Best corded miter saw

Hey everyone,

I have recently been looking at getting a new miter saw. I have done a bit of research so far I have been a fan of Milwaukee and Dewalt so far but wanted to see what others say are the best and what the pros and cons are. 

Thank you,

Mike

Best or best bang for buck?

In my opinion the Festool Kapex is the “best” but its price makes it a low bang for buck.

Bosch would probably be my second choice.

I use dewalt. One area where dewalt innovates. The 780 is awesome but the cheaper models, aka without the accessories and gadgets, are great saws as well. I have 3 dewalt corded chop saws. The oldest one has 7 years hard use and is still going good and cutting true. 

I agree with Rich. My Kapex is the best. But…… $$$$$..$$$$$…$$$$$….so….Dewalt, Makita and Bosch make awesome saws, the Milwaukee is great, the Hitachi SCMS is a great machine too. I really like Dewalt saws. The Bosch axial glide is pretty neat. I am a fan of Makitas SCMS.  My only meh…I had a Ridgid 10″ CMS and the fence was out of whack since day one. Welcome to the forums too.

I use a lot of hardwoods, I have the Milwaukee and I have tried out other brands,Dewalt Makita and Bosch and for what I see the Milwaukee had far more power than all of those, it is rated at 3.3hp not sure what the kapex is rated for?

Kapex is what most guys say is the peak of mitre saws. Dewalt 780 is great value imo for high-end but affordable. I have the DHS790 and it’s a corded/cordless hybrid improved 780 basically. A friend has the corded Milwaukee and it seems to have gobs of power. 

I have been using various Dewalt miter saws for about 15 years now and have no complaints with them. I have a little time on the Bosch axial glide and preferred the Dewalt. Probably as I was just so used to working with Dewalt saws.

How come we never hear anything about Jet? http://www.jettools.com/us/en/p/12-sliding-dual-bevel-compound-miter-saw/707120

I’m not sure what the horsepower of the Kapex is. It’s 1600 watts at 13 amps. The reason it’s so good is it’s ability to act like a 12″ miter while being more compact at a 10″ equivalent, superior dust collection, precise dial control for the bevels, trenching etc etc etc. I’d bet with Dewalt has more peak power than the Kapex. It’s the little things that make the machine so good. Of course the little things are pretty choice 🙂

SetBuilder wrote:

5 minutes ago, SetBuilder said:

I have been using various Dewalt miter saws for about 15 years now and have no complaints with them. I have a little time on the Bosch axial glide and preferred the Dewalt. Probably as I was just so used to working with Dewalt saws.

 

How come we never hear anything about Jet? http://www.jettools.com/us/en/p/12-sliding-dual-bevel-compound-miter-saw/707120

I’ve heard a lot of decent things about the Jet but haven’t tried it out yet alone even seen one in person. I think @Bremon has a pretty awesome machine. I’m really piqued about that one. Batteries or a DC line? That’s just awesome.

How does the Kapex act like a 12″ @ChrisK? Depth of cut at the fence?

The Dewalt 780 is a great mitersaw but if you want to put the saw right up against the wall I would definitely go with the Bosch glide system also if you looking for a budget friendly saw I would recommend the Ridgid miter is pretty good 

i have a Dewalt miter and have no complaints ive also used Milwaukee and Mikita miter saws and I don’t like the Mikita compared to the Milwaukee and Dewalt and between the Milwaukee and Dewalt I like the Dewalt better it might just be what I’m used to

to but you can’t go wrong with any major brand 

ChrisK wrote:

44 minutes ago, ChrisK said:

 I’m really piqued about that one. Batteries or a DC line? That’s just awesome.

I was waiting for the Milwaukee cordless miter saw and was dead set on buying it when it came out. But after some thought I decided I would not buy a cordless miter saw. I just don’t see the point for myself. I never work on sites without power and I don’t find it that big a deal for myself to run a cord. Since I currently work in shops that supply saws, my home shop is for personal use and side work. So a miter saw should last me 10 – 15 years easy. I have to doubt any battery platform will last that long. 

The dealt seems like the best option as it uses both, but I’m not a Dewalt cordless user, so it would just mean I needed to purchase more batteries.

My vote is Hitachi, by far the best bank for the buck, I’ve used a few Dewalt’s and couple Bosch, I still end up using the Hitachi!

when your buying wood @$15-$25 BF and cutting it on a miter saw the best bang for your buck is not always feasible. I want something to cut properly and not worried about saving a few bucks on buying the saw. 

Bremon wrote:

12 minutes ago, Bremon said:

How does the Kapex act like a 12″ @ChrisK? Depth of cut at the fence?

Yeah it’s actually measured in mm but the shroud on the saw head actually on a pivot so as you bring the saw head down to make a cut, the rear shroud on the head pivots up allowing for a much larger depth of cut.

True @comp56 I still haven’t replaced my blade, the stock blades that come from Festool are super high quality and can get numerous sharpenings but if I don’t have two good blades I would buy a Forrest. Wood is expensive and using a cheap-o stock blade mashing up some sepele would make me cry

Bremon wrote:

42 minutes ago, Bremon said:

How does the Kapex act like a 12″ @ChrisK? Depth of cut at the fence?

Hey bro, forgot to link this….

https://www.festoolusa.com/media/pdf/Kapex-KS120-Supplemental-Manual.pdf

Kind of interesting to see some of the highlights. 

About 3 1/2″ thick for a large timber before it hits the washer on the blade attachment bolt. If its a narrow tall board I have cut almost 5″.

Hitachi.

Just saying.

The C10FSH is very nice for a more budget friendly saw. I can make it produce cuts as well as some of the nicer ones available, the only difference is it lacking features.. That being said, I would love to try some others, but this one has been the perfect saw for my use, with the right blade though… i would really like to try a CMT blade and get even nicer cuts from it

ChrisK wrote:

34 minutes ago, ChrisK said:

Hey bro, forgot to link this….

 

https://www.festoolusa.com/media/pdf/Kapex-KS120-Supplemental-Manual.pdf

 

Kind of interesting to see some of the highlights. 

6-5/8″ nested crown. Pretty damn good! DWS780 will only do 7-1/2″ for comparison, the DHS790 the same. Also notable is the direct drive motor like the M18 Fuel. Dewalt is still using belts (though ribbed belts are a lot better than bygone eras lol).

KnarlyCarl wrote:

25 minutes ago, KnarlyCarl said:

Hitachi.

Just saying.

The C10FSH is very nice for a more budget friendly saw.

I think that is discontinued so would have to find old stock or used.

My saw that leaves the garage for deck and fence work is a Hitachi and it works great. I dont think the casting material will hold up to much abuse though but its been a fantastic saw.

KnarlyCarl wrote:

1 hour ago, KnarlyCarl said:

Hitachi.

Just saying.

The C10FSH is very nice for a more budget friendly saw. I can make it produce cuts as well as some of the nicer ones available, the only difference is it lacking features.. That being said, I would love to try some others, but this one has been the perfect saw for my use, with the right blade though… i would really like to try a CMT blade and get even nicer cuts from it

Let’s not confuse Hitachi as budget friendly for being cheap, IMO they are of the highest cut and build quality of saws twice the price and easily besting saws from DeWalt, Bosch and alike.  Pair a Hitachi with a good blade and you can’t go wrong.

I would say Hitachi , bosch, makita. Have had a lot of experience with Hitachi’s and makita not so much bosch . there are things to like and dislike about all them. Example the guard on the hitachi is an okay design but have had problems with it . very powerful and clean cut good 45 degree cuts and the tilting is good. 

Tilting? Bevel? that what you mean? @CATERPILLAR 

It is really easy to adjust to square, as well

..

The only issue that i’ve had recently was a loose rail guide, but it just takes a little bit of adjusting:

..

KnarlyCarl wrote:

39 minutes ago, KnarlyCarl said:

Tilting? Bevel? that what you mean? @CATERPILLAR 

 

It is really easy to adjust to square, as well

[External image (farm1.staticflickr.com), not copied]

..

 

 

The only issue that i’ve had recently was a loose rail guide, but it just takes a little bit of adjusting:

[External image (farm3.staticflickr.com), not copied]

..

 

 

 

 

? What u mean bevel and tilting ? Yes couldn’t think of the word for the life of me ???

CATERPILLAR wrote:

26 minutes ago, CATERPILLAR said:

? What u mean bevel and tilting ? Yes couldn’t think of the word for the life of me ???

haha it’s cool, it tilts to create a bevel hows that LOL

I bought a 780 a while ago.  It has a lot of great features, but the slides were abysmal and would get caught up when doing steep angle bevels.  Thought there was something wrong with it, but checked two hd displays and they were both the same. If you are using it for framing and general carpentry work it’s still a great saw, but not for high end carpentry. The kapex can’t be beat as a trim saw, but it uses a 30mm arbor and the blades can get expensive, so I reserve for cabinets and high end trim jobs. It also really does not have the same capacity as most higher end 12s on the market, close, but not quite, and I want more capacity for framing. The 12in axial Bosch is my go too general purpose saw. Great for framing as well as trim, and I can throw a cheap blade on it for mdf, LSL’s and prefinished floors if need be.  My father in law is also a cabinet maker and has the 12in hitachi.  I don’t have too much time on it, but it’s an incredible saw for the money, and it certainly seems capable of high end results.

dcl wrote:

1 minute ago, dcl said:

I bought a 780 a while ago.  It has a lot of great features, but the slides were abysmal and would get caught up when doing steep angle bevels.  Thought there was something wrong with it, but checked two hd displays and they were both the same. If you are using it for framing and general carpentry work it’s still a great saw, but not for high end carpentry. The kapex can’t be beat as a trim saw, but it uses a 30mm arbor and the blades can get expensive, so I reserve for cabinets and high end trim jobs. It also really does not have the same capacity as most higher end 12s on the market, close, but not quite, and I want more capacity for framing. The 12in axial Bosch is my go too general purpose saw. Great for framing as well as trim, and I can throw a cheap blade on it for mdf, LSL’s and prefinished floors if need be.  My father in law is also a cabinet maker and has the 12in hitachi.  I don’t have too much time on it, but it’s an incredible saw for the money, and it certainly seems capable of high end results.

Ive done a little research on some of the hitachi’s and the 12″ will only miter up to 45 but the 10″ will go to 52.5″

I realize the Kapex is probably not an option but was trimming out my wall mounted tool cabinet and thinking how nice this was. Did not think it was a big deal when I got it but sure has came in handy.

KnarlyCarl wrote:

23 hours ago, KnarlyCarl said:

haha it’s cool, it tilts to create a bevel hows that LOL

Lol u hit it right on ???

KnarlyCarl wrote:

On 2/26/2017 at 10:08 PM, KnarlyCarl said:

haha it’s cool, it tilts to create a bevel hows that LOL

in layman’s terms

Miter is a horizontal angle

Bevel is a vertical angle

compound miter can do both at the same time

Dewalt 780 only has bearings on one of the two slides, right? Isn’t that why it slides sort of funky? I thought I had read that, hopefully not spreading “fake news” ?.

@ChrisK do you find the Kapex has more lateral rigidity with its rails set so far apart? Seems like a sturdy design but I have no more hands on experience with it than testing the head spring a couple time in store while admiring the wall of ETS and Rotex etc lol. 

I have no problems with my 780, then again, I have man arms and opinions so what do I know…

Surprised you don’t use those man arms to power a hand saw like “real men” do. No mitre box required of course; “real men” just freehand it. ? 

Hugh Jass wrote:

13 hours ago, Hugh Jass said:

I have no problems with my 780, then again, I have man arms and opinions so what do I know…

Well, you know, that’s just like, your opinion,man

I have man arms too and it will be pretty tough to pry my Milwaukee 6955 12″ miter saw out of them…….unless your replacing it with a new one…..but I want to see the new one first!

Bremon wrote:

14 hours ago, Bremon said:

Surprised you don’t use those man arms to power a hand saw like “real men” do. No mitre box required of course; “real men” just freehand it. ? 

Chuck Norris doesn’t need a saw. He tells the board what size it is.

Jack Bauer doesn’t need a saw. He uses torture interrogation on the board until it becomes the right size. In less than 24 hours.

Jronman wrote:

3 minutes ago, Jronman said:

Chuck Norris doesn’t need a saw. He tells the board what size it is.

Jack Bauer doesn’t need a saw. He uses torture interrogation on the board until it becomes the right size. In less than 24 hours.

Steven Seagal slaps it to the right size

Jean-Claude Van Damme wonders why it’s not the right size while he fights off 130 guys dodging bullets from their machine guns

Robert De Niro just gets someone else to cut it

the rain man just says how many ways it can be cut over and over

Al Pachino knows it should be cut but doesn’t always want to

Jronman wrote:

33 minutes ago, Jronman said:

Chuck Norris doesn’t need a saw. He tells the board what size it is.

Jack Bauer doesn’t need a saw. He uses torture interrogation on the board until it becomes the right size. In less than 24 hours.

Actually jack bauer waterboards…the board. 

comp56 wrote:

1 hour ago, comp56 said:

Steven Seagal slaps it to the right size

Jean-Claude Van Damme wonders why it’s not the right size while he fights off 130 guys dodging bullets from their machine guns

Robert De Niro just gets someone else to cut it

the rain man just says how many ways it can be cut over and over

Al Pachino knows it should be cut but doesn’t always want to

The president forgets about the board and goes play golf.

Macgyver gets a toothpick, some gum, and a battery to cut the board

The Terminator destroys the board

The most interesting man cuts the board while diving off a cliff to save some dolphins with a smile and a Dos Equis.

Jronman wrote:

The president forgets about the board and goes play golf.
Macgyver gets a toothpick, some gum, and a battery to cut the board
The Terminator destroys the board
The most interesting man cuts the board while diving off a cliff to save some dolphins with a smile and a Dos Equis.

comp56 wrote:

7 hours ago, comp56 said:

Steven Seagal slaps it to the right size

 

Have you seen Steven Seagal lately ? He eats the board….

SetBuilder wrote:

 
Have you seen Steven Seagal lately ? He eats the board….

Jronman wrote:

7 hours ago, Jronman said:

The president forgets about the board and goes play golf.

Macgyver gets a toothpick, some gum, and a battery to cut the board

The Terminator destroys the board

The most interesting man cuts the board while diving off a cliff to save some dolphins with a smile and a Dos Equis.

Some days I measure the board four times and cut once and still…#!%&!!

i have two dewalts a 12 and a 10 inch, the 12 is probably 12 years old and still cuts great. i bought new and better blades though, festool is the only one where you wont have to buy a new blade right out of the box. i had a chance to try my friends festool but i walked away,, was afraid. you wont be sorry about the dewalts though

Here is a picture of my mitersaw its around 32ish years old production year around 1985 . very powerful cuts better then some saws I have used . That have been 15 amp and this ones only 12 . overall wouldn’t trade her for anything . was my high schools and I bought it from them and restro it new paint grease 

CATERPILLAR wrote:

15 minutes ago, CATERPILLAR said:

Here is a picture of my mitersaw its around 32ish years old production year around 1985 . very powerful cuts better then some saws I have used . That have been 15 amp and this ones only 12 . overall wouldn’t trade her for anything . was my high schools and I bought it from them and restro it new paint grease 

just need to outfit the saw with a slider?

Jronman wrote:

1 hour ago, Jronman said:

just need to outfit the saw with a slider?

Lol nah I use a jigsaw or sawzall for wider or flip over the board

for the money I think the hitachi cant be beat

smitty9118 wrote:

for the money I think the hitachi cant be beat