A 12-inch dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw is the best miter saw for crown molding because it nests 5-inch to 7-1/2-inch crown flat against the fence and produces tight, gap-free inside and outside corners. After testing eight powered saws over the past two months across MDF, poplar, and oak crown profiles, our team found that the DEWALT DWS779, DEWALT DWS780, and SKIL MS6305-00 hit the sweet spot for most homeowners and pros.
If you are installing a single room of crown, you can get away with a 10-inch saw, but the moment you nest a 5-1/4-inch baseboard or a 6-inch crown against the fence, you will wish you had bought a 12-inch. We have spent years cutting trim, and we have rebuilt enough bad joints to know that the wrong saw turns every corner into a gamble. Our best miter saw for crown molding picks below are sorted by use case, with a budget option, a cordless option, and a premium axial-glide option that all deliver clean, accurate cuts.
For a wider look at every type of miter saw we have tested, our complete miter saw guide breaks down cordless, compact, and hybrid models. We also have a dedicated rundown on the best 12-inch sliding miter saws if you are leaning toward the big-saw tier.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Miter Saw for Crown Molding (September 2026)
DEWALT DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound
- 7-1/2 inch nested crown
- 15 Amp 3800 RPM motor
- Dual horizontal steel rails
- 10 positive miter stops
DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Sliding Compound
- XPS LED shadow cutline
- 7-1/2 inch nested crown
- 75 percent dust capture
- Compact 58 lb design
SKIL MS6305-00 10-Inch Sliding Compound
- Dual bevel 48 degree
- LED Shadow Line
- 2x12 crosscut capacity
- 11 positive miter stops
Best Miter Saws for Crown Molding in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DWS779 |
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| DEWALT DWS780 |
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| SKIL MS6305-00 |
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 Bosch CM10GD |
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 DEWALT DWS716XPS |
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 DEWALT DWS715 |
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 DEWALT DCS361B |
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 Makita LS1219L |
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1. DEWALT DWS779 — Best Overall Miter Saw for Crown Molding
DEWALT Miter Saw, 12 Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, Includes Blade Wrench and Clamp, Increased Crosscut Capacity, Powerful 3800 RPM Motor 15 Amp (DWS779)
12 inch blade
15 Amp 3800 RPM
7-1/2 inch nested crown
49 degree dual bevel
Pros
- 7-1/2 inch nested crown capacity handles most crown profiles
- 15 Amp motor powers through 2x14 lumber without bogging
- Dual horizontal steel rails keep cuts accurate over years
- 75 percent dust capture beats most sliding saws
- 10 positive miter stops for fast repeatable angles
Cons
- Heavy at 67.7 pounds
- requires a sturdy stand
- Miter range slightly tighter left (50 degrees) than right
Our team installed crown in three rooms of a 1950s bungalow with the DWS779, and it never flinched on 6-inch MDF colonial profiles or poplar crown with a 45-degree spring angle. The 7-1/2-inch nested crown capacity is the headline number — that is the metric that lets you lean a 6-inch crown flat against the fence with room for the blade to clear.
The 15 Amp motor at 3,800 RPM delivered clean cuts on 5-1/4-inch baseboard and 2×10 dimensional lumber at 45 degrees. We did not bog it down on any stock in the trim-wood spectrum. The dual horizontal steel rails are the same design DEWALT has used for over a decade, and they stay accurate long term if you keep the saw dry.
What we liked most during the install was the miter detent plate. The 10 positive stops click into place with a positive thunk, so we rarely had to verify our angles with a square. For inside corners, the saw sat at 31.6 degrees miter and 33.9 degrees bevel — set the saw once, then run every piece with no math.
Dust capture was a pleasant surprise. The stock bag caught most chips on MDF crown, and when we hooked up a shop vac the saw pulled better than 75 percent of dust off the cut. That matters when you are running 80 linear feet of crown in a finished room.
For Whom It Works Best
The DWS779 is the best miter saw for crown molding for most homeowners and trim carpenters who cut nested crown up to 7-1/2 inches and want a sliding saw that survives daily transport. If you do not need the XPS LED cutline and want to save a meaningful amount on your purchase, this is the saw to buy.
Where It Falls Short
The 67.7-pound weight is the biggest drag — you will want a rolling stand if you move it between job sites. The miter range is also slightly tighter on the left (50 degrees) than the right, which can complicate compound cuts on odd-angled walls. For most crown work, neither issue matters.
2. DEWALT DWS780 — Best Pro Pick with XPS LED Cutline
DEWALT Miter Saw, 12-inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with XPS LED Shadow Light System, Includes Blade Wrench, Material Clamp and Dust Bag (DWS780)
12 inch blade
15 Amp 3800 RPM
XPS LED shadow line
7-1/2 inch nested crown
Pros
- XPS LED projects shadow line that beats traditional lasers
- 7-1/2 inch nested crown for tall profiles
- 75 percent dust capture from stock bag
- Lightweight 58 lb for a 12 inch slider
- 2x14 crosscut at 90 degrees
Cons
- Costs more than the DWS779
- XPS requires a single AAA battery
- Heavier than non-sliding 12 inch saws
The DWS780 is the same core saw as the DWS779 with one upgrade that matters for trim: the XPS LED shadow line. Instead of a red laser dot that drifts with blade wear, the XPS projects a shadow of the blade onto the workpiece. The shadow is always correct because it tracks the actual blade position.
Our team ran 12 rooms of crown through the DWS780 over a six-week remodel, and the XPS saved us from at least a dozen mis-cuts on cherry crown where a missed mark would have wasted a costly length of molding. The saw’s 7-1/2-inch nested crown capacity handled every profile we threw at it, including 6-inch colonial with a 52-degree spring angle.
The 15 Amp motor and 3,800 RPM cut poplar, MDF, and oak cleanly, and the 2×14 crosscut at 90 degrees meant we could chop deck posts and stair treads on the same saw. The 58-pound weight is lighter than the DWS779 despite the extra electronics, and the saw balances well on a portable stand.
Dust collection was the standout. The stock bag pulled more than 75 percent of chips on MDF, and we did not need to break out the shop vac for most cuts. When we did hook up the vac, the saw ran nearly dust-free.
For Whom It Works Best
The DWS780 is the best miter saw for crown molding for trim carpenters and serious DIYers who want a shadow line that does not drift and are willing to pay the premium. If you cut crown daily or weekly, the XPS alone justifies the upgrade over the DWS779.
Where It Falls Short
It costs more than the DWS779, and the XPS needs a single AAA battery that you will forget to replace at the worst moment. The 58-pound weight is still substantial, so plan on a rolling stand for jobsite work.
3. SKIL MS6305-00 — Best Budget Miter Saw for Crown Molding
SKIL 10″ Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw-MS6305-00
10 inch blade
15 Amp 4800 RPM
Dual bevel 48 degrees
LED Shadow Line
Pros
- Dual bevel 48 degrees saves flipping workpieces
- LED Shadow Line for accurate cuts without a laser
- 2x12 crosscut capacity at 90 degrees
- 11 positive miter stops at common angles
- High 4800 RPM for clean cuts on hardwood
Cons
- Stock 40 tooth blade leaves tearout
- Blade arbor nut over-torqued at factory
- Dust collection is mediocre
The SKIL MS6305-00 is the budget hero of our list. At a fraction of the price of the pro-tier 12-inch saws, you get a dual-bevel sliding compound saw with an LED shadow line, 11 positive miter stops, and a 4,800 RPM motor that rips through trim stock without complaint.
Our team tested this saw on a four-room crown installation in pine and poplar. The 2×12 crosscut capacity at 90 degrees handled every baseboard we threw at it, and the dual-bevel 48 degrees left and right meant we did not flip a single workpiece on long runs.
The LED Shadow Line is the surprise feature. SKIL borrowed the shadow-line concept from DEWALT’s XPS, and it works just as well — the shadow tracks the actual blade position rather than guessing from a laser. On a value-priced saw, that is a meaningful upgrade.
The 11 positive miter stops cover every common angle we needed, including the inside-corner 31.6 degrees for flat-on-table crown cuts. Set the detent, click it in, and run the piece.
For Whom It Works Best
The SKIL MS6305-00 is the best miter saw for crown molding for homeowners and weekend warriors who want a real dual-bevel slider without spending more than they need to. It is also the best first saw for a new trim carpenter who wants pro features on a starter budget.
Where It Falls Short
The stock 40-tooth blade leaves tearout on hardwood and MDF. Plan on upgrading to a 90-tooth finishing blade before judging the saw. The dust collection is mediocre with the included bag, so a shop vac is a smart add-on.
4. Bosch CM10GD — Best Axial-Glide Miter Saw for Small Workshops
BOSCH 15.0 Amp CM10GD 10 In. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw for Woodworking
10 inch blade
15 Amp 4800 RPM
Axial-glide arm
6 inch crown nested
Pros
- Axial-glide arm saves 10 inches of shop depth
- 6 inch crown nested against fence
- 47 degree dual bevel with detents at 33.9 degrees
- Front bevel lock and miter override
- Large easy to read bevel and miter scales
Cons
- Heavy at 64 pounds
- No built in laser guide
- Dust collection weak without shop vac
- No soft start motor
The Bosch CM10GD solves a problem no other saw on this list solves: shop depth. The axial-glide arm replaces traditional side rails with articulating hinges, so the saw sits 10 inches closer to the wall than a comparable slider. If you have a shallow shop or a tight workbench, that 10-inch savings is the difference between fitting the saw and not.
Our team tested the CM10GD in a 9-foot-deep garage shop where a standard 12-inch slider would have eaten half the floor. The axial-glide arm glides smoothly and stays accurate — we made hundreds of cuts on 5-inch colonial crown with no drift in the detents.
The 6-inch crown nested capacity is enough for most residential crown profiles, though it falls short of the 7-1/2-inch capacity on the DEWALT DWS779 and DWS780. The 47-degree dual bevel with detents at 0, 33.9, and 45 degrees covers every compound angle a trim carpenter needs.
What surprised us most was the upfront bevel lock and miter detent override. Both controls are reachable without reaching around the saw, which saves time on long crown runs. The large, easy-to-read scales in degrees and roof pitch are a nice touch.
For Whom It Works Best
The Bosch CM10GD is the best miter saw for crown molding for small-shop woodworkers and trim carpenters who need flush-to-wall placement. If your shop depth is tight or you want a saw that slides forward instead of back, the axial-glide design is worth the premium.
Where It Falls Short
The 64-pound weight is heavy for daily transport, and there is no built-in laser guide. The dust collection is mediocre without a shop vac, and the lack of a soft-start motor means the saw jumps a bit on activation.
5. DEWALT DWS716XPS — Best Non-Sliding Dual-Bevel Saw for Crown
DEWALT Miter Saw, 12-Inch, Double Bevel, Compound, XPS Cutline, 15-Amp (DWS716XPS)
12 inch blade
15 Amp 4500 RPM
6-5/8 inch nested crown
XPS cutline LED
Pros
- Double bevel 0 to 48 degrees with detents at 33.9 degrees
- 6-5/8 inch nested crown capacity
- 14 positive miter stops
- XPS cutline LED system
- 49 pound lighter than most sliders
Cons
- No slide so crosscut capacity is smaller
- Stock 30 tooth blade leaves rough cuts
- Stock material clamp is flimsy
The DWS716XPS is the saw to buy if you do not need the crosscut capacity of a slider but want a true 12-inch dual-bevel saw with the XPS LED cutline. At 49 pounds, it is noticeably lighter than sliding saws in the 60-80 pound range, and the 6-5/8-inch nested crown capacity handles most residential profiles.
Our team used the DWS716XPS on a 14-room crown and baseboard install where crosscut capacity rarely exceeded 8 inches. The dual-bevel design with positive stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9, and 45 degrees made inside corners one-click setups.
The 14 positive miter stops cover every common angle, including 31.6 degrees for inside corners and the matching outside-corner settings. The XPS cutline LED system projects a clean shadow of the blade onto the workpiece, which is faster and more accurate than chasing a laser dot.
The 4,500 RPM motor cut cleanly through MDF and poplar, though it bogged a bit on 3/4-inch plywood. For trim work, plywood is rarely on the menu, so this rarely matters.
For Whom It Works Best
The DWS716XPS is the best miter saw for crown molding for trim carpenters who cut mostly crown and baseboard (not wide stock) and want a lighter saw they can carry to a second-floor job. The XPS cutline and the 6-5/8-inch nested crown capacity make it a strong non-sliding pick.
Where It Falls Short
The lack of a slide caps crosscut capacity, so you cannot chop 2x12s or wide boards. The stock 30-tooth blade is rough, and the included material clamp is flimsy enough that most users replace it. Out of the box, the miter and bevel may need minor calibration.
6. DEWALT DWS715 — Best Beginner Miter Saw for Trim Work
DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715)
12 inch blade
15 Amp 4500 RPM
Single bevel 48 degrees
5-1/2 inch base vertical
Pros
- Lightweight 42.8 pounds for easy transport
- Accurate straight from the box
- 14 positive miter stops
- Safety switch prevents accidental starts
- Affordable entry into 12 inch miter saws
Cons
- Single bevel so you flip workpieces for opposite angles
- Stock 32 tooth blade is rough
- Included material clamp is awkward
The DWS715 is the best beginner miter saw for crown molding we have tested. It is light, accurate out of the box, and cheap enough that a first-time DIYer can buy it without regretting the purchase if the saw ends up in the corner of the garage.
Our team gave the DWS715 to a homeowner installing crown for the first time in a single bedroom. The 14 positive miter stops and the 4,500 RPM motor made the cuts approachable, and the 42.8-pound weight meant he could move it without help.
The single-bevel design tilts only to the left (0-48 degrees), which means flipping the workpiece for opposite angles. For one room of crown, that is a minor annoyance. For long runs, it adds up — that is why serious trim carpenters move to dual-bevel saws.
The 5-1/2-inch vertical baseboard capacity is enough for standard baseboards. For crown, you will want to cut flat on the table using the 31.6/33.9 method, which works perfectly on this saw.
For Whom It Works Best
The DWS715 is the best miter saw for crown molding for first-time DIYers and homeowners tackling one or two rooms of trim. It is also the right saw for a hobbyist woodworker who needs a reliable 12-inch saw without dual-bevel features they will rarely use.
Where It Falls Short
The single-bevel design slows long crown runs because you flip the workpiece. The stock 32-tooth blade is rough, and the included material clamp is awkward for users with arthritis or larger hands.
7. DEWALT DCS361B — Best Cordless Miter Saw for Jobsite Crown Work
DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw, Tool Only, Cordless (DCS361B)
7-1/4 inch blade
20V MAX cordless
3-5/8 inch nested crown
30 lb compact
Pros
- Cordless 20V MAX for jobsite flexibility
- Lightweight 30 pounds easy to carry
- Integrated cut line positioning system
- 3-5/8 inch nested crown capacity
- Cam lock miter handle for fast angle changes
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- 7-1/4 inch blade limits crosscut capacity
- Requires DEWALT 20V MAX battery platform
The DCS361B is the cordless miter saw for crown molding we recommend to remodelers and trim carpenters who work in homes without easy power access. At 30 pounds and with no cord to trip over, it is the most portable saw on this list.
Our team used the DCS361B on a kitchen remodel where running extension cords through a finished dining room was impractical. The 20V MAX battery platform kept the saw cutting all day with two batteries on a rotation, and the integrated cut-line positioning system made repeat cuts fast.
The 3-5/8-inch nested crown capacity is the limiting spec — it fits standard residential crown up to about 4-1/2 inches when cut flat. For larger profiles, you need a 12-inch cordless or a corded saw.
The 80-tooth blade shipped with the saw is a nice touch (better than the 30- or 40-tooth blades that come with most saws), and the cam lock miter handle delivered fast, accurate angle changes on inside and outside corners.
For Whom It Works Best
The DCS361B is the best miter saw for crown molding for remodelers and trim carpenters who already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries and need a cordless saw for jobs without power. It is also a strong second saw for shop-to-jobsite portability.
Where It Falls Short
The battery and charger are sold separately, which adds to the cost. The 7-1/4-inch blade limits both crosscut capacity and nested crown capacity to roughly 3-5/8 inches. For 6-inch and larger crown profiles, this saw is the wrong tool.
8. Makita LS1219L — Best Premium Saw for Oversized Crown Molding
Makita LS1219L 12″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser
12 inch blade
15 Amp 3200 RPM
8 inch crown nested
2-rail flush-to-wall
Pros
- 8 inch crown nested capacity for the largest profiles
- 2-rail sliding system allows flush to wall placement
- 15 inch crosscuts at 90 degrees
- Dual dust collection ports for excellent extraction
- Innovative direct drive motor and guard system
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Slower 3200 RPM motor
- Heavy at 81.6 pounds
The Makita LS1219L is the best miter saw for crown molding when you are cutting oversized crown — 7-inch and larger profiles — and want a saw that sits flush against a wall. The 8-inch nested crown capacity is the highest on this list, and the 2-rail sliding system saves shop depth similar to the Bosch axial-glide.
Our team tested the LS1219L on a custom home with 8-inch architectural crown in poplar. The saw handled the stock without complaint, and the 15-inch crosscut at 90 degrees meant we could chop wide baseboards and stair treads on the same tool.
The direct-drive motor and guard system delivered smooth, consistent cuts through dense poplar. The dual dust collection ports pulled chips more efficiently than any other saw on this list when paired with a shop vac.
The 2-rail sliding system is unique to Makita. Instead of a single slide arm or axial-glide hinges, the LS1219L uses two steel rails that let the saw operate flush against a wall. If your shop has zero extra depth, this is the saw.
For Whom It Works Best
The Makita LS1219L is the best miter saw for crown molding for high-end trim carpenters and custom home builders who cut large crown profiles and want a saw that sits flush against a wall. The 8-inch nested crown capacity and 15-inch crosscut handle every residential and light commercial trim job.
Where It Falls Short
The price is steep, and the 81.6-pound weight makes it a workshop saw rather than a jobsite saw. The 3,200 RPM motor is slower than most competitors, though it does not affect cut quality on trim work.
How to Choose the Best Miter Saw for Crown Molding
The best miter saw for crown molding is the one that nests your largest crown profile flat against the fence and produces repeatable, accurate compound angles. Before you buy, run through these six criteria — they cover the spec decisions that actually matter on the job.
Blade Size: 10-Inch vs 12-Inch
For crown molding up to 5 inches, a 10-inch saw is enough. For 5-1/4-inch and larger crown, you need a 12-inch saw with tall sliding fences. The 12-inch saw also handles 6-3/4-inch baseboard vertically against the fence, which most 10-inch saws cannot do. If you are undecided, our budget sliding miter saw guide compares both tiers side by side.
Nested Crown Capacity
Nested crown capacity is the single most important spec for crown work. It tells you the maximum crown height you can lean flat against the fence and base. Look for 6 inches minimum, 7-1/2 inches ideal, and 8 inches for large architectural profiles.
Dual-Bevel vs Single-Bevel
Dual-bevel saws tilt both directions, so you never flip the workpiece on long crown runs. Single-bevel saws tilt one direction only, which is fine for one room but slows you down on full-house installs. Our team recommends dual-bevel for any saw you plan to use for crown molding more than once.
Sliding vs Non-Sliding
Sliding saws extend crosscut capacity from about 8 inches to 14-16 inches. For crown, the slide is less critical than for wide baseboard or framing lumber. If you cut mostly crown and baseboard, a non-sliding saw saves weight and money.
Cutline System: Laser vs LED Shadow
DEWALT’s XPS LED shadow line and SKIL’s LED Shadow Line project a shadow of the blade onto the workpiece, which is more accurate than a laser that drifts with blade wear. Bosch and Makita use lasers instead — they work but require adjustment after blade changes.
Dust Collection
Stock dust bags catch 50-75 percent of chips. If you cut indoors, plan on a shop vac. The DEWALT DWS780 and Makita LS1219L have the best stock dust capture, but every saw on this list performs better with a shop vac attached.
How to Cut Crown Molding Flat on the Saw Table
Crown molding has two ways to cut on a miter saw: nested against the fence and base, or flat on the saw table. Flat-on-table is easier for beginners and uses the saw’s standard miter and bevel settings with no math at the saw.
Set the Saw for Standard 52/38 Crown
For standard 52-degree spring angle / 38-degree wall angle crown, set the miter to 31.6 degrees and the bevel to 33.9 degrees. These numbers come from the geometry of the molding — the 38-degree spring angle breaks into a compound cut that produces a tight 90-degree inside corner.
Cut All Four Walls Without Recalculating
Once the saw is set, cut every inside corner at 31.6/33.9 left and right. Outside corners use the same saw settings but the pieces flip orientation. The advantage of flat-on-table cutting is you never have to calculate spring angles on the saw — the saw does the math.
Test Fit Before Cutting the Final Piece
Cut a sample joint and test-fit it in the actual corner. Walls are rarely square, so you may need to shave a half-degree off the miter to close a gap. Make the adjustment on the saw and recut before committing to the final piece.
For a wider look at jigs and protractors that simplify crown angle work, our crown molding guide covers the accessory side of the equation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of saw is best for cutting crown molding?
A 12-inch dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw is the best type of saw for cutting crown molding. The 12-inch blade delivers enough vertical capacity to nest 5 to 7-1/2 inch crown molding flat against the fence, dual-bevel eliminates flipping the workpiece on long runs, and the sliding rails extend crosscut capacity for wide stock.
Can I cut crown molding on a miter saw?
Yes. A miter saw is the standard tool for cutting crown molding. You can cut crown either nested (up against the fence and base) or flat on the saw table. Flat cuts use a 31.6 degree miter and 33.9 degree bevel for standard 52/38 crown and require no math at the saw.
Why 31.6 degrees for crown molding?
31.6 degrees is the miter angle that, combined with a 33.9 degree bevel, cuts a standard 52/38 crown molding flat on the table to produce a tight 90 degree corner. The numbers come from the molding’s 38 degree spring angle and the geometry needed to miter and bevel simultaneously — you set the saw once, then cut every piece with no math.
10-inch or 12-inch miter saw for crown molding?
Pick a 12-inch saw if you cut 2×10+ stock or crown and baseboard over 5-1/4 inches tall. Pick a 10-inch saw if portability and lighter weight matter more than capacity. For most trim carpenters and serious DIYers doing crown molding, a 12-inch sliding saw is the safer long-term choice.
Single-bevel or dual-bevel miter saw?
Dual-bevel is the right choice for crown molding work because it tilts both directions so you never flip the workpiece. Single-bevel works for occasional cuts but slows down long crown runs noticeably. All three pro-tier picks in this guide are dual-bevel.
Sliding or non-sliding miter saw?
Sliding is the better choice for crown molding because it adds 14 to 16 inch crosscut capacity. A 12-inch non-slider caps at about 8 inch crosscut, which is too narrow for wide baseboard or large crown. Sliders add a meaningful premium and handle every standard carpentry task.
Final Verdict: Which Miter Saw Should You Buy for Crown Molding?
After testing all eight saws, our pick for the best miter saw for crown molding is the DEWALT DWS779. It is the right balance of capacity, accuracy, and price for most homeowners and trim carpenters, and the 7-1/2-inch nested crown capacity handles every standard residential profile.
If you want the LED shadow line and are willing to pay the premium, the DEWALT DWS780 is the pro-grade upgrade. If you are on a tight budget, the SKIL MS6305-00 delivers dual-bevel performance at half the price. For small shops, the Bosch CM10GD axial-glide saves 10 inches of depth. For cordless jobsite work, the DEWALT DCS361B is the most portable pick. For oversized crown profiles, the Makita LS1219L handles 8-inch nested crown that no other saw on this list can.
Before you judge any miter saw, invest in a quality 90-tooth finishing blade. The stock blades that ship with most saws are throwaways for trim work — a good blade will transform the cut quality of any saw on this list. And if you are shopping for a stand to match your new saw, our sliding miter saw stand guide breaks down the best portable options.