Disclosure: I received this product for free to review. All opinions are my own. When I say I love RYOBI Tools, I seriously mean it!
I recently received a huge box on my doorstep containing this RYOBI Sliding Compound Miter Saw. You see, I have major project plans coming up, and I needed this tool in order to build a few things. When the box arrived, I was so excited! And afraid. But mostly excited! And then afraid some more. The truth is, a tool like this can be intimidating, especially to someone like me who has very little power tool experience. I got my feet wet by starting with a jig saw, then moved onto a circular saw, and now this saw. It took me a while to get up the nerve to take it out of the box and set it up. But you know what guys? Turns out it wasn’t all that scary after all. This miter saw opens up a whole new world of project possibilities.
This saw allows you to make all sorts of different cuts. I started with basic miter cuts since I am just familiarizing myself with this tool. (Can’t wait to show you what I made! Stay tuned.) You can do bevel cuts, miter cuts, compound miter cuts and slide cuts. This saw is the perfect saw for cutting crown moulding, as well as for projects that require angled cuts of any kind.
I have several RYOBI power tools, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. I’ve been happy with every single product of theirs that I have tried. If you want to take your building capabilities up a notch, then you’re going to need this sliding compound miter saw. As long as you follow all of the recommended safety precautions, and work slowly, then this tool really isn’t scary once you get comfortable using it. I love it and I can’t wait to build all sorts of fun things with it.
This saw has a laser guide which makes accurate cuts easy to achieve. There are also table extensions on each side of the saw which allows you to work with longer pieces of wood. I also really like that it comes with its own clamp to hold the wood in place while I cut it. It has a 13 amp motor to handle tough jobs, and an electric brake to stop the blade quickly after you finish a cut. I also like the fact that it has a self-retracting blade guard for added safety, and the slide bar is nice since it allows you to cut wider boards. The saw is easy to operate, even for a small girl like me. I read through the manual and was easily able to use this saw without having anyone teach me how. If I can do it, then you can too! I foresee myself getting lots of use out of this tool.
I have another RYOBI tool which I will be reviewing soon, and it is quickly becoming one of my favorites too, so stay tuned for that!
RYOBI tools, including this sliding compound miter saw, are available at Home Depot. For tons of inspiration, plus the chance to upload your own projects, visit RYOBI Nation.
Note: Always wear proper safety gear and use extreme caution when operating power tools!
Katie says
I’m so glad ou finally got a compound miter saw!!! Seriously, its the only saw I like to use!!!
Jeri Niksich says
How completely awesome is that!! I am tickled pink for you. I only have their cordless circular saw so far but I love it. Can’t wait to see what all you make!
Erin Spain says
Thanks so much Jeri!
Melissa@TheHappierHomemaker says
Oh I’m so, so, so jealous! This has been on my wishlist for months! I have a ga-gillion projects just waiting for me to get a miter saw…have fun!!
Erin Spain says
Thanks Melissa!
Karen Cooper says
How great! I can’t wait to see the projects you did with the new saw! I just bought a Ryobi circular saw and can’t wait to try it. I love my Ryobi drill.
Erin Spain says
Thanks Karen! I have the circular saw too – you will love it. Have a great weekend!
Natalie says
Woohoo!! Go, Erin, go!!! That is awesome and looks like SO much fun! Yes, and scary, but SO much fun!! Can’t wait to see what you made with it!! This is definitely on my wish list!
Erin Spain says
Thank you Natalie! ๐
Kelly Rowe says
Hub and I have this — LOVE IT!! xo
Kimberly @ A Night Owl says
Eeee! I want one of those so badly – but my husband won’t let me. Hehe! Maybe one of these days I’ll convince him! ๐ Thanks for sharing your tips!
Erin Spain says
Yes, get one! Tell him you’ll let him use it sometimes. ๐ You’ll love it!
Meredith @ Wait Til Your Father Gets Home says
Excited to see all your future projects! Looks fun :o)
Erin Spain says
Thanks Meredith! I’ll be sharing my first furniture build soon!
reFresh reStyle says
We have the Ryobi miter saw, but it doesn’t slide…I’m jealous. It’s one of your favorite tools!
Debbie
Erin Spain says
Thanks Debbie! I’m loving mine so far.
Tracey Bradshaw says
I have the same saw – but I haven’t used it yet! It has sat on the floor of my craft room for 6 months and reading your post has fired me up to pull it out and get on with some of the projects I have been putting off. I have used one before but under ‘supervision’ – now it’s time to step up the plate, get over my fears and make the most of this big boy ๐
Erin Spain says
It’s scary at first, but as long as you work slowly and respect the saw, you’ll be fine! Careful though – you’ll get addicted! ๐
Amy Anderson says
I never knew what a miter saw did – great review! I am ignorant with power tools so any guidance helps ๐
Erin Spain says
Thanks Amy! This saw is really awesome. I’m having fun with it!
Marisha says
Hello, I ran across this review while researching a good but inexpensive sliding mitter saw for me to purchase. Would you still recommend this saw or are there any newer ones that would be a better fit?
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Hi Marisha! I would recommend this still — it’s one of my favorite tools ever. I did just hear that RYOBI is going to be releasing this saw as part of their green +ONE line so I will be interested in seeing how that one measures up when it comes out!
Marisha says
One last question, I’ve noticed on a few other blogs/reviews that a lot of people get the tools free from the manufacturer to review. Will you tell me how I too can participate in that? Thanks!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Hi Marisha, there are a lot of ways bloggers form relationships with brands and partner on product reviews. Some are through blogging networks and some are through a direct relationship with the brand (which is the case for myself and RYOBI). If you have a blog I would urge you to join some networks but also reach out directly to the PR or blogger relations department of a brand that you are interested in working with and see what ways you might be able to partner with them.
Jenifer says
Thanks for this tutorial! We have the same saw and my husband and I love it too! I am glad you stressed the importance of the clamp..I have seen ours but have never used itโฆbut I will now!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
So glad to hear you love the saw too! It’s still one of my very favorite tools. It comes in handy for so many projects.
Jenifer says
Thank you for replay.Thanks so much for this post! EXACTLY what I was searching for!
David M. Goldstein says
I never knew what a miter saw did . Thatโs definitely a great reason to have 12โ slider on hand .Iโm so glad ou finally got a compound miter saw.
Carrie says
I canโt believe how beautiful everything is! O.K., I am really ashamed to admit I have a compound Miter saw, that I have never used! I bought it about 6 months ago at a garage sale from a guy who was seriously down on his luck and selling all his tools, everything. It was kind of sad, but I guess we both got something out of the deal. I need to figure out how to use it, and then there will be no stopping! You really have inspired me in so many ways.
Tonny Tran says
I purchased this saw. Iโm a beginner. I donโt like the saw. The two rail system to me appears to be a design flaw. The bottom set slides very easy. As soon as you transition to sliding the top rails the sliding is more restricted which causes marks in the cut.
Erin Spain says
I’m sorry you are having this issue, but I’m a bit confused about the problem. This is an old post, and I’ve been using this saw constantly for the past few years and it’s by far my favorite tool. I love it and I’ve never had a problem with it, certainly not the issue that you mentioned. This leads me to believe it could be a defective saw you have or maybe user error (no offense!). Are you sure everything is put together and adjusted correctly? What you described should not be happening.
Carol M. Cummings says
Awesome post. Most are very informative. I just moved out and I’ve been thinking that I really need to start getting my own tools. I actually do want to purchase an miter saw, but I’m just not sure exactly what style or brand I want.