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Sliding Miter Saw - Which One?

8K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  CaptainMarvel 
#1 ·
I have a table saw (30 year old Craftsman), circular saw, Power chop saw and a variety of other power tools yet I always have to lay out my material and use a guide to cut 1x12 boards with a guide and the circular saw. I have been contemplating buying a sliding miter saw but they sure are expensive.

I am just a half azzed carpenter from the 70's - 80's that's finally getting back into building stuff again. Lately I have been building book cases for the teachers at the local school where my wife works. No profit for me, just build for the cost of the material. Trying to do my part to help.

So, I was thinking that if I bought a sliding saw, it would help make my cuts more accurate and the resulting piece would look more professionally built. The first two book cases look just fine, but set up takes a lot longer and it seems I just can't cut two 42 inch pieces and have them be the same length! :-( Maybe Old Timers is setting in.

So, I am cutting 1x12 white pine, and the white pine edge glued boards for the top that is a little over 12 inches wide after I rip it down.

For the non-professional, what 10 or 12 inch sliding miter saw would your recommend?

Thanks in advance.
Mike

Nothing fancy, just functional. Holds students three ring binders.
 

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#10 ·
Capt you should start your own thread next time because it can get confusing when trying to answer 2. Now here is my opinion for what it is worth, go look around at different saw you are interested in and buy the best one you can afford. Look at all the bells and whistles and figure out what you will need in the future and let that be a guide. Take it from someone who has done it, don't settle for just the cheapest as there is nothing more frustrating than to need a tool to do something and find out it won't, but for a few bucks more you could have had one that would. Now go forth and multiply, no wait that's wrong, go forth and build something.:laughing:
 
#12 ·
As a weekend woodworker....I already have a radial arm saw...table saw....compound miter saw....

In retrospect, I wish I had bought a sliding compound miter....most of the newer ones are as good as a fixed radial arm saw.....

Another brand to consider that won't break the bank...Ryobi...

With that said....I've had decent experience with HF tools...mechanically they seem fine...where they tend to lack is in power.

A compound miter saw is one of those tools that 'can' see a lot of use. If you see yourself making a lot of shelves...doing some minor framing...etc, then maybe investing in a better one would be money well spent. If you don't see yourself building a garage like I did (or 2-story addition) or taking up wood working...the the HF one should be fine.
 
#13 · (Edited)
A compound miter saw is one of those tools that 'can' see a lot of use. If you see yourself making a lot of shelves...doing some minor framing...etc, then maybe investing in a better one would be money well spent. If you don't see yourself building a garage like I did (or 2-story addition) or taking up wood working...the the HF one should be fine.
Well, I am very much a beginner ... so my initial projects will be building a sturdy workbench along most the length of one side of my garage - likely to include a miter saw station toward one end (something along the lines of a customized version along the basic premise of this workbench project.

Honestly, I do not see myself cutting a whole lot of molding right off the bat (or in the foreseeable future) - though I will likely try my hand at some entry level small furniture builds (i.e. end table, bookshelf, wine rack) ... while also working on some other fun diy projects such as a DIY Arcade MAME Cabinet/Game System.


And while this may seem kind of goofy to some of you more serious and accomplished DIY'ers out there, I also have an eye toward trying to work on some fun "prop replica" projects - such as some of the (in my opinion) cool things that can be made with/using MDF --> SEE HERE FOR WHAT I MEAN :thumbup1:



So, my initial thought process is to use this initial "beginner" time period to begin to accumulate some of the primary (entry-level) power tools I believe I will be using most - i.e. circular saw, jig saw, miter saw ... with an eyeball toward soonafter picking up various other/ancillary woodworking tools - i.e. table saw, band saw (maybe), drill press, sander(s), polishers, etc. ... and taking the time to LEARN to use/utilize these tools correctly and proficiently.

Assuming/Hoping that I keep at it and eventually become (dare I say) skilled at various woodworking tasks and methods, I figure then I can/will begin the process of working toward investing in higher quality power tools . . . . that is, assuming any of the Harbor Freight tools I may purchase are either underperforming or crap out on my altogether. ;)



Am I loco in my thought process here - from a "bang for my buck + beginner learning process" plan of action standpoint ?? :bangin:



TOM
 
#4 ·
And now for a follow up. I bought the 12 inch sliding saw from Harbor Freight. It is not fancy but does the job I need it to do and that is cross cut 1x12's. I know this saw isn't for everyone but for the occasional sawdust slinger like me, it is perfect.

Oh, BTW it was on sale for $169. :eek:
 
#8 · (Edited)
Okay, Forum Community NOOB here ...
- and, obviously, completely late to the party insofar as this particular discussion topic is concerned ...

I am just starting to get into wanting to do a lot of DIY projects - to begin with, strictly on a hobby/"let's-see-what-I-can-do" level. So, being the newbie to the "craftsman" world (no Sears pun or reference intended), I am obviously excited to get started - while at the same time not wanting to take out a second mortgage in purchasing my (for all intents and purposes) first power tools. So, naturally, I'm checking out Harbor Freight power tools. I am fortunate enough to live close to several store locations - having already visited a couple of them to check out the tools "in person" (vs only online or within their flyers).

I'll be completely honest, money IS a factor right now ... so this particular discussion topic has, thus far, been VERY helpful to me - as I, too, am wanting to include a miter saw as part of my initial tool purchases ... and I, too, have been looking at the Harbor Freight 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw.

12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw With Laser Guide - Chicago Electric Power Tools - Item#98194



As many of you more experienced craftsmen/women know, the reviews on HF tools are mixed at best - with the few insights within this discussion thread being no exception. So, given that I am a complete beginner to woodworking - though I do have a handful of initial projects in mind to begin with - some of which I may want to bevel cut some 4x4's - I thought I would "resurrect" this discussion thread to see if there are any updated and/or additional thoughts, insight and/or advice with regard to this HF 12" Miter Saw.



TOM

P.S. (The above miter saw is going on sale next Friday (Black Friday) for $119.00) ;)

P.S.S (I already have a decent Craftsman router, and my other "initial tool purchases will also include a circular saw and a jig saw).


:)
 
#6 ·
While I have never purchased any expensive power tools from Harbor Freight, I have purchased a couple of their cheaper power tools that were on sale. IMO for the occasional garage project for fun/hobby a saw from Harbor Freight will be fine. Opt for their warranty and replace it if it craps out on you.
 
#7 ·
The sliding miter saw from Harbor Freight works good enough for me. The last bookcase (positioned in the middle of this pic) was wider than the two previous but turned out almost identical to the other two. The teacher loves them. She is a good friend and I am glad I was able to help out.

My job here is done! :)
 

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