Which Miter saw to buy? Need help.

[leehljp]

I have the 12 in Makita also. I have used the 12 in Dewalts and wanted that. When I went to buy it, every store that I checked was out so I bought the Makita. NICE saw. For me, if I had to buy a 12" again, it would be a toss up between the DW and Makita.

[footprintsinconc]

should have added dewalt and ridgid on the list to get a more accurate poll. my 2 cents.

[JimD]

Wood just did a comparison piece, you might want to look for a copy. They recommended a 12 inch non-sliding CMS. It will cross cut about 8 inches which is often enough. They are significantly cheaper than a slider of equivalent quality. The "top tools" were the Bosch 3912 and the DeWalt DW715. The "top value" is the Ryobi TS1552DZL. The top tools are both over $300, the Ryobi is $200.

I have an inexpensive 10 inch that has served me well except for for large crown moulding. I used little crown in the basement because of the saws limitations. The Ryobi is on my "wish-list" along with a lot of other stuff. I also have a RAS I can use for wider cross cuts but it is not as easily accurate as a CMS.

Jim

[CManinLa]

My first post. New to woodworking & this forum.

Barry, I am just getting into woodworking & just purchased a new SCMS. After reading a number of posts & Amazon putting the Makita LS1013 on sale for 399.00 I decided on the Makita. I mounted it on the Ridgid AC9944 MS-UV I purchased from Home Depot for 169.00. (Pictures attached)

This week I am looking at table saws. Since I am looking at 'portable' the 3 I've read about the most are Bosch, Ridgid & Craftsman. For Craftsman Club members, the 21829 goes on sale today for $314.99 (regular 449.99). I plan on picking it up Friday.

Let me say thanks to everyone who is kind enough to spend time posting on forums like this. It is a great help for people like myself who have alot to learn about tools & woodworking.

CMan

[mater]

I like the Bosch saw over the Makita but I would buy the Ridgid and wouldn't look back. I have had that saw for over 3 years and it is a great saw.

[gatordogs2]

Well, it came down to the final home stretch and the winner is.......Bosch. I bought the Bosch 4410L along with the Ridgid MSUV. Came pretty close to buying the Makita 1013FL but felt more comfortable using the Bosch.

Can't wait until I get my SCMS...I feel like a kid at Christmas waiting to open the presents.

Thanks for everyones advice.

[cyberodie]

Wood just did a comparison piece, you might want to look for a copy. They recommended a 12 inch non-sliding CMS. It will cross cut about 8 inches which is often enough. They are significantly cheaper than a slider of equivalent quality. The "top tools" were the Bosch 3912 and the DeWalt DW715. The "top value" is the Ryobi TS1552DZL. The top tools are both over $300, the Ryobi is $200.

I have an inexpensive 10 inch that has served me well except for for large crown moulding. I used little crown in the basement because of the saws limitations. The Ryobi is on my "wish-list" along with a lot of other stuff. I also have a RAS I can use for wider cross cuts but it is not as easily accurate as a CMS.

Jim

Whats the general thoughts of the non-slider vs the slider? I am fairly new to woodworking and have a HF 10" SCMS that I have been using for T&G pine on a vaulted ceiling and walls in our cabin. Don't think I want to use it where real accuracy is involved. I just picked up a Dewalt DW715 from HD that was a floor model for $200. I wouldn't mind paying more for the Makita on sale now on Amazon if the need for crosscutting greater then 8" is great. I guess the question is how often do you crosscut wood greater then 8"?

Thanks.

[BrazosJake]

I bought a Makita LS1221 (12" non-slider) a few years ago when Lowes closed them out. Absolutely no regrets, it rocks for crown.

The only justification I can think of for a slider (especially if you have a TS in your shop) is if you anticipate cross-cutting lots of long, wide boards, meaning wider than 8" (for 4/4 stock), and longer than can be crosscut easily on the table saw.

[chopnhack]

Were did you dredge this old thread up from Jake? I don't think OP has been on since last year

[BrazosJake]

That's weird, I swear it was on the first page of the Tool Talk forum.

I've been in bed with a 102+ fever most of the day, so take it with a grain of salt:-)

[pelligrini]

It probably was on the first page. Someone voted in the poll and brought it up. Poll votes will also make old threads come up in the new posts search too.

[JeffG78]

I have the DeWalt 12" double bevel CMS and love it. I have used it for many, many projects and have found it to be very powerful and accurate. I did have to make some tiny adjustments when I got it, but it has held true ever since. I can't think of the model # off hand, but it isn't the newest one. I'm thinking DW716?

[CHECKSIGHT]

Makita LS1013LF

THE ABSOLUTE BEST SAW I HAVE EVER OWNED. IT WAS EXPENSIVE BUT IT WAS WORTH THE PRICE. GOOD LUCK IN YOUR DECISION!

[vaking]

I think you need to chose the CMS based on what tasks you plan to do most often.
I have 12" non-slider. It can crosscut a board up to 8" wide flat on the base and can cut a board up to 6" tall standing against the fence (even though this is not recommended for safety reasons). It can also cut large moldings at all types of compound angles. 10" slider can cut up to 12" board flat on the base but vertically it is limited to about 4". That means 10" SCMS is better for crosscutting wide boards but 12" non-slider is better for moldings. I would also presume non-slider to be more accurate as it has less joints. And it needs less space than slider. 12" slider can provide the most cutting capacity but it costs a lot more than others, takes the most space and I would still presume less accuracy than non-slider. I would refrain from getting into brands comparison.

[jonmulzer]

Even though it is an old thread, I am going to throw in my $.02. Any good name, good quality saw EXCEPT the Makita. It is a direct drive saw, not belt drive and the motors on them are notorious for releasing the magic smoke the very instant you put them in a bind. Every other quality manufacturer has belt drive on their saws and they are smoother and if they ever bind, the worst thing that happens is you replace the belts, not the motor.

Just my input, it is worth exactly what you paid for it. The last time I voiced this concern on another woodworking forum I was lambasted and made into a pariah. If you have it and like it, good for you. It is just my opinion and since I know a ton of contractors that would not touch this saw (again) with a ten foot pole, I won't either.