compound miter saw what do you guys like

bob welsh

bob welsh

Well-known member
the old saw gave up the ghost need some tips on a new one. thinking 12 inch compound any reviews
 
the old saw gave up the ghost need some tips on a new one. thinking 12 inch compound any reviews
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Funny, I've been thinking of asking this one too. Lot of options out there - I'm interested in hearing too.
 
Lots of good saws out there. I have a Makita 10 inch sliding compound, and A dewalt compound 12 inch with the stand. I like them both. I would buy a sliding compound if I was buying new . Hitachi, Makita,Dewalt
 
I have the Dewalt 10 inch non sliding.

I would buy the sliding if I was to buy another, but this one has no problems so I will keep it.

R.C
 
Depends how much you are going to use it. I like Dewalt if you have an high usage requirement.
I got a Kobalt (store brand) from Lowes... and it has worked great for my needs over the last 3 years.... $180 I think....
 
I would absolutely go with the sliding. With the slide you may not need to go with a 12 but can use the less expensive 10.

Mine is a Makita sliding 10. I have built a lot of furniture with one of these.
 
At my job we have sliding compound miters from Bosch, Makita, and Dewalt, and the Bosch is my favorite by far. We have both a 10" portable and a 12" benchtop mounted. The things that makes them stand out for me is their locking mechanism for tilting the saw (it's very secure and easy to use) and the "robot arm" sliding mechanism, it's much smoother than a conventional slider. They are pricey though!

Here's a photo of the robot arm-
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GCM12SD-120-Volt-12-Inch-Glide/dp/B004323NNC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421441753&sr=8-1&keywords=bosch+sliding+compound+miter+saw&pebp=1421441772603&peasin=B004323NNC
 
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I have used just about them all. My current saw is the 12" dewalt. Unfortunately compared to the old dewalt (10) years old. The new one feels underpowered . It still cuts fine, but on thick stock I notice a drop in rpm throughout the cut.

Bosch and hitachi both work well and seem to hold power though the cut. Both are higher $ but worth it if you are going to be using the saw a lot.
 
Monarch Uni-Point 16". It does need some work though. Some might think it is a radial arm saw but in truth it is a compound miter. The blade passes through the same spot regardless of angle. Hence the name "Uni-Point." Unfortunately mine isn't usable. A restoration project down the road. Northfield still makes them, if you happen to have 13k for a saw.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q-CMUBoV9o

By the way, Jeff Smith, a trim carpenter by trade, swears the Hitachi CMS are the best made.

11-8-09.jpg

 
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I have an excellent tool shop near my home called Berlands House of tools where all brands are represented. Every power tool you ever could think of is in inventory. Their slogan is If we don't have it you don't need it. I'll check them out tomorrow . I was in HD today looked at dewalt and rigid. Any opinions on the rigid? How does portability factor into the bigger saws. Thanks for the help guys.
 
I've been in the building trades for about thirty-five years. For several years in the upper echelon of neighborhoods where money wasn't ever an option. I've worked for dignitaries, TV personalities, Pro Athletes, People on Forbe's list etc.

Up until a few years ago, all of the guys around me have been using Hitachi 8" sliding compound mitre saws. Some of them have since updated to the ten inchers.

Unfortunately, about three years ago, Hitachi changed their designs to pure JUNK. Now when they have to replace them, the "boys" use mostly Makitas. I was told by the guys at the world renowned "Hartville Hardware" to keep mine and rebuild it. And if I ever want to sell it...

I have no experience with Ridgid Mitre Saws, but I have several other Ridgid tools and they have all held up extremely well and I would buy them again.

Good luck in your search!

Jon
 
I bought the duel bevel sliding 12" Rigid a couple years ago. I'm remodeling a house so everything from chopping framing to finish trim and and all kinds of other projects. I'm really happy with it. Positive stops on normal angles and a friction lock for any other angle settings. I use it on an undersize portable base and have to set it on the base to use it, Construction is solid, Read "it's heavy to carry".

George
 
I make my living with my tools. Wouldn't trade my Milwaukee 12" compound slider for the world. But I will note that Fine Homebuilding magazine just did a big test, and the Bosch (I have many of their tools and like them very much) won hands down.
Gary
 
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