FLEX 12" Miter Saw - A Complete In Depth Look! How Does It Perform?

The new Flex Miter 12" Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw showed up today and I have to say, ITS A BEAUTY!!! In this video I unbox it for you and cover everything I could think of to show you. No fancy lighting, No fancy camera angles, just raw up close, in depth, detailed footage of the saw. How it looks, performs, and what I like about it or dislike about it. No gimmicks here, I am a bags on carpenter working in the field every day, take it for what it is! Questions? Ask away!
Price - $599.99 Bare Tool or $799.99 Kitted with 10.0 Stacked Battery and 280 Watt Rapid Charger.
Release - 2/1/2024
0:48 Unboxing
8:52 FastShift Bevel Lever
11:50 Mitering
14:37 Spindle Stop Shaft Lock
18:00 Dimensions
20:04 Cutting Material
24:00 Does it cut square?
26:33 Dust Collection
Track: Ehrling - Sthlm Sunset
Instagram: / miillersconstruction
#flextools #flexpowertools #flex #tools #toolreview #toolreviews #mitersaw #flexmitersaw #saw #carpenter #carpentry #contractor #construction #carpentertools #miter #trimcarpentry #trimcarpenter #framing #framer #remodeler #remodeling

[@rauljr9869]

Great unboxing and demoing the new Flex miter saw for us!

[@miillersconstruction]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@CurlyWoof]

Nicely done review. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@miillersconstruction]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for checking out the video.

[@sionsanders3008]

Great review! Can’t wait to add this to my Flex arsenal!

[@miillersconstruction]

Thank you for checking out the video! I think your going to absolutely love this saw!

[@NonaNona-zh4mt]

Can honestly say this is a great miter saw

[@johnahamelv]

I am a hobbyist and a DIYer. I need a miter saw for a few upcoming projects. I spent a good chunk of the last 48h reviewing Lithium battery operated miter saws. I concentrated my research on the more popular brands like Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita, Metabo, and DeWalt. I was pretty much set on the M18 Fuel 2734-21 Milwaukee 10" miter saw as a best compromise, until I saw this video, and a few other reviews of this same FX7141A-1J Flex 12" miter saw by other popular reviewers. I just placed an order on ACME Tools for this miter saw based in good part on your review. Thank you very much!!

[@miillersconstruction]

Hey man thanks for checking out the video and im so glad it helped! You wont regret the Flex man.

[@rickyperkins232]

For 3 years i have put up with a Ridgid 12" & 7 1/4" Milwaukee Sliding miter saw. The Ridgid is very inaccurate because the Slider moves too much. This is a welcoming piece from FLEX at 47 lbs. vs. 60 lbs. I am in. It is good to see a small battery didn't bogged down so i know my 12 & 10 amp hour battery will be justified.

[@miillersconstruction]

Yeah it's really quite impressive Ricky. I'm hoping after I get some serious time with it I will be able to really do a more thorough video review as well. The weight is fantastic I agree!

[@starting-simple6529]

First….thanks again for cranking this out while sick dude

[@miillersconstruction]

Your very welcome. It took some serious effort. I might look ok in the video, but Im not feeling great lol!

[@starting-simple6529]

@@miillersconstructionget well soon! A few questions for you: 1. Based on your experience, who do you think this saw was made for? Ie finish work with casing or more of a carpenter/framing/remodeling tool? 2. Have you cut any 4x4 or 6x6 with batteries, and if so did it feel like it struggled? 3. Thoughts on the sliding action vs your Bosch? Anything else at this price point grabbing your attention corded or otherwise? Thanks so much, take care!

[@CLTheMachine24]

Awesome video!! Pre ordered the table saw based on your other video….add this to the list!! 😂

[@miillersconstruction]

Oh man. I'm sorry that I'm costing you money 🤣🤣🤣 Your going to love the table saw man. They are both absolutely fantastic.

[@CLTheMachine24]

@@miillersconstruction it’s all good lol, I’ve been a flex fan for the past year and they have been nothing short of amazing. Upgrading (selling) all my tools so my wife won’t kill me lol

[@miillersconstruction]

@@CLTheMachine24 that's awesome man!

[@daviddillon483]

Thank you

[@miillersconstruction]

Thanks for checking out the video

[@smithshotracing6013]

great vid

[@miillersconstruction]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@newworldcarpentry]

Love the videos thank you for the review

[@miillersconstruction]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoy it.

[@newworldcarpentry]

@@miillersconstruction definitely looking at both the miter saw and table saw to add to my collection do you know anything about the ac adapter or when the tools will be available

[@miillersconstruction]

@@newworldcarpentry Video coming soon on the AC Adapter, it works very well! The Miter saw is supposed to be released 2-1-24

[@newworldcarpentry]

@miillersconstruction lol I started this channel with the hopes of one day waking up with tools on my door step I'm so happy for you and look forward to seeing the video

[@CLTheMachine24]

lol flex is about to take my income tax this year between this miter and the table saw

[@miillersconstruction]

LOL!!!! I understand! They are both so nice. Did you like the video ok? Did I cover everything?

[@CLTheMachine24]

Definitely you covered everything in great detail! They are making some great tools and it’s an easy purchase for me once they hit the stores

[@miillersconstruction]

@@CLTheMachine24 Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!!!

[@Silverado58]

Flex is about to have me broke!😂

[@IRAKLICHIKHLADZE]

This one I think I really need to buy

[@miillersconstruction]

Tax money dude! This thing is legit

[@2chipped]

I am a huge mitersaw user. My pros and cons for each brand I've used. Dewalt corded.Pro drop-in fences,largest table,shadow line,most robust table. Cons rear bevel control,deepest rails. Festool corded .Pro bevel adjustment. Con worst handle with complicated safety, unless you're 6'3,laser. Makita corded/less. Pro fence throat gives good support close to blade for short parts,slotted cover to see thru to blade. Con aluminum detent plate,sliding fences. Bosch 12in corded . Pro crown stops stored onboard. Con x-glide pushes towards you pulling down,wide throat. At 5'8 the Bosch and Festool handles both give me issues, former pushing towards me...and latter handle is vertical. Cutting 1 1/2inch quarter-round with double miters influences much of the above criticism. I am also not a fan of the new smaller tables of all brands,except Dewalt which is using an older design. Well done Flex for the self holding spindle lock,no moving guard for blade changes,the ability to bevel thru 90 without fumbling for a secondary release,shadowline....and crownstops for us nested cutters😅. Didn't see the stops, but looks similar to Bosch on end of extensions. Another great real world review Aaron!

[@miillersconstruction]

Now that's thorough chip, and all great points on each companies offerings. I knew I would forget to point out several things. In time I will be able to determine what I like and dislike about the saw. I just need to really get some working time with it. Our current job will provide that shortly. We have a ton of trim to cut.

[@miillersconstruction]

Also thanks for checking out the video Chip!

[@aaronoconnor606]

The new makita saws don't have aluminum plate anymore at least not the 40v models

[@Fictitious_Character]

Appreciate the look at it. I'm a little disappointed that they didn't take inspiration from Festool or Makita with the rail design. It being dual power is a big plus though, and I'm looking forward to seeing that. It did kinda look like a 27mm Festool hose would slide into that dust port? I'm looking forward to seeing more on it.

[@miillersconstruction]

Im not sure about the Festool hose. I had a makita with the newer style rails and did not like it at all. I felt like it actually impared my line of sight when beveling and the bevel control was the worst of any saw I have ever used. All that being said, I do like how compact it made the saw. Appreciate you checking out the video man!

[@robertrada4783]

If you want the Flex miter saw with a front rail you’ll have to wait until the summer to get it in red with Hilti written on it.

[@stephen-kl3zy]

My milwaukee 10" miter saw has a very similar bevel lock system. basically the same

[@jhippl]

very nice, i do like the festool hold downs the best. How is its side to side deflection when fully extended on the rails? thats where you can see how tight the tolerances are. I know the kapex has very little but the dewalt has a ton like almost a quarter inch.

[@miillersconstruction]

That's a great question and certainly a detail I missed showing! I actually tested this shortly after the filming was complete and I'm happy to report I noticed no slop in the head. I know exactly what your talking about, when extending the rails fully, some saws I've owned in the past have significant side to side deflection. This one is super tight. Also if your curious, the fences are perfectly square to the table right out of the box.

[@Rando88_]

Is the deck perfectly flat and is the fence square to the deck

[@sionsanders3008]

Any word yet when these will be available for purchase?

[@miguelb7748]

FLEX is the head of the game flex is next

[@miillersconstruction]

Yes!

[@victorfeliciano6094]

NICE VIDEO YOU SAID YOU HAD MANY MITER SAW, LIKE TO KNOW DID YOU EVER HAD THE 40V MAKITA MITER SAW? IF SO HOW DO YOU COMPARE TO THIS SAW.

[@miillersconstruction]

Never touched the 40v saw! Only the 36v.

[@TheVelluch]

When the saw is locked in the down position in a 60 degree, what's the footprint? I'm trying to get an idea of it will fit into my garage cabinets when in the smallest footprint

[@miillersconstruction]

Which dimension specifically would you like? Height x width x length in that position? Overall measurements?

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Do those Festool hold down clamps for the Kapex fit in the Flex miter clamp slot? If not, are there copy cat Festool clamps that do fit?

[@miillersconstruction]

I don't have any of those style hold downs man.

[@oliverbrian999]

Does that blade lock deactivate the gears in case you hit it by mistake while in operation?

[@miillersconstruction]

Yep. I tested it. Wish I had thought to show that in the video.

[@alexst567]

try cutting 1x6 (2x6) upright on 45 degree both ways ( DEWALT cuts it )

[@willholt100]

Thanks for this video, I work in product design and development for a power tool company headquartered in the UK but also with a US business. We don't get the same Flex range of tools in Europe only the traditional red Flex brand so video like this are our primary source for research. (We're also massive tool nerds so always like to see new toys) a couple observations/questions from me. 1. Blade bore is 1"/25.4mm, the company I work for is the same but we are unusual in that regard and ours is for a reason as we use speciality blades at different speeds. My understanding of the US market is 5/8" is industry standard. How do you feel about that? When we design our saws we spec with a dual sided flange so that end users can flip it and use either 1"for our blades or 5/8" for other competitor blade is they prefer. We have always had a lot of negative reviews in forcing people to use non standard blade bore. Interested to get your opinion on that. 2. Mitre plate, I would like to think it is stainless steel? Is that the case? Having researched this and seen a number of poor reviews of Makita saws sometimes these can be aluminium (terrible idea) and I don't want to assume. 3. Cutting capacity at 90 degrees seems not that good for a 12" saw, 92mm? Our NEW cordless 10" will cut that depth even though we have listed it as 90mm. What is your experience of 12" competitors compared? Given you cut crown flat I guess it may not matter as much. My team and I are summising it may likely have been limited to that to ensure that the drive train does not stress too much with the 12" blade on a single battery, also the AC/DC power supply may have influenced that but this is all just our guesses. 4. It's not a belt drive, it's a direct drive through a bevel gear set and then further reduced thorugh a helical set. 5. Weight is interesting one for me. When we designed our 10" we strived to make it as light weight as possible without sacrificing any strength and as such we have the lightest 10" on the market as far as I know. Having spent time using all the competitors in anger on site, particularly the Makitas that weigh more than the sun, being cordless, a mitre saw should in our opinion be easy to move around and even take up on a scaffolding and such. Does weight play an important role for you? Sorry for all the questions, just interested to get some feedback from a pro mitre saw user. Thanks in advance

[@miillersconstruction]

Great questions, and thanks for checking out the video! 1 - Here in the states, its standard for a 12" miter saw to have a 1" arbor, and 10" miter saws have a 5/8" arbor. I can purchase 12" miter saw blades at any of the lumber yards or big box stores here the day I need one and it will work fine. Good observation though! 2 - I am not 100% sure on the detent plate, but Im going to guess its stainless. I have owned two different Makita miter saws in the past, and you are correct, the detent plate is horrible on them. This detent plate looks to be stainless, it does not look like the makita plates. 3 - The cut capacity is actually a full 1/2" larger than my current Bosch 12" miter saw I have been running for the last couple years. The maximum size of lumber we really ever need to cross cut is going to be 12" wide or less, so even the Bosch fully suited our needs. 4 - I had wondered if it was that type of drive design, but just was not sure. Good to hear from someone that knows more about it than me that it is in fact not belt driven. I dont mind belt driven, never had an issue with them, but this will be nice as well. 5 - For me weight really does not play a factor, but you also have to understand, I dont necessarily represent the majority of miter saw users. Im in a rural area. No high rises or elevators, plenty of parking space everywhere. For this reason we keep our tools in a cargo trailer. My miter saws never leave the gravity rise stand. Ever. Because my cargo trailer has a ramp, I never have to actually lift the saw. I just roll the saw onto the jobsite. But its incredibly nice to have the ability to cut without needing on site power. Thats the convenience of cordless for us. This saw does come in at about 15 pounds lighter than my current bosch. But even then, I have never had an issue with heavier saws personally. All great questions and I appreciate you checking out the video. I hope I answered them all? If not be sure to ask more questions. I am happy to answer them if I can!

[@aaronoconnor606]

The new makita miter saws don't use a aluminum plate anymore it's stainless in the XGT 40v line of mitersaws. I have the little 8 1/2 inch saw its quite light and has the cutting capacity of most 10" saws I can carry the saw without battery in one hand if I need to. You are correct about older models haveing the aluminum plate and the wight of the older 10 inch saw was almost the same as a 12 inch saw. I'm looking for a 12 inch saw I currently have a 12 inch bosch in my shop it's just to heavy to move around so it stays in the shop. The one thing I really like about the little makita saw is wireless dust collection system it's really nice to and easy to set up at a job site I wish other companies would come up with a similar solution It's also the main thing I like about the track saw as well and why a bought into the makita 40v platform. Haveing said all this I wouldn't buy the makita 12 inch 40v saw its to heavy for a jobsite saw.

[@willholt100]

@@miillersconstruction Thanks for getting back to me. 1. Ah right good to know, I've only ever worked on Mitre saws 10" and below and 14" metal chop saws. I've learnt something there. 2. Yes it was news to me recently that makita had done that, from the thickness in the video I cannot imagine it is anything other than stainless but thought I'd check. 3. Interesting, thanks 4.No problem, there are really only these 2 methods used for double bevel drive trains, you can tell by where the motor housing is. (Skilsaw use work drive on their mitresaw they are the only other company using another method as far as I know, but it has more cons than pros in my opinion) 5. Good to know, that is the difference I guess, you guys tend to have more space and bigger trucks in the US, in the UK and Europe most tradesmen use vans and end up having to store and carry mitresaws more often in smaller spaces. We have to design our products to cover multiple markets requirements with one design which can be a challenge. Thanks again for the video and your answers, this is the first video of yours I have seen and I will definitely keep an eye for more. All the best

[@willholt100]

@@aaronoconnor606 Yes I know, I have many makita saws in our office, it was actually only through talking to a carpenter recently who had a bad experince that I learnt of it at all, I've never seen one in person. That was a really bad call on their part and it seems it was rectified pretty quickly. I love the 216 XGT, it's one of, if not my favourite mitre saw I've ever used. Such a well designed product, and clear that it was designed from the ground up to be cordless where the 10" and 12" were just adapted from corded units. Great saws but not ideally suited for cordless in my opinion. We have a number of domestic Japanese mitre saws in the office which you can only buy in Japan, these are absolutely stunning machines, they have had mitres similar in design to the XGT for YEARS, makita and hitachi. Super compact and just stunning build quality. We have a 6 1/2 sliding saw with a 14" cross cut, zero clearance blade throat as standard, fantastic dust collection, 17 foot cord, really solid, compact and light weight. To be honest I really don't see the need for a 12" mitre these days, there's not much I can't get done with a 7 1/4 and a 10" Thanks for your comment

[@user-ef5kw2bd7e]

​@@willholt100, hi, what 254mm disk saw can cut 92mm? Besides isn't disk hole standard 30mm all over europe

[@oscarlopez2041]

Any ideas for the miter heavy duty stand????

[@miillersconstruction]

I hope Flex makes one.

[@user-wg6pb1qx8k]

Is it true that Lowe’s is only going to Cary the compact version of flex tools? It’s disappointing if that’s true, and that they have given up on the brand already.

[@miillersconstruction]

I have never once heard that or been told that. Lots of rumors going around with Lowe's and flex. I wouldn't listen to any of it.

[@marvinbenjamin3015]

What i notice is no flex from the motor when it starts up or jerking of the head very well done

[@miillersconstruction]

That's a good point. I hadn't even noticed that until you mentioned it. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@robertrada4783]

Brushless motor. Invariably they incorporate soft start since the motor requires a pcb controller.

[@nicklavioletteiii2183]

How is the side to side play when the saw is at full extension?

[@miillersconstruction]

That's a great question and something I wish I had shown in the video. I can't tell that there is any deflection at all personally.

[@nicklavioletteiii2183]

@@miillersconstruction Excellent, thanks for checking

[@sionsanders3008]

Which dust extractor from Flex do you have? And have you done a review on it yet?

[@miillersconstruction]

I have the 12 gallon extractor. And you know what, I think I should do a review on it. I've owned it and the flex giraffe drywall sander for several years now. Look for that in future videos and thanks for the idea!

[@sionsanders3008]

@@miillersconstruction that would be great if you could! I’m looking to purchase a good reliable dust collector and your input would probably go a long way towards me staying with the Flex brand. I’d be using it in both commercial and residential renovation projects with our Dewalt 20v cordless drywall sander, grinders, miter and table saw.

[@miillersconstruction]

@@sionsanders3008 well I can tell you we have absolutely abused the flex since day one and haven't had a single issue with it yet. I would highly recommend it. It's pricy, but I think it's a home run.

[@MrJamesdefreitas]

Does Flex make a mobile Stand that pairs with it?

[@miillersconstruction]

It's coming I figure

[@kazkomperda2118]

That Flex is Flexy AF!!

[@miillersconstruction]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@aaronoconnor606]

Funny I normally just glue the trigger locks on mitersaws with little epoxy or put tiny little screw in them in the unlocked position

[@paulsmith1235]

HI will it cut sleeps100x200

[@joshmartinka1571]

Any reason why it's not on there website?

[@miillersoffroad]

Not sure about that one. Probably coming soon. It's just so new.

[@robertrada4783]

After seeing the Hilti version of this, the US Flex one is a bit of a letdown. Hilti went with the all front controls (ala the corded Kobalt) better dust collection, speed dial, and front rail. Probably an extra $300 though…and…importantly…not available until summer. I’m grabbing the tablesaw though.

[@miillersconstruction]

Yeah I seen the Hilti. I'm not at all a fan of that rail system. I owned a couple Makitas like that. Don't care for the Bevel system and certainly don't care for the way it hinders your line of sight when beveling. You couldn't give me that saw. Not too mention the price just to get into the Hilti lineup. Hard pass.

[@alexst567]

sorry i was not clear in my comment , please try cutting 1x6 (2x6) upright on 45 degree both ways , and let us know the results , thank you very much

[@miillersconstruction]

It will cut it at 45 standing up no problem.

[@TheRealGOTdurrrred]

​@@miillersconstructionboth ways?

[@miillersconstruction]

@@TheRealGOTdurrrred yes.

[@alexst567]

thank you@@miillersconstruction

[@nickt2552]

Did you mention pricing? If so i missed it.

[@miillersconstruction]

I knew I would miss important details! Im sorry about that one too!!! Ok let me put the pricing in the description as well. But I will also answer that here - $599.99 bare tool, 799.99 Kitted which includes the 10.0 stacked battery and the 280 watt rapid charger. Release date - February 1 2024!!!

[@victorfeliciano6094]

PS THIS FLEX MITER SAW LOOK LIKE A COPY OF DEWALT 60V MITER SAW (SAME SIZE AND WT.) ?

[@miillersconstruction]

It's actually nothing like the DeWalt. At all. Not even close.

[@smithshotracing6013]

what are the dimensions for cutting crown flat?

[@miillersconstruction]

Max cutting capacity at 45° bevel and 45° miter is 10". I hope that answers your question?

[@Kgsoloman-ou6wm]

There’s legit one thing that matters with a brand new saw, and that’s if the fence is manufactured square and the saw is able to be calibrated, and you didn’t check it, lol.

[@exigauner]

I had this saw, for one week. Here in germany its Red, because it was a german Company before the chinese bought it and the original was red. But the quality is not so good. They copy a lot of the festool chopsaw features but not as not as near the quality of the festool kapex chopsaw. For me the flex is to expansive for a chinese made saw and the rails are to tiny and not sturdy enough. Maybe its a bit different in usa.

[@miillersconstruction]

I have seen the red one you are referring to. This is a completely different saw.

[@mikeerin5031]

Doesn’t beat the Makita 12 inch though.

[@miillersconstruction]

Ok

[@aaronoconnor606]

Wish they would of come up with a forward rail design. not a fan of this design eats up to much space in a shop.

[@JHRefinedCustomFurniture]

I don't understand how you could check for square by eyeballing it? Seriously? Why wouldn't you make that cut in the middle of the plywood and flip the right side cutoff and then push it back against the left side to see if there is a gap? The most important questions were not addressed. How much blade deflection is there? From what I have seen, Festool is the only saw with close to zero deflection. Makita may be a close second, and after that most other saws have a lot. This is an important thing to test for people interested in woodworking especially. If this saw has very little to no blade deflection and the price is reasonable it may become the top miter saw for woodworkers who aren't willing to spend the 1600 for festool or 800 for makita.

[@miillersconstruction]

I am sorry that my video did not meet your expectations. As I stated in the video, I was doing the best I could with what I had available. I had to paint a smile on in that video just to get through it, I currently have Covid and dont feel too great. As for deflection, even when extend the saw, I have not noticed any deflection in the head at all. All of that being said, I always get so confused when people get upset that their saw did not come square right out of the box. Its pretty simple to adjust on every miter saw I have owned.

[@Toolproof]

So...uh...does it cut square? 😂

[@rickchichester9327]

Clamp is terrible. It needs to be more like the Festool Kapex. Overall the flex looks great

[@miillersconstruction]

That's an interesting thought. I actually strongly prefer this style clamp.

[@rickchichester9327]

@@miillersconstruction It needs a more aggressive thread or a spring loaded adjuster to go up and down, takes way to long to spin the holder for adjustment

[@miillersconstruction]

@@rickchichester9327 it doesn't bother me.

[@davidcorliss]

It's the 21st century why isn't this a front slider miter saw?

[@lyonsdavid]

Too bad it's not dual powered, battery and/or plug in.

[@miillersconstruction]

It is? I'll be showing that in an upcoming video.

[@sethzimmerman6346]

​@@miillersconstructionit is dual powered. 👍

[@miillersconstruction]

@@sethzimmerman6346 Yes sir. Not sure why he thought it was not?

[@alexst567]

???

[@ProxyFinal]

Man….

[@miillersconstruction]

You like it?

[@ProxyFinal]

@@miillersconstruction any way you can get Flex to send me one. I can pay for it. I can live with the so so dust extraction as I have seen worse. If this is any indication, I would assume they have a prototype for skilsaw’s miter saw that is also battery powered.

[@miillersconstruction]

@@ProxyFinal you can get one very soon. They're telling me it releases February 1, 2024

[@dustinclark8946]

15 year old rails

[@jimfeaster4837]

Your a bigger person get testerone level check you may Have pituitary tumors! If low get MRI....

[@miillersconstruction]

Really odd comment to leave on a miter saw review video 🤷

[@jimfeaster4837]

@@miillersconstruction yes it is a weird comment your a bigger person a lot Of times it assume they eat too much I have told a lot of bigger people I have guessed right They had pituitary tumors the weight cannot escape because of low testerone if you do Have take care of it Before it starts effect eyes ! It starts like a piece of rice or a pea and keeps getting bigger hard for calories to escape! I'm a big wood working fan saw your video not a Dr But I have met a lot of people same problem watch videos on you tube Pituitary institute Stanford hospital Mayo clinic.... Have your Dr take testerone blood test... I hoped I help you So you don't suffer later . I hope you don't have them!

[@miillersconstruction]

@@jimfeaster4837 Man I appreciate you looking out for me. I will definitely talk to my doctor about it. Thanks again.

[@jimfeaster4837]

How tall is the fence?