Mitre Saw Opinions please

oldjeep

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
6,455
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

So, I am curious. How much does the laser actually help?

Seems like it might make it easier to line up pieces when you are doing dumb things with the saw (which I tend to do). For regular use I can't imagine what the benefit would be.
 

dockwrecker

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 10, 2006
Messages
1,392
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

I use Freud blades too but find in a miter saw installing MDF, it doesn't matter. Probably does doing hardwood though.
We need to qualify this entire discussion. In my work, my saws can go from hacking deck timber to hardwood trim finishes. The right blade for the material is paramount not only for finish, but to reduce the wear and tear on the saw itself. If the OP's need is for a mitre saw to build the occaisional deck, they'll all get there with the right blade. If you want to build piano parts or expect high quality joints in hardwood or composite materials, or use it in extreme conditions. saws become quite different. The initial blade run out (lateral movement of most Dewalts or Ryobi saws can be as much as .015 by my observation, and after moderate use increase to .025. Fine for hacking up 2X4's and building decks but NOT acceptable for hardwood floor installation, cabinetry, etc. My 12 yr old Makita after hundreds of hours use still exhibits less than .008. Most of us don't work a mitre saw this hard and probably break out the mitre saw once a month or so and rarely for critical finishes. Most saws will work fine for this use, and again will live longest with a properly matched blade for the material. But it's about having the right tool for your expectations. I'm sure I work my stuff harder than most and make my living by their output, thus I'm picky.
 

BlkY2k

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 20, 2010
Messages
583
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

We need to qualify this entire discussion. In my work, my saws can go from hacking deck timber to hardwood trim finishes. The right blade for the material is paramount not only for finish, but to reduce the wear and tear on the saw itself. If the OP's need is for a mitre saw to build the occaisional deck, they'll all get there with the right blade. If you want to build piano parts or expect high quality joints in hardwood or composite materials, or use it in extreme conditions. saws become quite different. The initial blade run out (lateral movement of most Dewalts or Ryobi saws can be as much as .015 by my observation, and after moderate use increase to .025. Fine for hacking up 2X4's and building decks but NOT acceptable for hardwood floor installation, cabinetry, etc. My 12 yr old Makita after hundreds of hours use still exhibits less than .008. Most of us don't work a mitre saw this hard and probably break out the mitre saw once a month or so and rarely for critical finishes. Most saws will work fine for this use, and again will live longest with a properly matched blade for the material. But it's about having the right tool for your expectations. I'm sure I work my stuff harder than most and make my living by their output, thus I'm picky.
I totally agree, that why I have 2. One for finish and one to use as a chop saw. And the first time I see somebody using my finish blade to cut a 2x4 they are gonna get clocked with a 2x.
 

halfmoa

Ensign
Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
955
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

For rough work it's helpful. For precise work, not so much.
 

rogerwa

Commander
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Nov 29, 2000
Messages
2,339
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

I currently have a Craftsman 10" sliding compund mitre that I picked upi for $199. Work well for my purpose and is fairly portable for its function.

I have also had good luck buying reconditioned tools. Reconditioned Miter Saws
 

Grandad

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
1,504
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

So, I am curious. How much does the laser actually help?
I found it to be helpful, bearing in mind that the laser line may be thicker than the run out in your blade. Once the line was carefully set on mine, it made for quicker alignment of the workpiece.

Just a note for others who are not unfamiliar with these saws: Unlike other saws with an exposed blade, you may not be able to conveniently see the blade as it approaches your work because of the safety shield. Also, you'll find that you'll appreciate having an adequate wide support for your work. It's difficult to incrementally slide a long piece of trim to the correct cut location with only one hand if its not adequately supported, so the laser helps get things lined up while you still have 2 hands available. - Grandad
 

colbyt

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 9, 2012
Messages
824
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

I am right fond of both of my hands and quite attached to my fingers. I will continue to take the time to half a** support the work piece before I make a cut.

Tip: A couple of old step ladders on the job site can take the place of an expensive and heavy infeed outfeed setup.
 

BlkY2k

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 20, 2010
Messages
583
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

I currently have a Craftsman 10" sliding compund mitre that I picked upi for $199. Work well for my purpose and is fairly portable for its function.

I have also had good luck buying reconditioned tools. Reconditioned Miter Saws
Thanks for the link Roger, I`ve been looking at a porter-cable cordless kit in nicad on amazon and now I can get it in Lith-ion for the same price.
 

halfmoa

Ensign
Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
955
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

Thanks for the link Roger, I`ve been looking at a porter-cable cordless kit in nicad on amazon and now I can get it in Lith-ion for the same price.

No doubt. My next air compressor is coming from them!
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,591
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

No doubt. My next air compressor is coming from them!
Almost all their air compressors are oil-free. You don't want one of those if you value your hearing.
 

smacd11

Seaman
Joined
Aug 26, 2012
Messages
72
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

I have the Craftsman 10" compound miter saw (non-slider). I would not recommend it. I have had two now, both of which had the same problem. You can true the fence up when saw is a t 90 deg. position but when you tip the saw to 45 deg it is no longer square to the fence. Not a big deal if you are just framing but a PITA for doing any finishing work. I am looking at the Rigid 12" compound slider as a replacement. Just my $.02
 

Bigprairie1

Commander
Joined
Jun 13, 2007
Messages
2,568
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

Excellent feedback guys.
Particularly interesting was Dockwreckers comments about the runout accuracy over time as well as Freud blade feedback and the issues with the Craftsman.
I'm hoping to get the time to get out this Saturday and pick one of these up...and its looking like it might be the Ryobi or one of the 3 dewalts.:rolleyes:
I do all my own finishing work so I'm definitely keen on checking the blade(s) on these (if they are still on them) to make sure its appropriate for my plans along with my existing blades.
The backstory on this is that I have a 10-15 year old chop saw and it fell backwards off its support onto the floor and the handle busting off of it. Its still there and it still works and has a good blade...but it is a scary, dangerous piece of equipment like that so it is time for the dump or 'for sale for parts only'.:D:D
BP:)
 

BlkY2k

Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 20, 2010
Messages
583
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

Almost all their air compressors are oil-free. You don't want one of those if you value your hearing.

Your right they are LOUD. I have a older rigid twin stack and after running it in the garage for awhile, you couldnt hear yourself think. I got to looking at it and realized it was the air intake filter that was making all the racket so I added a pipe nipple and a piece of 5/8" rubber hose, drilled a hole in the wall and put the filter outside. Voila you can hear again.
 

mscher

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Apr 21, 2004
Messages
1,424
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

One thing to consider is the width of what you want to cut.

I was putting in 6" wood faced flooring and wanted to use a miter saw, to get nice, square cuts. a 10" was the only sized blade, on this particular Dewalt, that would cut deep enough, to cut the 6" completely.

Ended up getting a 10" Dewalt (need to check on the model no). paid about 190.00 for it. It's not a sliding model.

Been very happy with it.
 

rogerwa

Commander
Joined
Nov 29, 2000
Messages
2,339
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

Thanks for the link Roger, I`ve been looking at a porter-cable cordless kit in nicad on amazon and now I can get it in Lith-ion for the same price.

I have bought a number of things, not a mitre saw though, that I have had good luck with. My Milwaukee nailers, Milwaukee 18v impact and screwdriver, dewalt saws all, 2700psi power washer, and an air compressor. All of them have worked out perfectly. The only issue was a clogged tip on the power washer.
 

emilsr

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 16, 2010
Messages
774
Re: Mitre Saw Opinions please

(note: the ones I was looking at locally are all pretty new compound slider units apparently bought by well intended home owners who may finished their weekend project(s) or succummbed to 'buy it Saturday' at home depot:D:D)

Wasn't quite a "weekend project", but that's basically why I bought my Makita sliding compound mitre saw....but it's been sitting unused for the past few years. Loved it when I was using it. Too bad you aren't close enough to pick it up; I'd sell it cheap just to get it out of the garage. :facepalm:
 
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