While other saws are playing at being tough, theย 12-inch sliding Ridgid MS1290LZA miter saw takes aย different approach. In fact, it takes the competition to task with just the rightย blend of features and finesse. Case in point: show me another miter saw whoseย miter angle can be changed using just your pinky finger? Canโt find any?ย Welcome to Ridgid.
When we first laid eyes on the MS1290LZA, we didnโt think much of itโฆbut when we started playing with it, we quickly realized our mistake. To see how the similar but more modern Ridgid R4120 miter saw did against a lot of the competition, check out our Best 12-inch miter saw reviews article.
Ridgid MS1290LZA Miter Saw Build Quality
Starting at the top, the Ridgidโs sliding compound miter sawย is heavy. Itโs not as heavy as the Milwaukee 6955-20 12-inch miter saw. It does weigh enough that you wonโt want to lug it from site toย site unless youโre a glutton for punishmentโฆor perhaps related to a certain former governor of California.
This weight (and the immense size of the table) makes the saw incredibly stable. The bladeย slides from miter to miter like it was flying over soap-covered glass. The miterย extends from 65 degrees to 65 degreesโfar beyond the range of most saws.ย Using the palm of your hand, you can easily activate the switch interlock button. Evenย lefties can do that and depress the trigger switch without anyย difficulties.
Unlike the popular Dewalt DWS780 miter saw, the transparent blade guard gives you a clearย line-of-sight to your cutting edge from any angle. Weโd like to see this universally applied to all miter saws.
Maintenance and Setting Cutting Depth
The MS1290LZA has user-replaceable motor brushes that are easily accessible from each side of the motor. Adjusting the bevel angle is nearly as easy as the miter. A simple flick of the miter lock lever fixes the saw at the desired angle, and a bevel index pin makes it easy to find thoseย perfect crown molding bevel positions.
The depth adjustment clamp locks down the blade arm. It has a hole to lock the head and set various cutting depth limits. We found it easy to move the clamp. Just pull it out, rotate it,ย and let it snap back in place.
Ridgid MS1290LZA Convenience Features
Ridgid included a clamp with the saw. It has a quick release so you canย easily lock it into place and then screw it down for a tight grip. Ridgid alsoย included a nifty โRepeat-a-Cutโ writing surface on the left side ofย the table. On it, you can mark in pencil for noting multiple cut measurements. Thisย saved us tons of time for repetitive cuts. The marks also erase easily enough after youโre through. Innovative?ย Yep.
The Ridgid MS1290LZA miter saw has two cord wrap brackets on its right side. We found thatย extremely convenient and sensible.ย The included hybrid Allenย wrench/Phillips head screwdriver stores on the right rear leg of theย saw.
Ridgid MS1290 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw Specs
- Speed (no-load): 4,000 RPM)
- Max bevel: 47ยฐ left/right
- Max miter: 60ยฐ left/right
- 45ยฐ crosscut: 9.5 in.
- 90ยฐ crosscut (left/right): 13.5 in.
- Arbor: 1 in.
- Miter detent release and bypass thumb wheel
- Expandable table
- Exactline laser alignment system
- Repeat-A-Cut marking surface
- 2-1/2 in. dust port with collection bag
- Weight: 68.46 lbs.
- 3-year warranty and lifetime service agreement
- Includes miter saw, Exactline adjustable laser guide, carbide-tipped blade, dust bag, dust guide, work clamp, blade wrench, and hex keys
- Price: $499
Conclusion
For someone looking for a professional miter saw, this isย one of the better models weโve seen at this price. It actually embarrasses (orย should) some of the competition and puts forth some innovative and excitingย features that weโre sure will become standard fare from competing brands overย time. For now, you can reap the benefits of the Ridgid MS1290LZA miter saw while everyone else catches up.
