GMC slide compound miter saw

[Rounder]

I took a look at this saw yesterday at Lowes, and while it is not the Dewalt that I would love to own, it seemed fairly sturdy. Anyone have information on this saw? Is it worth the $179.00?

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=prod...07-SMS250LSRUL

[430752]

popular woodworking did a review of several 10" scms, including the gmc. they used the phrase that it is "cheap, not inexpensive". ouch. but if you read the article (available as free .pdf download on their site), it doesn't sound that bad. new blade and pay attention to the cut/accuracy and it might do the job. still, for lowes' full price I might find something else. if'n you had gotten it at the 20% off sale then I reckon it would've been a good deal for infrequent use.

curt j.

[final_t]

I did a mini-review of this about 10-12 months ago (when it was $199). Bottom line: I have found it to be worth the money and have been satistified with it. I cannot justify $500 for a "real" unit, and after I dialed in the settings, I have had no problems with it keeping the setup. Of course, I also don't slam my tools around, which is what I believe that the reviewers were more targeting the contractor use.
Changes I did do to it: as mentioned, different blade. I also modified the battery pack for the laser and put in a 3v wall wart. I still need to make a better throat plate, but not a priority. Dust port is actually placed pretty good to catch a goodly amount of the dust.

What I *don't* like about it: the hold down is in the road on some of the angle cuts. No electronic brake - but neither does the bt3100. Throat plate opening is too wide (battery got down it, pain to get out, solved with above 3v wart).

Bottom line: recommended unless you can justify $500.

[mudder]

quote:Originally posted by Rounder

I took a look at this saw yesterday at Lowes, and while it is not the Dewalt that I would love to own, it seemed fairly sturdy. Anyone have information on this saw? Is it worth the $179.00?

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=prod...07-SMS250LSRUL

I'm pleased with mine. I could not justify the $500.00 bite for a big name SCMS. This does everything I need to do within reason and is very accurate to.


Mudder

[rg32]

Thanks
I've been in the market for a SCMS that gets the job done without shelling out the big $$$$
Found this review..
http://www.epinions.com/content_153960812164

[dmanuhone]

what kind of new blade did you put on it?

[SteveR]

George, I have been wrestling with the same issue. Sounds like other members are very pleased. One thing I did notice was a little side play (horizontally). I have an older B-D MS and it has the same issues, but just as long as you pull directly vertically down on the cut, it is overcome.
For another option: I have been drooling over this for ages. http://www.toolking.com/makita/view.asp?ID=2735
I have purchased a few refurbs from toolking and have been very pleased....great reviews on this unit too. Still upper end pricey, but not as bad a brand spankin' new.