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I would like some constructive feed back on the pros and cons of a compound miter power saw as opposed to a hand miter saw/box combo. I am not a finish carpenter by trade, however, I plan on doing alot of trim replacement in my home, i.e., crown, base, casing. I prefer the larger profiles for trim or I will do a combination build up to get the profile I want. Any assistance would be appreciated.
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Both have merits as long as you spend money on each. I prefer a power mitre saw, but I also would love a "high quality" Hand mitre, because they can cut up to 6+" deep, at least the ones I look at. The hand saw may also be very good for delicate work such as returns. I wouldn't buy a hand mitre at a super store, expect to pay at least $140. Catalogs have very good ones.
*Rick - one big advantage of a power saw is that you can cut as little as 1/4 of a blades width, or change the angle ever so slightly by recutting it. - yb
*Rick B.;I build a great many fireplace mantels - with a lot of moldings of various profiles. I am a big proponent of the Nobex hand miter saw. #1 The saw is lightweight, small, and inexpensive. Price is no object with me, If I knew of a better miter box, I would surely give it a try. #2 Although it is true that a power saw can cut a portion of a blade width, I feel positioning the hand blade is much less nerve racking and more likely to be right the first time by hand. I have wasted a lot of stock with my Hitachi. One second and the piece is done for. I find if I'm not on the line, I am close enough to shoot it with a plane. The great tragedy is being a half a blade too short. #3 No noise and no cloud of dust. I can use mine in the customer's furnished living room. #4 I can cut really wide material without calculating how to lay it out flat. Sometimes I have to jig it up, but the results are worth it.I say try a good hand saw before you spend 400 or 500 on a saw that you won't like.
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I would like some constructive feed back on the pros and cons of a compound miter power saw as opposed to a hand miter saw/box combo. I am not a finish carpenter by trade, however, I plan on doing alot of trim replacement in my home, i.e., crown, base, casing. I prefer the larger profiles for trim or I will do a combination build up to get the profile I want. Any assistance would be appreciated.