mitersaw choice - Woodworking Talk

thomasbill · 10-01-2009, 02:04 PM

What choice ? I want a Dewalt 81/2" sliding miter saw at 400 new. A friend wants to trade me a 15 year old Craftsman 12" slideng Mitersaw which is offered as little used. My use is for cross cutting 12" 1x12 pine and to cut moulding and trim. Any opinions? Thanks.

woodnthings · 10-01-2009, 08:23 PM

I have a Dewalt 12' 708 sliding compound, Current model is 718, and a Bosch 10" slidlng miter saw 4405, both of which will cut a 1x12", actual size 11 3/8". I like the Dewalt, I love the Bosch. smaller, lighter, cuts great, accurate and easier to adjust. I understand Hitachi has come out with a new sliding compund saw and has good reviews. But I would stay away from the Craftsman, even if like new, and 12 years old.
Here's a link for Bosch: http://www.boschmitersaw.us/
Hitachi: http://www.tools-plus.com/hitachi-c10fsh.html

GeorgeC · 10-02-2009, 06:23 AM

Looks to me like you have a very simple choice.

In the long run the 8 1/2" saw will severely limit what you can do. It would not be long before you were wishing you had made a different choice. At one time I had a Craftsman 7" siding saw and it was way too small.

While the 12" saw may be overkill, I would most certainly go for that if I had the space so sit it. I have a 3 yeat old Craftsman, the least expensive of their line, which has worked great for many, many cuts. In addition to the normal woodwork, that saw has been used to completely refurbush a condo and my house. Lots and lots of baseboard, crown molding and in my house a very complicated wainscoting for the dinning room.

George

Good luck on whatever you choose.

Allthumbs27 · 10-02-2009, 03:46 PM

You will outgrow the 8 1/2 before you plug it in. If the craftsman works fine and cuts true then go for it.

jraksdhs · 10-02-2009, 04:57 PM

I think makita makes the best sliders for the average person myself. Although i will say, I was in woodcraft and they had a festool kapex on demo and I used for the first time. WOW!!! HANDS DOWN THE BEST MITER SAW OUT THERE! Cuts as good as a table saw if thats even possible. I see a $1300 purchase coming soon!

jraks