Need advice or feedback on miter saws - DIY Chatroom

mwehnes · 02-18-2007, 10:35 PM

I'm sure everyone is sick of these types of questions, but I really would like feedback before making a purchase. I'm going to buy a miter saw in the next week and would like some feedback from you guys on the following options.

Currently 100% of my use will be for crown molding and baseboard. Eventually, I'll use it to build a deck. Laser's mean nothing to me and do not influence my purchasing. My main worry is if a 10" is going to be enough. Budget is $300 max. I'm open to other options.

Hitachi 12" Dual Bevel Compound Miter Saw w/ Laser C12FDH $289.00 http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...=cr&lpage=none
(this is the only 12" that fits in my budget that I've found)

Hitachi 10" Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker C10FCH $169.00
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...=cr&lpage=none

RIDGID 10 In. Compound Miter Saw with Exactline MS1065LZ $197.00
(see Home Depot's website. Hyperlinks don't work with it.)

Also, is a double bevel that much more usefull?

Thanks for the help,
Matt

shapeshifter · 02-18-2007, 11:12 PM

I bought mine about 2 weeks ago, really a low-budget item but it has performed well for me. I didn't spend a lot of $$ because I didn't know if I would get my money's worth, but I have.

I wish I had gotten the sliding miter saw, so if that is available on one of yours under consideration, I would definitely get it. I wish I had.

Darylh · 02-19-2007, 01:21 AM

I do 6 inch crowns with my 10 inch no problem but it is a slide and compounds both ways. If you look for a sliding compound miter saw make sure it has dual rails NOT ONE. To much sideways play on a single rail. If i had a choice of your options I would take the Hitachi 12" Dual Bevel Compound Miter Saw w/ Laser C12FDH $289.00

mwehnes · 02-19-2007, 09:37 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'd love a 10" sliding, unfortunately they are all $400+. A little out of my price range.

Right now I'm leaning toward the Hitachi 12" double bevel.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 02-19-2007, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwehnes

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'd love a 10" sliding, unfortunately they are all $400+. A little out of my price range.

Right now I'm leaning toward the Hitachi 12" double bevel.

FWIW - Sears makes a Sliding compound that is much less expensive than the big name brands. It will do the job for a DIYer*.

(* Contractors beat the crap out of their tools and usually spend more for the other big brands since they get dropped out of trucks, off ladders, off staging, etc..etc...,and usually keep going and going. Example: We lost a 12' sliding miter from 14' up - off pump jack staging - while doing a cedar shake siding job... minor damage; it's in the shop getting repaired)

shapeshifter · 02-19-2007, 11:52 AM

When I bought my saw, I didn't know about the slide feature. The other thing that I like about my cheapo is that the miter degree settings are infinite.

I know I'm not getting the part names right but another miter saw had the miter settings that moved in and out of little grooves, rather than moving smoothly on the platform that sets the degrees. I think I like mine better.

mwehnes · 02-19-2007, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shapeshifter

I know I'm not getting the part names right but another miter saw had the miter settings that moved in and out of little grooves, rather than moving smoothly on the platform that sets the degrees. I think I like mine better.

I think those are called "positive stops" and are susposed to make cutting common angles easier. I think they are about the same as the laser. Not that great.

shapeshifter · 02-19-2007, 08:28 PM

It's really hard to see the laser line, especially if working outside. Other than that I'm happy so far.

handyflyer · 02-20-2007, 10:51 PM

Go with the 12" in whatever model you get. With the 12" you can cut just about any crown moulding in place. I have had the Ryobi 12 for 3 years and it is wonderful. Dead on accurate and some good features. I have used it for crown and I am currently using it to finish the basement. Good luck

mwehnes · 02-21-2007, 10:10 AM

Thanks for the help.. I spoke with three additional people this week and based on everything I've read and been told the Hitachi is a great miter saw. Dewalt is the only one that was recommended more often to me, but it is outside of my budget.

Based on your feedback and the 3 opinions I recieved. I'll be purchasing the Hitachi 12" Dual Bevel Compound Saw C12FDH.

Thanks
Matt

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 02-21-2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwehnes

Thanks for the help.
Based on your feedback and the 3 opinions I recieved. I'll be purchasing the Hitachi 12" Dual Bevel Compound Saw C12FDH.

Thanks
Matt

4th Opinion: Hitachi