We think you’ll agree with us when we say that finding the perfect miter saw can definitely be tough.
However, when deciding between the Sliding Miter Saw and Compound Miter Saw, proper research on the features of both can lead to better decision-making.
Want to know the best part? This post talks about the difference between the Sliding Miter Saw and the Compound Miter Saw.
Features | Sliding Miter Saw | Compound Miter Saw |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Cuts | Makes bevel cuts and miter cuts | Makes bevel cuts and miter cuts |
| Width of Material | Can cut through wide materials | Cannot cut through wide materials |
| The motion of the Blade | It moves both ways | It moves one way |
Let’s take a look at each of the saws in detail, so you can choose the one better suited to you.
DEWALT Sliding Miter Saw, 12-Inch - Efficient and Sturdy
A sliding miter saw is designed to move both ways horizontally. Compared to other saws, it is quite heavy and you need to mount it on something sturdy. You can use the dual movement of the blade to cut wider materials accurately without changing sides.
This sliding compound miter saw comes with a 12-inch dual bevel blade. If you are looking for another size then the 10-inch variation is also available.
You can determine the blade’s length based on the measurements of material you often work with.
Is it good for woodcraft?
If you’re familiar with woodcraft you’d know that miter and bevel cuts are extremely important for projects. Sliding compound miter saws with rails are mostly electrical but come with the feature of a lithium battery as well.
Is it a dual bevel?
Since the motion of the saw’s cutting edge is on both sides, it falls under the category of dual bevel. The sliding rails on each side help ensure accuracy and safety during this motion.
Features of DEWALT Sliding Miter Saw
- Makes both miter and bevel type cuts into wider boards
- Can be tilted to an angle other than 90° and in different directions
- The horizontal movement of the blades is the plus point
- The product is better for being placed at workstations
- On Amazon, it has 12,727 reviews and a 4.9-star rating
- Makes both miter and bevel cuts
- Cuts through wide materials
- Does not require material repositioning
- Operates at a high RPM
- Blades can cut at multiple angles like 90 degrees
- Has a lithium-ion battery
- Quite expensive
- It is pretty heavy
- Needs more space to work
Benefits of Buying a Sliding Miter Saw
A Sliding Compound Miter Saw will last you a long time at your work desk. Although it costs a pretty penny, it ensures the continuation of work even during a power outage. Similarly, the saw makes working with wider materials easier without the fear of having the cuts not line up.
What kind of cuts can you make with it?
The sliding compound miter saw can make miter cuts as well as bevel cuts easily. Hence, it is good for works that include using both miter and bevel cuts. It works especially well for crown moldings.
Can it be used for wide materials?
We understand that it can be a hassle to work with wide materials and have the cuts not align. This saw helps avoid such issues as it can section a wide material in one go without having to rotate it. This saves you time and ensures accuracy.
You’d be better off with a Sliding Miter Saw if you’re working on projects like that based on the width of the material.
Is it a versatile product?
Out of the different types of miter saws, the sliding miter saws are the most versatile products in the miter range. Sliding miter saws are important for working on projects that need various cuts and requirements.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy a Sliding Miter Saw
Material
If you often work with wide wood boards then this sliding saw can help you make clean/sharp/sleek horizontal cuts. Keep in mind that wide materials often need repositioning.
Workspace
To work with these power tools you need a considerable amount of space. They are best suited for workspaces with a desk where you can put the saw. This is because you’d need to accommodate the material size and wood as well as the horizontal movement of the blade.
Power
Power outages can be common; this saw provides a backup power feature with its lithium battery that helps complete projects on time.
Budget
Although it is pricier, if you feel that the Sliding Miter Saw is for you then it is definitely worth the price. It is durable and will last you a long time.
What Do the Customers Think?
We sawed through many materials in one go to see how well the sliding miter saw works with wide boards. The reviews on the internet show that most people are crazy about this product. The precision of the sliding mechanism of its pivoting arm has helped many in their projects.
It has the ability to make a great bevel cut and other angled cuts. Some critics claimed that it took too much space and dust collection was a bit of a problem.
However, with a proper workspace and a good budget, this saw will do wonders for you.
Best Efficient and Sturdy Sliding Saw For You
The best efficient and sturdy sliding saw for you is the Dewalt 12inch Sliding Miter Saw because of its versatile cutting ability and accuracy.
DEWALT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw, 15-Amp - Versatile and Portable
Compound miter saws also come in the non-sliding variant. For larger sheets, you will have to rotate the material mid-cut.
Moreover, compound miter saws are highly accurate and effective tools that every craftsman needs in their workspace.
You can use it to make bevel cuts and bevel miter cuts. You will find that its cutting capacity is quite large as well.
The portability of this saw makes it easier for you to handle it.
Can they cut through wider materials?
You can definitely cut wider materials up to 16 inches with a compound miter saw. Cutting longer than this can be harder but new technology to measure both sides of the cut helps craftsmen. This helps them to cut wider with more accuracy.
What kinds of cuts can you make?
If you’re looking to make complex cuts with this single bevel compound then that is exactly what this saw is for.
It allows you to cut accurately and make bevel cuts as well. You’ll find that it is especially efficient for crown molding.
Does the size of the blade matter?
The compound saw offers a choice between 10 inches and 12 inches as with any standard miter saw. The power tool works well with any size regardless of how many inches wide depending on how you handle it. The skill used on the tool makes all the difference.
Features of Compound Miter Saw
- The Compound Miter Saw can make both miter cuts and bevel cuts
- The blade of the saw can be tilted to an angle other than 90°
- The speed of the blade is approximately 4000 RPM
- It is easy to maneuver during projects
- On Amazon, it has 12,727 reviews and a 4.9-star4.9 star rating
- Makes different kinds of cuts
- Can cut through different materials
- Portable and easy to handle
- Operates at a high RPM
- The blade can move at multiple angles like 90 degrees
- It is more affordable
- Cannot cut through wide materials
- Manually need to rotate the material
Benefits of Buying a Non-Sliding Miter Saw
There are many benefits to buying a compound miter saw. If you are new to using saws then this standard miter saw is great to learn. The handling of this compound saw is easy which helps you gain skill fast and develop precision.
Can a compound miter saw be accurate?
Compound miter saws are extremely accurate and precise. The high maneuverability of the item makes it easy to handle. You can easily make a bevel cut or any other sort of cut without experiencing much trouble.
How does the portability of the saw help the user?
Since the compound miter saw is light in weight and easy to move around, it helps the user maneuver it better. This allows you to cut easily and change the angle of the cut as well. This makes working with small materials efficient even if they are 6 inches wide.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy a Compound Miter Saw
Project Requirements
Projects that require free-range maneuverability are usually what people go for when buying a compound miter saw. It is especially suited to projects involving crown molding.
Power
This miter saw is powered through a direct power cable and does not include batteries. Hence if the power goes out the work does come to a complete halt.
Budget
It is more affordable than the sliding compound miter saw. Hence compound miter saws are great for beginners on a low budget.
What Do the Customers Think?
We tested this saw on different types of materials and then found customer reviews that you can relate to. Most people find the saw to be durable and accurate.
It is sturdy and well built, so it should last you a long time.
The only complaint people had was that it doesn’t come with a laser guide. However, experienced reviewers claim accuracy through self measure comes with using the saw and it’s easy to master.
The Best Versatile and Portable Compound Miter Saw For You
The best versatile and portable compound miter saw for you is the DeWalt 12inch Compound Miter Saw because of its ability to make miter and bevel cuts.
Buyers’ Guide
What is the difference between a sliding compound miter saw and a compound miter saw?
A sliding compound miter saw is a type of miter saw where the saw blade can move forward alongside the usual vertical and horizontal movement.
This helps it cut through wider material than the compound miter saw, which can only move vertically and horizontally.
Sliding compound miter saws tend to weigh more than compound miter saws and are less portable.
What is the difference between the 10inch blade and the 12-inch blade’s cutting capacity?
Both sliding compound miter saws and compound miter saws come in two sizes. The 10 inches one can easily cut through 4X4 materials and the 12-inch can cut through 6×6 materials.
However, when you decide that you need a miter saw, the functions of sliding saws and non-sliding saws differ.
How would a 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw compare to a 12-inch Compound Miter Saw when cutting a 6×6 board?
Both saws can easily handle a 6×6 board, however, the sliding compound miter saw will section it in one go whilst the compound miter saw will not.
This is because the sliding rails help the sliding saw move forward easily whilst for the other one you will have to rotate the board halfway.
The Better Option For You
Although the compound miter saw is the affordable and versatile option between the sliding compound miter saw and compound miter saw, the better option narrows down to what you need.
If you are a starter who is new to woodwork then compound miter saws would be better for you. However, if you are someone who constantly works with bigger boards and needs cuts in a single flow then you need a sliding compound miter saw.
A miter saw is only as good as the skills of the person using it. So no matter what you chose, this saw will last you a long time and help in many of your work needs.
Check out more about compound miter saws in our guides