Happy Holidays folks. I'm hunkered down during this awful weather and grumbling a bit about what a PITA it is to use my 12" Dewalt sliding-dual bevel miter saw.
I have two Dewalts (10" and 12") and they are both excellent machines. Unfortunately, one is a bit too small for a lot of my projects, while the other is just too dang big for my shop. I'm looking for a shop-appropriate machine that is the best combination of size and capability.
My shop sits in a former basement garage - so it's about 11' wide at it's narrowest (due to a support column) and 26' long. It's pretty full with machines, and I'm trying to right-size my machines for the space.
I've tried pretty hard to get my big-ass 12" dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw parked someplace permanent, but the massive swing of its tail (sliding assembly) ensures that I can't set it up on a 2' counter against the wall. It needs at least 27" of depth. Worse is the power cable and the dust collection port is right on the end of this massive tail adding multiple additional inches of clearance. I've tried those dewalt aluminum extrusion sawhorses (4' and 8') and the size of those things present similar space issues and provide no storage - even if they are well-designed and great to have on-hand. Due to the massive swing of the tail, I really can't use my Rosseau dust-collection hood - which is great for controlling dust in the air. Right now I've had the dang thing sitting on my assembly table and and my workbench is now dusted with fines because the dust collection hose doesn't stay reliably attached when I swing the saw around for cuts.
As much as I hate to admit it, I need to find something a bit more compact and better designed for limited space.
With inflation and supply chain scarcities, I know that most decent machines are going to run me $600 or more. I want to zero-in on the right machine
I am positive that I need a miter saw and that a table saw or radial arm saw isn't going to meet my needs (I cut a lot of trim).
I've looked a few machines out there and at least one that seems to have a good space-saving feature is made by Bosch (uses a folding armature for the "sliding" feature). I'm not experienced with the brand and their longevity or how well-designed they are. YouTube reviews are pretty positive - with features in-line with what I expect from my Dewalt.
I also looked at a Jet but it has the same massive-tail swing problems. Right now the 0 F (-18 C) temps are keeping me from going anywhere to lay hands upon physical machines.
Bottom line is that I'm looking for recommendations on a reasonably compact 12" miter saw for my shop. I might be able to get by with a 10" with a sliding feature and sufficient power. I cut 12" rough boards from time to time.
I have two Dewalts (10" and 12") and they are both excellent machines. Unfortunately, one is a bit too small for a lot of my projects, while the other is just too dang big for my shop. I'm looking for a shop-appropriate machine that is the best combination of size and capability.
My shop sits in a former basement garage - so it's about 11' wide at it's narrowest (due to a support column) and 26' long. It's pretty full with machines, and I'm trying to right-size my machines for the space.
I've tried pretty hard to get my big-ass 12" dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw parked someplace permanent, but the massive swing of its tail (sliding assembly) ensures that I can't set it up on a 2' counter against the wall. It needs at least 27" of depth. Worse is the power cable and the dust collection port is right on the end of this massive tail adding multiple additional inches of clearance. I've tried those dewalt aluminum extrusion sawhorses (4' and 8') and the size of those things present similar space issues and provide no storage - even if they are well-designed and great to have on-hand. Due to the massive swing of the tail, I really can't use my Rosseau dust-collection hood - which is great for controlling dust in the air. Right now I've had the dang thing sitting on my assembly table and and my workbench is now dusted with fines because the dust collection hose doesn't stay reliably attached when I swing the saw around for cuts.
As much as I hate to admit it, I need to find something a bit more compact and better designed for limited space.
With inflation and supply chain scarcities, I know that most decent machines are going to run me $600 or more. I want to zero-in on the right machine
I am positive that I need a miter saw and that a table saw or radial arm saw isn't going to meet my needs (I cut a lot of trim).
I've looked a few machines out there and at least one that seems to have a good space-saving feature is made by Bosch (uses a folding armature for the "sliding" feature). I'm not experienced with the brand and their longevity or how well-designed they are. YouTube reviews are pretty positive - with features in-line with what I expect from my Dewalt.
I also looked at a Jet but it has the same massive-tail swing problems. Right now the 0 F (-18 C) temps are keeping me from going anywhere to lay hands upon physical machines.
Bottom line is that I'm looking for recommendations on a reasonably compact 12" miter saw for my shop. I might be able to get by with a 10" with a sliding feature and sufficient power. I cut 12" rough boards from time to time.
