DeWalt packs it all into this 12-inch compound miter saw: the big blade, the double bevel, the double rail slide. Very impressive. Finish carpenters who want to miter crown molding (up to 5-1/4 inches) vertically and framers who demand a 12-inch crosscut capacity will love this saw's 12-inch blade. The double bevel, of course, means you flip the saw instead of the wood, a great feature for those working with long molding or in confined spaces. The saw bevels to 45 degrees both ways and has the ability to bevel up to 48 if the need arises. The double rail slide is definitely burlier than the old single rail design. Both rails slide on self-cleaning, dust-sealed bearings, too. What really gets us is the weight and balance of this saw: it slides smoothly through cuts, bevels are easy to set, and the miter gauge swivels lightly (all of which speak to the saw's excellent design). You can miter 50 degrees left, 60 degrees right. We also appreciated the cam-lock miter gauge on this saw--the handle simply clamps down, which makes switching angles noticeably quicker than with a twist-lock miter.
DeWalt's D-handle is designed for right-handed use, but the trigger is big enough to use comfortably with your left hand if a particular cut requires it. The saw also has a depth-stop adjuster in case you have to cut a quick dado or two at the job site. The easy-to-read stainless-steel miter scale, with 11 positive stops allows you to lock in the most common angles quickly and, thanks to the cam-lock miter, it's also easy to dial in precise cuts just over or under the positive stop--a feature finish carpenters, in particular, will love. The electric blade stops the blade quickly, which saves time and makes work safer. The saw doesn't have a safety switch--which is fine by us, since some safety switches can be downright dangerous--but it's something to consider if you're doing residential or remodeling work where children might stumble across your tools. --Jon Groebner
