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 fe
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°
- 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 
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.