HF sliding miter saw---nope

[eddy merckx]

So--I decided that I needed a 10" SMS because I was trying to cut long boards on my BT3100 and getting frustrated. I read some reviews of the HF SMS which generally said that it was a little rough but cut OK after replacing the blade. How bad could it be? I drove half an hour to the HF store and bought one. They are perpetually on sale for $99. After I got it home, I tuned it up, put in a spare decent blade and cut some fir for a project. It actually worked OK as a chop saw. The bearings in the slider are incredibly rough. They feel and sound like gravel. When trying to cut using the sliding feature, the whole saw head vibrates and leaves a nasty jagged kerf. I think this would be OK for framing carpentry, but not for anything precise. Someone mentioned the same thing recently.

I will return this saw this week. Just wanted anyone who is thinking about one of these to hear some real world feedback. Save up for a decent one.

[sweensdv]

I agree with your assessment but have a question. Did the blade you mounted on it have a negative hook angle configuration? If not, that could explain the poor quality of cut when using the saw as a slider.

[eddy merckx]

Hi Dave
I used the Ryobi combo blade that came with my BT3100. The seemingly identical blade by Freund is advertised as a tablesaw or a miter saw blade. Is there something that might work better?
Thanks!
Eddy

[sweensdv]

This one is made especially for SCMS's.

[Ken Massingale]

It is a HF Eddy, but mine has done well for 3 years. The slider is smooth and it cuts a nice edge. Perhaps exchange it and try one more time?

[eddy merckx]

Thanks for the advice guys. Not sure if I'll try an exchange. Its pretty far out of my way and they only have a 30 day refund. Does anybody have advice regarding a 10" SMS vs a 12" non slider. Is there really a lot of difference in cutting capacity?

[Andrew Benedetto]

"Is there really a lot of difference in cutting capacity?"

No, not in store bought sizes. I have a Makita LS1013L, which is 10" and can cut a 4x12.(3.5x11.5"),a world away from the HF saw. The HF saw is very crude and not for accurate work, I tried 3 of the "better older models" and all were problems, I gave up. I would not want a 12" b/c of blade cost,flex accuracy. I have a DW706 CMS for crown mld.