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Top Radial Arm Saws List for 2018: Pick One You Like the Most

By Kencoul

Bosch GCM12SD 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw provides a really smooth cut and is highly accurate, as would be expected from all Bosch models. This model comes with a soft-grip ambidextrous handle and has a combination dust chute and vacuum adaptor for the cleaner work environment. This model uses a compact axial-guide system. It also has a quick release square-lock mechanism for fast and accurate adaptation to preset requirements, such as a pre-adjusted high-precision fence aligned at a 90 o angle to the saw's table.

Specifications
  • 15-amp motor providing 3,800 RPM
  • The arbor size is "
  • Bevel angle range delivers 48o Left and Right
  • 14" horizontal capacity, a 6 ½" vertical capacity
  • 6 ½" nested crown capacity against the fence at 45o
  • two sliding integrated base extensions for materials measuring up to 40" long
  • Weight 65lbs

DEWALT DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Compound Miter saw is a powerhouse of energy that provides accurate and smooth working action. This model comes with a cam lock miter handle and detent override.

Specifications
  • 15-amp motor delivering 4,000 RPM
  • 5 ¼" sliding fence supports a crown, nested, and base molding up to 6 ½" vertically
  • Left bevels of 0° to 48°, and right bevels of 0° to 3°
  • 0° to 50° left and right miter capacity
  • Three hardened steel bevel stops at 0°, 33.9°, and 45°
  • 45° Bevel Cut Capacity dimensional lumber 2×8"
  • 45° Miter Cut Capacity Max Height 4×4" dimensional lumber, and Max Width 2×6" dimensional lumber.
  • 90° Cross-Cut Capacity (dimensional lumber) 4×6" and Max Width 2×8"
  • Arbor Size 5/8″ or 1 in.
  • Weight 42Lbs

The Craftsman 10′ Sliding Compound Miter Saw is an extremely versatile unit and is so lightweight that it makes for a perfect traveling companion for many a tradesperson. This model comes with a table Extension, Stop Block and Clamps, as well as a dust bag, blade wrench, and quick release mechanism.

Specification
  • 15-amp motor delivering 4,800 RPM
  • 0° to 50° miter adjustment
  • Crosscut Capacity for the 0° Miter 45° Left Bevel is 1 5/8"x 12"
  • Crosscut Capacity for the 45° Miter 45° Left Bevel is 1 5/8"x 8"
  • Crosscut Capacity for the 45° Miter 0° Bevel is 3 5/8" x 8"
  • Preset Miter Angle Detents are 0°,15°,22.5°,31.6°,45°
  • Crosscut Capacity of the 0° Miter 0° Bevel is 3 5/16" x 12"
  • The fence is a left and right fixed type.
  • 8lbs

The Makita LS1016L has their preoperatory direct drive gearbox and patented retractable guard system. This model also comes with their patented Four-Steel Rail Sliding System and has an exclusive six linear balls bearing guide for smoother and efficient adjustment free cutting.

Specifications
  • 15-amp motor that delivers 3,200 RPM
  • 4 ¾" sliding fence system, including four sliding fences with upper and lower fence adjustments
  • Miter 0° to 52° left, and 0° to 60° right, with positive stops at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45° left and right
  • The dual rear-handle bevel lock adjusts to 0° to 45° left and right, with positive stops at 22.5°, 33.9°, and 45° left and right
  • 6 5/8″ vertically nested crown molding,
  • 4-3/4″ vertical baseboard,
  • 12″ crosscuts at 90°
  • Built-in laser for line-of-cut indication
  • The max cutting capacity at 90° is 2 13/16″ x 12″, and at 45° L/R is 2 13/16″ x 8-1/2″,
  • arbor 5/8″
  • weighs 53.3lbs

Homecraft 10 in. Miter Saw with a battery-operated Laser provides alignment in seconds. This is a great DIY'er model since it is very easy to operate. This model comes with a lockout switch for added safety when not in use. There is an arbor lock, so you can change the blades swiftly and safely, and there is a battery-operated laser for aligning your cuts accurately. This model is designed to work with most miter saw blades.

Specifications
  • 14-amp motor providing 5,500RPM
  • Denoted stops at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, and 45°
  • Left bevel cuts from 0° to 47° with a nominal cut of 2×6" full bevel

The RAGE3 is an all-purpose miter saw that can cut through just about any material you can find, so long as the blade is the right one. This little beast aptly named rage cuts through steel, aluminum, plastics, and wood. The blade will cut through steel producing no burr and also hardly any sparks. It will even cut through wood with iron nails embedded.

Together with this amazing multipurpose cutting capability, the Rage3 has an in-line handle for right or left-handed use, an adjustable groove cutting dept, and a laser guidance system for accurate cut alignment.

The blades are sold separately, and there is a large assortment to choose from, these are the cream of the crop, and they will even cut tiles, making this one of the handiest portable miter saws on the market. The multipurpose blade is tungsten carbide tipped, 28 teeth that will cut through everything you bring.

Specifications
  • 15-amps delivering 2,500 RPM (2.5HP)
  • Arbor is 1" with dual flange providing access to 5/8" arbor blades
  • Maximum Width of Cut with 90o miter is 11 13/16"
  • Maximum Width of Cut with 45 o miter is 8 ¼"
  • Maximum Depth of Cut at 90 o bevel is 3"
  • Maximum Depth of Cut at 45o bevel is 1 ½"
  • Weight is 39lbs

The Hitachi C10FCG 15-Amp 10-Inch single bevel miter saw comes with flexible angles and compound cutting solution. This is a lighter version of the C10FCE2 model and provides the same specifications as the heavier model.

Specifications
  • 15-amp motor producing 5,000 RPM
  • thumb-actuated positive miter stops provide between 0 and 52o left and right miter adjustments.
  • The bevel has a left range of 45o
  • A 4" flip fence allows for accurate cutting of items up to 2-5/16-inches high and 5-21/32-inches deep.
  • This miter saw works best with wood, plywood, decorative panels, hardboard, soft fiberboard, and aluminum sashes.
  • Weight 24.2lbs

The Delta Cruzer miter saw with robot arms is used for cutting even the sturdiest of items with ease. The concept is to provide accurate and strong saw extension, and that is why they have made it out of a more durable and accurate aluminum alloy, usually found in military applications.

This model comes with a 12" or 10" blade option and sits on a heavy-duty base to handle hard cuts. This model comes with an adjustable crown fence, so it can increase the stack at 45 o to 7 ½".

Since this is meant to be used for cutting solid aluminum and other harder materials, it comes with a heavy base and weighs more than the usual portable miter saws. Having stated this, the patented load arm support bracket is military-grade aluminum which gives it extra bearing strength for accuracy.

Specifications
  • 15-amp motor provides
  • Dual bevel 47o left and right, with front bevel release and 7 positive stops.
  • 50o left miter and 60o right miter capacity with 10 miter detents and positive stops
  • Weight is 57lbs

There are three types of miter saw on the market today, each one provides a different set of functions, that will suit specific purposes. So you need to know what you are going to cut and for what purpose, before buying any miter saw.

Basic Miter Saws

A basic miter saw is usually used for cutting trim, making crosscuts and miter cuts. These saws do not come with bevel options, and their main purpose is to make miter cuts. So, while you cannot make wide cuts, you can make very accurate miter cuts. These models are usually very easy on the pocket too.

Compound Miter Saws

A compound miter saw has the added benefit of providing bevel cuts. Within this group, there are differences between models. There are the single bevel units that provide bevel cuts to only one direction, and this means you need to reset the part you want to cut for every bevel you add. Then there is the dual bevel model that can adjust to both left and right, which makes life easier since you move the saw and not the unit when adjusting between cuts.

Sliding compound miters saws

These are the most versatile of miter saws and also the most expensive. The additional sliding arm allows you to cut larger surfaces, making this a perfect carpenters tool. If you use a miter saw on a daily basis, then you should consider spending a little bit more and buying such a model. It will pay off very quickly.


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