Help Dad pick a Compound Miter saw

[sscherin]

Dad is looking at there two saws..

Which is a better buy?
The Sears 7" slider
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ame=Miter+Saws

or this 10" from Lowe's
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...CE2&lpage=none

[Tom Slick]

The hitachi is going to be more accurate with no sliding mechanism, capacity will be about the same but the 10" will cut thicker (taller) material. The hitachi also bevels beyond 45* which is handier than you'd think.

[LCHIEN]

in my opinion the depth of cut for a 7.25" saw will be too small for all but trim work.
I'd get the Hitachi if i could only choose from these two.

[tjr]

I recently bought the Hitachi C10FCH2 (same as what you're considering + laser) for $113 all in with free sander rebate at Lowes. Things I like: Plenty of power, light weight, seems like a solid tool that'll stay square, 5 year warranty included. Drawbacks: included 24T blade is a bit rough for trim work so may need to consider something finer, U-shaped extensions not included but can buy separately. If buying, do yourself a $10 favor by going to the post office and grabbing the Lowes coupon out of a change of address package. Might also see if another Hitachi rebate offer is coming up if you're not in a hurry to buy.

As to the Sears choice, reviews seem very positive for a recent Sears power tool. I would be a bit concerned about the depth of cut if building decks or something; several of the reviewers seem to be using them mostly for laminate flooring. The other thing I'd consider is if you're planning to lug the saw around a lot as opposed to keeping it on a bench, will the sliding mechanism be more delicate and require adjustment?

[stormdog74]

I would go with the Hitachi. The depth of cut will allow more use of the saw.

I have a Hitachi - not this one, but a slider - and am very happy with it.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Depends on what Dad wants to cut. The Hitachi has a ~5.5in crosscut limit, while the C-man (slider) will go 8in. I note they're comparably priced, but if I were cutting stock up to 8in wide and up to 2.5in thick, the C-man would get the job done.

Having said that - if Dad has any friends willing to kick in $100, this C-man 12in slider is $100 off at the moment ($229) - up to 12in of crosscut, and probably 5in thickness...

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ame=Miter+Saws

[cabinetman]

Between the two I would go for the Hitachi. The Craftsman might be a bit underpowered (9 AMPS), but that's only part of the criteria. If the choice was for a slider, a 10" minimum, a 12" would be better.
.

[softop41]

sscherin
I have experience with the 10" Hitachi slide miter and has been great. Lots of power, very durable, holds its accuracy. Hitachi the way I would go if I was in the market. Well, actually Bosch is the way I would like to go but the $$$$$ are just too high!
Jerry

[cgallery]

What is the depth of cut on the Craftsman? I've looked but can't find it.

[herb fellows]

I recently bought the Hitachi C10FCH2 (same as what you're considering + laser) for $113 all in with free sander rebate at Lowes. Things I like: Plenty of power, light weight, seems like a solid tool that'll stay square, 5 year warranty included. Drawbacks: included 24T blade is a bit rough for trim work so may need to consider something finer, U-shaped extensions not included but can buy separately. If buying, do yourself a $10 favor by going to the post office and grabbing the Lowes coupon out of a change of address package. Might also see if another Hitachi rebate offer is coming up if you're not in a hurry to buy.

As to the Sears choice, reviews seem very positive for a recent Sears power tool. I would be a bit concerned about the depth of cut if building decks or something; several of the reviewers seem to be using them mostly for laminate flooring. The other thing I'd consider is if you're planning to lug the saw around a lot as opposed to keeping it on a bench, will the sliding mechanism be more delicate and require adjustment?

Is thuisi the same deal as the Lowes and HD 10% off? Unless they've revised their policy again, there is no longer an instant 10% coupon, if that's what you are referring to. I think you either have to mail it in or do it online, but it's a process to get it, several weeks at best.

[LCHIEN]

What is the depth of cut on the Craftsman? I've looked but can't find it.

2" thick, 1.5" on a 45° bevel cut.
2" x 8" cut at 90° crosscut
2" x 6" at 45° miter

the chief advantage to the 7" slider is it will cut 2" x 8" boards... a 2x8
whereas a 10" will cut up to 3.5" x 6" boards, e.g. 2x6 and 4x4.
I don't think you deal with 2x8 very often.

[rnelson0]

The 7.25" miter saw seems like a gimmick to me - it is only $20 or $30 more for a 10" with a 15A motor instead of the 9A motor - but the sliding miter is not bad. If you see yourself doing lots of jobs that require a sliding miter, the sliding 7.25" would have more value than the standard 10", at the same price. If you would never or rarely use the sliding component, I would spend the same money on a 10" standard. As always, it comes down to usage patterns.

[tjr]

Is thuisi the same deal as the Lowes and HD 10% off? Unless they've revised their policy again, there is no longer an instant 10% coupon, if that's what you are referring to. I think you either have to mail it in or do it online, but it's a process to get it, several weeks at best.

I grabbed a couple more of the change of address kits in early April and they still had the 10% off coupons included. All the ones I've seen do expire in June, so maybe when they're all gone the deal is over.

[sscherin]

Old thread revival..

Picked up a Hitachi C10FCE2 (no laser) today for $129 at Lowes...
I know I could get it for less if I'd waited for a Amazon deal but it's project time.

Thanks for the good recommendation guys!

[TCOTTLE]

On a side note, I had a project that needed to be done as well, and I picked up the GMC 10" slider at sears for 140.00 tax and all, and even though it does not have a laser, it is a surprisingly well built saw!