HF 12" SCMS Model 69684 dual bevel. Any feedback

[Doc Monty]

I was in HF today looking at the 69684 dual bevel 12" SCMS. The saw is priced at $169.99, and with a Super Coupon, is $119.99.
I have found a lot of info about the 98194, but nothing on the 69684.
Does anyone have any personal experience with this model? I'm not trying to compare it to any name brand saws, just trying to find someone who is/ or has used this saw. When checking the floor model, I found that the 69684 pulled very smooth, but appeared to have some left/right movement even after tightened down.

[chopnhack]

I have no experience with that saw, but if you have lateral play, the saw will do little more than basic cuts. You can forget accurate compound miters. Do you really need the 12" capacity? If not better deals could be had on used brand name 10" saws.

BTW - WELCOME TO THE SITE!!

[dbhost]

It appears to be a new item. It's not on the website yet. Chances are, very few units have sold yet...

A dual bevel slider would be great, but if it's rife with slop that can't be adjusted out, it's not worth the effort.

[Doc Monty]

Update

I went back to HF to see if I could get more info on this saw. The Asst Mgr was very helpful and very knowledgeable about woodworking power tools. This is a new model for HF. It will be replacing the Model 98194. I made a comment about the saw having a little play left/right. That was only because the floor model had not been adjusted correctly. They just got this saw in and quickly put it on the floor. The Asst Mgr adjusted everything and the saw is very solid. No movement L/R once it was tightened down. The slide as I said earlier is very smooth both with the saw raised and lowered. Some nice features are the sliding fences and the double bevel. I cannot comment on the saw being belt driven as opposed to direct drive? Perhaps someone else has some pros and cons on this. The mounting base is aprox: 20" w x 14" d. I had a HF coupon I found in one of the Wood Working magazines that has the saw advertised at $119.99, and the additional full 2 year warranty was another $20. I took Santa back with me today to help load it in the car. LOL.
I must say that the saw has exceeded my expectations, but I'll have to wait till after Christmas to give my hands on review. Santa says I can't open it till after Christmas : (
BTW: I will be installing a top of the line blade before I use it.

Harbor Freight 12" sliding compound miter saw
Model: 69684
Specs:
D-Handle
Dust collector
Dual linear slide rails
45 deg tilting blade
Double bevel
Rotating, lockable table
Detents @ 0, 15, 22.5, 30, 45
Adjustable sliding fence
Blade guard
Trigger activated laser guide
Aluminum base
Clamp assembly w/extension wings
Volts: 120 ~ 60 Hz
Amps: 15
Blade speed: 3,800 RPM (belt driven)
Arbor: 1 inch
Straight cut @ 90 deg: 3-1/2" x 13-3/8"
Miter cut @ 45 deg: 3-1/2" x 9-1/2"
Straight bevel cut @ 45 deg: 2-1/8" x 13-3/8"
Compound cut @ 45 deg: L/R 2-1/8" x 9-1/2"

[Doc Monty]

Image of the saw

[LCHIEN]

I imagine the double bevel feature requires the motor to be belt driven (and placed up high) as having the right-side mounted motor in-line with the blade arbor (as on a conventional miter saw with single bevel- tilting to the left) would make it impossible to tilt the head to the right without the motor hitting the table/wood.

So the pros are that it makes it possible to build this dual bevel feature. Maybe adds a bit to motor protection and shock absorbtion but I doubt very much of either since its probably a very short belt.
The cons are that its more complex than a direct drive (e.g. adds to the parts count, weight, cost, complexity and unreliability) but belts aren't that unreliable, the cost is evidently managed, and weight is not a big problem. So no biggie. Power transfer should be close to 100%.

[Cochese]

I'll be interested to hear your review. That's a great price for a 12" slider, but only if it meets your expectations.

I bought a much more expensive one out of necessity - I have very little room and needed a different sliding mechanism, but it seems to be as accurate as I need it to be. Perhaps I can use the excuse of installing crown to test it out.

[dbhost]

I'm not ready to hang it up on my single bevel HF 12" slider, but if I kill it, or decide the double bevel is something I MUST have I will give this a serious look...

[JSUPreston]

Found the manual. It's a belt drive.

http://manuals.harborfreight.com/man...9999/69684.pdf

[Doc Monty]

Well Christmas has come and gone, and I finally had a chance to try out the new saw. I posted a short review in the Tool Review section. I am very pleased overall with the saw. The cuts are precise, and the saw operates very smooth. My first project is installing new crown molding, chair rail, and door molding. The saw is currently on sale at $119.99. If your thinking about a budget saw then give this one a try. If you find it unsatisfactory, you can always return it. So far, mine is a keeper.