I'm considering getting a cordless sliding miter saw for some DIY projects, but I'm torn between a couple of sizes. There's the DCS361 DB with a 7 1/4" blade and the DCS785 DB with a 12" blade. I see some decent deals on the 60V versions for around $300, but I feel like that might be overkill for what I need. I've got an old 10" corded Makita from 1986 that still works great, and honestly, I wish DeWalt made a sliding 10" saw, so I wouldn't have to make this decision. Should I go for the 12" for added versatility, or would the 7 1/4" be sufficient for my DIY needs? The price gap between the two is pretty significant, so if the 12" is genuinely the better option, I might consider grabbing a used one.
3 Answers
Have you thought about whether you really need features like a double bevel or extra cutting capacity? I’ve got the 7 1/4” and it works fine for most of my needs, and it was so much easier than lugging around a heavier 12” model.
If you’re planning on doing crown molding, you’ll absolutely want the 12”. Otherwise, for typical DIY projects, the 7 1/4” should cover most of your bases without issue.
Good to know! Luckily, crown molding isn’t on my radar right now. My mom and wife haven't asked for it yet, haha.
For what you're describing, I’d recommend going with the smaller 7 1/4” model. Cordless saws excel at being portable and convenient, so you won't be needing to make massive cuts constantly. Plus, you've got your reliable 10” Makita for anything bigger that you might need to tackle. It sounds like the better choice for your DIY projects!
That’s what I was thinking too! Just wanted to make sure I wasn't holding myself back with the 7 1/4” as a DIYer.
Definitely! I’m not certain I need the extra capacity yet, but I worry that the 7 1/4” might be too limiting since it’s quite a bit smaller.