Makita LS1013

Riding on a horizontal double-rail system, Makita's 10-inch dual sliding compound miter saw is one smooth operator. Both rails are self-cleaning and sli de on linear ball bearings. The horizontal rail design also seems to give this s aw some extra stability, a feature we appreciate, especially in a saw that bevel s to 45 degrees both ways. Makita's saw has a vertical grip design with a thumb- activated safety switch and a paddle trigger, and while the vertical design migh t be slightly less ergonomic than the horizontal D-handle, it does allow you to use the saw comfortably with either hand. Plus, the paddle grip makes squeezing the trigger easy no matter how you're holding the handle.