Miter Saws

[JPB7745]

Had my Dewalt single compound 12'' for many years with no issues other than having to flip baseboards around for cuts, the motor hangs off the right side and will not allow a 5 1/4 baseboard to be fully cut when saw is on an angle. I wish I had a slider or one where the motor is mounted up on top not the side. Some of my buddys have the old HAtachi now called Metabo. These have been good as well. Good luck and think about the future needs and don't be wishing later down the road you upgraded.

 

[pokey1416]

I bought this last year when it was labeled as Hitachi. It’s a nice little single bevel saw for the money. I have a very heavy old Craftsman I carry in tool trailer and hoping to upgrade to Milwaukee cordless someday.

This was the price at Lowe’s

 

[Egon]

I have a Delta ten in. single bevel Sidekick miter saw that is about twenty five years old. It has an integrated folding stand. This is from just when these saws were coming out. The saw cuts well but adjustments are best checked frequently.

Today my choice would be a 12in. In order: Zero clearance Mikita, Baush articulated, DeWalt, Milwaukee. There are others but they are too expensive for my pockets. These would be for stationary use.

For contract jobs portability would be a major item and on that I値l not comment as experience is lacking.

 

[3Ts]

I have a 12" Dewalt double bevel sliding compound miter saw. I bought it for doing trim work and if you're doing wide (over 4") trim the slider is very helpful. If you're dealing with long boards (as in baseboards and crown moulding) the double bevel is very helpful. I've found the stops/detents on the saw to be very accurate out of the box. As was mentioned before, get a good blade for it. Meaning over $100 blade, it will make a difference. As for portability: it can be moved by one person. I'm over 70 and can move it by myself with a lot of effort, so my wife helps me move it.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Downsizingnow48, how do you like your stand for your miter box?

I've had several over the years, this is the best so far. Ridgid brand. It has 12" wheels so easy to move around on the ground, up stairs etc. Simple folding design. I got an extra set of saw mounts for my 10" Bosch slider, just takes a moment to clip it in when I need the bigger saw. The extensions work well, about 4' left and right. I also use roller stands for long boards. For the most part I've always had to bring the saw to the work so a fixed long table never made any sense for me.

 

[dieselscout80]

I've had several over the years, this is the best so far. Ridgid brand. It has 12" wheels so easy to move around on the ground, up stairs etc. Simple folding design. I got an extra set of saw mounts for my 10" Bosch slider, just takes a moment to clip it in when I need the bigger saw. The extensions work well, about 4' left and right. I also use roller stands for long boards. For the most part I've always had to bring the saw to the work so a fixed long table never made any sense for me.

Thanks

 

[jaydee325]

Here are two saws that are in my price range and on my list to look at. Both close in price. One a slider one not.

Again, this is home owner, DYI. I see using a saw a few times a year.

Delta Machinery | A Legacy of Superior Quality

15 Amp 12 in. Electric Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw - DWS715 | DEWALT

 

[Rebeldad1]

Sounds like a simple 10" or 12" miter saw will work fine for you. I have used a simple 10" miter saw for years with no regret. I also recently bought two Dewalt 10" miter saws off Craigslist. both for $100.00 or less. Both like new. There are a lot of people who buy them and dont use them or bought for a project band selling when done.
Here is an example... A good saw
Delta 1" Power Miter Saw - tools - by owner - sale

Most any saw in like new condition will get the job done. you can cut like a pro if you just take a few minutes to do a FULL adjustment on the saw before you use it. One of my saws the guy was happy to get rid of it. Always left a gap because it wouldnt cut square. This saw was as NEW. just needed to be set up correctly.

 

[BigBlue1]

I had a 12" Ridgid non-sliding saw for years, which did well for me. However, I recently got a 12" Delta Cruzer sliding saw and I can't give it enough kudos for the ability to cut wide stuff. The Delta has the most cross-cut capacity (18") of any I researched. And it uses different arms instead of rails so it can sit closer to a wall. The LED blade light/shadow also is way nicer than the only-active-when-running laser on my Ridgid. The Delta may not be the most high-end saw out there but for the money and features I love it. Also got a nice corresponding saw stand with extendable supports that has also transformed the way I work. Both the saw and table have been invaluable for my recent installation of 9" x 72" vinyl plank flooring. Dust collection/control is an area the Delta doesn't do as well at though.

I still long for a good, old-school radial arm saw though. They seem to be hard to come by and the new stuff isn't anywhere near as big or capable.

Rob

 

[jaydee325]

I had a 12" Ridgid non-sliding saw for years, which did well for me. However, I recently got a 12" Delta Cruzer sliding saw and I can't give it enough kudos for the ability to cut wide stuff. The Delta has the most cross-cut capacity (18") of any I researched. And it uses different arms instead of rails so it can sit closer to a wall. The LED blade light/shadow also is way nicer than the only-active-when-running laser on my Ridgid. The Delta may not be the most high-end saw out there but for the money and features I love it. Also got a nice corresponding saw stand with extendable supports that has also transformed the way I work. Both the saw and table have been invaluable for my recent installation of 9" x 72" vinyl plank flooring. Dust collection/control is an area the Delta doesn't do as well at though.

I still long for a good, old-school radial arm saw though. They seem to be hard to come by and the new stuff isn't anywhere near as big or capable.

Rob

I agree the Delta saw you refer is a nice saw. But, it just does not make sense to me to spend $600 range on a saw for occasional DYI use.

I had an old Craftsman 10" radial arm saw that I gave away. Too bad you are not closer to SW Mich, my step dad, who is in his 90's, has the same saw that has not been used for years. PM me if your interested!

 

[Rebeldad1]

I still long for a good, old-school radial arm saw though. They seem to be hard to come by
Rob

Rob around here they are quite plentiful at times. Too old school for most. They do take up room though.

 

[BigBlue1]

I agree the Delta saw you refer is a nice saw. But, it just does not make sense to me to spend $600 range on a saw for occasional DYI use.

I had an old Craftsman 10" radial arm saw that I gave away. Too bad you are not closer to SW Mich, my step dad, who is in his 90's, has the same saw that has not been used for years. PM me if your interested!

The Delta Cruzer can be had for $500, but yeah I get the cost thing for occasional use. However, I always figure I buy good stuff and it will last for decades so it is worth it to me. I figured after 3 pages you probably had your plan worked out but just wanted to comment on how much the sliding saw was an upgrade for me after being happy with my non-sliding for 15+ years.

Rob

 

[BigBlue1]

Rob around here they are quite plentiful at times. Too old school for most. They do take up room though.

Interesting. I'd love one like I used to use back in HS or at the lumberyard I worked at in college. I've got a big shed so space isn't my issue.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[rgr33]

I have the Dewalt DS 715 model you mentioned, I paid $200 for it on sale on Amazon. I probably use it the same way as you intend to, and it has been very impressive so far. One thing I did was change out the original blade for A Freud, and I would highly recommend that
I also inherited a Dewalt 10 inch, which I use in the barn for cutting just about anything, there is a noticeable difference in usability between the 2 sizes.

 

[jaydee325]

The Delta Cruzer can be had for $500, but yeah I get the cost thing for occasional use. However, I always figure I buy good stuff and it will last for decades so it is worth it to me. I figured after 3 pages you probably had your plan worked out but just wanted to comment on how much the sliding saw was an upgrade for me after being happy with my non-sliding for 15+ years.

Rob

Wasn't trying to disparage posts that moved the price point upwards. I research the you know what about stuff before I buy (much to my wife's chagrin!!). LOL

 

[Frankenkubota]

I just bought the Rigid slider and their stand. Again, it works fine and they stand behind their products.

 

[Citydude]

Sounds like a simple 10" or 12" miter saw will work fine for you. I have used a simple 10" miter saw for years with no regret. I also recently bought two Dewalt 10" miter saws off Craigslist. both for $100.00 or less. Both like new. There are a lot of people who buy them and dont use them or bought for a project band selling when done.
Here is an example... A good saw
Delta 1" Power Miter Saw - tools - by owner - sale

Most any saw in like new condition will get the job done. you can cut like a pro if you just take a few minutes to do a FULL adjustment on the saw before you use it. One of my saws the guy was happy to get rid of it. Always left a gap because it wouldnt cut square. This saw was as NEW. just needed to be set up correctly.

I have that same Delta saw I bought new years ago. Remodeled 2 houses with it. It worked flawlessly.

 

[jaydee325]

I bought a saw today. Found it on Craigs List! Was only about 5 miles from my house and was a person I've known since high school! Actually spent more time reminiscing than looking at the saw. This guy takes very good care of his stuff and even had the owners manual!

It is a Craftsman 10" compound miter from 1995. It's in very good shape. First thing I did was check the adjustments and made some test cuts on some scrap. All angles were right on.

For what I've got into it, I'm not going to get hurt if I out grow it in the future.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

[Rebeldad1]

Wise choice. Enjoy!

 

[Macinnis]

The Delta Cruzer can be had for $500, but yeah I get the cost thing for occasional use. However, I always figure I buy good stuff and it will last for decades so it is worth it to me. I figured after 3 pages you probably had your plan worked out but just wanted to comment on how much the sliding saw was an upgrade for me after being happy with my non-sliding for 15+ years.

Rob

I got mine via menards for just over $300. They go on sales at Home Depot, but I never saw it that cheap at those stores.