How does the mini Worx miter saw perform in hands-on testing? We tried out the Worx Nitro 7 1/4-inch sliding compound miter saw in a variety of home improvement uses, and here’s what I discovered.
Top-Line Notes
– Light
– Accurate
– Small project specialist
– Good for occasional users
– Maneuverable
– Easy to store
– Practical cut capacity
Hands-On Review: Worx 7 ¼-inch Cordless Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Real Deal, Hands-On Review of the Worx Miter Saw
Just a reminder, we actually test these tools.
We get them at our shop, we take them out of the box.
We use them so we know what they’re used for
and who might benefit from using them. Or not.
OK, back to the show.
First, a general note about Worx. For a DIY-centered brand, Worx manages to put out some amazingly productive and clever tools. Most pros would wince at the thought, but I have gotten oodles of mileage out of their Nitro chainsaw (want proof? Watch the Worx chainsaw video here) and the smartly designed Pegasus work table.
Just today, I used the Worx Storage Step Stool–as a pre-step to my step bumper–saved me all kinds of time getting into and out of my truck
So when Worx drops something new, I’m always open to what it might do for me on my–or other people’s–job and project sites. Such was the case with the Worx 7 ¼-inch 40-volt, cordless sliding compound miter saw.
To back out the focus for a sec, the micro miter saw sub-category of miter saws is a thing with many pros. I’ve been at tool events where the new XYZ from Japan is unboxed and people are losing their __it. I personally don’t see it, but that was baked into why I wanted to review this tool.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, how did the saw work(x)?
Well, unlike other tools from Worx where the utility across a broad swaths of users slapped me in the face, I had to think about this one because, in the end, this is a niche tool. A good niche tool, but niche nonetheless. Let’s unpack that.
Test Materials and Results
I cut 2-by wood, 1-by wood, furring strips, pressure treated decking, composite decking, composite 1-by material, and ½-inch plywood. I thought about molding applications like crown, chair rail, base and shoe molding as well as other uber-popular DIY projects like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring.
You can cut 2x4s with this tool and wood deck boards, but not many and not quickly and not without your ears ringing because the blade really feels these tough materials. Also, this saw wasn’t designed for that, so that’s fine. We have to try things.
What it does cut nicely are composite materials. It sailed through some 1-inch stock (all saws do) but what I noticed here is how accurate the unit is out of the box. I mean, TIGHT.
I didn’t have any LVP around, but I did have some scraps of PT plywood–quadruple the density of LVP. The saw labored a little, but in LVP it’ll sail through and leave clean edges. And, because it is flooring, you can drag this little saw around with you.
Same with shoe molding. This thing is ideal for lots of little cuts.
Worx Miter Saw Details
The Worx miter saw adjustments–it bevels left only, totally fine for a DIY tool–are pro-grade solid. Detents are snug. Swivel is smooth. The thing is well made.
It has an interesting, removable material holder. For occasional users, I’m of the mind this thing works great. Like I said about Worx tools, they’re practical and innovative, especially for DIY. This simple, easy to use, out of the way clamp enables you to secure a piece with a lever so far out of the way, it’s great. Awesome for first time, or occasional users.
The outboard wings are cool. I’d never use them, but for small pieces, they’re great. And if they’re out of parallel with the saw deck, there are easy to adjust set screws. Really cool.
Uses and Users of the Worx Miter Saw
Home Use. I’m hardly on the marketing team at Worx, however, my experience with this saw is that it is useful for small weekend projects. The trigger is nice. The blade light is a great feature. It’s a small, safe miter saw for stuff other saws can’t do.
Pro Use. I’ve been on jobs where the homeowner has hired flooring contractors like LLFlooring. LLF has an army of sub contractors. These are runner gunners that move fast and light. The crew on my job used my table saw because it was better than the knives they brought and they had a hand miter box to set the shoe molding. It was light, but labor intensive, on the floor and slow.
Put a $300 (minus batteries) Worx 7 ¼-inch miter saw in their hands, and I bet they can slide that thing around the jobsite, cut fast, store it on the truck toot sweet, and use it for notches and other things their baseline tools aren’t awesome for.
Bottom Line
So what’s the bottom line for this Worx miter saw?
– DIY for sure
– Pro crossover for niche users
– Well made
– Dependable battery platform
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