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12-in. Compound-Miter Saws

In a field of powerful and accurate tools, three saws stand out with useful features and large cutting capacities

Our hands-on critique of the top ten 12-inch compound-miter saws on the market. Information on all ten saws is charted according by blade type, weight, warranty length, motor type, crosscut capacity, upright cutting capacity, 45 by 45 cut capacity, and maximum bevel -- as well as our own comments and impressions based on our testing. Additionally, we highlight the features that helped our three favorites make the final cut.

From Fine Homebuilding 164
pp. 68-73 July 1, 2004

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Ryobi - TS1551DXL Compound-Miter Saw
This inexpensive compound-miter saw from Ryobi shines a laser line on the stock

Craftsman - 351.212240 Compound-Miter Saw
With two trim blades included in the price, this compound-miter saw from Craftsman is a top value

Bosch - 3912 Compound-Miter Saw
This no-frills compound-miter saw from Bosch has a simple-to-use miter-detent override

Makita - LS1221 Compound-Miter Saw
This lightweight compound-miter saw from Makita features an excellent blade-guard retracting arm

Ridgid - MS1250LZ Compound-Miter Saw
This compound-miter saw from Ridgid has a handy erasable marking pad on the fence

DeWalt - 705 Compound-Miter Saw
This compound-miter saw from DeWalt comes with a 60-tooth carbide blade

Delta - 36-255L Compound-Miter Saw
This compound-miter saw from Delta features dual adjustable lasers mounted on the blade housing that mark both sides of the kerf

DeWalt - 706 Compound-Miter Saw
Adjustments on his compound-miter saw from DeWalt are made on the miter scale rather than the fence

Bosch - 4212 Compound-Miter Saw
All the controls on this 12-in. compound-miter saw from Bosch are conveniently located on the front of the saw

(1 user review) Delta - 36-412 Compound-Miter Saw
This compound-miter saw from Delta has a large cutting capacity and flip-up stops that hold crown molding in position against the fence

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12-in. Compound-Miter Saws

In a field of powerful and accurate tools, three saws stand out with useful features and large cutting capacities

to view this article and over a thousand more

Special Sections

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Product Finder: Tools in this Article

How-to Video Series

Tips, Tools, and Techniques

12-in. Compound-Miter Saws

In a field of powerful and accurate tools, three saws stand out with useful features and large cutting capacities

to view this article and over a thousand more

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Product Finder: Tools in this Article