Tool review: 10" Sliding Mitersaws

 

Nonsliding saws

Nonsliding saws, though reliably accurate, lighter, and less expensive, lack the crosscut capacity of sliders-up to 50 percent less with 10" models and 33 percent less with 12" saws. On the other hand, 12" sliders provide an extra inch or so of vertical cut capacity (a bonus when cutting moldings standing against the fence), but crosscut about the same as 10" sliders, weigh up to 40 percent more, and cost another $100 to $200. If we've convinced you of the merits of a 10" slider, read on to find out which one gives you the most bang for your buck.

In a woodshop setting a mitersaw must deliver precise cuts for tight-fitting joinery. Fortunately, all of the tested sliders met the challenge, although most required some adjustments before they could make dead-on cuts. To ensure the saws could maintain that accuracy, we made loads of cuts, rocked them back and forth through their miter and bevel ranges, tossed them into the back of a pickup truck, and even whacked them a few times with a board to simulate wear. All held fast.