Sliding compound miter saws?

[NVR FNSH]

Anybody got a recommendation for a saw? I'm not a contractor, just a homeowner that like's to do my own work if possible. I figure that over the next 10-15 years I'll have enough 'small' projects that I can justify buying something pretty decent.



I'd like something that can do framing type stuff, hardwood floors AND crown moulding if at all possible. I've been told that 12" versions won't do the crown moulding due to too much flex.



Thanks,

Brian

 

[TPCDrafting]

I see many trim guys using DeWalts. I've used a few and they seemed pretty nice. I have a crapsman (it was a gift) it worked pretty good till the wife knocked it off the workbench. . I can't tell her enough times to stay out of the garage.

 

[Whitmore]

I have 2 chop saws, one is a 10 inch craftsman and the other is a 12 inch Dewalt, I love the Dewalt and highly reccomend it, you can cut a 2x6 on a 45 degree angle, that cant be done with a 10 inch.

I would stay away from the slider miter if possible, but thats me... ... ... ... ... ... ... . Kevin

 

[MDW]

Here's the one I have.

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=4741



As far as staying away from sliding??? As long as you buy quality its not a problem.

 

[dresslered]

Currently, I only have a Makita Chop Saw which has been great for framing but it has its limitations.



Fine Homebuilding recently did a survey on sliding compound miter saws. Their first pick went to the Dewalt DW708 (this is the one that I am going to get as it can do the largest cuts). The two runner's up (tied for second place) were the Makita and the Bosch.

 

[jdh63]

I have a Dewalt 12" dual compound slider and I've be very pleased with the quality and performance of the saw. I would highly recommend the Dewalt and wouldn't hesitate to buy another. You should be able to cut molding up to 6".

 

[hammersley]

Two things to consider -

The handle on the Dewalt is different - than the others. Try and see if you like it. I have 3 " compounds, incluidng a Dewalt 12" compound, and a

Hitachi 15" - at http://www.internationaltool.com/hitachimitersaws.htm.



If you need one saw - the sliding DeWalt is hard to beat.





Check out this test:

http://www.canadianhomeworkshop.com/mitre_saw.html

 

[QRTRHRS]

I have a Bosch. Crown molding can be a problem as it is only 10". Thing with the Bosch though, it is accurate enough to do finsh work and tough enough to do framing lumber. Stays that way too!

 

[Rob Thomas]

I have a Makita compound slide, and I am a contractor, and custom cabinet builder. It cuts 5 1/4" crown regularly, very accurate and durable. It's 4 years old, used profesionally, and has never been back for repairs. It's light wieght (43#'s) if needed for transport. It's fully micro adjustable, and has all the common deg. positve stops. I am purchasing another Makita slide saw, as I have a moblie shop, and a building shop. IMO it is the best one on the market.



Later, Rob

 

[NVR FNSH]

Rob,

which model Makita is it?



Brian

 

[ETOBICOKE]

Makita LS1013

Dewalt is not bad, except for the handle is turned 90 deg and is in the wrong position and the swivel index sucks. After plenty of research and trying out quite a few different makes and models, I ended up with the Makita LS 1013, came with a top quality carbide blade and a dust bag. The other nice feature is that the motor is canted upward for more clearance when cutting compound angles. The swivel detent system on the Makita is one of the best I have seen, very precise and repeatable.



Neil

 

[Mitch Rockwell]

I have the DW 708, and am pleased with it. I make my living doing interior trim, but I have also used the saw for cutting framing lumber. One thing to think about after the saw purchase is the type of blade used in the saw. I currently have a freud thin-kerf blade but will be replacing that sometime soon. The thin kerf blades flex a little too much when cutting through oak trim. (at least this is my observation) If you have an opportunity, try a few saws out and see which one fits best. Just my 2 cents.



Mitch

 

[DarrellB]

If you want a good one

Buy a Hitachi, they now have 3 sliders an 8", a 10" and a 12". The Hitachi has some great power and really well built. I bought thier 10" for $500 from ToolCrib about a year ago. You can cut anything you want with one of these saws. Crown, 2x4s, even a 6"x4" treated post.



When I was looking at sliders the Hitachi was the only saw that didn't have a slight twitch in the the blade. I know that's kind of picky but when I'm cutting 12" crown I don't want any bad cuts (that stuffs not cheap). My saw has some kind of torque sensor or something on it that will supply more power to the motor when it starts to bog down. I can cut 6"x4"s and it wont bog and cuts them in one pass. Then after your done cutting those you can cut some scribe molding to go around your kitchen cabinets.



Try here they have the 10" on sale this month.



www.toolcribnorth.com Order soon though they usually sell out quik.



They also have many others to choose from.



Darrell

 

[Rob Thomas]

Brian,



What Neil said LS 1013, Darrell I had a Hitachi, it was voted best somethin' or another, but didn't like it at all, sold it, and bought the Makita, and have been happy as a clam ever since.





Later, Rob

 

[DarrellB]

Rob, what modle of Hitachi did you have? The cabinet shop I used to work at had the 8" modle and that thing was great I worked there for 4 years and it never missed a beat. The only bad thing was trying to get the owner to keep sharp blades on it. I've used several Makita chop and slider saws and didn't like them much at all but then a lot of guys swear buy Makita. I really don't think they are as good as most people think. My favorite power tools are Porter Cable and Milwaukee but I have an 18volt Dewalt drill I wouldn't trade for anything. IMO



Darrell

 

[Evan A. Beck]

The DeWalt and Bosch saws are great, but I'll take a Milwaukee any day.



Hitachi is good too, and fairly inexpensive.

 

[Johnny5]

Dewalt here

I like mine, but I did check all the brands out first and that is my suggestion. The handle location is an issue but I prefer the Dewalt position. Try to check them out in person not just adds, pics don't always do justice. I though the Craftsman looked good in the catalog until I went to see it, cheap, and I insist on all Craftsman tool at least hand tools. Electric stuff I go with Skil and Milwaukee except my miter saw. JMHO



Johnny5

 

[Rob Thomas]

Darrell, I had the 10" Hitachi saw. BTW this is the only Makita I own, I use PC, Milwaukee, Delta Platnium, Powermatic, and a few others, but zero Dewalt, every time I think about buyin' a Dewalt, I find somethin' better, they're not a high-end tool by any means. IMO



Later, Rob

 

[DarrellB]

I agree with that

Dewalt is by no meens the tool it used to be. I think they've gotten to were they are really making some cheap crap here lately. I used to like Skill but haven't been a fan of thier stuff for a few years now either. I had a new 24volt Dewalt drill for a while but roasted the barings in it in a month took it back and got a new Milwaukee no comparison between the two. but my little 18volt Dewalt just keeps going. Oo.



Sorry about the Hitachi must have been a bad one or something.



One more thing guys don't drop your mitersaws on concrete. They don't like it.



Darrell

 

[Rob Thomas]

Re: I agree with that

Originally posted by DarrellB

:



One more thing guys don't drop your mitersaws on concrete. They don't like it.



Darrell

Funny, my cell-phone doesn't like it either.



Later, Rob