While other miter saws are playing at being tough, the Ridgid MS1290LZA 12-inch sliding compound miter saw takes a different approach. In fact, it takes the competition to task - with just the right blend of features and finesse. Case in point: show me another miter saw whose miter angle can be changed using just your pinky finger? Can't find any? Welcome to Ridgid. When we first laid eyes on the MS1290LZA we didn't think much of it… but when we started playing with it we quickly realized our mistake.

Starting at the top, the Ridgid's sliding compound miter saw is heavy. It's heavy enough that you won't be lugging it around from place to place unless you're a glutton for punishment or perhaps related to a certain governor of California. Perhaps this weight (and the immense size of the table) is what makes the unit so stable. Perhaps this stability is what allows the blade to slide from miter to miter like it was flying over soap-covered glass. The miter extends from 65 degrees to 65 degrees - far more than the range of most saws. The palm of your hand easily activates the switch interlock button - and even lefties will be able to do so and depress the trigger switch without any difficulties. The blade guard is clear, meaning that you have a clear line-of-sight to your cutting edge regardless of where you are. This is something we'd like to see universally on all miter saws.

The MS1290LZA has user-replaceable motor brushes which can be easily accessed from each side of the motor case. Adjusting the bevel angle was 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 those perfect crown molding bevel positions. Locking the blade arm down can be done with the depth adjustment clamp, which has a hole to lock the head and various positions to limit your cutting depth. Moving the clamp is as easy as pulling it out, rotating it and allowing it to snap back in place.

There is a clamp included with the saw that allows you to hold down pieces of wood you are cutting. It has a quick release so you can easily lock it into place and then screw it down for a tight grip. Ridgid also included a nifty "Repeat-a-Cut" writing surface on the left side of the table that is perfect for marking pencil lines for multiple cuts. This saves tons of time for those multiple cuts which would typically require repeat measurements, and the marks erase easily enough after you're through. Innovative? Yep. The saw has two cord wrap brackets on its right side - something that is extremely convenient and sensible, two parameters we greatly value in tools. Another convenient feature is the combination wrench, a hybrid Allen wrench/Phillips head screwdriver that is stored on the right rear leg of the saw.

Conclusion

For someone looking for a professional miter saw, this is one of the better models we've seen at this price. It actually embarrasses (or should) some of the competition and puts forth some innovative and exciting features that we're sure will become standard fare from competing brands over time. For now, you can reap the benefits of Ridgid's MS1290LZA while everyone else catches up.

About Ridgid Tools
Since 1923, RIDGID has remained the symbol of certainty to dedicated professionals of the expert trades. We at the Ridge Tool Company take this heritage seriously. This is why every tool that bears the RIDGID brand is engineered to the same high standards of quality, strength, and endurance as was that first heavy-duty pipe wrench more than 80 years ago.