Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Miter Saws

DEWALT DCS361B 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw vs Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.2). Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is best for: professional finish carpenters who prioritize space efficiency and precise cut quality. Read the strengths below before deciding.

DEWALT DCS361B 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw
Ranked #6 in Best Miter Saws
DEWALT DCS361B 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw
2 sources$296.65as of Oct 28

The DeWalt DCS361B is a lightweight 30-pound cordless miter saw that balances portability with the utility of an 8-inch sliding cross-cut capacity. Pro Tool Reviews found that its standard 7-1/4-inch blade reduces motor strain and offers easier sourcing than larger competitor options, while TechGearLab identified the shadow cut indicator as a highly effective alignment aid for precise work. However, the tool lacks a brushless motor, which reviewers noted would have improved efficiency, and features an oversized three-pronged bevel lock knob that is difficult to grip comfortably during quick adjustments. This model fits trim carpenters who prioritize mobility and standard blade availability, but those requiring single-pass cuts through thick stock or maximum power efficiency should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Lightweight design at 30 pounds makes it easy to transport and store on the jobsite.
  • — Includes a sliding rail system that allows for cross-cutting up to an 8-inch width in horizontal cuts.
  • — Uses a standard 7-1/4-inch blade which is more affordable and easier to source than the larger 8-1/2-inch blades used by some competitors.
Watch-outs
  • — Lacks a brushless motor, which reviewers noted would have improved efficiency despite the tool's already strong performance.
  • — The oversized three-pronged bevel lock knob is difficult to get a comfortable grip on for quick adjustments.
Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Miter Saws
Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
2 sourcesall derived$799as of Oct 28

The Makita LS1019L combines a compact dual-bevel head with a front-mounted two-steel-rail sliding system, allowing it to sit flush against a wall while delivering 12-inch crosscut capacity. Electropro.blog found that this design saves bench depth and maintains accuracy across the slide, though Woodworkingadvisor notes its 3,200 RPM no-load speed is slower than several competitors in its class. The tool’s substantial 57.9 lb weight ensures stability during operation but requires two hands for transport, limiting mobility on large job sites. This saw fits professional finish carpenters who prioritize space efficiency and precise cut quality over raw cutting speed or portability.

Strengths
  • — 2-steel-rail sliding system allows the saw to operate flush against a wall while maintaining a 12-inch crosscut capacity at 90 degrees.
  • — Cuts nested crown molding up to 6-5/8 inches and vertical baseboards up to 5-1/4 inches, matching many 12-inch miter saws.
  • — Laser guide projects a cut line on the workpiece for precise alignment without lifting the blade guard.
Watch-outs
  • — 3,200 RPM no-load speed is slower than several competitors in its class.
  • — 57.9 lbs weight requires two hands to carry and is not considered lightweight by some reviewers.

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

DEWALT DCS361B 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw

The DEWALT DCS361B is the most portable option at just 30 lb, making it much lighter than the stationary DeWalt DWS780 and significantly more mobile than the corded SKIL MS6305-00.

Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The Makita LS1019L features a compact dual-bevel head with a front-mounted two-steel-rail sliding system that allows it to sit flush against a wall. However, its 3,200 RPM no-load speed is slower than the faster motors found in the SKIL MS6305-00 and DeWalt DWS715.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDEWALT DCS361B 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter SawMakita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Blade Size7-1/4 in10 inches
No-Load Speed3750 RPM3,200 RPM
Power Source20V Max Battery—
Bevel Capacity-3 to 48 degrees48° left and right
Weight30 lb57.9 lb
Miter Range11 positive stops0 to 60 degrees left and right
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