Specs and Tester's Comments

If there's a company that demands a lot from its 12-inch sliding compound miter saws, it's ours. Hull Historical is a full-service builder and remodeler, taking projects from framing through finish. We also create fireplace mantels and other demanding millwork in our shop from the period moldings we manufacture. No matter where I plug in, however, my main focus is accuracy in every aspect of our workmit's a big part of who we are. But, because we do so much with these tools, I also require versatility and toughness. The saws must hog through 2-by, cut mountains of molding, then survive life in the van. In the shop, sliders must stay tunedmand be comfortable to use.

Test Criteria

I tested five 12-inch sliding compound miter sawsmthe Bosch 4412, DeWalt DW708, Hitachi C12FSA, Makita LS1212, and Ridgid MS1290LZmout on framing and trim jobs, and then back in our shop. While expecting one saw to serve these three distinct purposes simultaneously is unreasonable, I do expect to buy one saw and be able to use it in any one of these applications.

We used the identical blades on all the saws throughout the eight-week test period. Out of the box, I checked each saw for accuracy and adjustment. On our framing sites, I tested power and cut capacity gang-cutting 2-by and running exterior trim. On trim sites, we cut molding of all sizes, and I really looked for accuracy, smooth action, and comfortable handles. In the shop, I checked on tuning the saws for accuracy and took a second look at power by cutting hardwood. I examined items that make the saws easier to use, like adjustments, portability, and any extras that help us work better.

Accuracy

One brand new miter saw rolling through the door is enough to make any craftsman happymbut five? My shop crew gathered around like it was Christmas morning while we uncrated and checked each saw carefully for accuracy.

I can use a micrometer but don't own one, so I apologize to any gear heads ahead of time for not checking tolerances to the thousandth. Instead, I used my best combination square to determine if the blades were simultaneously square to the fence and deck and that the 45-degree detents were accurate. Each saw arrived tuned. Makita provides a small plastic triangle for calibration. It saves a trip to the toolbox and is good for tune-ups.

Framing & Exterior Trim

You can cut blocking piecemeal with a circ saw if you want, but not if you work for me. We set up tables for the sliders so we can whack through stacks of 2-by for blocking and cripples.

Power. Cutting multiple 2x4s on edge is tough, but all the saws performed impressively with no bogging or vibration. The belt-drive motors (Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi, and Ridgid) were as equally up to the task as Makita's direct-drive. Even soaking 2x6 stock was no match for these sawdust devils.

Cut Capacity and Stability. The great thing about sliders is their cut capacity, so 4x10 brackets and corbels or 1x12 and 2x12 friezes are easy to handle. While we didn't run into a single cut-capacity snag on any of the saws, running exterior trim was easiest on the Bosch because long stock is more manageable on its slide-out table extensions; also, its wide feet make it quite stable. The Makita and Ridgid also have stable stances. The sleeker Hitachi and DeWalt were less stable than I'd like. While their stabilizer bars help, we found screwing them down worked best.