SKIL 12 Inch Compound Miter Saw

By Robert Robillard on Skil, Tool Reviews

SKIL 12 Inch Compound Miter SawSKIL 12-inch Miter Saw, model 3820-02

The folks at SKIL recently sent me their SKIL 12 Inch Compound Miter Saw to evaluate and review.

First Impression:

The SKIL 12 Inch Compound Miter Saw came with very little assembly.  It has a 15 amp motor that produces up to 4,500 rpm.  A vertical clamp is supplied and can be used to hold work pieces securely while cutting.

The miter saw has a  die-cast aluminum fence has ruler markings. The table extension has left/right extension rails, for longer stock and this unit has nine positive stops for setting the most common miter angles.

Probably the coolest feature of this saw is it’s laser system. The laser system lets you make cuts faster and safer.

The only issue I had at set up was getting the left auxiliary fence [wing] to mount square and level with the saw base.  After a feSKIL 12 Inch Compound Miter Saww minutes of fussing I was able to get it dead on.

Applications:

  • Laser Cut-line Guide for accurate cuts
  • 15 Amp, 4500 RPM Motor
  • Table extension with left/right extension rails for long, large work pieces
  • 9 Positive stops for setting common miter angles
  • Dust bag helps keep work area clean
  • Transportable – integrated carrying handles for easy transport

Specifications:

  • Amperage: 15.0
  • Bevel Angle Range: 0° – 47°SKIL 12 Inch Compound Miter Saw
  • Bevel Stops: 0°, 47°
  • Miter Angle Range: 0° – 47°
  • Miter Positive Stops: 0°, 15°, 22.5,° 31.6°, 45° Both left and right
  • No Load RPM: 4,500
  • Rating: 120V ~ 60Hz
  • Voltage: 120 V
  • Weight (lbs.): 44 lbs.

Using The  SKIL 10″ Compound Miter Saw:

The SKIL 12 Inch Compound Miter Saw cut nice and the laser was extremely accurate.  The saw blade cut clean.  I used the vertical clamp to hold several piece of stock securely in place during cutting.    This saw will cut an 8-3/4″  board on its flat.

9 positive stops provide the user with quick and accurate setting of common miter angles; Positive stops are provided at 0″, 22.5″, 31.6″ and 45″ left and right; The miter angle allows the user to set the blade at 0º-47º.

I used it with the dust bag and also connected to my shop bag.  The dust bag worked similar to other miter saws I’ve used – ok, but SKIL 12 Inch Compound Miter Sawthe dust port hooked up the vacuum worked excellent.

I  found the angle adjustment handle was easy and comfortable to operate.  The saw andle adjustment slid nicely from left to right, as well as beveled easily.

I’m not a huge fan of lasers on tools but I must admit for the price of this saw its well made and you’d be hard pressed to get a saw this nice with a laser for the same price. 

Whats In The Box:

  • 3820 Miter Saw
  • 40-Tooth Carbide Blade
  • Extension Table
  • Extension Rails(2)
  • Vertical Clamp
  • Stop Block
  • Die-Cast Aluminum Sliding Fence
  • Dust Collection Bag
  • Blade Guard
  • Blade Wrench

Overall Impression:

The SKIL 12 Inch Compound Miter Saw is a great entry level saw for a beginning contractor or DIYer.  I really liked the laser and the positive stop accessory for making multiple cuts.

The fact that you can purchase this saw, with a laser,  for under $200 is a great value.  Highly recommended. The 3820 is available at Lowe’s with a suggested retail price of $199.  Visit www.skiltools.com for detailed product information

You can purchase this saw at the big box stores or online here:  Skil-3820-02-120-Volt-12-Inch-Compound

This review contains my opinion of a product. I take pride in providing my readers with an honest and objective information as well as a practical approach to using a product. I never accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Many of the tools and products are provided to for free by a manufacturer for review.

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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