If you’re a full time carpenter or joiner, adding the best 7¼ sliding miter saw in your arsenal of tools can surely be handy. The device produces the finest and most accurate results when making angled cuts for crown molding, laminate flooring, window casing, and others.
Of course, a fixed miter saw can do all that as well, but the sliding model is more efficient and versatile. Its ability to move forward and backward as it cuts enables it to do more than its counterpart, including cutting wider pieces of material.
In this post, we are going to share with you some crucial details on how you can get the most of your 7¼ sliding miter saw. But, before we come to that, let’s look at the different styles you can find it in.
The Various Designs of a Sliding Miter Saw
For the basics, a sliding and compound miter saw are quite similar. They both have a miter base, bevel adjustment, fence, mounting frame, recoil spring, and the saw body.
When it comes to the performance now, a fixed compound miter saw cuts through materials using a plunging motion. The saw head [blade] mounts on a fixed arm that allows it to only swing down during the cutting process.
For a sliding miter saw, on the other hand, the head and blade attach to a rail system, which slides through a bearing system on the arm. Hence, allowing the blade to swing down while at the same time letting it to extend forward and backward.
For the functionality, therefore, we can saw a sliding miter saw cuts by using a plunging and horizontal motion. Hence, providing you with double convenience, especially when dealing with wider stock.
Even so, the sliding mechanism of the tool is also available in two other designs. In one, the miter saw features fixed rails, in which case the body of the saw slides along them during the cutting process. So, you can set up against the wall since there are no slide arms behind it.
For the other design, the miter saw features an articulating hinge instead of the sliding rails. Commonly known as the axial glide saw, the system uses this extendable arm to move the saw body forward and backward. Thus, very effective when working in a tight space as you can also push it against the wall during cutting.
Benefits of Having a Sliding Miter Saw
Truthfully, any sliding miter saw is worthwhile as long it can slide straight and the blade remains parallel to the cutting line. Some of the benefits that you get when using one include:
High precision: this is common in all miter saws, whereby they deliver accurate angled cuts or miters. It’s certainly the best tool for crosscutting repeated lengths as all needed is to swing down the blade while the stock remains stationary.
Faster cutting: a siding miter saw cuts materials by the blade sliding through it. This enables the teeth to effectively remove waste, thereby minimizing the resistance and the friction from faster cutting.
Larger boards: the tool has the advantage of cutting through both thicker and wider materials due to the extendable saw body.
Lowers the risk of burning stock: enhanced by the fact that the saw manages to cut through materials faster and accurately.
Blade life: with faster cutting and minimal resistance, the blade of a sliding saw has low chances of heat buildup. Thus, keeping the teeth sharper and durable for a longer time.
Top 7 1/4 Sliding Miter Saw In 2020 (Best Picks)
In a hurry? Check the bestseller top 7¼ sliding miter saw from Amazon. Just check the product link, the details and price.
How to Choose the Best 7 ¼ Sliding Miter Saw For Higher Cutting Efficiency
Other than the slide style, the sliding miter saws are available in numerous models and from dozens of brands. Therefore, choosing the right one for your workshop can be very tedious and time-consuming.
After 36 hours of extensive research, here is a list of five 7 ¼ sliding miter saws that should get you started. All consist of the best rated and most recommended products that you can order online.
They include:
1. Editor’s Choice: DEWALT [DCS361M1] 7-1/4 Inch Sliding Miter Saw
This is the overall best 7 ¼ sliding miter saw on our list, featuring all the essential features for indoor and outside projects. It’s a compact and lightweight design that allows you to easily carry with you to the job site.
The miter saw has a stainless steel miter detent plate that features 10 positive detents for maximum productivity and high-efficiency cutting. This function works in hand with the cam lock miter handle, which enables quick and effortless locking of the miter table.
The saw has a single bevel system that allows you to make angled cuts of up to 48 degrees. And it comes attached with a strong guide fence that supports precise vertical cuts of up to 3½ inches.
With a cutting [no load] speed of up to 3,750 RPM, this sliding cuts through stocks fast without overheating. It runs on a 20V rechargeable battery that provides on average 275 cuts of 3-1/4 pine boards before getting depleted.
Summary Features:
- It has a compact design and a carrying handle for easier transport
- Features the exclusive XPS positioning system for high precision cuts
- Allows up to 3-1/2 inch vertical cuts and 2×8 inch horizontal
- Comes with a high-grade carbide blade
- Has a dust collection port right behind the saw blade
- Runs with a powerful motor that doesn’t bog down during a cut
- The sliding saw has a horizontal handle that’s very comfortable to use
2.Best Design: CRAFTSMAN [CMCS714M1] 7-1/4 Inch Sliding Miter Saw Kit
If you fancy innovative styling and high performance, this piece provides you with a combination of both effectively. It’s a cordless system as well, which runs on a 20v ma battery to power the installed 3,800 RPM motor.
The sliding miter saw has a smooth and solid miter table that can rotate up to 45 degrees for highly accurate bevel cuts. This table locks into position by tightening the knob on the front. Hence, not as quick as when using the “click” miter lock lever.
The saw blade can rotate up to 45 degrees and it has an inbuilt LED light that helps create a shadow line for accurate cuts. It has a vertical cutting capacity of 3-1/2 inch for baseboard and 3-5/8 inches for the nested crown. Moreover, the sliding rails can extend for about 4.75 inches, thereby allowing a precise 8-inch wide crosscut.
It has an anti-slip horizontal handle that is very comfortable to use as either a right-handed or left-handed person.
Summary Features:
- It’s a battery-powered tool. Hence, usable in areas without electricity
- You can make up to 8-inch wide crosscuts and 3-1/2 inches vertical cuts
- Features an intergraded guideline light to enable maximum accuracy
- Has a single bevel of up to 47 degrees
- The battery has an innovate charge indicator to track the remaining capacity
- It’s compact, lightweight, and has a side handle for easier transport
- The saw has a solid build for high performance and prolonged life
What we don’t like:
The sliding miter saw has a dust port right behind the blade and it even comes with a collection bag. Nonetheless, the creators failed to alight it perfectly as it still leaves behind a significant amount of sawdust.
3.Best Value: Ryobi 10 Amp [TSS701] 7 1/4 Sliding Miter Saw
This is a true masterpiece and a great option when looking for a sliding miter saw for your small workshop. It’s high quality, affordable, and highly performing when it comes to making your cuts.
The miter saw consists of double sliding rail and a 10 AMP motor that operates at a speed of up to 5,350 revolutions/ minute. It’s a solid miter table that allows you to make your cuts comfortably and efficiently. The table locks into the desired position using a lever and a tightening knob located at the front.
As a single bevel system, this tool allows you to make precise straight crosscuts and angled cuts of up to 45°. It has a cool depth adjustment feature that can surely come in handy when making partial grooves on your piece of wood.
The saw comes with a general-purpose carbide blade that you can use to cut through most lumber, both from soft and hardwood.
Summary Features:
- It features a powerful 10 AMP motor that relies on plugin power
- Can slide to achieve up to 10 inches width
- Has a bevel angle of up to 45 and miter range of 47 [left to right]
- Allows a vertical cutting capacity of up to 1-1/2 inches
- Features an ergonomic horizontal handle
- Includes a clear blade guard and a built-in LED light to enable visibility when cutting
- Has an improvised leg to bring up the miter base
- The sliding saw is durable and budget-friendly.
What we don’t like:
The added locking pin tends to accidentally lock the saw in a downward position when it vibrates vigorously while cutting. Also, this tool is specifically for domestic and small workshops but not for heavy-duty construction sites.
4.DEWALT [DCS361B] 7-1/4 inch Miter Saw
Like most of the other DEWALT tools, this sliding saw features rugged construction to ensure the best performance and prolonged lifetime. It has a solid miter base and a stainless steel detent plate that has 11 positive stops and oversized scaled markings.
The sliding miter saw features a spectacular double sliding rail that enables a maximum crosscut capacity of 8 inches. It’s a single left bevel that ranges from -3° to 48° to give you the best-angled cuts.
The power tool runs on a 20V rechargeable battery that powers the installed motor at a cutting [no load] speed of 3,750 Revolutions/ minute. There is a smart dust port right behind the blade, which you can connect with either a collection bag or a vacuum machine.
The tool comes with a compact design, plus a side carrying handle for easy transport. And it has the advanced cut line cross-cut positioning system that allows one to make high precision cuts using the blade’s shadow.
Summary Features:
- It’s very simple convenient to use for outside construction projects
- Has a solid miter table and an easy to use cam lock handle
- Comes with a clamp to keep your board in position when cutting
- Allows you to cut faster and with less dust
- Has a cutting capacity of 3-1/2 inch [vertical] and 8-inch [width]
- Features an ergonomic horizontal handle that is fit both right and left-handed
- The sliding miter saw is high performing and durable.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
What we don’t like:
The tool comes bare without the battery and charger. Hence, you’ll need to buy them separately.
5.Kobalt [SM1850LW] 7-1/4 Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Although the last one on our list, this piece from Kobalt makers can also make a good company during your woodworking. It features a lovely color combination of blue and silver, plus a die-cast aluminum construction which is relatively light and easy to transport.
The miter saw has a double sliding rail system that enables you to cut boards of maximum 8 inches in width. Its fence, on the other hand, promises a maximum vertical cutting capacity of 3-3/8 inches when dealing with a nested crown molding and 2-3/4” with a baseboard.
The power tool has a single left bevel with positive stops from 0° to 45°. It has a robust miter base that can rotate right and left using the included detent stops that range from 0° to 45°.
Thanks to the installed 9 AMP motor, the saw blade rotates at a speed [no load] of 5,000 revolutions/ minute. It has a built-in laser guide that provides you with a highlight line to help you in making straight and accurate cuts.
Summary Features:
- It assures high accuracy with its building-laser guide system
- Has an excellent miter table and a pushing sown locking lever
- Comes with pre-drilled mounting hole
- Can make crosscuts of up to 8 inches
- Features a horizontal handled that has the ON/ OFF trigger for easier cutting and control
- Comes with a hold-down clamp to keep your stock steady when cutting
- The saw is durable and very budget-friendly.
What we don’t like:
Although it has a 1-1/4 inch port for dust collection, the designers didn’t align it perfectly with the blade. As such, most sawdust still flies around your workspace.
Buying Guide: Essential Tips to Consider While Choosing the Best 7-1/4 Sliding Miter Saw
Even though the five are amongst the best sliding miter saws in the market, each has its unique strengths and weaknesses. In other words, every tool model offers a solution differently and uniquely.
The following are some of the essential features you should pay attention to make sure your tool remains productive:
Discern Your Need
Even before you have decided to buy, this should be the first factor to consider. It defines the sliding style to consider, power source, budget, motor capabilities, amongst others. If you’re a contractor, for instance, a battery-powered sliding miter saw should work well for you due to the flexibility of outside projects. As an enthusiastic DIYer, on the other hand, a compact tool like the Ryobi 10 Amp [TSS701] should be fine for you.
Motor capabilities
Just like any other powered cutting tool, the more powerful your sliding miter saw, the better. The component is usually the heart of the device and a crucial factor in determining the quality of your prospective saw model.
When you have a powerful motor, it will be easier to cut through tougher materials and in a short time. Furthermore, it will make possible your tool cuts without instances of overheating or bogging down.
Even so, miter saws come with either an induction motor or the standard electric motor, in which case the former offers better results.
When buying, therefore, don’t hesitate to ask your provider which type of motor their system uses.
Power Source
Other than the motor, the sliding miter saw usually comes in different types of a power source. Some use a rechargeable battery[cordless] and others the cabled/ AC electricity, whereby each of them has its strengths and weaknesses.
With the corded saw, for example, the majority of them are more powerful and they allow you to make continuous cuts without interruption. However, the saw model is limited in application as you cannot use it in a location without electricity.
On its end, a cordless miter saw will allow you to use it in any location, with or without electricity. And also most of them usually have a compact design to promote easy portability. Sadly, a battery-powered saw is less powerful, plus it can limit the amount of work you do due to the limited charge capacity.
Nonetheless, both saw models are cool to have and work with. After all, the manufacturers always make them targeting different situations.
Accuracy
When it comes to any type of saw, accuracy is a fundamental feature that defines the kind of cuts you’ll get. As for our subject, your tool should always slide straight and the blade remains parallel to the table insert line. That way, you will make precise cuts, regardless of the type of angle you’re working on.
However, additional gimmicks like a laser guide, DEWALT’S XPS crosscut system, and a firmly locked miter table also improve accuracy.
Dust Collection
Most of the latest electric saws now have a dust collection feature, and the sliding miter saws are no different. The system works on keeping the sawdust from the cut lumber to the minimal. Thereby making your workspace conducive and easier to clean after the cutting session.
With a miter saw, the dust port is mainly behind the blade so that it can be sucking the debris as the teeth throw them. Depending on your preference, however, you can either connect the collection end with a bag or a shop vacuum machine [if available]
Other features worth looking for include:
- Safety lock to prevent accidental powering
- Hold-down clamp to stabilize the board on the table
- Non-slip grip horizontal handle for swinging down blade]
- Bevel locking handle
- Side carrying handle for easy portability
- Sliding lock knob
- A stop latch knob to lock the cutting head in the down position for easier storing or carrying.
FAQ
Which is the best 7 ¼ sliding miter saw?
There are various designs and models of a 7-1/4 sliding miter saw. Therefore, the right model for you depends on your preference, budget, and what you want to use it for. As for us, we have crowned the DEWALT [DCS361M1] as our overall best pick due to its innovative construction and unbeaten performance.
Can I cut a 4×4 lumber with a 7 ¼ miter saw?
Unfortunately, no it can’t get through a 4×4 stock in one cut as its blade is relatively small. As a form of proof, we can calculate the maximum size the tool can cut through the following formula: {blade size – arbor size}/ 2. If you fancy playing with numbers, this can equate to 7¼ – }/ 2 = 3-
inches, which is definitely less than 4 inches.
Who owns Kobalt sliding miter saw
Generally, there are over a dozen brands of tools in the market today. Although it’s not in the top three list, Kobalt is one of the shining stars due to the high-quality systems, which are also budget-friendly. Even so, Kobalt is not an independent manufacturer but instead a line of products by the Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Is a sliding miter saw really worth it?
Well, that depends on how often you’re woodworking and the number of times you’re likely to be using it. If you are a joiner or carpenter as a career, the tool can be a great investment for making crosscuts, miters, and beveled cuts. But if you’re not sure the kind of work you need it for, the tool may be unnecessary.
Conclusion:
Although there’s still more to look at, these are all you need to know when looking for the best 7¼ sliding miter saw for your domestic workshop or job site. The five products we have reviewed are a few of the bestsellers that you can order online and enjoy high-precision cutting on laminate flooring, window casing, picture frame, et cetera.
Final words, always wear safety goggles when woodworking and don’t forget to clean your tool, for the better.
Last update on 2023-03-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
