Is this Makita 10" compound sliding miter saw a deal?

[gp-clipper]

Hi all,

I've been considering a Makita 10" sliding compound miter saw for some time, but couldn't justify the cost at the time. Well, I have an opportunity to purchase 5 year old rarely used Makita with a Freud 80 tooth blade for $230. I was wondering what people thought of this deal.

I know that Amazon occassionally has the Makita on sale for around $375. I think the new one comes with a laser. The one I am looking at does not have a laser on it.

Any thoughts???
Thanks,
Gary

[pacwind3]

I don't know if this helps but...

I bought a 10" sliding miter from Lowe's about 2-1/2 months ago, it was the in-house Kobalt brand. I like it ALOT! It was $199 and has a laser. I had a 60 tooth Frued off my old saw and am using it. I had to get things square out of the box, but I consider this normal. Very good saw for $200.

[Wandere]

Here's a 12" for $150 : http://madison.craigslist.org/tls/533035447.html

This guy near Milwaukee will trade a dual compound slider for an ipod...was asking $300, can probably get for less. http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/531322560.html

$230 doesn't seem like a bad deal though, not sure if any warranty is left, something to consider.

My $0.02

-Rob

[SARGE..g-47]

The blade is around $70 alone, Gary. 5 years old doesn't matter with the stipulation you made of "barely used". Even if it were heavily used that is not a bad deal as long as the fence is square and it's running with all parts working.

And it should be if it's a Makita. I know lots of local southern trim carpenters and the two brands that stand out with them are Hitachi which I have in the sliding 12" and the Makita. Both are top rate machines and will last a long time as evidenced by how long I have seen some of those pros abuse them (dropped.. banged around on job-site.. etc.) and they just keep on keeping on.

Good luck...

[sweensdv]

If all is as you say, I'd jump all over that Makita for $230. Just make sure that it's a Model LS1013 and not an earlier model.

[RayintheUK]

Get it at once! It'll be the last SCMS you'll ever buy. I've had mine ages now and recently checked it with my Wixey digital angle gauge. The saw was still perfect after the initial set-up check at least six years ago.

The lack of a laser is no problem - because the saw slides, you can run the blade along the cut line before you pull the trigger. Having a saw that bevel cuts both sides is a bonus too, as well as fairly good dust extraction (for a SCMS anyway). Can you tell that I like it yet?

Ray.

[gp-clipper]

Thanks everyone

An update....the person I was going to buy the saw from received another offer for $275. He's going to allow me to match that price. I've haven't yet. I'll let everyone know.

Thanks the for the input.
Gary