Woodworking crosscut tools: Feedback needed

rbstern · Oct 15, 2018

I'm in the middle of outfitting my new basement workshop with power tools. The centerpiece is a cabinet saw I already own. I'm contemplating crosscutting setups, one of my most common operations. I can make a crosscut sled for my table saw for fine woodworking, but I also do a lot of 2x4 type projects (workbenches, functional homestead stuff like chicken coop, etc.), for which a crosscut sled is the wrong tool. Currently have an old B&D 10" miter saw on a mobile stand. Works fine, except for the very limited capacity (have to flip 2x6 to complete a cut). I'm thinking about replacing it with something that will give me more capacity, maybe with a laser guide, to make it easier on my aging eyes. Do like the big sliding miter saws, but they take up an enormous amount of space due to the tool depth.

So: New miter saw? Sliding miter?

What do you have? What do you like?

/pine · Oct 15, 2018

This is a loaded question...in a production shop along the cut bench would be at least a 12" cut off saw (chop saw)...but a large sliding bevel/miter saw is essential for cutting wide crown moldings and such...!

pawn shops load up on power tools before the holidays...just sayin...!

2manyrocks · Oct 15, 2018

I have a 12" dewalt compound miter saw that works fine. The other thing you need is a stable workstand for it. Good shop lighting is more useful than laser lines, IMO.

4570Man · Oct 15, 2018

I have a 12” non-sliding miter saw and 12” sliding miter saw. I think the non slider is good for about a 8” cut. The slider is good for 12”. It’s expensive but Bosch makes a gliding miter saw that offers the same function as a SMS without the poles out the back.

HillStreet · Oct 15, 2018

I would go with the sliding compound miter saw with foldable stand. I had a radial arm saw that I loved until good miter saws became popular.

LS Tractor Owner · Oct 15, 2018

About five years ago I bought the cheapie 12" sliding miter saw from harbor freight. It was intended to just be a 'temporary' saw because my Makita 10" saw finally bit the dust. I have used and abused it, mainly for cutting framing lumber (2x4's through 2x12's). Lasted for a whole garage / shop build, house, decks, and misc. trim work. It's still working, but finally getting a few minor issues. Looking at the cost of a name brand saw, I seriously am considering getting another Harbor Freight special. Only high dollar saw I would get would be a 'Rigid'. They have a lifetime warranty. Pricey at around $400.

arrow · Oct 15, 2018

I recall about 25 years ago an article in PoP Mech. that stated if you had to have just one saw for a shop, it should be a radial arm. An entire wall is dedicated to the set-up however as the saw is also capable of ripping as well as cc's.

downsizingnow48 · Oct 15, 2018

I bought a Bosch 10" sliding compound miter saw about 30 years ago when they first came out. Cuts perfect every time, never been out of adjustment in the whole time. I also have a Hitachi 10" non-slider, it is also extremely accurate. It is much lighter, I use it a lot when the big Bosch is more than what is required by the job.