The 10 Best 8 1/2 Sliding Miter Saw For 2023

Mark Bailey By, Mark Bailey
Updated
BOSCH 8-1/2 Inch Sliding Miter Saw CM8S
Image credit: Amazon.com

Summary

1. Best Overall: BOSCH 8-1/2 Inch Sliding Miter Saw CM8S

The saw offers convenience with quick and easy adjustments, an easy-to-read miter and bevel scales and a dust chute for clean cutting. It also provides ultimate portability with a lightweight, compact design and adjustable depth stop for repeatable cutting. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Metabo HPT 8-1/2-Inch Miter Saw C8FSES

Featuring superior accuracy and ease of use, this saw can smoothly handle the toughest cutting applications. Thanks to improved stability while cutting, you can rest assured that you will get precise, accurate cuts. Read Review

3. Best Reliable: BOSCH 8-1/2 In. Single-Bevel Slide Miter Saw Kit

This miter saw is equipped with a powerful motor, providing both light weight and pro capacity. With a convenient portability, you can take this saw on the go for any job. It also features an accurate laser guide system, allowing you to make precise cuts with ease. T Read Review

4. Best Style: Makita 8‑1/2" Dual‑Bevel Sliding Miter Saw

With its dual-bevel design, it offers faster cutting than corded models and provides up to 2X longer sustained power under heavy-load applications. It also features advanced electronics to protect against over-discharge and overheating. Read Review

5. Best Design: Metabo HPT 8-1/2" Sliding Miter Saw C8FSE

The Miter Saw features quick adjustments, precise compound cuts, and easy-to-read measurements and quick settings. This saw is perfect for the professional or the weekend DIYer and is sure to help you get any job done quickly and accurately. Read Review

If you're looking for a reliable and powerful sliding miter saw for your workshop, then you've come to the right place. With so many different models of miter saws on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your needs. To help you make the best decision, we've done the research and compiled a list of the best 8 1/2 sliding miter saws available today.

The 8 1/2 miter saw is an ideal tool for making precise cuts for trim work, crown molding, and other woodworking projects. Sliding miter saws are incredibly versatile, as they can make both straight and angled cuts while also allowing you to adjust the depth and length of the cut. They also have a larger cutting capacity than regular miter saws, making them perfect for larger projects.

We've rounded up the top 10 1/2 sliding miter saws, examining their features and performance, to help you make an informed decision. Our picks include budget-friendly options as well as professional-grade saws, so you can find the best one that meets your needs.

After lots of research based on customer feedback, We think the best 8 1/2 sliding miter saw is BOSCH 8-1/2 Inch Sliding Miter Saw CM8S. This saw features convenient, quick and easy adjustments with its easy-to-read miter and bevel scales. It also provides ultimate portability with its lightweight and compact design, making it perfect for the jobsite. 

Consider Metabo HPT 8-1/2-Inch Miter Saw C8FSES as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are definitely worth considering, and we've put up a useful shopping guide to help you decide!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 BOSCH 8-1/2 Inch Sliding Miter Saw CM8S
Our Score:
9.8
BOSCH

PORTABLE: The Bosch CM8S miter saw CM8S has the same crosscut capacity of 12-1 4 in. as a 10 inch miter saw but is 30% lighter. The Bosch exclusive design provides ultimate portability with a top carry handle and a weight of just 37 pounds

CONVENIENT: The Bosch CM8S features a bevel lock lever and bevel turret stops located on the side of tool for quick and easy adjustments without reaching behind the saw. The saw also features easy-to-read miter and bevel scales.

SUPPORTIVE: The miter saw provides an integrated expanding base extensions that expands up to 29-Inches left to right for additional work-piece support. Bevel Angle Range: -2° to 47°

PORTABLE: The Bosch CM8S miter saw CM8S has the same crosscut capacity of 12-1 4 in. as a 10 inch miter saw but is 30% lighter. The Bosch exclusive design provides ultimate portability with a top carry handle and a weight of just 37 pounds

CONVENIENT: Features a miter detent override, an intuitive, easy to access thumb-actuated override as well as a clear lower guard for an unobstructed view of the saw in action. The detent system provides quick and accurate cuts.

TOP Choice #2 Metabo HPT 8-1/2-Inch Miter Saw C8FSES
Our Score:
9.6
Metabo HPT

Positive miter stops for quick adjustments to 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees to the left and right

Precise compound cuts with 48 degree bevel angle left and 5 degree bevel angle right

Powered by a 9.5 Amp motor with a no-load speed of 5,500 RPM to smoothly handle the toughest cutting applications

Adjustable pivot fence broadly supports work piece, such as crown molding lying flat, for improved stability while cutting

Linear ball bearing slide system for superior accuracy and ease of use

TOP Choice #3 BOSCH 8-1/2 In. Single-Bevel Slide Miter Saw Kit
Our Score:
9.4
BOSCH

Pro capacity – delivers 3-5/8 In. nested crown cutting, with 47° left to 47° right cuts against fence and 10-5/8 In. crosscuts

Convenient portability – weighs only 31. 5 Lbs. (tool only, not including battery)

Portable, powerful 18V miter saw design – a truly mobile jobsite solution, this saw provides light weight and pro capacity

Precisely centered sliding bars – delivers very smooth and easy saw sliding

CORE18V 8.0 Ah PROFACTOR Performance Battery – delivers 100% more runtime and over 75% more power than the CORE18V 4.0 Ah battery for high-demand applications

Accurate laser guide system – precisely aligns the cut line to the blade

OUTPOWER: Makita-built brushless motor delivers 4,800 RPMs for faster cutting than corded

Large 2-3/4\

OUTLAST: The digital communication within XGT actively monitors and protects against overload, over-discharge and overheating

OUTSMART: The digital communication within XGT optimizes performance to provide up to 2X longer sustained power under heavy-load applications

Miters 0-60° left and right; bevels 0-48° left and right

Electronic speed control for consistent RPM while cutting for maximum control

Precise compound cuts with 48 Degree bevel angle left and 5 Degree bevel angle right

Easy-to-read measurements and quick settings on miter and bevel scales

Powered by a 9.5 amp motor with a no-load speed of 5, 500 RPM to smoothly handle the toughest cutting applications

Positive miter stops for quick adjustments to 15, 22. 5, 31. 6, and 45 degrees to the left and right

OUTSMART: The digital communication within XGT optimizes performance to provide up to 2X longer sustained power under heavy-load applications

Large 2-3/4\

Miters 0-60° left and right; bevels 0-48° left and right

OUTLAST: The digital communication within XGT actively monitors and protects against overload, over-discharge and overheating

OUTPOWER: Makita-built brushless motor delivers 4,800 RPMs for faster cutting than corded

7 Evolution 7-1/4" Sliding Miter Saw
Our Score:
8.7
Evolution

8- 1/4in x 2- 1/2in max cross cut capacity with a 0° - 45° bevel tilt and a 50˚ - 50˚ miter that covers all common cutting angles accurately

Powerful 10 amp hi-torque motor with optimized gearbox & blade system

Without changing blades, This saw is designed to cut a wide range of materials

Includes laser guidance, 10 ft power cord, 3 piece Clamp, integrated carry handles, and dust bag

Manufacturers 3 year limited warranty

8 DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw DCS361M1
Our Score:
8.6
DEWALT

Cam lock miter handle delivers quick and accurate miter angles

DEWALT miter saw has the capacity to cup 3 5/8-inch nested crown and 3 1/2 base vertically

Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 11 positive stops improves productivity and ensures cutting accuracy,

Oversized bevel scale makes bevel angle adjustments accurate and easy

Precise miter system and machined base fence support optimize durability and cutting accuracy

Integrated cut line cross-cut positioning system provides adjustment-free cut line indication for better accuracy and visibility for the mitre saw

DEWALT 20V miter saw utilizes 20V Max* battery pack (DCB204) which provides on average 183 cuts of 2x4 Pine or 275 cuts of 3-1/4 pine baseboard

Compact, lightweight design (31.6 bs.) allows for easy transport and storage

Weighs only 14.6 lbs. With battery (battery not included) for easy portability

The BL Brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life

Automatic speed change technology adjusts cutting speed and torque during cut for optimum performance

18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery delivers the power and performance of a corded miter saw without leaving the 18V LXT platform (battery not included)

Lxt technology delivers up to 270 cuts per charge in 1/2" x 3-1/2" baseboard using one 6.0Ah battery (battery not included)

Increases productivity and efficiency

Power state Brushless motor

Delivers over 600 cuts per charge

Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best 8 1/2 sliding miter saw?

The best 8 1/2 sliding miter saw is based upon a number of factors. Studying a product differs depending on the product type. So, we're on here to help, counsel, and provide solutions to these problems.

Please keep in mind the following points for selecting best 8 1/2 sliding miter saw:

Blade

Blades determine the cut's depth and height. Most miter saws have 8-inch, 10-inch or 12-inch blades. You can choose from many different kinds of blades. The most popular ones are those for cutting steel, wood and aluminum. A general rule is that the sharper the cut, the better the blade.
The blade, as you might expect is the most crucial part of a mitersaw. It is easily replaceable. Even if the decision is not made correctly, it's easy to fix the problem. To avoid overspending, you can buy a good blade.

Motor Power

A saw motor's power (measured as amperes) determines how long a user can use to cut boards. The most common miter saw motor sizes include 10-amp, 12-amp and 15-amp.
Larger motors can also produce enough cutting force to cut through dense, thick material. A 10-amp mitersaw will probably be sufficient power if cutting pine boards is the only purpose of the saw. For those who have to repeatedly cut through oak stair treads or fiber cement siding, however, it may be necessary to use a stronger motor.

Budget

While we all want to find the most cost-effective solution, you should not sacrifice money. Before you start searching, you need to determine your budget. The search will be easier if you know the budget. If you feel it is necessary, however, do not hesitate to exceed your budget.

Additional Features

Many miter saws can be used in a variety of ways. Some models have additional features to enhance their versatility. You can purchase accessories separately or some of the accessories are included in the saw. When choosing a mitersaw, keep these extras in your mind.
- Laser guide: Miter saws can have laser guides which mark the spot where the blade is to be cut.
- Depth stop: Miter saws that come with depth stops allow the user to adjust the depth of cut, similar to radial arms saws.
Sliding Fences: These fences can be fitted into miter saws and pull out from both ends to enable the user to place the material along the fence.
- Flip fencing: These fences have locking stops. The user can lock up to two stops and then flip the stops over and cut another length.
Nonslip grip: In summer, slippery grips can be found on miter saw handles.
- Dust Collection: Miter Saws can kick up sawdust when used in a workshop.
Stand: Most miter saws have holes which allow you to attach them to your workshop table to provide stability. However, a few models come with miter stand stands to hold your saw in place while cutting.

Type

Based on what cuts they are capable of, there is a variety of miter saws. All miter-saws can make a miter cut. This is an angle cut that is made across the entire width of the board. Crosscuts, on the other hand, are straight cuts across the board. However, some miter-saws allow for bevel cuts. These are angles that leave an overhang at the edge of the cutting blade. There are five types of basic power miter saws: Basic, Single Compound and Dual Compound.

Corded Vs. Cordless

All miter saws used to be corded until a few decades ago. The new cordless miter saws, which are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs, are the latest additions to the market. The battery life depends on how many cuts you make and the thickness of the wood, but an average run time of 150-275 cuts can be expected from a single charge.

Brand

A model from a trusted brand is essential. It's not always easy to find units made by no-name brands. This is especially true since most of these models are worthless.
Do your research before you make any decision. This will help you find the best brand in the field. Also, get consumer reviews about that brand. If all goes well, take a look to the models that have been made at their plants.
Many brands do not charge a high price for their products, contrary to popular belief. You can find many affordable options on the market.

Safety

Although a miter saw may not be the most hazardous in the workshop it is still dangerous. These safety features come standard with most miter saws today.
Blade Guard: A clear covering that protects the spinner miter blade.
- Trigger brake: Although not all miter saws come with a brake system, if there is, it stops the blade spinning by releasing the trigger.
- Lockout button
Safety clamps are included on most miter saws today to hold the material in position while you cut.
- Dust Collection: Miter saws produce a lot fine dust, which can cause irritation to the eyes and lungs.

Cutting Ability

When it comes to cutting ability, you should be the first on your list. While you will need a good blade and an efficient motor to cut materials, accuracy is what you really want. It is also important to be able to cut from a range of angles.

FAQs

What is a 8 1/2 sliding miter saw?

A 8 1/2 sliding miter saw is a type of saw that is used to make precise cuts in wood, plastic, and metal. It has a motorized blade that is mounted on a sliding arm. The arm can move back and forth, allowing it to make longer cuts than a traditional miter saw.

What types of cuts can I make with a 8 1/2 sliding miter saw?

You can make cross cuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts, and compound miter cuts with a 8 1/2 sliding miter saw.

What is the difference between a 8 1/2 sliding miter saw and a regular miter saw?

The main difference between a 8 1/2 sliding miter saw and a regular miter saw is that the sliding miter saw has a sliding arm that can move back and forth, allowing it to make longer cuts than a traditional miter saw.

How do I set up a 8 1/2 sliding miter saw?

Setting up a 8 1/2 sliding miter saw is relatively straightforward. First, make sure the saw is unplugged and the blade is secure. Next, adjust the cutting depth and angle settings according to your needs. Finally, adjust the fence to the desired width and secure it in place.

What safety precautions should I take when using a 8 1/2 sliding miter saw?

Always wear safety glasses when using a 8 1/2 sliding miter saw, and make sure the blade is sharp and secure. Always make sure the saw is unplugged when making adjustments and never leave the saw running unattended. Finally, make sure to keep your hands and body away from the blade at all times.

As we are product consulting experts with a wide range of experience, we determine correct information. Apart from that, we keep the best 8 1/2 sliding miter saw current. You may rest confident that the data is accurate and up to date.

Besides best 8 1/2 sliding miter saw, we can advise you with anything. Please do not hesitate to contact us whenever you need guidance.


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About Mark Bailey

Mark Bailey
Mark Bailey is a freelance writer with a particular interest in home improvement, home design and gadgets. He has written for a number of online publications and enjoys sharing his passion for all things DIY with others. When he's not writing, Mark can usually be found elbow-deep in a home renovation project or spending time with his wife and two young children.

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