SKIL 3820-02 Miter Saw Review. Skil chop saw

SKIL 3820-02 Compound Miter Saw Review

Sometimes, it is hard finding the right tool for the job. Some are too heavy; others are not powerful enough, while others just fall apart for no reason at all.

If you are looking for a good compound miter saw that will do none of these things, then look no further than the SKIL 3820-02 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw.

This unit can take care of all your sawing needs, in a manner that is not only accurate and clean, but easy as well.

Key Features

• Powered by a 15amp, 4500rpm motor
• Laser cutline guide system
• Table extensions
• Comes with a dust bag and integrated carrying handles
• Comes with a one year warranty

Overview

The SKIL 3820-02 120-Volt 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw is a simple, compound miter saw that is powered by a 15amp, 4500rpm motor. This gives the device enough horsepower to allow its 12-inch blade to slice through most ordinary materials with ease and precision.

One special feature about this model is its laser cutline guide system. This feature gives users a preview of where the saw’s blade will cut through. Users can then make the necessary adjustments in order to arrive at the exact cuts and angles they want.

This saw lets you work with longer and wider materials as well, thanks to its table extensions which come with both left and right extension rails. A dust bag is readily available as well, which helps catch and collect all debris that falls off from your materials.

SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw with Laser. Best Miter Saw On The Market

The SKIL 3820-02 Miter Saw weighs a total of 51.6 pounds. To help users carry this unit, the saw comes with integrated carrying handles for easy travelling convenience. This unit comes with a one year warranty.

User Reviews and Opinions

The SKIL 3820-02 120-Volt 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw with Laser has gotten mostly positive reviews. One thing that users immediately liked about the device was its relatively low cost. The unit works well, and does as advertised in cutting through material quickly and accurately.

The SKIL 3820-02 has been reviewed by 48 customers on Amazon and has been given a impressive customer score of 3.8 stars out of 5.0.

“This is my second Compound saw and the shortcoming of the first were solved with this. First the size makes cutting large pieces of wood simple. The included extensions are very helpful when one is working with a long piece. The laser works great and the pressure grip to hold pieces in place is good (but could be better as its height gets in the way when one is making a 45 degree cut).”

Ray. Amazon Customer Review

“I had a 12 inch DeWALT compound miter stolen from me while I was involved with a job of replaceing a base board in a room in my church. I went inside for less then 2 minutes, and when returning to my truck, it was gone. I saw no one insite. 329.00 dollars gone. I found the same thing in the skil Saw, plus more. The only complaint I have is the noise is more when operating this tool. This tool was 100.00 less but has hold downs, laser light, and extensions. I am real pleased.”

Dan. Amazon Customer Review

“I purchased this saw for my husband mainly because of price.So he is writing the review… I looked at several saws and read all the reviews. Skil had the best reviews so I took a chance and purchased this one. WOW, was I surprised !!

This saw is great,right out of the box everything was great. Was up and running in about 15 minutes. Cuts great and very precise. The laser is a must,this is the first saw I have had with a laser and I will not be without one again !! Only one problem… it was supposed to have an allen wrench shipped with it.and it wasn’t in the box. Very minor problem !!I Would purchase this saw again without hesitation!”

Jenifer. Amazon Customer Review

Verdict

The SKIL 3820-02 Saw is a practical buy for users looking for a very simple and basic miter saw. The chop saw is e asy to adjust and the laser makes it easy to line up for accurate cuts. The alignment of the saw should be perfect out of the box.

• Users like this saw mainly because it is simple, user-friendly and inexpensive.
• It cuts as straight and true as any miter saw out there.
• The light laser marker system of this unit helps people in making straighter and more accurate cuts. The laser guide makes cutting much easier
• The dust bag has been deemed helpful as well.
• It comes with a serviceable blade.
• The clamp is a great feature
• As stated before, this unit is a very simple compound miter saw. It does not come with features such as an LCD display screen or micro-fine adjustment knobs like other, more expensive units.

The Best Miter Saws for Home or Pro Use

Conquer a wide array of woodwork projects with this crosscutting power tool.

The first woodworking machine many people buy is a miter saw, for good reason. This crosscutting specialist lets you buy any off-the-shelf wood product—from a deck board to a piece of trim molding—and cut it quickly, accurately, and safely to length. That simple ability, to cut wood accurately to length, and also to cut the ends to a variety of angles up to 45 degrees, makes an endless range of projects possible, from picture frames and decks to outdoor furniture and skateboard ramps, and too many other things to list here.

Other tools do these basic jobs too, but the miter saw beats them all in some way. It’s safer and less expensive than a table saw, more accurate than a circular saw, and faster than a handsaw. Whether you’re a fine woodworker, pro carpenter, or DIYer, you’ll use your miter saw for decades to come, for both rough and fine cuts.

The Expert: During my 30 years as a woodworker—both professionally and as a DIYer—I spent 15 as an editor at Fine Woodworking magazine and another six as a contributor to a variety of home-building and woodworking magazines. I also remodeled three homes, built hundreds of projects, and wrote two books on the subject (check out Build Stuff with Wood: Make Awesome Projects with Basic Tools), and currently teach woodworking locally. Throughout my career, I’ve used and reviewed dozens of miter saws, so I know what works and what doesn’t.

Sliding or Non-Sliding

There are two main types of miter saws. The most basic type, sometimes called a “chop saw,” swings straight down on a single pivot. This simple, solid action provides excellent accuracy in a relatively less expensive saw. Newer to the game is the sliding miter saw, with a blade assembly that not only chops straight down but also slides on smooth rails, increasing the tool’s crosscut capacity. Both types are attached to tables that pivot right and left, over 45 degrees each way. For bevel cuts, both types of miter saws also lean sideways, some in only one direction and others, called “dual-bevel” or “compound-bevel” models, tipping both ways. Single-bevel saws are becoming less common, and there are none featured here in our best buys.

If you own a table saw (capable of making wide crosscuts) go with a non-sliding miter saw, which has less crosscut capacity but is generally more accurate and less expensive. These have 10- and 12-inch blades; opt for the larger one.

Relying on the miter saw for all of your crosscuts? Consider a sliding model for maximum crosscut capacity. Most sliding miter saws are dual-bevel, so that choice is made for you.

Serious DIYers or professional trim carpenters may want a 12-inch sliding miter saw, which offers the ultimate in crosscut capacity and compound-angle cutting but is also the priciest saw of the bunch.

Portable or Plug-in

Miter saws are extremely accurate, leaving the ends of your workpieces smooth and square, and cutting perfect 45-degree miters for boxes and frames of all sorts, as well as any angle in between. They’re also portable, which makes them easy to carry to where the work is happening, saving you countless trips back and forth to your workshop.

Cordless models are best if you’re working at a construction site. If you work at home, the cord won’t be a problem. In fact, you’ll get more power, dollar for dollar, and you’ll never have to worry about a battery giving out.

How We Evaluated

The miter saw was one of my first tool purchases. It was a beat-up old DeWALT I bought from a professional deck builder, but that still had lots of life in it. After a blade change, it served me well for 15 years. I bought my next miter saw new, and it’s still working great as ever. The main things I look for in a miter saw are ease of adjustment, smoothness of cut, and the accuracy of the angles it cuts, from 45 to 90 degrees. In my recommendations below, I’ve also taken into consideration price, maximum crosscut capacity, the ability to cut compound angles in various directions, and the tasks that different types of users tend to tackle.

Miter saws are must-have tools for DIYers and pros alike. Check out our comprehensive guide and hands-on tool reviews so you can choose the best one for your workshop.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Today’s miter saws are a significant improvement over the manual miter boxes of the 1960s. For anyone who does any type of carpentry work, a miter saw is usually a necessity to get work done on time. Mitering is the process of fitting two boards together at an angle. With trim work requiring so many of these cuts, miter saws are also sometimes called “trim saws” but are also invaluable for making other types of crosscuts as well, such as end cuts on hardwood flooring strips or angle cuts on roof rafters.

Selecting the best miter saw depends on the type of projects you are planning on doing. Keep reading to learn more about this essential woodworking tool and what we found when we performed hands-on testing with the following models.

• BEST OVERALL:Bosch Power Tools Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
• RUNNER-UP:DeWALT 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:DeWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw 15-Amp Single Bevel
• BEST COMPACT:CRAFTSMAN V20 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Miter Saw Kit
• BEST FOR WOODWORKING:Makita LSO815F Slide Compound Miter Saw
• BEST ZERO-CLEARANCE:Makita 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw with Laser
• ALSO CONSIDER:Metabo HPT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw, Laser

SKIL 3820-02 120-Volt 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw with Laser

Types of Miter Saws

All miter saws feature a circular blade encased in a swing arm that pivots from side to side to make crosscuts on narrow strips of wood (5 to 18 inches wide, depending on the saw). However, one saw doesn’t fit all types of projects, so individual woodworking needs will determine which saw is right. Depending on quality and features, miter saws can start at around 175 and run up to 1,000 or more. The following are the most common types of miter saws.

• Standard miter saw: This simplest of all miter saws is sometimes called a “chop saw” because the swing arm pivots to the appropriate angle and then chops through the material. These simple power miter saws only make miter cuts, so they’re not as popular as some other types of saws.
• Single bevel compound miter saw: In addition to cutting angles, the swing arm on a single bevel compound miter saw tilts in one direction (typically to the left) to cut a beveled and mitered cut. This comes in handy for tasks such as installing crown molding or certain types of roof rafters. Many miter saws on the market today are compound miter saws.
• Dual bevel compound miter saw: A dual bevel compound miter saw also cuts bevels, but unlike a single bevel compound miter saw, the swing arm tilts in both directions. This is strictly a convenience and a time-saver—a single compound miter saw can still make the same cuts, but the user has to turn the board over to cut a bevel in the opposite direction. The dual bevel ability saves that step.
• Compound sliding miter saw: Sliding rails on a compound miter saw allow the user to cut wider boards. Non-sliding miter saws cut boards a few inches narrower than their blade diameter, so a 10-inch miter saw will cut a board up to 6 inches wide. If cutting a wider board, the user will have to turn the board over to finish cutting through it.

A sliding compound miter saw is the best type of miter saw for cutting wide boards because the user can pull the saw’s motorhead toward themself, lower the head, activate the motor, and push it through the board. Depending on the model, a sliding miter saw can handle boards from 10 to 18 inches wide, and it can be either a single bevel compound or dual bevel compound miter saw. Some of the best compound miter saws also feature zero-clearance arms, which allow the saw to sit close to a wall without limiting the blade’s travel.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Miter Saw

The type of woodworking projects a user intends to undertake will determine the features needed in a miter saw. Someone who only wants a miter saw to make crosscuts on wood flooring strips won’t need the extra features a professional trim carpenter needs to cut crown molding.

Size and Intended Use

Miter saws are labeled by the size of blade they accept. In general, the larger the blade, the larger the board the saw will cut. Not everyone needs the largest blade size—some prefer a tool with a smaller blade because those tools are typically lighter in weight and simpler to move (and often more accurate). A few off-sizes exist, but the most common miter saw blade sizes are 7¼, 8½, 10, and 12 inches.

• 7¼-inch and 8½-inch miter saws: Handy for around-the-house cutting, these saws will make a 90-degree cut on a 2×4 and a 45-degree cut on a 1×2.
• 10-inch miter saw: A 10-inch miter saw will make a 90-degree cut on a 2×6 and a 45-degree cut on a 2×4.
• 12-inch miter saw: The largest size used by DIYers and most builders, a 12-inch miter saw will make a 90-degree cut on a 2×8 and a 45-degree cut on a 2×6.

Any of the above miter saws can cut wider boards if they’re equipped with a sliding arm. For example, a 10-inch miter saw with a 6-inch sliding arm can make a 90-degree cut on a 2×12.

Keep in mind that 10- and 12-inch blades often suffer from a bit of deflection. Deflection is when the blade’s path wobbles a bit during cutting. While not usually an issue, discerning woodworkers and high-end finish carpenters will choose a saw that minimizes deflection.

Corded vs. Cordless

Until a few years ago, all miter saws were corded, and most still are, but these cords limit where the saw can operate. Cordless miter saws are the new kids on the block, and they operate on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Battery runtime depends on the number of cuts and how thick the wood is, but expect an average of 150 to 275 cuts on a single battery charge.

Motor Power

The more power the saw’s motor has (measured in amperes), the longer the user can cut boards without the risk of overheating. Typical miter saw motor sizes are 10-amp, 12-amp, and 15-amp.

The larger motors will also generate enough blade-spinning force for cutting through thick, dense material. For example, if the user will be cutting only through pine boards, a 10-amp miter saw will likely offer more than enough power. However, a more powerful motor may be necessary for those who need to make repetitive cuts through fiber cement siding or oak stair treads.

Safety

A miter saw isn’t the most dangerous saw in the workshop, but it can still injure its user if misused or if it doesn’t come with safety features. The following safety features are standard on most of today’s miter saws.

• Blade guard: This is a clear cover that encases the spinning miter blade. When the user lowers the blade to cut, the guard rotates out of the way. When the user lifts the blade, the guard rotates back over the blade to cover it.
• Trigger brake: Not all miter saws have a brake, but if they do, the brake stops the blade from spinning when the user releases the trigger.
• Lockout button: If the saw has a lockout button, the blade won’t spin when the user pulls the trigger unless the lockout button is also depressed. This double-safety measure prevents unintentional cuts.
• Clamps: Most miter saws sold today come with a safety clamp to help hold the material in place while cutting. This keeps a board from slipping, which reduces the risk of the user grabbing it and inadvertently touching the spinning blade.
• Dust collection: Like all power saws, miter saws create a lot of fine dust that can irritate the eyes or lungs. If the saw has a dust-collection port, a user can attach a standard shop-type vacuum hose, and the suction from the vacuum will remove most of the dust before it becomes airborne.

Additional Features

Miter saws are versatile, and some come with additional features that expand on their use. Some accessories come built into the saw, and some can usually be purchased separately if desired. Keep the following extras in mind when deciding on a miter saw.

• Laser guide: Some miter saws have laser guides that mark a red or green line across the wood where the blade will cut. This is an excellent feature for DIYers and beginners to ensure the board is correctly positioned before cutting.
• Depth stop: A miter saw that comes with a depth stop allows the user to set the depth of the cut—similar to a radial arm saw. This allows the user to cut a groove in the material without cutting all the way through.
• Sliding fences: Sliding fences are built into some miter saws, and they pull out on both sides to allow the user to position the material securely along the fence.
• Flip fences: Flip fences come with locking stops, and the user can lock two or more stops on the fence and simply flip them up and out of the way to cut a different length. Flip fences are handy when the user needs to go back and forth between two or more lengths when cutting boards.
• Nonslip grip: Summer days can result in slippery grips on a miter saw handle. Some manufacturers now offer padded nonslip grips to reduce hand fatigue and allow for a better grasp.
• Dust collection: Miter saws tend to kick up sawdust, particularly when operated inside a workshop. To remedy this, two types of dust collection are available for miter saws. The first is a small bag designed to collect some of the dust that blows into it naturally as it comes off the blade. The second (and better) option is a dust-collection port that connects to the hose of a shop-type vacuum.
• Stand: Many miter saws come with holes that allow the user to bolt them to the workshop table for stability, but a few come with miter saw stands that hold the saw securely when cutting.

Our Top Picks

Not everyone will need the most powerful saw—or the advanced features of sliding compound miter saws—but based on individual mitering needs, one of these top-quality saws may be a beneficial addition to the workshop.

And, to ensure we’re only suggesting some of the very best miter saws, we performed hands-on testing with the following models.

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Home » Latest Tool Reviews » News » Skil 12-Inch Miter Saw Model # 3820

Skil 12-Inch Miter Saw Model # 3820

SKIL’s Newest Compound Miter Saw is a Cut Above the Competition

New compound miter saw cuts accurately and quickly for an exceptional value

Designed with the value-conscious carpenter and weekend warrior in mind, SKIL has packed in intuitive features to make the Skil 3820 an indispensable tool for building better projects.

Whether making cross, miter or bevel cuts, the 3820 completes various cuts easier, faster and more efficiently. A Laser Cutline guide ensures accurate cuts every time so there is no need to worry about wasting boards. With nine left to right positive stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6 and 45 degrees, there is no problem tackling common miter angles. The 15 amp, 4500 RPM motor will go through treated lumber and hardwood quickly and easily while a vertical clamp holds the piece securely during cuts.

The 3820 can handle all sizes of wood. Featuring a table extension with left or right extension rails, it can support and control cuts on longer and wider work pieces while a die-cast aluminum sliding fence supports taller pieces of wood. It also features a left to right lock-off switch and handle, so left and right-handed users can comfortably make cuts.

Convenient features also include a dust bag for keeping work spaces tidy and an integrated carrying handle on top of the saw for job site to jobsite transfer. In addition, a carbide-tooth blade, for longer blade life and cleaner cuts, is included.

The 3820 is available at Lowe’s with a suggested retail price of 199. Visit www.skiltools.com for detailed product information.

Rob Robillard

Robert Robillard is a remodeler, general contractor, and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts, and serves as the Editor of Tool Box Buzz and founding editor of A Concord Carpenter. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review. Tool and Product Review. Video Channel. where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the remodeling industry. The Concord Carpenter’s motto: “Well done is better than well said!” : Read more about Rob

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