Replies

1. 
   MarkH128 | Mar 22, 2003 06:43pm | #1

   10" blades are easier to find, but the saw is harder to carry around. However, I guess the 8 1/2" would work for you well, so that's my choice. I usually like to go for the larger size, but if it will be rarely needed and could be worked around, and is more expensive, then the smaller one makes more sense.

2. 
   fdampier5 | Mar 22, 2003 06:53pm | #2

   go for the big dog..  it is far better to have more than you need and not use it than to have too little sometime when you need more..  

     you may be able to do something with a the bigger one that you've never thought of and wouldn't consider..

1. 
   MarkH128 | Mar 22, 2003 07:07pm | #3

   I saw a Hitachi at Blowes that may have been a 12" double compound slider. Looked real nice to me, seems pretty reasonable cost wise too.

1. 
   fdampier5 | Mar 22, 2003 07:28pm | #4

   I use a 12 inch and believe me I would never get anything smaller.. too often I'm able to use the bigger blade..

3. 
   finishcarp | Mar 22, 2003 07:50pm | #5

   I am a finish carpenter so I use my Hitachi 10" scm almost every day.  I like the fact I can get a variety of blades (may not get as much variety in 8 1/2") And I had to rent the Hitachi 8 1/2" for a job once- it seemed to be a bit under powered as compared to the 10" for day to day use and perhaps not work in the 2" material that you talked about

   I have no complaints... except when doing bevel cuts as the controls are on the far side of the unit and the bevel guage is hard to see/ read.   I see that Bosch has brought out a 12" scm saw (a REAL BIG DOG!!) where the bevel controls are right there at your fingertips on the miter lever and doesn't require you to reach around the saw.  At the store it seemed like a good idea... and I think their quality would be comparable to the Hitachi.

   Hope this helps.

1. 
   romeoraft | Mar 22, 2003 08:08pm | #7

   I have the ten inch. And it serves my needs well. Only once did I run into a dilemna with some oversize crown. And that only stemmed from the operator having brain damage and having to cut the crown flat.

   I definitly give the Hitachi Ten inch a thumbs up

4. 
   IMERC | Mar 22, 2003 08:03pm | #6

   Found that bigger / better is generally the rule and not the exception. Look into the Bosch 12. That saw seems to have it together. Any Bosch I've ever gotten I've never regretted.

   10" blades are more common and come in a much larger varity than 8 1/2". My 8" has been parked for a very, very long time. In fact I loaned it out quite some time ago and don't miss it.

5. 
   Paulgern | Mar 22, 2003 09:22pm | #8

   my partner has the 8" and i have the bosch 10. we have not used his saw in the last 6 months. i wish i had the bosch 12. it is a tough decision tho - good luck. paul.

1. 
   Petey | Mar 22, 2003 09:43pm | #9

   I have the 8 1/2 and have never had any complaints. Always been able to make it do what I needed it to. If I were to be buying it now I would probably go for the bigger saw, 4x4's are a little tuff to cut on the smaller saws.  Petey