Miter saws

[Kenneth in Texas]

looking to buy a miter saw soon, never had one before (besides a miter box and hand saw) so i am looking at various brands. Thinking of a sliding miter saw verses a non sliding but still open to suggestions at this point. Dont want to spend more than $250. Anyone got one and can tell me the pros/cons of them?

 

[RSKY]

If you have a wife or kids that might be using it get one with a laser. "If the red light shines on your fingers do NOT make the cut!"

Also 12" more expensive in blades but worth it.

 

[mark02tj]

I bought a 12" Craftsman a couple of years ago. It's worked well and has the laser guide. I also bought the portable saw stand. I'd wanted one of these setups for years. Now that I have it, I wonder why I waited so long! I use it more than I thought I would.

I don't know what your timeframe is, but I bought mine on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Sears usually has great tool sales that day and they don't have the lines in the tool department like they do at the electronics stores!

 

[BigBoyToys]

Based on you never having one I'll assume you're not going to be working the snot out of it on a daily basis. If that's true then you don't have to spend the money on a high end Dewalt. They are awesome saws and I've had my 12" slider for over 12 years. A slider is the way to go. Based on your budget I'd take a look at the Harbor Freight version... 12 in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw With Laser Guide System

I own a few HF tools and for the money they are pretty decent. I have a Lincoln 180 Mig and wanted to get a floor model bandsaw for getting clean square and angle cuts in my stock. Picked up a HF saw on sale and used a 20% off coupon and got it for around $200...it's been great for my needs.

Take a look at the HF video for the saw...I think you'll be surprised what you get for the money! :thumbsup:

 

[mark02tj]

I looked at the HF saw in the store before I bought my Craftsman. The bearings weren't nearly as smooth as a higher end saw. To me, the difference in price between the HF saw and the Black Friday price on the Craftsman saw were well worth it. And, I couldn't justify the cost of going from the Craftsman to a Milwaukee.

Not trying to start anything about HF tools. I own quite a few myself. But, this was one tool that I thought was worth the extra money.

 

[RSKY]

A stand is well worth the money. Especially one with wheels that make it easy to roll around.

 

[SandburRanch]

Which ever saw you purchase build it a portable table with a half sheet of 3/4" plywood. You'll be glad you did. This one is better than any purchased stand ever built. To use lay it across a couple of saw horses or across the PU tail gate. Doesn't need wheels and stores standing against a wall taking up far less room.

 

[farmer2009]

I have the Harbor Freight 12" saw that was mentioned earlier. Bought back in the spring. When you get it make some cuts and double check its accuracy. Mine was good others have had some trouble. But then dad had a craftsman miter saw once that didn't cut straight. So it can happen to any brand.

I like mine. Didn't want to spend the $600 on a dewalt that I wouldn't be using everyday. But I do have two complaints. 1. The laser doesn't stay on its only on with the saw running. Make lining up cut hard. I don't even use it 99% of the time. 2. The laser was out of adjustment when I got it. Had to readjust it.

And yes get a stand. I haven't yet but I will be. Even if I build my saw into my workbench I'll add a stand in case I need it to be mobile.

 

[davesl708]

I bought a Riobi 12". It cuts perfect 45s and with the fine cut blade a very smooth finish. The more moving parts the saw has the more points of adjustment and movement. A stand will help keep the wood from moving when cutting angles.

With any miter saw you will need to tune it when you get it to get the best cuts.

 

[Egon]

Your in the low end bracket price wise. Sooo -- look around for one that you like. Preferably a 12 in. Compound miter but that may not be possible. Some will come with a stand which is nice but making your own is no big deal. A couple of sawhorses and plank. Pick one in which the adjustments are easy, well defined and seem to hold. Get a quality blade and make sure all is well lubed and adjusted. Actually several blades. One for good stuff and another for the ugly wood.

I like the Bosch Uniglide or the Dewalt. Unfortunetly my twenty some year old Delta Sidekick will have to do.

Check your local craiglist etc. and there may be better quality ones available.