SKIL 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound MS6305-00 Review

The SKIL 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound MS6305-00 has remarkable cutting capabilities for a medium price point. With its ability to execute cross-cuts through a 2x12 lumber and a 45-degree miter cut on a 2x8, this saw should meet and exceed the requirements of most home DIYers. Its excellent cutting range and competitive price point make this model an intelligent choice for cost-conscious tool enthusiasts who can accept its less-than-perfect dust collection capabilities.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Use

Tools requiring excessive calibration or challenging-to-use features like the blade depth lock can slow down your project. To help you understand the useability of each tool, our team hit the lab. Our examination highlighted the detailed features of the saw, including the miter lock override, miter angle adjustments, and blade changing process. The SKIL MS6305-00 generally provides a standard user experience but has straightforward features, like simple miter angle adjustments and a miter lock (detent) override.

The saw is fully adjustable and can be calibrated easily. The miter angle involves loosening the knob and lifting the positive stop lever. It features a miter override feature, which allows the user to pass other positive stops across the table to speed up the setup process. The saw has nine positive stops from 0 to 45 degrees in either direction, with a maximum range of 51 degrees. Its bevel function involves loosening and tightening the tri-knob located at the back. The bevel adjustment has four positive stops, 48, 45, 0, and 45 degrees from left to right.

The calibration process is detailed but easily carried out, complementing the easy blade change process. The blade change is intuitive and standard, and the blade guard will remain up and out of the way to create an easier space to work in. The blade depth lock is the two-screw system found on other saws in this review. One screw adjusts the cut depth while the other locks it in place. The two-screw style is best when making multiple cuts in a row, but moving back and forth is challenging and inefficient.

The SKIL employs a shadow LED cut line to set cuts quickly and efficiently. Our test team and many DIYers find value in a cut line to improve their accuracy and overall craftsmanship.

Dust Collection

Even a few cuts through the lumbar can produce a substantial mess. An effective dust collection system is imperative to streamline the cleaning process. Homeowners with garage-based shops or professionals will surely appreciate these features for a cleaner workspace. To evaluate this feature, we made a small enclosure to contain as much dust as possible and then made 100 cuts across a 2x4. After making the cuts, we swept the sawdust and measured the total weight. The SKIL MS6305-00 struggled to collect dust effectively using the bag or a vacuum.

With the bag attached, our testers observed dust flying uncontrollably in every direction. In some cases, they had to create a makeshift front cover to reduce the amount of dust flying towards them. This resulted in the need for a front cover in extreme cases. The accumulated dust even covered the user's shirt, coat, and floor, which could make the clean-up process extensive.

Despite this challenge, with a vacuum, the dust collection significantly improves but still falls in the category of dust flying everywhere. The saw produced lots of fine dust and was the only one to coat the enclosure's sides. After 100 cuts, the SKIL produced 2.67 ounces of sawdust in total, one of the highest values in the review.

Cut Capacity

We made a full range of cuts to size up the largest piece of lumber each saw could handle. The SKIL MS6305-00 is an excellent choice as it has an above-average cut capacity that caters to the needs of both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

The SKIL can cut through the most common lumber types on the horizontal plane. The saw could cut through 2x12 boards for cross cuts; for miter cuts, it cut 2x8. Very few saws can complete a miter cut on a board larger than a 2x8.

The saw also demonstrates its effective range when cutting through the thickness of the lumber, particularly when the board is oriented vertically. This allows for testing the overall height capacity of the saw. It successfully made a 90-degree cut through a 4x4, utilizing its entire range. Additionally, the saw could travel 3-3/16 inches for beveled cuts through a 4x4.

Cutting Power and Speed

A saw blade that arrests due to insufficient power or cutting speed can dampen your efficiency and the feasibility of certain projects. We cut through changing materials like aluminum and 4x4s to gauge its available power. Our tests demonstrate the powerful nature of the SKIL MS6305-00, effortlessly moving through the materials even during quick cuts.

This model recorded an RPM of 4960 with no load applied, demonstrating notable power. The higher RPM contributes to the effortless cuts performed by the SKIL saw in our tests. Its power was some of the best in the review as it sailed reasonably through the 4X4 and aluminum. Our testers had no concerns regarding the saw blade arresting mid-cut.

Precision and Accuracy

Precision is crucial for miter saws, as they are designed for swift execution and detailed cutting. In this metric, we look at each saw's build quality and accuracy as we measure the actual angles of the blade relative to the table before and after testing. The SKIL MS6305-00 offers the necessary level of accuracy for detail-oriented tasks.

This saw demonstrated exceptional accuracy out of the box and throughout the testing process. Out of the box, the blade was perfectly square to the table at 90 degrees, the miter was at a 45-degree angle when set, and the bevel was .4 degrees off 90 and also .4 degrees off a 45 bevel.

After extensive testing, there was a slight drift of the left 45-degree bevel, which shifted by .5 degrees. The larger drift on this plane warrants checking the calibration more than some of the premium saws within this review. Overall, with semi-regular calibration checks, this saw can cut precisely and accurately.

Should You Buy the SKIL 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound MS6305-00?

If you are searching for a powerful saw with expansive cut capacity, ideal for many home projects, the SKIL 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound MS6305-00 should be on your list. The practical features and performance in cut capacity and power make it a smart selection for budget-conscious DIYers and professionals.

What Other Miter Saws Should You Consider?

If you have a small shop with limited space and require excellent dust collection, consider the Makita 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound LS1019L. It offers incredible dust collection, leaving only 0.51 ounces of sawdust. On the other hand, if you're looking to save space while still having a fully functional saw, the Bosch 12-inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide GCM12SD is a great option. Its Axial Glide Arm allows it to be positioned closer to a wall, making it an ideal choice for those with limited storage space.