Miter saw

[Sam Wigeon]

Looking to buy a dual bevel, or sliding dual bevel miter saw, and I seem to remember that Hitachi was highly recommended here. Or maybe that was the pneumatic nailer. But anyway, what are the thoughts on Dewalt, Hitachi, Skil, etc.?

 

[RockRon]

I have a Hitachi and like it very much.

 

[WJD]

I have had a DeWalt for 5-6 years and it has performed without any problems. My only (minor) issue is the dust collection bag is too small. This could easily be corrected with a central dust collection system.
Mine is a 12" with a factory fold up stand if it matters.

 

[Adirondack case guy]

I bought a Ridgid 12" compound slider with their SUV cart stand, about 8yrs ago. The saw has been great. It has capacity to cut large boards at wide angles, with ease. Changing angles and bevels is very easy. The slider is smooth and has stayed tight and precise. The handle and triger is big and beefy, and acomidates a large hand with gloves. The SUV is as close to perfect as one could get It has big wheels that negociate steps easily, adjustable roller slide out material supports that can acomidate long heavy materials such as 4X6 treated posts with ease. It folds up quickly, and stores in a space no larger than a hand truck. Which is very important in a site and tool trailer. I forgot to say that I am a retired General Contractor and builder. This saw has seen the demands of professional carpentry, from framing, to finish trim, to cutting all types of sideing, including fiber cement board. We have even used it to cut brick and tile with different blades. Though I'm retired LOL, I am still using it on a weekly bases for handy man jobs in the neighborhood.

 

[brandon j]

i use my milwakee almost every day it stays right on i load it in and out of the truck it gets beat i am verry happy i do have ot on a ridged cart the bigest thing will be a good blade the best saw wont work well with a poor blade!

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Ditto, like my Hitachi too because it doesn't weigh a ton and works well.

 

[Christopher S.]

Hitachi c12lsh has been real good for cabinet making.

 

[MSD]

I use a Bosch and really like it . Before you buy one, pull the saw back towards you and then try wiggling it side ways to see how rigid it stays. If it moves a little , it will not make accurate cutes.

 

[Dick2]

I had a Milwaukee single cut that was very good.

Another woodworker had a Bosch that woudn't hold to make square cuts. He sent it back to the company and they returned it with a note that they couldn't get it to hold square cuts either. Then he bought a high-priced Festool miter saw that is just okay in my opinion.

I tried DeWalt and Rigid 12" miter saw and liked the Rigid better than the DeWalt.

Type depends on the work that you will do with the saw. The market is separating: Carpenters like the sliders and woodworkers are going to conventional non-sliders for better accuracy.

 

[JRSutton]

I have the newest makita 10" and really like it.

I haven't used the modern versions of any of the others, so I can't really give a direct comparison. But I can say for sure that the you wouldn't be let down by the makita.

It's solid, once adjusted stays true. I was never a big fan of lasers on saws but I do find it very usefull now that I have it. It's more accurate than I expected.

I like the quick adjust fences. The detent lock system is slightly unintuitive but you get used to it very quickly, and it's dead on and fool proof.

Not that I'd buy a saw for its blade, but the blade it came with was exceptional. Not a throw away as it is on others.

Dust collection seems to at least be average - could be way above average for all I know, I just happen to be the type that doesn't care about dust. I have run a vacuum on it at times, and it seems to keep the room I'm working in clean.

It has great capacity. I beleive it's supposed to be able to cut a 4x4 - but I usually use this for finish work and don't believe I've ever tried a 4x4. But I've never hit anything it couldn't handle with standard board sizes, and various crown moldings.

Plenty of instant power. Very little deflection in the arm, I find I don't have to be careful to avoid any side motion the way I used to be with my old saw.

My ONLY complaint - and it's a very minor one - are the hold down clamps. First, I had to put wood blocks on mine to keep them from marring the work peice - but, whatever - good enough. But they're a little difficult sometimes to "lock" into position so you can then tighten them. Would take too much typing to fully explain - but try them out yourself to see what I mean. I find I use them less often than I should because of this.

In the high $400's it's not the cheapest in the class, but I've always considered it money well spent.

Has for hitachi - you may be thinking of nailers - they make a fantastic 15 guage finish nailer, and great framing guns.

 

[hd6gtom]

Ive had a Bosch for many years, built 2 homes for me plus many repairs on other homes, would recomend one to anyone.