If you’re in the market for a new sliding miter saw, you’ve likely come across a variety of sizes and features. However, when it comes to precision and versatility, an 8 1/2 inch sliding miter saw is a great choice for many DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this article, we’ll be exploring the top options in this category and providing you with a comprehensive review of the best 8 1/2 sliding miter saws available.
Makita LS0815F is the best 8 1/2 sliding miter saw that you can pick. It’s one that we have researched and compared user reviews. You can grab it instantly if you don’t have time to look through the whole article.
The people who are new to woodworking, or even who are familiar with most of the tools can get perplexed while choosing the right miter saw. The reason is that there are various types of equipment available out there. It becomes hard at times to pick the best suited for your work requirements.
Our subsequent 8 1/2 miter saw reviews and buying guides will help you make an informed decision. Just go through these short-listed Miter Saws and you won’t have to cover some extra miles to get your miter saw.
Why Choose 8 1/2 Sliding Compound Miter Saw?
There are basically three types of miter saws that you can utilize for your trimming jobs. A standard miter saw and compound miter saw are also down the list. The reason why you should buy a sliding compound saw is that it’s more versatile, unlike the other two types.
It can make the basic level bevel cuts that the other two types of miter saws do, along with having a sliding capacity. It’s sliding capability allows it to cut through wood and metal with the blade traction side by side.
Best 8 1/2 Sliding Miter Saw
All of these sliding miter saws are one of the best tools that you can find out there. Read the reviews and features they offer, so that you may end up picking your favorite machine!
1. Makita LS0815F Compound Sliding Miter Saw – Overall Best
The Makita LS0815F Compound Sliding Miter Saw is a compact and versatile saw designed for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. With its 8 1/2 inch blade and sliding mechanism, this saw is capable of making precise cuts in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features and performance of the Makita LS0815F to help you decide if it’s the right saw for your needs.
Design and Build Quality of the Makita Miter Saw:
Makita LS0815F has a solid build quality and features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and maneuver in tight spaces. The saw also has an ergonomic handle with a soft grip, which provides a comfortable and secure grip during operation.
The sliding mechanism is smooth and precise, allowing for accurate cuts, and the blade guard retracts smoothly and quickly.
Features and Performance of the LS0815F Makita :
The LS0815F miter saw features a powerful 10.5-amp motor that delivers up to 5,000 RPM, making it capable of handling a variety of materials with ease.
The saw also has a range of features designed to improve accuracy and efficiency, such as a laser guide system, a dual bevel capability, and a large, easy-to-read miter scale. The saw can make bevel cuts up to 45 degrees to the left or right, and miter cuts up to 50 degrees to the left and 60 degrees to the right.
Makita 8 1/2 miter saw Ease of Use and Safety:
The Makita LS0815F is easy to use, with a straightforward control system and intuitive adjustment mechanisms. The saw also has a number of safety features, such as a blade guard that covers the blade when not in use and a safety trigger that prevents accidental startups.
The saw also comes with a dust bag that effectively collects sawdust, keeping your workspace clean and safe.
Pros and Cons of the Makita LS0815F Compound Sliding Miter Saw :
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Smooth and precise sliding mechanism
- Powerful motor
- Laser guide system
- Dual bevel capability
- Large, easy-to-read miter scale
- Effective dust collection system
Cons:
- Limited cutting capacity compared to larger saws
- Some users may find the laser guide system difficult to see in bright light
Overall, the Makita LS0815F Compound Sliding Miter Saw
Is a reliable and versatile saw that’s ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Its compact design, powerful motor, and range of features make it a great option for those who need a saw that’s easy to transport and maneuver, while still providing the accuracy and performance needed for a variety of cutting tasks. If you’re in the market for an 8 1/2 inch sliding miter saw, the Makita LS0815F is definitely worth considering.
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2. BOSCH CM8S Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The BOSCH CM8S Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a compact and powerful saw that’s designed to provide accurate and efficient cuts in a variety of materials.
With its 8 1/2 inch blade and range of features, this saw is ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features and performance of the BOSCH CM8S to help you decide if it’s the right saw for your needs.
Design and Build Quality of the BOSCH CM8S Miter Saw:
BOSCH CM8S has a sturdy and durable design that’s built to last. The saw features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and maneuver in tight spaces.
The saw also has an ergonomic handle with a soft grip, which provides a comfortable and secure grip during operation. The sliding mechanism is smooth and precise, allowing for accurate cuts, and the blade guard retracts smoothly and quickly.
BOSCH CM85 Features and Performance:
It features a powerful 12-amp motor that delivers up to 5,600 RPM, making it capable of handling a variety of materials with ease. The saw also has a range of features designed to improve accuracy and efficiency, such as a laser guide system, a dual bevel capability, and a large, easy-to-read miter scale.
The saw can make bevel cuts up to 48 degrees to the left and right, and miter cuts up to 60 degrees to the right and 52 degrees to the left.
Ease of Use and Safety: BOSCH CM8S
It is easy to use, with a straightforward control system and intuitive adjustment mechanisms. The saw also has a number of safety features, such as a blade guard that covers the blade when not in use and a safety trigger that prevents accidental startups.
The saw also comes with a dust bag that effectively collects sawdust, keeping your workspace clean and safe.
BOSCH CM8S 8 1/2 inch sliding miter saw Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Smooth and precise sliding mechanism
- Powerful motor
- Laser guide system
- Dual bevel capability
- Large, easy-to-read miter scale
- Effective dust collection system
Cons:
- Limited cutting capacity compared to larger saws
- Some users may find the laser guide system difficult to see in bright light
Overall, the BOSCH CM8S Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
It is a reliable and versatile saw that’s ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Its compact design, powerful motor, and range of features make it a great option for those who need a saw that’s easy to transport and maneuver.
While still providing the accuracy and performance needed for a variety of cutting tasks. If you’re in the market for an 8 1/2 inch sliding miter saw, the BOSCH CM8S is definitely worth considering.
3. Metabo HPT C8FSHES Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Metabo HPT C8FSHES is our last pick for the 8 1/2 sliding miter saw. The Hitachi brand is renamed Metabo HPT. You’ll get the same quality and high-performing power tools just with a new name.
This Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a high-quality and powerful saw that’s designed for both professional and DIY use. With its 8 1/2 inch blade and range of features, this saw is ideal for a variety of cutting tasks.
Design and Build Quality of the Metabo HPT C8FSHES :
This Miter saw has a durable and sturdy design that’s built to withstand heavy use. The saw features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and maneuver.
It also has an ergonomic handle with a soft grip, which provides a comfortable and secure grip during operation. The sliding mechanism is smooth and precise, allowing for accurate cuts, and the blade guard retracts smoothly and quickly.
Features and Performance:
The C8FSHES features a powerful 9.5-amp motor that delivers up to 5,500 RPM, making it capable of handling a variety of materials with ease. It has a range of features designed to improve accuracy and efficiency, such as a laser guide system, a dual bevel capability, and a large, easy-to-read miter scale.
The saw can make bevel cuts up to 48 degrees to the left and right, and miter cuts up to 57 degrees to the right and 45 degrees to the left.
The Metabo HPT C8FSHES Ease of Use and Safety:
It is easy to use, with a straightforward control system and intuitive adjustment mechanisms. The saw also has a number of safety features, such as a blade guard that covers the blade when not in use. A safety trigger that prevents accidental startups. The saw also comes with a dust bag that effectively collects sawdust, keeping your workspace clean and safe.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Smooth and precise sliding mechanism
- Powerful motor
- Laser guide system
- Dual bevel capability
- Large, easy-to-read miter scale
- Effective dust collection system
Cons:
- Some users may find the laser guide system difficult to see in bright light
- Limited cutting capacity compared to larger saws
Overall, the Metabo HPT C8FSHES Sliding Compound Miter Saw
It is a reliable and versatile saw that’s ideal for both professional and DIY use. Its compact design, powerful motor, and range of features make it a great option for those who need a saw that’s easy to transport and maneuve. While still providing the accuracy and performance needed for a variety of cutting tasks. If you’re in the market for an 8 1/2 inch sliding miter saw, the Metabo HPT C8FSHES is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide For The Best 8 1/2 Sliding Miter Saw
To assist you further in getting the best 8 ½ sliding miter saw, we have gathered some important features that we suggest you not overlook. You can consider them to make the most out of your purchase of a perfect tool for yourself.
Ease of Portability
No matter if you’ve to work with your home flooring or at your workshop, portability is the most significant feature to look for in your sliding miter saw. Try to choose a model that is light in weight and has a top handle to offer easy dragging and movement of the tool.
You might end up hurting yourself when dealing with ginormous and low portability machines. A compact and easily moveable miter saw will eliminate the hassle for you to keep it.
Motor Power and RPM
The miter saw blade in combination with the motor power decides how accurate and powerful performance it can deliver. If your motor fails to offer a significant blade speed, it’s a straight sign that you’ve wasted your investment.
The minimum RPM recommended is 3000 at least for low to moderate cross-cutting jobs. You can choose a miter saw offering up to 5500 RPM if you have to deal with some high capacity cuts.
Soft Start-up
A soft startup might not sound that significant, but you’ll be surprised to hear that it actually is. An easy starting motor will protect the delicacy and fineness of cuts being made on the wood pieces. If the motor starts with a jerk, it might end up making you go through some disastrous experience.
Laser Guide
You’ll notice that there are now a lot of models available in the market that come with integrated LED lights to guide the blade. Having a laser blade guide in the tool comes with two perks. One that you don’t need to invest in additional light for the cut line illumination.
The other benefit that the light comes along with is the highly accurate and precise cuts. The light of course does not make the cuts but it guides the blade to make the cuts in the desired direction. You can observe the cut line closely to avoid making any poor cuts.
Dust Collection
Having a dust collection system in the wood cutting tools is no less than a blessing. It helps to keep the user as well as the environment healthy and clean. If your tool is messy and creates a lot of dust and debris without having a proper system to clear it up, it can actually affect the work quality and productivity.
Many models have an integrated dust collection system. Whereas, some offer dust collection ports that you can easily connect with a vacuum with a hose to make it work.
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FAQ’s
What is the Best 8 1/2 Sliding Miter Saw?
Makita LS0815F is the best 8 ½ sliding miter saw that lacks nowhere in offering highly precise and accurate cutting capacity. It can ideally serve for multiple cutting tasks such as finish carpentry, wood floor installation, and a number of moderate levels construction jobs. There’s an LED light as well for increased visibility and tracking of the cuts.
How wide a board will a 8 miter saw cut?
It can cut a standard 2 x 8 wood and works for an 8 inch board. You can cut through even wider pieces when you go for increasing the miter saw size. As in if you pick 12 inches or 10 inches miter saw.
Wrapping Up 8 1/2 Miter Saw Reviews
We tried to narrow down the top-rated and the best 8 1/2 sliding miter saw available to support your buying decision. We hope you must have chosen the very right tool for yourself. And if not, you can look through the buying guide to understand more facts about your purchase.
Makita LS0815F is our top pick that is a perfect combination of both high performance and ease of portability. It gives a cross-cut capacity of 12 inches. Its transparent blade guard helps to monitor blade positions and angles to make seamless cuts.
I’m Thomas Steven with more than 12 years of experience in woodworking. It has always been my passion to become a successful woodworker. I have completed hundreds of successful projects. This blog is a way of sharing my woodworking experiences and what tools get the best results. I write about woodworking while being an associate with Amazon and I earn a little commission from every qualifying purchase.