[stubits]

All-

What size miter saw do you recommend to use when framing. I am thinking a 10" sliding compound miter saw would be pretty versatile, but is it overkill? I like that it can cross cut 2x12. I am also looking at a standard Rigid 12" miter saw which can actually cross cut a 2x10. There a decent cost difference between the two. Can I get away with the standard 12" or will I really miss having the sliding function?

What are you guys using?

Thanks!

 

[joel v.]

If i was to get a new mitre saw, which I want to in the very near future, I would go with a slider and most likely a 12". With the slider you can slide it across a smaller board and score it without getting the table saw out. I have heard that sliders will get lose(inaccurate) a lot faster than solid saws when used to constantly cut 2x. If your building an addition or a house it would likely be a good idea to go with a $100 solid saw like a cheap Delta and get a slider for trim and such. The cheapest compound slider that I've seen is a BOSCH 4410 which is $450 at Home Depot in Canada.

 

[Ron6519]

All-

What size miter saw do you recommend to use when framing. I am thinking a 10" sliding compound miter saw would be pretty versatile, but is it overkill? I like that it can cross cut 2x12. I am also looking at a standard Rigid 12" miter saw which can actually cross cut a 2x10. There a decent cost difference between the two. Can I get away with the standard 12" or will I really miss having the sliding function?

What are you guys using?

Thanks!

For framing, I use an aluminum "T" square and a circular saw. The miter saws' sophisticated adjustments lend themselves more to molding cutting.
The number of times you will need a miter saw to cut 2x12's will be minimal. And you still can't cut roof rafters with a steep pitch with it.
If you plan on molding work with large crown , then get the 10" sliding single bevel saw.
Ron

 

[clasact]

I got a fixed 10inch awhile back for framing and I am sorry I didn't just spend the extra few dollars and get the slider.If I had I would have been so ticked off when trying to cut headers and such and then their is the molding and trim.One good saw that dose many different things is worth more then having two or three to do different jobs.I know we would all like to have workshops like the guys on TV but in the real world cost is a consideration and the average DIYer may need to take these things into the budget.A good 10 or 12 inch slider would be my recommendation for versatility and overall use but then again thats just my opinion

 

[vsheetz]

If you have not already done so, I would suggest to invest in a good circular saw - when framing I use it the most. Along with a couple good wooden saw horses, a large and a small speed square, and a large metal T square / guide.

I have a 10" fixed chop saw of decent quality - it has done most everything I have wanted. The best thing I have done is to get a good wheeled stand for the chop saw and a couple roller stands for supporting longer pieces.

 

[Daniel Holzman]

I have a 10 inch sliding compound mitre saw. I use it for making furniture mostly, works great for trim, molding, and that sort of thing. I also use if for framing sometimes, but as previously noted, usually I just use a circular saw and a T square for framing, works just as well. But for furniture, I use the sliding saw as much as my table saw.

 

[Thurman]

Years ago when I was cutting my teeth working for a framing contractor, he would boast to the newer, younger framing contractors with their fancy new "chop saws", and "miter saws" that he could run rings around their a**es with his circular saw. He always did. I use a circular saw for cutting framing material, I have both a compound miter saw and a 12" compound slider saw for certain jobs. I guess I'm old school, a good tape measure, a speed square, a circular saw, and a-framing I will go.

 

[Willie T]

I sense it's possible you do not appreciate the aggravation and hassle of trying to use a miter saw on heavy, bowed framing lumber. It will drive you to drink! Don't even attempt it.

Get a good, powerful circular saw. (12- 13 amp or better) And try not to get one with the silly safety button. :wink: Those dinky toys aren't worth buying for serious work.

 

[juanitagant]

need advice on miter cuts. can I use the old molding for a template on the new boards?

 

[DangerMouse]

i have a dewalt compound mitre and a radial arm saw, but i've done 99% of the framing on this place with this.
by far one of the best tool purchases i've ever made.

DM