Radial arm saws cut through wood with precision. These tools are essential for carpenters and workshop owners. There are so many radial arm saws that are below quality, and using them will not give a perfect job.
However, in this review, we will be discussing the best radial arm saws out there, read through if you want to get the best radial arm saws for your workshop.
BUYER’S GUIDE
Before choosing the best woodworking tools, you need to consider some important working features. To assist you to pick the best ones for yourself.
Power
Just like other handy tools, power is one of the most important aspects when you consider deciding on the radial saw.
First of all, you need to get information about its Horsepower capacity. Also, you have to make sure that your saws have available HP when working with hardwoods to avoid overtaxing the motor.
Though, radial saws power is measured in amps. For instance, 7-amp motor power is perfect to run for small blades and 10-12 amplifiers are great for medium-sized blades. Besides, the power also depends on the size of the blade. And, before making the decision, you have to get cleared about its Power.
What’s the bottom line?
You have to check the radial arm saw’s Horsepower range. So, you could get the right guidance to run it perfectly.
Speed
Speed shifting is less important for operating a saw. But the changeable speed feature might be handy for other important operations.
Want to know the best part?
Just like power, you have to consider the speed which, is measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). You need to check the blade spins speed for hardwood-based projects without burning the wood when cutting.
Blade
The radial arm saw will deliver optimal performance to depend on its blade. This craftsman tool blade takes little bites at a time, and the edges of the kerf shearing cleanly. So, you need to ensure the right blade design from top-bevel tooth design or triple-chip.
Typically, the Hook angles of the teeth are the consideration of things before making a decision. A positive hook angle blade isn’t preferable to woodworkers because it cuts more aggressively and pulls itself along.
On the other hand, a Negative hook angle blade will take smaller bites, “pull” ahead less and deliver you a clean cut. And, blade guard should be in your consideration list.
Besides, using the control of the blade guard is essential and important too. So, before picking your desirable blade for radial arm saw, you have to confirm its working efficiency.
Cutting Types
Needless to say, a radial arm saw working efficiency is not only for crosscuts. Besides this, miter cuts, bevel cuts, rabbets, and dadoes are also included.
First of all, crosscut is an essential type of cut for complex woodworking projects. After that, the miter cuts are a type of angled cut. Bevel cuts are used to be slanted cut.
And, the rabbets are essential grooves cut into the side edges of the wood. Likewise, dadoes are slots that are cut into the Woodside.
On the other hand, Ripping is a less popular but useful function of the radial-arm saw is to use it to rip stock. So, before making the decision, you must have to check these various types of cuts.
Working table
The working table of a radial arm saw is one of the important aspects. Placing and bolt the saw table onto the support rail is a must-have for use. So, you should check the adjustment of the working table before making the decision.
Accuracy
The radial-arm saw conditional argues that the favored tool is much handier than the table saw. It’s unsurpassed at accurate. Besides, the radial arm saw also deliver easy cutoff work with the best accuracy.
Also, it can sand and plane and, as the table saw, rip longboards at a single pass. So, you have to ensure the radial arm saw cutting accuracy before buying decisions.
Safety
Many non-professional woodworkers consider that radial arm saw is a dangerous tool for use. Undoubtedly, it is relatively safe to use for cross-cutting. The accident might happen for your unawareness of any tools.
Besides, you have to check how to position your hand in the path of the saw. Because the circular blade run with huge power can tend to jerk, and it may come toward the operator. And also learn about safety goggles and ear protection.
For instance, a positive hook angle blade performs aggressively and also pulls materials towards it. Therefore, you should know about the proper use of the blade for being safe. So, you need to get more about radial arm saw to be used for being safe.
Guide
Accomplish precise and accurate cuts is the dream of any woodworker. For this reason, you should check the guide that the saw comes with for accuracy purposes. Similarly, you should choose a radial arm saw that features a laser light guide but they also require to be re-calibrated with time.
There is another important thing that considers the accuracy of projects is the fence. So, before deciding on buying you should ensure the working accuracy and fence uses.
Ease of Use
Most of the woodworkers want a radial arm saw with the most user-friendly mode. So, if you want a radial arm saw that is easy to use, you should consider the ergonomics of the tool.
BEST RADIAL ARM SAWS
- DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Hitachi C10FCE2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
- Bosch 120-Volt 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw GCM12SD
- DEWALT DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
- Tacklife 12-Inch Sliding Saw
- WEN MM1214 Dual-Bevel Saw
- Genesis 10-Inch Miter Saw
- Makita LS1016L 10-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser
- Evolution Power Tools RAGE3 10-Inch
- Delta 26-2250 12″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Cruzer Miter Saw
| NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
| DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
|
Integrated CUTLINE™ Blade Positioning System provides adjustment-free cut line indication for better accuracy and visibility
Powerful 15 Amp, 3,800 rpm motor delivers extended power and durability Super-efficient dust collection system captures over 75% of dust generated Tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 7-1/2 in. nested and base molding up to 6-3/4 in. vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Hitachi C10FCE2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
|
Laser guide provides accurate guidance for blade placement
Clamp and vise attachments allow for wobble-free wood cutting Thumb actuated positive stops for convenient and accurate setting of miter angles 5-year warranty |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Bosch 120-Volt 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw GCM12SD
|
Adjustable miter detents: detents at 0°, 15°, 31.6°, 22.5°, 45°, 60° right super-accurate, and durable design
Push-button miter Detent override – easy-to-access thumb actuated control right up front for fine miter angle adjustment Bevel detents: 0, 33.9°, 45° left/right for accurate cuts |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| DEWALT DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
|
15 amp motor, 4,000 rpm delivers extended power and durability
Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 11 positive stops improves productivity and ensures cutting Precise miter system and machined-base fence support optimize cutting accuracy Bevels 0°-48° to the left and 0°-3° to the right for increased capacity |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Tacklife 12-Inch Sliding Saw
|
14-inch horizontal cutting edge
Lock fence with a quick-release Uniform bevel stainless steel miter scale Marked dents |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| WEN MM1214 Dual-Bevel Saw
|
Powerful 15-amp motor cuts board up to 13-3/8 inches wide and 3-1/2 inches thick
Bevel and miter 45 degrees in either direction (featuring 9 miter stops) Onboard class II laser guide combines with the LED work light for maximum clarity and precision Features a 7-1/2-inch crown molding nested capacity and a 6-3/4-inch baseboard vertical capacity |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Genesis 10-Inch Miter Saw
|
Sliding Rail System for Crosscutting Stock up to 12″ Wide
Make Precision Miter Cut up to 45º Left and Right Make Bevel Cuts up to 45º Left Use Compound Cutting for Crown Molding, Shadow Boxes, Picture Frames |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Makita LS1016L 10-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser
|
Large Cutting Capacity in Crown, Baseboard, and Crosscuts
Compact Design with 4-Steel Rail Sliding System Exclusive 6 Linear Ball Bearings Powerful 15 Amp Motor Delivers 3,200 Rotations Per Minute Saw Weighs 53 lbs. |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Evolution Power Tools RAGE3 10-Inch
|
Model: Evolution Rage3
Motor: 15 amps, 2.5 horsepower Blade diameter: 10 in. Max Cut depth (90/45°): 3 in. / 1-1/2 in. Max cut length: 1-13/16″ No-load speed: 2,500 RPM |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Delta 26-2250 12″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Cruzer Miter Saw
|
Molded handle and the full-size trigger is comfortable for right or left-handed users
15 amp motor for powerful cuts and blade brake for safety Clear retractable blade guard for a full view of cutting area during alignment and cutting 5 in. dust port for vacuum connection and excellent dust collection 5 year Delta warranty |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The 12 in. Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw has a 15 Amp motor and integrated XPS crosscut positioning system for adjustment-free, accurate cut line indication. Tall sliding fences support 7-1/2 in. of nested crown and 6-3/4 in. of base molding vertically. Exclusive Back Fence design cuts up to 2×14 dimensional lumber at 90° increased miter capacity of 60° (R) and 50° (L) features durable stainless-steel miter detent plate with a cam lock for repeatable accuracy with easy adjustments.
| PROS | CONS |
| Adjustable stainless-steel miter-detent plate with 10 positive stops | Too Heavy |
| Linear ball bearings for accuracy and durability | A little pricey |
| Dual horizontal steel rails with the innovative clamping mechanism | |
| Integrated XPS cross-cut positioning system provides an adjustment-free cut-line indication |
Hitachi C10FCE2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
The Hitachi C10FCE2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw is currently one of the most sought after tools on the market. From woodworkers, to trim carpenters, to framers, almost anyone who creates timber items will find this tool indispensable.
Hitachi understands that a reliable miter saw should always have a strong blade and powerful motor. This is evidenced in the C10FCE2 – it features a 10-inch blade and comes with a 15-Amp motor that’s typically used to power 12-inch blades. It also runs up to 5000 RPM. As a result, the saw is both light and powerful.
| PROS | CONS |
| Powerful 15 Amp motor (capable of delivering 5000 RPM) | Dust bag doesn’t capture 100% of sawdust particles |
| Strong TCT 10-inch blade | When new, the miter saw’s blade guard screws are too tight |
| Replaceable carbon brushes prolong tool’s lifespan | |
| Easy to grip and vibration resistant Elastomer handles | |
| Lightweight and portable construction | |
| Dust bag keeps work surface cleaner |
Bosch 120-Volt 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw GCM12SD
The Bosch-exclusive Axial-Glide offers wider cross-cuts, enhanced alignment, and a smooth glide for the life of the tool. The Bosch miter saw 15 Amp motor delivers no-load speeds of 3,800 RPM for quick, accurate cuts in many materials.
For added convenience and versatility, the saw is compatible with a variety of 12 In. blades and it has a clear lower guard to provide unobstructed cut-line visibility. The GCM12SD provides easy adjustments with upfront bevel and miter controls and detents at common angles. The saw’s all-metal bevel lock lever and range selector are located up front to make bevel adjustments easy.
| PROS | CONS |
| Dust collection port | Does not come with any safety gear. |
| Detailed instructions manual | Bosch GCM12SD and other miter saws within the same league need a few adjustments before first-time use. |
| Well built | Weighs 88 Lbs., which is a matter of opinion. Some people say that the miter saw is heavy, others have a positive opinion. |
| Comes with 2 safety switches that are instantly accessible from the miter saw handle | |
| Dual-purpose handle for left-handed and right-handed users | |
| Easily Affordable |
DEWALT DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
The DW715 12 in. Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw is powered by a 15 Amp motor to drive 4,000 rpm, delivering extended power and durability. Features stainless steel miter detent plate and cam miter lock that provides repeatable accuracy and durability with easy adjustments.
Tall sliding fences support 6-1/2 in. of base molding vertically and 5-1/4 in. of crown molding vertically nested. Lightweight design and built-in carry handle for portability.
| PROS | CONS |
| The 32 tooth blade will make it easier for you to cut through wood faster. | Doesn’t come with laser |
| It has an easy to read miter scale. It’s big enough to read through the sawdust and wood chippings. | |
| A saw is quiet and cuts effortlessly. |
Tacklife 12-Inch Sliding Saw
The Tacklife PMS03A 12 Inch Sliding Double-Bevel Compound Miter Saw provides a very dependable bevel cut.
It has a double bevel design which allows the user to make cuts of up to 45 degrees quite easily and also has a maximum cutting stroke of about 9.5 inches too.
However, the reason we highly recommended the PMS03A in our homeowner miter saw review is due to its powerful 15 Amp motor that will give you a maximum runtime on a 1700 wattage capacity.
| PROS | CONS |
| Highly portable | Many people find the maintenance of this miter saw a little on the higher side. It also comes with a shallow manual |
| Inclusive dust bag | |
| 40 tooth steel blade | |
| Easy to use a clamping device | |
| 1-year warranty |
WEN MM1214 Dual-Bevel Saw
Create cuts at any angle with the WEN 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw. This powerful 15-amp motor slices through even the hardest of woods, providing 3800 blade rotations per minute. This versatile saw bevels and miters up to 45 degrees in either direction with a front bevel control for fast and easy adjustment.
Cut boards up to 13-3/8 inches wide and 3-1/2 inches thick or make compound cuts (45-degree bevel and 45-degree miter) in boards 9-1/2 inches wide and 2-1/8 inches thick. The saw features 9 miter stops: two at 15 degrees, two at 22.5 degrees, two at 30 degrees, two at 45 degrees, and one at 0. However, if a more unique angle is preferred, the miter lock still allows the saw to lock at any angle between those stops.
| PROS | CONS |
| Laser and LED make accurate cuts easy | Miter and bevel markings are made of paper stickers which can peel off early |
| The powerful motor helps to cut the hardest materials | |
| Dust port helps to keep the workplace clean | |
| Necessary table extensions |
Genesis 10-Inch Miter Saw
The Genesis has a 10” blade driven by a 15 amp motor, which gives it a lot of torque. This saw has no problems slicing through thick chunks of wood in one pass (3” was what I tested it to).
The motor runs the blade at 5000 RPM which is an above-average operating speed on a saw this size, and it feels like a great combination.
| PROS | CONS |
| Powerful motor | Some of the plastic parts look cheap – but I haven’t had any issues with it. They have done such a good job with the aluminum parts it seems a shame to put a few plastic parts on it. |
| Not too bad standard blade (normally standard ones are rubbish, but this one is usable) | |
| Well priced | |
| Quality laser guide | |
| Sliding saw head – makes longer cuts a piece of cake |
Makita LS1016L 10-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser
The Makita LS1016 10″ Dual Miter Saw uses a 10 -inch blade but it allows 12-inch capabilities. The saw rides smoothly on a rigid four-rail system with 6 linear bearings that increase cut accuracy and reduce the rail travel room needed on full-extension cuts, contributing to the tool’s compact size. The Makita LS1016 gets increased cutting capacity from its newly designed direct-drive gearbox and guard system that allows it to cut 6-5/8 inch (vertically nested) crown molding and 4-3/4 inch baseboard (vertical). It will also make 12-inch cross-cuts at 90 degrees.
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Evolution Power Tools RAGE3 10-Inch
The Evolution Rage3 TCT Multipurpose Sliding Miter Saw is unique in its abilities to cut plastic, metal, and wood with one saw and one blade. Even a multi-material reciprocating saw has to change blades. This tool isn’t going to deliver the kind of precision that a trim carpenter requires consistently. However, it’s accurate enough for general contractors who need to cut multiple material types—and it cuts each of them very well.
| PROS | CONS |
| Laser Guide | Laser Guide could be more accurate. |
| Cuts both metal and wood. | |
| Powerful 15amp motor | |
| Lightweight | |
| Accurate |
Delta 26-2250 12″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Cruzer Miter Saw
There are two things that all great miter saws have in common: power and accuracy. In the field test, I crosscut some two-inch oak for the power test. The Delta Cruzer performed well and has plenty of power to handle even that task. You have to pause momentarily to let the soft-start motor spool up to speed before cutting. That feature adds life to the motor and helps reduce the torque-jerk you get on many saws. If you let the blade do the cutting you will be fine, even in hardwood.
| PROS | CONS |
| Clear blade guard for unobstructed visibility | Carrying handle is too small |
| Slides very smoothly | The dust collection system is ineffective |
| Dual-bevel with a large bevel range | |
| Accurate and smooth | |
| Broad miter range |
CONCLUSION
People’s demand or accomplishment requires different tools to make a task perfectly. So, you should choose the right radial arm saw that fulfills your requirements. You should use the guide above to pick the best radial arm saws for you.