Miter Saws

[PILOON]

I have done a lot of DIY work, built 5 houses and renovations for many years.
The only injury I ever sustained from power tools was a from a radial arm saw.
And from the original De Walt built like an armored truck. All cast iron structure and heavy.
I was ripping a board and the saw grabbed it and drove it into my rib cage and bruised me.
Being 'bit once' I then always stood off to the side but again it grabbed a board and drove it across the room.
Ripping sure was not their strong point.

Sold it!
Bought a good chop saw and HD table saw instead.

Yes, recalls on some more cheaply made versions, many of which used a bent aluminum like structure.
Added is that accurate set up for precise work is almost impossible.
My De Walt came from a picture frame shop that never ever was able to make a decent 45 deg cut for framing. (and I tried also)

 

[jaydee325]

Radial arm saws are great but take valuable floor space. A friend offered me a free older Craftsman radial arm saw last week. He had the saw stored in a shed at a house that he has been renting out. He is selling the house and getting his stuff out of the shed and does not want the saw in his current shop.

This is me also. Was moving to a smaller house/property and just did not have the room for the radial arm saw. Tried to sell it, but there was a glut of them on Craigs List, so it was recycled!

 

[BigBlue1]

I have the shop space if anyone wants to offload an old-school radial arm saw! Promise I'll give it a good home.

 

[kenmac]

You say occasional use. I bought a HF 10'' compound slide about 15 years ago. Cheapest one they made.
I built a den and cut all the trim for it. I have cut I don't know how many 4x4 post for fencing. I have really been impressed.
Using this thing around the farm, I never expected it to last this long. Especially cutting as many 4x4 post as I have.

It doesn't have a large enough stop /fence ? to be able to cut crown molding. But I don't expect to be cutting any

 

[PILOON]

Lucky me.
My current radial is a Makita, 12 inch slider that cuts 4 x 4's left or right @ 45 deg's.
Even has a laser to aim. (never use it)
I was a swap as a friend wanted my earlier Makita 10 inch as it was more compact.

Due to weird circumstances, (like right time right place), my total investment is actually $200. all told, both saws.

Blades came next. 12" aren't given away, but on a liquidation table I got a nice 12' finishing blade with one tooth knocked off, clerk dropped it!---$$12.00!

Most miter saws are cast from white metal, not aluminum.
One must be very careful lugging them from and to job sites.
I went so far as to custom build a plywood carry tote 'box' to protect mine in transit.
You never know, bumping down a country road anything can fall off of an upper shelf and put that saw out of alignment.
After some 12 years of contracting it remained as accurate as when new.