With that said, I don’t like to force the blade through. Where you feel a touch of hesitation with a belt-driven saw, you don’t get any of that on this model. The Skilsaw SPT88-01 is smooth-really smooth. Without a belt to drive it, the Skilsaw Worm Drive Miter Saw feels different than other models. That motor spins the blade at 4,000 RPM, and with worm drive gearing there is additional torque. Skilsaw’s dual-field design claims to run the motor cooler, giving it a longer life and reducing the risk of overheating. We expect a 15-amp motor on any 10- or 12-inch miter saw, so that’s no surprise. Skilsaw uses one of their 15-amp dual field motors. A quick survey of other major Pro brands’ 12-inch sliding miter saws will give you a range of 51–65 pounds, so this is definitely about as light as you can hope for. Skilsaw claims that this saw will be the lightest in its class at 51 pounds. Those dim in daylight and often fall out of calibration (if they were ever accurate, to begin with). Skilsaw goes with an LED shadow cutline indicator-a move we prefer over lasers. It bevels 48° left and right and has all the expected stops. This is a 12-inch, dual bevel sliding compound miter saw that covers an impressive 4-inch x 14-inch cross cut at 90°.
We’d already reviewed the Skilsaw portable job site table saw and the heavy-duty worm drive table saw (we use the heavy-duty model as our primary model, in case you’re wondering). Skilsaw used STAFDA 2018 as a launchpad for its new Skilsaw worm drive miter saw, and many of us in the office wanted to get our hands on this new first-of-its-kind product. Because it is a worm drive model, be sure to keep an eye on the oil level.
Keep an eye on your calibration and it's a solid fit for trim carpenters and woodworkers as well (though trim carpenters and woodworkers should plan on a blade upgrade to get the best results). It's a fantastic miter saw for framers and remodelers thanks to the power. While there are a couple of areas the Skilsaw Worm Drive miter saw can improve, it's a powerful, accurate saw and one that's easier to move around the jobsite than most of its full-featured competition. A solid miter saw for framers, remodelers, trim carpenters, and woodworkers