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Compound Mitre Saw

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
48,879
274
Appalachia
Once I sign an employment agreement and know this is not a dream, I need to get serious about attacking several projects I have lined up in an effort to maximize our appraisal in June/July this year. We have a decent amount of equity in the house and would like to access it to help downsize our overhead. One tool that will pay for itself (and as my dad says: "Every project demands the purchase of the 'right' tool...") is a compound mitre saw. Dad has had a Dewalt 15-amp 12" double-bevel for almost 20 years and it has been a great saw. I'd like to have one with the laser, but wouldn't have to. It might be nice to have a slider over a chop style, but I'm not sold on that either. Budget wise, I'd like to stay under $400, but would go to $500 if I could find one with a nice portable stand.

Looking to see who has what and if you'd have went with a different size or options.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
I used to own a 12" Craftsman compound slider, it worked just fine for a home owner. Only reason I sold it was because I didn't have room in the trailer for it when we moved. It's in the works to buy another one and we will most likely be buying the same one again. Might even just go with a 10" this time.
 

Jackalope

Dignitary Member
Staff member
38,841
260
Jesse. Look at the ridgid brand also. I have quite after if their tools. (Table, miter, compressor and 5 nail guns) never had a problem with them and I've basically rebuilt the inside of this house.
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,721
248
Ohio
I have a Hitachi. Do not remember the model. 12" saw and it was under your price point. In fact, it wasn't much over $200.
 

Fluteman

Senior Member
Supporting Member
7,094
146
Southeast Ohio
Get a slider, you won't regret it. And spend as much as you can, the better saw you buy, the cleaner and more precise your cuts will be, especially when it pertains to mitered cuts.
 

Qback5

Junior Member
318
44
I did a bunch of research a little over a year ago and pulled the trigger on the dewalt 12-inch double bevel slider. As was said earlier, the slider really helps...even with a 12 inch blade. Recently came in hand while mothering 7-inch wide hardwood floors (45 degree angle).

For me, it came down to the Dewalt vs the Bosch. The Bosch has an INCREDIBLY smooth sliding system that also doesn't extend too far behind the saw...very nice. But the Dewalt now has a system that I believe is way better than laser. It contains white lights on either side of the blade that casts a cutting shadow. This way, you NEVER have to adjust the laser...it self-adjusts, and is ALWAYS accurate, even when changing blades, etc.

I'll be happy to post pics if that would be helpful for any reason. Good luck!!!
 

loose_is_fast

Junior Member
618
108
McClure
My dad is a finish carpenter and has owned various higher end saws and he now owns three of the exact same saw. Hitachi
 

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Jamie

Senior Member
5,690
177
Ohio
I have the Dewalt 12" compound miter saw also, and have had it for nearly 20 years. I don't even know if sliding saws were available then, but if I had to do over again, I would get a sliding saw. I use it for work sometimes, and have to make miter cuts on 1x exterior trim boards, often wider than 8", which the 12" saw cannot do completely. is a hassle, but saw has run like a champ for as long as I've owned it. unless you are a professional trim carpenter or have a tool fetish that you can't control, you would be foolish to spend big money(assuming you are on a budget, here) on a saw of this type, imo. better off getting a middle grade saw like the Dewalt or Rigid types and buying a high quality blade for it.
 

Beentown

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
15,740
154
Sunbury, OH
I use mine everyday. I only buy Ridgid now. Best warranty in the business and I have had no issues other than a battery that died for my drivers (3 years old) and they replaced it no question.

This is the one I have. I also have the tile and table saw on the stands. I just roll them in and out of the trailer. Super convenient. The saw can be had for under $400 without the stand. Hell, I have just about everything they make.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-12-...le-Miter-Saw-Stand-MS1290LZA-AC9945/202737054
 

Milo

Tatonka guide.
8,184
157
I have a Bosch and I love it but I would not hesitate to buy a rigid. Just bought an impact driver and man that thing is well built and their warranty is top notch
 

jlane

Junior Member
523
0
dunn nc
i trim houses for a living, have had up to 9 employees at one time,trimed over 225 houses in a single year, downed sized my business now as i don,t want to work that much anymore, running 3 employees now, ive used dewalt 12 in double compound for years, have bought hitachi,bosch and craftsman, with a 80 tooth blade on a dewalt you wont go wrong, dewalt will out last all the rest in a every day use and abuse, probally bought 10-12 saws over the last 14 years, brushes and bearings don,t last in others as long for continious use, not saying you won,t get a lemon, i,ve got one that the back lockdown screw stripped out in, i currently have 3 in use now,all double bevel, sliders l get on average 8-10 houses out of a new blade, thats cutting anything from trim to 2 by 12,s,then with dull blades we cut aluminum columns, as the saws starts to wear we start to cut metal wrought iron pickets,with a metal cutting blade, (not recomended because of the sparks it creates and burns places on the saws,) ONLY saw for me running a business,
 

jlane

Junior Member
523
0
dunn nc
by the way BE EXTREMILY CAREFULL with a slidder saw as they WILL run towards you when not locked down to stop sliding
 

5Cent

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
12,291
212
North Central Ohio
i trim houses for a living, have had up to 9 employees at one time,trimed over 225 houses in a single year, downed sized my business now as i don,t want to work that much anymore, running 3 employees now, ive used dewalt 12 in double compound for years, have bought hitachi,bosch and craftsman, with a 80 tooth blade on a dewalt you wont go wrong, dewalt will out last all the rest in a every day use and abuse, probally bought 10-12 saws over the last 14 years, brushes and bearings don,t last in others as long for continious use, not saying you won,t get a lemon, i,ve got one that the back lockdown screw stripped out in, i currently have 3 in use now,all double bevel, sliders l get on average 8-10 houses out of a new blade, thats cutting anything from trim to 2 by 12,s,then with dull blades we cut aluminum columns, as the saws starts to wear we start to cut metal wrought iron pickets,with a metal cutting blade, (not recomended because of the sparks it creates and burns places on the saws,) ONLY saw for me running a business,

Great tool use plan on what sounds like an impressive business. Hats off to you sir!

I agree can't go wrong with Dewalt Jesse. Haven't gotten my hands on any Rigid yet but look forward to using some. BIL works for HILTI now and it's hard to pick up another tool, it's ruined me.

The amazon banner at the top has some impressive Dewalt models. Some good coin right there though. But it's a one and done for a long term purchase, good luck and let us know what you pickup.
 

Jackalope

Dignitary Member
Staff member
38,841
260
I use mine everyday. I only buy Ridgid now. Best warranty in the business and I have had no issues other than a battery that died for my drivers (3 years old) and they replaced it no question.

This is the one I have. I also have the tile and table saw on the stands. I just roll them in and out of the trailer. Super convenient. The saw can be had for under $400 without the stand. Hell, I have just about everything they make.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-12-...le-Miter-Saw-Stand-MS1290LZA-AC9945/202737054

I have a crapton of rigid tools and agree. I've been told their new miter saw has a laser and the white LEDs that illuminate as well as case a shadow like someone mentioned above.
 

Beentown

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
15,740
154
Sunbury, OH
I turn the lasers off. They are good for framing but when cutting trim I use the blade as reference. Plus, most very depending the size of material being cut. A 6" compared to .25" alignment makes the laser "off".
 

Qback5

Junior Member
318
44
I turn the lasers off. They are good for framing but when cutting trim I use the blade as reference. Plus, most very depending the size of material being cut. A 6" compared to .25" alignment makes the laser "off".

This is exactly why the light/shadow system mentioned in a couple of posts is so nice.
 

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
48,879
274
Appalachia
Pulled the trigger today at Home Depot. They had the $600 Dewalt on sale for $400. The Rigid has its perks for the same price, but I'm fairly brand loyal and Dewalt has a history of treating me and my dad well, so that was deciding factor.

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