BT3 or CMS for Crosscuts

[fischermh]

I just read a post over on Sawmill Creek that was critical on using a miter saw or RAS for making accurate crosscuts. I have not noticed a problem using my CMS, but I have not built a project that perfect angles(perfect in a woodworking sense). How do you make your crosscuts?

[lkazista]

If it will fit on my CMS, I always feel safer using that, than I do on the TS. I have NEVER had an issue with my CMS not being "accurate".

Lee

[cwsmith]

I read not to long ago (don't remember which forum) that compound angles on a CMS are difficult because the combination of rotating the saw and also pivoting, doesn't add up correctly. I only recently purchased a CMS and can't confirm that from any experience.

However, I am a long time RAS user, having owned one since the early 70's. There is absolutely NO problem with cutting very accurate compound angles on that saw. In fact, I would dare say that because the material is fixed and you're drawing the blade across it, you should have far less problems than trying to move a length of stock across a blade using either a miter gauge or an SMT. The RAS is almost the perfect tool for crosscutting either straight or compound angles, due to the fact that you DON'T have to move the material and try to keep it perfectly aligned while doing so.

CWS

[Warren]

I've never had a problem with accuracy with either of them. Unfortunately, my CMS is usually stored in my small shop until summer and the vehicles can be left out all the time. All things being equal, it's the person doing the set up that's the most important part of the equation. When the fit of a joint is critical I find myself leaving a little extra length and finishing with a plane and sanding.

[jziegler]

I use whichever saw is easier for the particular cut I'm making. For 1x stock, molding, things like that, it's usually the miter saw. I get a good cut on it, although I've never done a compound miter, only regular miters. I think as long as you check your saw for square from time to time, you can use either one.

-Jim

[leehljp]

For me - Short Stock, usually a table saw; specifically the BT on the SMT.
3 ft and longer, CMS.

[JimD]

My CMS is my most consistently accurate way to make cross cuts. My Ryobi 250 RAS requires good technique but gets used sometimes for crosscuts due to the ability to cut ~12 inch wide stock. The Ryobi will not consistently cut "perfect" right angle cuts. I have to bias the cut a little to the left and if I bias it just right the cut is just right. I rarely use the BT3100 for cross cuts but for me it has been a bit like the RAS. When my technique is just right the cuts are just right. The CMS is harder to mess up.

The issue with CMSs on compound angles is the small scale on the back for the slanted cuts. It is pretty easy to set the cut angle on the front semi-round scale to 1/2 degree but much more difficult to see an equally fine angle on the back.

Jim

[monte]

For long pieces I use my RAS. But for shorter pieces I will use the crosscut sled on my table saw.

[just4funsies]

Crosscut on the RAS, rip and rabbet on the BT, dado on the router table. They're all one unit now, so it's just a step to the left or right.

[jhart]

Anything over a couple of inches wide or 2 feet long I use my old Craftsman RAS (quick, easy and perfect cross cuts). Anything under those, my CMS. Crown moulding on CMS.

I don't use my SMT on the 3100, as I've never been able to get it to the point of being able to make acceptable cross cuts, and god knows I've tried.

For compound cuts, its tough to beat the RAS for accuracy.

[scorrpio]

Another vote for the RAS. If you have to 'bias' a RAS to get an accurate cut, you gotta tune it up. The 0 index should lock the arm at 100% square. If you can't tune the index, it is usually possible to shift the table slightly.

[drumpriest]

0-12", cross cut on my SCMS (makita), very accurate. 12-16", Cross cut on the BT (ryobi), also very accurate when the SMT is tricked out. >16", edge guide and a circular saw with a 40T frued blade. They all work well, with varying degrees of pain in the butt. Using the BT is a pain really only because it requires a blade change for me.