Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | May 19, 2003 03:57am | #1

   The impact article was in FHB about a year ago.  Plenty of discussions here also.  But don't bother trying to find the old article or discussions, just go buy a Makita.

   Do it right, or do it twice.

1. 
   MG911 | May 21, 2003 08:10am | #15

   Would you mind getting me the model #? The only Makita available in my area is the 12V with one battery. The 6914DWBE I saw on amazon.com comes with 2 batteries (don't know if those grumpy customs guys have let this one north of the border yet).

   The only other option I seem to have available is the 1/4 in. Hitachi 12V (#WH12DM). Good? Bad?

   It's kind of odd but everytime I phone and ask for these products I seem to get long pauses and "no, you mean an impact WRENCH". Yikes.

   Mike

1. 
   rasconc | May 21, 2003 06:02pm | #16

   I believe that you pulled the wrong thread, this one is the mitre saw one.  There are two 12 volt Makita Impact drivers.  The older one does not have the padded handle and comes with 2.2ah batteries, the newer one has padding and 2.6ah batteries, 100 more rpms, and the bigger price tag.  I just bought the older one with a trade-in of a dead Craftsman screwdriver for $180 with a 2.6ah third battery for the trade-in.

2. 
   daddoo | May 19, 2003 04:01am | #2

   If you don't use the saw full time, why buy the laser one? It only makes using it faster, not better. Just buy a miter saw that fits you needs. Compound, double compound, sliding?

   I am a finish carpenter with my own company, and I have four different miter saws that I use for different applications. For simple miters, you could get away with a small bladed simple miter saw, or even a miter knife. Just buy quality. Bob Vila may shop there, but very few pros would risk their reputation on those tools.

3. 
   Qtrmeg | May 19, 2003 07:07am | #3

   I would never be without a slider, but they do have issues. Cost and weight are a couple, and they don't work so well if you want to have it set up on a bench most of the time.

   One heck of a nice saw is the Hitachi 8" slider, and I have seen them in the low $300's. Not a bad choice for you.

   Re: your other thread, a lot of the problem could be the way you chop, the play in the saw isn't  a deal breaker. Actually, when I first got my saw, I was a little ticked I couldn't tweak the cuts a bit, but now I have enough play...

4. 
   steve | May 19, 2003 04:30pm | #4

   for general trim work a 10 inch compound saw will be fine.  Use the mitres for casings and the compound for precutting yourcope joints in baseboard. The 10 will also cut door jamb materials for typical houses easily.

   for larger trim you will need to go to a 12 inch also compound.  The slider is not necessary.

   I have 2 delta 10 inch saws, one is an old beltdriven sidekick that severed faithfully for years but has no bevel action but its great for casing, a single compound sidekick which is 2 years old and works perfectly

   I also have a dewalt 12 single compound nonslider for larger trim. it is extremely accurate, i cut prefinnished maple and cherry crown for kitchen cabinets with that and my mitres i can adjust +/- 1/4 degree

   get a top quality blade and keep it sharp, personally i use freuds but there are others as well.  the blades that come with the saws are awful and dont even sharpen well

5. 
   mikeys | May 19, 2003 04:52pm | #5

   Cordless impact drivers FHB July 2002 No.148 page 100. I bought the Makita. I'm happy with it.

   There's only been one perfect carpenter and they crucified Him
6. 
   Len | May 19, 2003 05:22pm | #6

    I used to have the 2 Hitachi 8" slides. Destroyed one from use and the other was ruined when a "buddy" cleaned it with a compressed air gun. Blew sawdust into the bearings and ruined it. I would have bought a third but the import tax on it at the time, had made over $700.

    I bought the Dewalt 12" slide 5 years ago. I haven't regretted it once.

   Hope this helps,

   Len

1. 
   MG911 | May 19, 2003 11:12pm | #7

   Thanks for the suggestions so far. The only draw back I could see from stepping up to the 12" and the sliders is the lack of portability.  Although I don't go from site to site daily - I do go to a couple of different houses on occasion. Even something as simple as taking the saw out of the garage into the backyard would be challenging for one person.  I did see that 8" Hitachi slider, maybe I'll take a closer look.  I still think that PC was a juicy looking unit but may  be a little overkill for my needs.

   My only concern is having a saw that will be multi-purpose as I won't be buying several saws for specific apps.  Already have the table saw and a couple circ. saws. Maybe I should look at another 10" instead of the 12"??

   I also noticed Delta had a package deal on a 10" compound - came with a few extras like extension cord, framing square, tool bet and spare blade. All of which I already have so not much of an incentive. I'm not sure what Delta has been up to lately but the look and feel of that saw was terrible - very cheap. It was made under their 'shopmaster' lable - perhaps this is their low end line. Totally not impressed though.

   Thanks also for the info on the impact drivers...

7. 
   JeffBuck | May 20, 2003 12:30am | #8

   if you're not sure if U need a slider..then I'd guess you probably don't.

   Same deal with the laser.....one more thing to break or go outta whack.

   I'd suggest the tried and true......the staple of job sites and shops everywhere....

   the DeWalt 12" CMS.......# 705...I think. Right around $300.....

   can probably get one cheaper reconditioned from tool crib/amazon.

   if and when mine ever dies....I'd love to get the newer version that tilts both ways.

   I ise mine pretty much daily and I've cut everything from built in cab pieces to deck framing on it. Mostly it cuts kitchen cab stock and trim.

   Jeff

   Buck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

1. 
   rasconc | May 20, 2003 03:39am | #10

   I agree, DW 705 is one good item.  DW706 is the dual compound.  Would be the one to get if doing a lot of work with it.  After four+ years I rechecked my 705 table and it was only a small adjustment off perfect.  Been lugged many places and cut one heck of a lot of wood.  My Hitachi 10 inch is great for smaller jobs like running trim.  For extreme light use that Makita cordless looks interesting.

   Just got new Tool Crib catalog, DW706 dual compound $349 with orbital sander thrown in and free shipping. 

   Good luck, Bob.

   Edited 5/19/2003 10:16:49 PM ET by RASCONC

8. 
   Rugby | May 20, 2003 03:04am | #9

   I agree with Jeff's on his post regarding the DW705.  Mine has served me well for over 7 years.  Just replaced the brushes when needed.

   I love my DeW slider but it's a heavy beast.

   In the Tool Crib mag I got today that double bevel DW706 lists at $349.99  Get a free RO sander with the deal.  Looks likes it vertical cut capacity is 6"+ a little more for crown.

   Impact driver vote: Makita.  Dropped my 3 times yesterday (not on purpose) from 6' up on to the subfloor.  No damage.  It's a Timex

9. 
   m2akita | May 20, 2003 03:45am | #11

   Pretty much repeating what others have said, but here's my extra 2 cents.

   Id say first decide if you want/ need a slider.  What would you be doing with a slider that you couldnt with the fixed saw?  Shelving/ bookcases, ?, ?.  What do the rest of you guys use a sliding miter saw for that you dont/cant with a fixed miter saw?

    The one advantage that I like my slider over my fixed ( both are the 12" Dewalts) is lining up the saws cut angle to a line I scribed/drew on the piece of wood that Im going to cut (will put a tooth of the blade on cut line near the fence then pull saw back and put on cut line at the saws extended position.....is this description make sense?). 

   The sliders are definitely heavier.  Try picking one up in the store and moving it around, or buy one and move it back and forth from where you will keep it to your car/truck.  Try carrying it up some stairs.  I think this would give you a good idea if you would be willing to move it around.  If its to heavy, you could return it ( you havent used it yet).

   If you go with a fixed miter saw, my vote is for the 12" Dewalt ( now do you get the single compound or dual compound, Ive only used the single compound).  If you go with a sliding Id say either the Dewalt or Makitas.

   Good luck

   M2akita 

1. 
   MG911 | May 20, 2003 08:35am | #12

   Thanks again everyone...some great pointers so far. Sounds like the Dewalt is in the lead - and yes, where I'm located - they are throwing in a RO or a corded drill with purchase. As silly as it may sound, sometimes it's nice to have the big guns sitting in the garage just to show off to the buddies..lol.  I'm gonna keep my eyes open and wait for a sale perhaps as I'm not in a rush. 

   None of you seemed to think much of that PC 12" though...I remember looking at a Craftsman not too long ago with laser. Only one small drawback - the laser only came on when the saw was ENGAGED!! How safe is that??!

   Mike

1. 
   jc21 | May 20, 2003 03:57pm | #13

   Not sure how Amazon.com works in Canada but it might be worth it to check out their recon tools. Good prices and new factory tool warranty. I have the 12" Makita LS 1220 (non slider compond miter) and have been very pleased with it. The Makita and the Dewalt DW 705 are $249.99 (US).

1. 
   MG911 | May 20, 2003 09:17pm | #14

   I think I will have a look on the internet to see if there are any deals. Unfortunately, many of the tools available south of the border aren't always available here due to customs but I'll check it out.

   Mike

10. 
    toolin63 | May 21, 2003 08:49pm | #17

    I've had my Dewalt 12 Slider for 5 years. You couldn't pry it from my dead fingers. Durable and precise. A little akward to carry but I manage. The slider comes in handy for large trim and strange cuts.

    Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing!     Holmes Sr. Oliver Wendell

11. 
    cc | May 22, 2003 01:33am | #18

    Hi Mike,

    I'm in the same boat...exactly the same boat.  I have a 10" Craftsman that I just sold (not exactly the best tool on the planet) and am considering the PC.  Unfortunately we are not allowed to buy from Amazon.com as we are in Canada.  This is a crazy policy, but true.  At my local store the DeWalt 705 and the PC are about the same price (the PC is $50 more...Canadian dollars, so that's about $30 in USD).  I have my fare share of DeWalt power tools (and love them all) but I think I'll get the PC.  I don't have any really great reasons for this, but here are my opinions of both tools.  The machining of the table of the PC is better (the DeWalt was pretty rough, could have just been the one on display, who knows.). The dust collection on the PC looks better.  I understand that dust collection is a joke on a miter saw, but it still looks more up to the task.  The spring on the PC was stronger (matter of choice here, but I like more spring).  I liked the angle adjustment on the DeWalt better and the wing adjusting mechanism looked more "robust".

    Then there is the laser, I personally like the idea.  I have "retired" from trim carpentry work (although I was working last weekend), but I still like the laser idea for two reasons.  Firstly, it is easier to line-up cuts, not the 90° ones, but a compound cut where you have to do some guessing about where the blade will intersect the wood.  Then there is the saftey factor.  I know it never happens, but sometimes to get jobs done on time I use to work crazy hours and you can get a little brain-dead.  So having the laser I think would let you see if you were going to cut off a digit, or help line up a cut.

    Both of these saws are very heavy, most 12" saws are, so they are not the best choice for dragging around a job-site.  Set them up and leave them in one place.  I have a little 8 1/2" saw that I've used for years to do interior trim as it is very light and I can drag it around the house as I go, unless the trim is wide.

    So far I haven't heard anything bad about either the PC or the DeWalt, so if you like the lasers, by the PC...if you need more yellow in your life buy the DeWalt.

    CC

1. 
   alecs | May 22, 2003 02:47am | #19

   I have the Makita 10" LS1013 slider.

   It's real nice for what I do, and I am only a homeowner!  It is a little heavy, but it carries up and down stairs OK if you lock it at the 45 degree miter position.  Since you already have a table saw, the slide miter saw means you won't need a radial arm saw, plus it's portable.  I think the Makita slider is a worthwhile investment.  But the hitachi 8" looks nice too, and is cheaper and undoubtedly lighter.

   Even if you can't think of any reasons to get a slider, you will think of reasons to use it once you get one!  Another person mentioned one of my favorite features, even when you are cutting things that don't require the slide.  You can make your pencil mark anywhere on the wood and slide the saw to line up with the mark. 

   one more thing- the ability to miter beyond 45degrees is really handy.

2. 
   MG911 | May 22, 2003 03:42am | #20

   Thanks for the suggestion CC...I'm actually from Sask. so I'm in the same boat. Amazon.ca offers nothing in the way of tools - ugh! You can however by the Chopsaw Concierto in D minor on CD or cassette ;)

   I appreciate some of the pointers and pros/cons you (and many of the posts)talked about. Seems everyone has had some great advice around here. I sure like the idea of the dual laser though...and the PC just seemed to have a real nice feel to it when I was checking it out.

   Where abouts are you from? The only thing that really throws a monkey wrench into things is the sliding mitre option like the last post after yours talks about.  I'm going to have to think on this one for a while...nice not to be in too much of a hurry.

   Mike

1. 
   cc | May 22, 2003 04:59pm | #21

   Hi Mike,

   I'm in Alberta (so I have a little advantage on the big ticket items ;-).  I'd think about the slider as well, but I don't have the space for it.  My shop is in my 2 car garage and I have 2 cars, so tools have to be spaced around the perimeter and wheeled into position for use.  I don't think I would consider the Hitachi 8".  I've used one on the job and they don't have much capacity.  They are great for 2X's and smaller trim, but get a 10" for real versitlity.  The 12" saw miter has enough capacity for most things you'll ever do with it (and see the article on miter saws in FHB for how to increase the angle capacity beyond 45°).  In a perfect world I would have both, in a practical world, I'll take the miter. 

   I also liked the feel of the PC...and after all, given equal quality, that is what counts.  I'm going over tonight to take another look as the craftsman left me yesterday (now there is a topic...how can they be called Craftsman anymore.  That saw had plenty of character, it had so much flex to the support arm that to get an accurate cut I had to concentrate on how I pulled on the handle.  Time to start building real tools again Sears.).  I'm not in a rush, but my miter saw cabinet is looking bare without a new tennant.

   CC

12. 
    pz | May 23, 2003 05:07am | #22

    One thing to consider that I dont' think anyone mentioned yet is blades.  10" blades are widely available and you may be able to share some between your table saw and your miter.  When it's time to replace a blade or to stock up, 10" blades are way cheaper than 12".  You'll be able to get a couple different 10's (maybe one for thick stock/lumber and another for fine work/molding, etc) for what you'll pay for one high quality 12" blade.   Most of the sliders will give you same width capacity between 10 and 12, so you're only giving up a bit of thickness by not opting for a 12.

    I have a Makita LS1013 and love it.  Easy enough to store in a closed/locked position without taking up too much space as some have worried.  Been plenty accurate for anything I've done.  Nice to be able to bevel to both sides (keep that in mind with whatever you decide.... it's nice to be able to adjust the saw to the work instead of having to do the mental gymastics of flipping over your workpiece and trying to remember which way you're oriented).

1. 
   MG911 | May 24, 2003 05:53pm | #24

   Hi PZ, thanks for that last post - some really good things to consider. Bottom line is that I need something very versatile as I can't really justify buying several saws for specific applications.   I did okay with just the 10" up until now but like someone else here  said, if you have the right tools, you'll find some project to use them on.

   Mike

13. 
    Graybeard | May 23, 2003 06:10am | #23

     Every decision should be based on need or if your lucky a hefty discount. Bought my Milwaukee 10" sliding compound when offered a huge discount. Love it, powerful, accurate and heavier than just a compound. I have an 8' frame that fits the saw or I can set it on a sidewalk for only a few cuts. I have had access to a radial arm saw most of my life so it seemed logical to have the sliding compound. Yep, I will buy another one when this one dies but I don't expect that.

14. 
    Shoeman | May 24, 2003 10:09pm | #25

    I have to cast another vote for the Makita LS1013 - have had mine for years and haven't found one I like better.  It is a bit heavy/cumbersome but once it is set up - it is worth it.

    Also, the blade that comes with this saw is great - .................smooth...............