anywhere from 0 to 48 degrees on the left and 0 to 3 degrees on the right. (Of course, this is the single-bevel version; if it’s a double bevel saw you’re after, check out the DW716 and the amazing DW718.) You won’t hear any complaining from this motor no matter what you’re cutting, as it’s drawing a beefy 15 amps and an rpm of 3,600, slicing through 2-by oak like it’s paper.

If portability is a factor, there are few saws that rival this one, we think: It’s just 42 pounds despite its brawny power, and a smart designer incorporated easy-on-the-body handles into the base. Though it’s well-enough suited to the home workshop, this saw is at home at the jobsite. -- Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Powerful 15A direct drive motor requires less maintenance and delivers 3200 RPM with soft start for smoother start ups. Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load for smoother, higher quality cutting. Largest crown molding cutting capacity in its class. Compact design with a patented 4 steel rail sliding system further increases rigidity to produce superior cuts. Exclusive 6 linear ball bearings deliver smooth, solid, and adjustment free dead on accurate cuts. Increased capacity for up to 6 5 8'' crown molding (vertically nested), 4 3 4'' baseboard (vertical), and 12'' cross cuts at 90. Miters 0 to 52 left and 0 to 60 right, with positive stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 (left and right). 5 8'' arbor. Includes vertical vise, dust bag, triangular rule, and blade.

Includes 10" Dual-Bevel Slide Miter Saw - 4410, Premium 60-Tooth Thin-Kerf Carbide-Tipped Blade, Wrench Set, Tool-Free Verticle Work Clamp - MS1226, Dust Bag - MS1225

A favorite on job sites, Makita's 10-inch compound miter saw has a highly dedicated following. Even though it's extremely portable (at 24.2 pounds), Makita's saw also boasts a super sturdy dual-post pivoting arm. A pivot fence adjusts for supporting large stock and flips back for bevel cuts. The saw bevels left up to 45 degrees and miters 45 degrees left and up to 52 degrees right. There's no lack of power here, either: a 15 amp motor spins the blade, plus there's an electric brake that saves you time between cuts. There's also a shaft lock that makes changing blades quick and easy. The miter has a smooth-action swivel, but the lock is of the older screw-handle design that's a little more time-consuming than the newer (and more expensive) cam-lock designs. This Makita also lacks a soft-start mechanism, so it does jump a bit when the motor first engages; some users swear by a soft start, but we think a saw can still be a high-quality saw without one. Makita's saw has a vertical grip design with a thumb-activated safety switch and a paddle trigger, and while the vertical design might be slightly less ergonomic than the horizontal D-handle, it does allow you to use the saw comfortably with either hand. And the paddle grip makes squeezing the trigger easy no matter how you're holding the handle. Our verdict: it's a solid saw. -- Jon Groebner

Choosing a Miter Saw
Miter saws are versatile tools that have become a mainstay of workshops everywhere. These powerful saws make angled cuts by pulling a circular blade down onto a workpiece with a short, controlled plunge. It might appear that miter saws are infinitely complex and varied, but there are only three general types. The type you choose will depend on your woodworking needs.

Basic Miter Saws
Basic miter saws are the least versatile off the three major variations, but they’re a great starting point for novice do-it-yourselfers. These models typically adjust for miter cuts only, so consider upgrading if you need to do more than that.

Compound miter saws are easier to use than basic miter saws because you can place your stock flat for cutting, and they adjust simultaneously for miter and bevel cuts. A compound miter saw is great for jobs that feature stock that's not very tall or wide, such as door and window trim or picture frames.

Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Sliding compound miter saws are the most versatile of the available models. They have a motor and blade assembly that's mounted on a moveable arm to accommodate longer, wider workpieces. For smaller pieces, the saw performs like an ordinary fixed-head model. On some models, the blade can only pivot in one direction, but on a dual sliding compound miter saw, the blade can tilt to the right or left.

Important Features at a Glance
Though models will vary by manufacturer and design, these are a few of the more commonly found features that you might want to keep in mind.

• Electric brake: Reverses the flow of electricity when the saw's trigger is released. This is an important safety feature that slows the blade quickly in case of emergency.
• Blade guard: Most miter saws have self-retracting guards that withdraw when the saw is lowered for use, and reappear when it is raised.
• Laser guide: Gives a precise visual line where the cut will occur on your workpiece.
• Dust bag: Helps collect sawdust for a clearer, more tidy cutting area.
• Shaft lock: Immobilizes the shaft and blade for quicker, easier blade changes.
• Table extensions: Mount on either side of the saw to help balance longer workpieces.

Miter Saw Blades
Miter saw blades come in a variety of different sizes, grades, and materials, but there are three main types: steel, high-speed steel, and carbide-tipped blades.

• Steel: Inexpensive and good for cutting soft woods or plywoods. Sharpness diminishes quickly in tougher materials.
• High-Speed Steel: More rugged than steel blades, and great for cutting harder woods.
• Carbide-Tipped: More expensive than other blades but much more durable. Maintain sharpness over a longer period.