Power Miter Saw

[Paul Sarnstrom]

Hello All,

I am looking to purchase an electric miter saw. Like most I am looking to get a relaible product at a good price.

Do you have experience with these saws and if so is there one or two you might recommend? Are there any you wouldn't recommend from your experience?

thanks,
Paul

[Chris Glasspool]

Hi Paul,

I like my Dewalt 12 inch, but it depends on what you are using it for. Miter saws have all but displaced Radial Arm Saws now, as they can be purchased to do double compound work, and slide for doing wide stock, and cut some fairly extreme angles, though I think this is where the Radial Saw is still king. Mine is not the double compound slider, so you have to turn the board over when doing mirror image cuts, but the quality is obvious, as I have now done perhaps hundreds of hours work with it.

You might look at the Duck Works article on them entitled: The Best and Worst of the Power Miter Saw World; www.duckworksmagazine.com
- chris

[Paul Sarnstrom]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the link. I found the article and it appears to be well researched. I do like when people are speaking from experience and it appears like this fellow did lots of testing as well as having lots of previous experience with these saws.

Now if I can find one I can afford :-)

Paul

[machinemaker]

I have an old delta miter saw that I have had for about 15 years and it is OK for a cheap saw from Home depot. I too like Dewalt tools and have very good luck with them. I buy their right angle grinders at Home Depot for less money than I can get them anywhere else. They come with a one year warrenty and for an extra ten bucks and can get an additional years warrenty. Because I use the grinders a lot, half the time I wear them out in the two years and take them back for a free one. I have had problems with milwaukee tools.
kent

[Chris Glasspool]

Hi Paul,

One way to get a really good one, without breaking the budget, is to get a Radial Arm Saw used. I've seen them go free, and for 10.00, and for usually less than 75.00. Sure, they are heavy - non portable, and a full day to dial in the accuracy when first setting up, but they do everything a Miter Saw can, plus they can do wider stock. cut more severe angles, and are more accurate, at least comparing the non-laser equipment. I even have used mine to do things you usually think of a table saw as doing like ripping. My instructions even say it can be used for shaping, and routing. They are inexpensive used as the Miter Saw is less expensive new, and does essentially the same thing at a big discount, and portability when comparing new models - they have been replaced in popularity. Generally Radial Arm Saws are built to last at least a life time, but checking the action, and making sure no slop or wear exists, could be important in a model that was used for production work.

Just a thought, chris

[Paul Sarnstrom]

Hi Chris and all.

Your suggestion to find a used radial arm saw to save money is a good one. Unfortunately the issue you raise about lack of portability is of primary importance as I have no where sheltered to set up something that large.

I do however take your issue about cost to heart as I also have seen radial arm saws go for little money. As you say the power miter saw is replacing the radial arm saw for many applications.

My main purpose in getting such a saw at this time is for mold making.

I really need increased accuracy and speed for cutting 1"x4"s, 2"x4"s and 2"x6"s when making molds for LFC work. Last year it was all done with a cheap skillsaw. The process of layout, measuring, clamping stock to a table, sawing, releasing clamps, and repeating the whole process took far too long compared to using a good miter or radial arm saw.

I may be able to setup a temporary cutting station outdoors and keep the saw covered when not in use so I will keep my eyes open for an older radial arm saw.

Paul