Sliding compound miter saw vs. compound miter saw

[asphalt-proof]

I new here and at woodworking but I have some skills with home repair and remods(their little but hopefully they will grow up someday). Anyway, I am in the market for a CMS or SCMS. I have read that if you can afford it to go with the SCMS but why? I guess my question is, what will the scms do that that the cms won't. Realizing that each user has different needs and hence, needs different tools. I will mostly be cutting 2x4s, 4x4's, baaseboard, and molding. My project include remodeling a screened porch, putting up a deck, remodeling the basement and the attic, and of course, trying to keep my marriage and religion intact while performing all of the above. Any help would be greatly appreciated in this area.
BTW. I found this website while researching tablesaws. I need/want one and the BT3100 fits the bill to a tee (the tee being inexpensive and very useful/reliable). I haven't bought one yet but by July one will be sitting in my shop.

[sacherjj]

Here is a thread where some of this was discussed. I decided that the 12" CMS was the way to go over the sliding. That was partially financial, and partially accuracy. The Bosch and Makita sliding saws that I tried were pretty good, but it was easier to influence the cut with side pressure with the sliding miters.

[LCHIEN]

for what you describe a 10" CMS will fit the bill most economically.

Slider improves the crosscut capacity at a cost of less stablity - mechanically the arm can move more resulting is a less precise cut.

A 12" CMS also provides a wider crosscut and a deeper cut depth for more money

What you said you cut fits the 10"CMS -
up to 6" wide for 90 degree cuts
4" wide like 1x4 and 2x4 OK for 45 degree cuts as well.
to 3-3/4" high
1x4 and 2x4 and molding all day long.

[Ken Weaver]

Welcome aboard! If you're thinking of the BT3100 as your table saw, better leap as soon as you find one, in come areas they are getting hard to find.

[asphalt-proof]

Here is a thread where some of this was discussed. I decided that the 12" CMS was the way to go over the sliding. That was partially financial, and partially accuracy. The Bosch and Makita sliding saws that I tried were pretty good, but it was easier to influence the cut with side pressure with the sliding miters.

Thanks for the link. I did try to search the forums but did run across this thread.

Welcome aboard! If you're thinking of the BT3100 as your table saw, better leap as soon as you find one, in come areas they are getting hard to find.

Yeah I hear that, the HD near my house has 1 in a box and then the display model. I don't think I would buy the display model as it looks like it was put together by a couple of blind monkeys with no opposable thumbs.

[LinuxRandal]

I new here and at woodworking but I have some skills with home repair and remods(their little but hopefully they will grow up someday). Anyway, I am in the market for a CMS or SCMS. I have read that if you can afford it to go with the SCMS but why? I guess my question is, what will the scms do that that the cms won't. Realizing that each user has different needs and hence, needs different tools. I will mostly be cutting 2x4s, 4x4's, baaseboard, and molding. My project include remodeling a screened porch, putting up a deck, remodeling the basement and the attic, and of course, trying to keep my marriage and religion intact while performing all of the above. Any help would be greatly appreciated in this area.
BTW. I found this website while researching tablesaws. I need/want one and the BT3100 fits the bill to a tee (the tee being inexpensive and very useful/reliable). I haven't bought one yet but by July one will be sitting in my shop.

Do you have to frame the deck, or just replace the top? If framing, what size are you using for the structure? (2x10's 2x12's), That is where the scms, makes the difference, especially if you have angles, as it is easier, then a circular saw!
All the others sound like the standard cms would be fine.

[dwolsten]

I don't think I would buy the display model as it looks like it was put together by a couple of blind monkeys with no opposable thumbs.

Yep, if it weren't for me discovering this website and forum, and all the recommendations for this saw, I never would have bought the BT3100 because the display models at HD are so horribly set up. Don't let the HD monkeys turn you off of the BT3100.

[asphalt-proof]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I was doing some researching last night and ran across this review of the GMC SCMS. I checked this morning at my local Lowes and they have a couple for $179. The reveiw looks positive but does anyone have any experience with this particular saw? Comes with a 30 day return and a 2 year warranty.

Review of GMC LS250

[NJFrank]

If you have a Costco nearby , they had a delta 12" CMS for 170.00 , might be an option

[should_have]

I purchased the 8 1/4" (workforce) early this year @ HD. I love it. I mounted it on the $99 Ryobi Miter Saw Stand. Wished the 10" was available back, many for saw blade replacements. Short comings, cutting base molding vertically. I also read the review and found the review to be quite accurate

[bmyers]

I was in the same boat, looked at the same equipment. I tried a $99 HF SCMS and I didn't like it, too much flex. Looked at the GMC as well but went looking for a used one instead. I was able to find an 8 1/4 SCMS by Hitachi that is really nice. If you can find one of those for 150-200, I'd recommend it. There is a 10 inch version also. I bought mine on ebay from a pawn shop that was local to me so no shipping, just sales tax. Point being 150-200 bux can get you a real nice used saw if you chance upon it.

Whatever you buy, chances are it will come with a lesser quality blade. A nice Frued blade or some suitable cross-cut blade with lots of teeth is an instant upgraded for any (S)CMS with a stock blade.

Bill

[drumpriest]

My 2 cents worth. I have a Makita SCMS. I don't feel that there is any significant flex in the action. I also feel that if you really wanted, you can lock the slide mechanism, effectively making it a CMS with an offset hinge.

To say "SCMS saws have too much flex" having compared a GMS or a HF is not really fair. The Bosch and Makita saws that I've used are VERY good. So I would say that in my opinion, if you are looking to spend < 300$, definately consider a good CMS. A good slider will run you 350+$ most of the time.

As to the initial project list and the question of what a SCMS will do that a CMS won't ....

Consider that your project list will only be complete when you arn't around anymore to do projects. The limitations of what you are currently envisioning may not be the limitations required for the next project. With some experience, I say error on the high end side.

The SCMS saws will cut through larger material, typically 12" wide stock. The other feature they allow is trenching. A poor man's dado technique. You have to space your piece away from the fence, typically, so my Makita that cuts a 12" board can only trench or "rough dado" about a 10" piece.

[ewingda]

I have a 12" Tradesman CMS. I have been VERY happy with it. Since I am not a hard core woodworker it is exactly what I need. It has an aluminum base with a great smooth finish, extensions wings (simple tube style), steel stand, hold down clamp and a LASER!

"You know, I have one simple request. And that is to have sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads! Now evidently my cycloptic colleague informs me that that cannot be done. Ah, would you remind me what I pay you people for, honestly? Throw me a bone here!" - Dr. Evil

The blade leaves a great finish and I have been completely happy. The price was a whopping $190 at Lowes. (you pay $130 for a 10" Ryobi) I looked at many models from many different sources as well as product reviews and this was a great value for the money. The combo of the BT3100 and the 12" CMT gets me plenty of capability. I have yet to need a SMS and if I did I can use the BT3 with the SMF (with a jig if necessary).

Dave

[asphalt-proof]

"You know, I have one simple request. And that is to have sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads! Now evidently my cycloptic colleague informs me that that cannot be done. Ah, would you remind me what I pay you people for, honestly? Throw me a bone here!" - Dr. Evil

Yeah I think that having frickin' laser beams on my CMS is a real plus. Grooovey Baby!