What to look for in a compound miter saw?

Birdhunter1 · May 13, 2016

I was shopping them a few years ago and I really liked the Makita 10" slider, Hitachi 12" Slider and the DeWalt 12" slider. I liked the Makita the best, the Hitachi had the best price then Lowes and Home Depot ran a 12" Dewalt dual bevel slider for $399.00 which came in cheaper than the Hitachi.
The difference in the $399.00 and the 5xx.xx was a laser to mark the cut line. I'm good enough not to need a laser and have owned a a 12" DeWalt dual bevel sliding miter saw. Menards has a portable stand that works well for about $70 that it sits on and it doesn't usually get moved in the shop very often.

newbury · May 19, 2016

Does anyone have comments/experience with the Dewalt DCS361B 20V max cordless miter saw?

It's ONLY 7 1/4 inch but seems it will handle a lot of needs.

I've already got an older Harbor Freight 12 inch but that thing is a beast. It stays in the shop.

The Dewalt is fairly new and the reviews I've found have limited praise but nothing about longevity because it's a new tool.

And I've already got a fairly healthy investment in the 20V Max line, 8 tools, about 11 batteries, but only 1 charger.

joefromga · May 19, 2016

I have the ryobi cordless chop saw and it works great for trim and miters. Did a whole house with 21 door trims to do plus base and shoe. So light you just drag it around with you on the floor and never have to get up.

Added the cordless Brad nailer and my helper fed me all the trim and I got so much more done than having to go back and forth to a heavy saw.

It'll cut a 2x4 but not really intended for that. The Dewalt being 7 1/4 may do 90 chops a little better on 2x4.

PILOON · May 19, 2016

FYI, I have the 12" Makita, slider that tilts left and right.
Nice, smooth action.
With the slider system they also provide a depth stopper to do dado cuts.
It also cuts more than 45 which is often handy.
The Lazar has a lever to set for left or right of the line cuts.
(Problem you occasionally forget which way it is set, LOL)

Must admit I have always been partial to Makita quality.