Tool review: 10" Sliding Mitersaws

 

 

 

Slide your mitersaw dollars to these models

By the end of our testing, two dual-bevel saws had risen to the head of this class: the Bosch 4410 and the Makita LS1016L. Both models provide test-leading miter ranges from 60° right to 52° left with rock-solid detents. The Bosch has nine miter detents and five bevel stops. We like its microadjuster for fine-tuning miter angles and its included table extensions for extra support.

But the Makita edges past the Bosch with a soft-start motor and more miter detents (10) and bevel stops (7). It also has the smoothest sliding and plunging action in the test, the tallest fence (by 1/2"), and the only factory-supplied blade capable of making furniture-quality cuts. For all this, the LS1016L earns our Top Tool honor.

If you'd like to get a slider but can't spring for the Makita, consider Craftsman's 21237 for just $250, our Top Value. This saw has few amenities, but it's accurate when set up correctly, and, although slightly underpowered, it cuts acceptably with a slower feed rate.

Learn the results of our testing of the Bosch 4405 and 4410, Craftsman 21237 and 21201, DeWalt DW717, Hitachi C1-FSH, Jet JMS-10SCMS, Kobalt SM2505LW, Makita LS1016L, and Ryobi TSS100Lin the December 2010/January 2011 issue of WOOD magazine, or download the review.

Download the review