Recommend a Miter Saw

[Charles Parrish]

What is the best 10"sliding double compound miter saw and why?

[Charles Parrish]

Thank you Phillip for the information. I'm finding out allot of people are afraid to offer information on tools or project plans. I will not blame anyone for their advice if something should go wrong. People that have used the tools themselves are the best to talk to. I feel their information is accurate and very useful for helping me to make the right decision. It will save time and money..Thank you again. Charles Parrish

Phillip said:

No one wants to step on toes, or hurt any one's feelings, so you may find most reluctant to jump in and start some sort of emotional maelstrom. I bought the Bosch dual bevel sliding miter 10". All the tool reviews and testing that was run on the sliding miters by magazine publishers, always placed the Bosch highest. Repeatable settings, accuracy and ease of operation are always the highest marks for Bosch. When I got my saw home and set up. I ran the 90deg flip check. Make a cut across the largest board you can then flip on side so it lays the same way just sides are reversed on one board then you measure the cut to end against a square edge. I took an 8 foot long 1 X 12 pine squared on the table saw. Then I made a cut across the 12" 2' in from the end. So I had two boards, one of which was 2' long 1" X 12" and the other 6' long 1" X 12" . Next I flipped the 6' long board the 12" dimension and joined flush the two pieces, (not glued or screwed, just pushed flush) and set a straight edge (my EZ Smart edge guide) was set to barely touching the edge along the 8' length. The total deviation over the 6' of cut was less than 1/32nd of an inch off square. I corrected the square and I have not needed to correct it yet in two years, and I use it every week. The versatility for cutting miters, and bevels is unequaled. I never cross cut anything 12" or less on the table saw anymore. The sliding miter is so accurate and flexible, I never even consider any other options for cross cutting. I still rip on the table saw, and do not attempt ripping on anything but the table saw.

I realize that is a very biased opinion, but it is what I have to share . I hope it helps. I wish you well in your quest of cutting perfection.
Phillip B.

[Steve McCullough]

Charles,
I have a regular old Miter saw. Doesn't slide, doesn't have a laser, and is basically a "chop saw". I posed the question a few weeks ago asking which tool would people buy next. I have a table saw but its portable with wheels. I was debating on a band saw, or drill press which would have to be portable or table models. I have to work out of my carport so everything has to be where I can put them up after use. I'll be following this post to see just what people say as I would like to upgrade myself.
Steve

[DAVID CZUPRYN]

What"s the best passenger car to buy and why? Does this sound like a silly question? It should. It is. What are your needs? You"re not saying.Makita has a newly introduced 10" sliding compound miter saw,adjustable lazer,dual bevel settings,and it"s a 10",that cuts like a 12".If I didn"t already own my makita 12, I"d opt for this newer version.My needs are extreame precision for custom cabinet work,and reliability in the shop. For me the Bosch 10 is ok,but makita is my choice. I install crown moulding and custom trim too. The Bosch 12 belongs in a landfill,alongside the Hitachi. By the way,I"ve test driven the above mentioned saws,not just read reviews.If and when you go shopping for this saw,it may be in your best intrest,to select a supplier,who sells just tools.Those suppliers deal with contractors and cabinet makers,who earn their living with the tools they sell. Their "feedback" advice is very valuable,and wise to consider,before making what could be a costly mistake. You would not purchase an automobile,without a test drive,first. Would you? I would consider a saw having a soft start feature,adjustable lazer,ease of use,and one that feels comfortable for YOU,during use. If it"s not comfortable for you,reject it. Also,stay away from any saw having "up front "controlls.the more "linkage " you add,the less accurately the saw will perform."Bells & wistles" can sound,or look appealing,just be sure they perform as well as advertised. Another thing.This is my opionon,based on years of experience. We all like pizza,but prefer different toppings. Which toppings do you prefer? Here"s hoping this helps you in your decision making process. Dave

[Charles Parrish]

Phillip,
Thank you For you reply. It's very helpful.

Phillip said:

No one wants to step on toes, or hurt any one's feelings, so you may find most reluctant to jump in and start some sort of emotional maelstrom. I bought the Bosch dual bevel sliding miter 10". All the tool reviews and testing that was run on the sliding miters by magazine publishers, always placed the Bosch highest. Repeatable settings, accuracy and ease of operation are always the highest marks for Bosch. When I got my saw home and set up. I ran the 90deg flip check. Make a cut across the largest board you can then flip on side so it lays the same way just sides are reversed on one board then you measure the cut to end against a square edge. I took an 8 foot long 1 X 12 pine squared on the table saw. Then I made a cut across the 12" 2' in from the end. So I had two boards, one of which was 2' long 1" X 12" and the other 6' long 1" X 12" . Next I flipped the 6' long board the 12" dimension and joined flush the two pieces, (not glued or screwed, just pushed flush) and set a straight edge (my EZ Smart edge guide) was set to barely touching the edge along the 8' length. The total deviation over the 6' of cut was less than 1/32nd of an inch off square. I corrected the square and I have not needed to correct it yet in two years, and I use it every week. The versatility for cutting miters, and bevels is unequaled. I never cross cut anything 12" or less on the table saw anymore. The sliding miter is so accurate and flexible, I never even consider any other options for cross cutting. I still rip on the table saw, and do not attempt ripping on anything but the table saw.

I realize that is a very biased opinion, but it is what I have to share . I hope it helps. I wish you well in your quest of cutting perfection.
Phillip B.

[Charles Parrish]

Steve,
Thank you for your reply.

Steve McCullough said:

Charles,
I have a regular old Miter saw. Doesn't slide, doesn't have a laser, and is basically a "chop saw". I posed the question a few weeks ago asking which tool would people buy next. I have a table saw but its portable with wheels. I was debating on a band saw, or drill press which would have to be portable or table models. I have to work out of my carport so everything has to be where I can put them up after use. I'll be following this post to see just what people say as I would like to upgrade myself.
Steve

[Charles Parrish]

David,
Thank you For you reply. It's very helpful.


DAVID CZUPRYN said:

What"s the best passenger car to buy and why? Does this sound like a silly question? It should. It is. What are your needs? You"re not saying.Makita has a newly introduced 10" sliding compound miter saw,adjustable lazer,dual bevel settings,and it"s a 10",that cuts like a 12".If I didn"t already own my makita 12, I"d opt for this newer version.My needs are extreame precision for custom cabinet work,and reliability in the shop. For me the Bosch 10 is ok,but makita is my choice. I install crown moulding and custom trim too. The Bosch 12 belongs in a landfill,alongside the Hitachi. By the way,I"ve test driven the above mentioned saws,not just read reviews.If and when you go shopping for this saw,it may be in your best intrest,to select a supplier,who sells just tools.Those suppliers deal with contractors and cabinet makers,who earn their living with the tools they sell. Their "feedback" advice is very valuable,and wise to consider,before making what could be a costly mistake. You would not purchase an automobile,without a test drive,first. Would you? I would consider a saw having a soft start feature,adjustable lazer,ease of use,and one that feels comfortable for YOU,during use. If it"s not comfortable for you,reject it. Also,stay away from any saw having "up front "controlls.the more "linkage " you add,the less accurately the saw will perform."Bells & wistles" can sound,or look appealing,just be sure they perform as well as advertised. Another thing.This is my opionon,based on years of experience. We all like pizza,but prefer different toppings. Which toppings do you prefer? Here"s hoping this helps you in your decision making process. Dave

[justin waldron]

I have a ridgid 12" sliding compound that I absolutely love, however, I am selling it. The footprint is so large that it can't be put next to a wall without having to be almost a foot and a half away due to the sliding mechanism on the back. I have had the saw for 3 years now and love it like I said, but I found that I only use it now to just cut stock close to what I need and use my table saw for repeating cuts. With all that being said, I love the little 7 1/4 in craftsman that looks like a kids toy, it's completely portable, it can be set on a kitchen counter when running base or window trim, works well installing hardwood floor. It's just like everyone else has said, it depends on what your needs are. Now I have a Ridgid 10" saw that doesn't slide and it suits my needs.
If I had it to do all over again I wouldn't have spent the $550 on the sliding compound, I would've spent $200 on an incra miter guage and $180 on the 10" Ridgid from the start. Hope this is helpful.
P.S. I think the Milwaukee with the digital readout, 12" sliding compound is beyond cool though!! haha!!

[Charles Parrish]

Justin,
Thank you for your reply.


justin waldron said:

I have a ridgid 12" sliding compound that I absolutely love, however, I am selling it. The footprint is so large that it can't be put next to a wall without having to be almost a foot and a half away due to the sliding mechanism on the back. I have had the saw for 3 years now and love it like I said, but I found that I only use it now to just cut stock close to what I need and use my table saw for repeating cuts. With all that being said, I love the little 7 1/4 in craftsman that looks like a kids toy, it's completely portable, it can be set on a kitchen counter when running base or window trim, works well installing hardwood floor. It's just like everyone else has said, it depends on what your needs are. Now I have a Ridgid 10" saw that doesn't slide and it suits my needs.
If I had it to do all over again I wouldn't have spent the $550 on the sliding compound, I would've spent $200 on an incra miter guage and $180 on the 10" Ridgid from the start. Hope this is helpful.
P.S. I think the Milwaukee with the digital readout, 12" sliding compound is beyond cool though!! haha!!

[Kim C]

I am glad you asked this question. I have been eyeing a few saws myself. Hopefully that is my next upgrade. While I can't offer any help here I am going to keep an eye on this thread to see the results too!

[Walter_lars]

MY sliding Miter Saw is a radial arm saw is a big delta with a 12" blade
what can I saw I am a old school wood worker ?
you learn to get the most out of the tools you have on hand
and I can make dado cuts with it try
that on your chop saw :)