Now that the OP has bought a saw, I do not feel like I am hi jacking the thread. What is the best general purpose miter saw that will not break the bank?
I bought a 12” Dewalt sliding saw last summer to replace an old Craftsman saw. I am very pleased with the saw. It came with a cheap contractors blade which I never installed. I instead bought and installed a carbide Harbor Freight blade. It is the blue blade. I think I paid about $30 for it.
I have used the blade to install trim, shelving, ship ladder, etc for our entire cabin. I also have built two workbenches at the cabin using this blade as well as just general cutting. The blade has been really good until last night. I had a little trim left to finish up the loft and the blade seemed very dull. It just did not cut as well as it has been cutting.
Two weeks ago I used the saw to install laminate flooring in the loft and I suppose that dulled the blade. I just need a blade for general construction and trim work, no fine wood working.
My next project is a privacy fence at our house which the original Dewalt blade will work for but I would like to get another good all around blade. Recommendations appreciated.