The Milwaukee 6955-20 12-Inch Sliding Dual Miter Saw is one to look at. Its digital miter angle readout sets it apart from the competition and allows precise miter measurements in up to 0.1 degree increments. We reviewed how this saw compares to the competition in our best 12-inch miter saw review article, so be sure to check it out.
advantage
- No boot jump, oversized dust port, dual work lights, digital miter angle readout, 5-year warranty
shortcoming
- Does not include expensive, heavy material clips
Standout features that set this saw apart
The digital miter system on the Milwaukee 6955-20 Miter Saw gives you an LCD with precise numerical values for making miter cuts. You simply pull up on the brake lever to engage the "drive shaft," then push the trim ring forward to engage the system. Turning the ring now moves the miter angle in 0.1 degree increments and the setting is displayed on the integrated LED readout. While precise, the system allows for fairly quick angle changes, and it never feels slow.
To swing the saw from left to right, we disengage the system and re-engage when the blade is in place. Behind the trim ring is a locking knob. Milwaukee recommends that you use this to lock in the miter angle before making the cut. That's good advice.
Another key "feature" of this saw has to do with its sheer weight. You probably don't want to lug around the job site. If you do, consider a scrolling miter saw stand to help you out.
Check out our reviews of thin-cut 12-inch miter saw blades to see which cut is the best bang for your buck.
Milwaukee 6955-20 Miter Saw Build Quality
The Milwaukee 6955-20 miter saw uses a clear lower blade guard – a huge improvement over the typical opaque guards you see on products like the DeWalt DWS780 12" miter saw. Clear guards often make it easier for you to follow the cut without having to lift the guard to inspect your work.
The working area seems to be smaller than most miter saws. However, since you have three points of contact with the cutting surface, there is no problem dealing with larger lumber – we still recommend a miter saw frame. Milwaukee 6955-20 12" Miter Saw Cuts 13-1/2" wide lines at 90 degrees. Even better – it does it at 4 inches tall!
At a 45 degree miter, you get about 9.5 inches. The motor on this saw is also (impressively) mounted parallel to the blade. It works similar to the Skil MAG77LT Worm Drive Circular Saw or the Skilsaw 12" Worm Drive Miter Saw. This eliminates the starting torque you experience with traditional vertical motor and belt drive systems.
Milwaukee 6955-20 Miter Saw Bevel Adjustment
The miter adjustment on the Milwaukee 6955-20 miter saw uses a large red lever. It can be easily swiveled left or right. Lifting it up partially allows us to use the popular detent position (great for cutting large crown moldings). The depth of cut can be set using the depth-stop adjustment knob on the left side of the blade. It's a somewhat crude depth adjustment system, but it does the job with ease.
The dust collection feature on this saw is effective but not standard. You'll need to purchase an adapter to make it work with your system.
A pair of integrated dual work lights really round out the feature set of this sliding miter saw, which should, in our opinion, be standard operating procedure for all tools of this type. Who doesn't want a little light in their workspace?
Milwaukee 6955-20 12" Miter Saw Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 6955-20
- Motor: 15 Amp 3.3 HP (Max) Direct Drive w/ Soft Start
- Arbor: 5/8 or 1 inch
- Speed (no load): 3,200 RPM
- Blade Size: 12"
- Bevel: 0° – 48° Left/Right
- Digital LCD miter angle display
- Miter resolution: 0.1° fine adjustment with detent override
- Dual Job Site Lights
- Integrated dust channel
- Dual horizontal rails with 3 linear bearings
- Single lever bevel adjustment with 9 positive bevel stops
- Weight: 65 lbs
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price: $749
in conclusion
The Milwaukee 6955-20 Sliding Double Miter System is one of the strongest you will find. It also has some very advanced features. We also found it retailing for close to $200. For those looking for pro shop tools, contractors, or the serious DIYer who just wants quality, this is a deal.