Replies

1. 
   merlvern | Mar 15, 2007 05:41pm | #1

   i love my dewalt....though check the saw blade size...are they the same? would this account for crosscut difference? also, the dewalt tilts both left and right....really handy when cutting crown molding. i will say the dewalt dust collection ain't that great and the fence is so-so.

   good luck

1. 
   InMyOpinion | Mar 15, 2007 09:36pm | #4

   I've studied the two, and own the Bosch with pleasure. Amazon reviews are very helpful here. The 16" crosscut is attractive (for cabinet work for example), and my hat is off to whoever thought of it. It's a matter of propping up the board with 4/4 lumber, and this allows the blade to cut beyond the fence.You cannot control miter saw dust with a bag.There seem to be quality concerns expressed about Dewalt that you don't get into with Bosch. I've never met a Dewalt I've liked, but I have many Makita tools; and its saw just doesn't compare regarding the table configuration, extension supports, angle adjustments, etc. With a Forrest blade, the cuts are amazing.

1. 
   merlvern | Mar 16, 2007 01:39am | #5

   i wasn't the poster......just a guy with an opinion...lolanyhow, why forrest blades over others....you peaked my interest

2. 
   JMartinsky | Mar 15, 2007 08:55pm | #2

   Dear PCM,
   I am a contractor and the best SCMS are typically "in the eye of the beholder". What I see professionals using and what I like are as follows:

   1) Hitachi...... I can't vouch for the new "funky" model, but the previous model is the standard and what I have used for the past twenty years.

   2) Bosch...... Very good, a lot of people that I respect use these. The front controls are great.

   3) Makita..... Smoothest sliding action.

   4) DeWalt..... I like the guard, in particular, but I don't think that they are as good as the models mentioned previously. The old "over & under" slide has a bit more play at full extension than I like and I know that they have had problems with fences not being square to the tables.

   If I had to choose between the Bosch & The DeWalt, I would choose the Bosch, no question.

   Best,

   John

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/15/2007 10:59 pm ET by Jmartinsky

3. 
   jvk | Mar 15, 2007 09:30pm | #3

   I have the DW 718.  The casting was bad on the left fence and they sent me a new one.  The 718 has side by side bars the over/under was on older models mentioned above.  The cut is actually 14" ...if you remove the sliding fences and use 1 1/2" thick spacer blocks on the table you get the 16" cut.  Great saw, accurate out of the box.

   trimjim
4. 
   frenchy | Mar 16, 2007 06:15am | #6

   PCM

      MY Dewalt has certainly served me well for the past 5 years.. However I have also heard many nice things being said about the Hitachi from the contractors that I sell to.. Bosch fans all seem devoted to their tools but I haven't noticed any real justification other than Brand loyalty. The ones most vocal about Bosch have had a nearly full compilment of Bosch tools

5. 
   BilljustBill | Mar 16, 2007 08:07am | #7

     PCM,

      I have a old 10" Makita that just keeps on ticking...  I have a newer Makita 12" and it has the soft start.   Love them both.  I actually stumbled upon a "returned" Twin Laser, left tilt, 12" Delta Miter saw for $75.  When I checked out, the register spit out the reciept and a rebate form. Sent in before Feb. 28, I actually got a Lowe's $35 gift card for buying a Delta product....

     I'll be using it for a large storage shed project in the coming weeks.  Will keep you posted on the comparison of how those two compare "Under Fire" and how the Delta Twin Blue Laser lines work for framing under the bright Texas sun....

      When I was hunting to buy a 12" SCMS, I ran across one fellow's thoughts that helped me make my choice...

     He said something to the effect:  "If you building decks buy the DeWalt, if you building furniture, buy the Makita."

      Bill

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/16/2007 1:12 am ET by BilljustBill

6. 
   auntbeatch | Mar 16, 2007 11:05pm | #8

   I like my Dewalt 718 but have the following issues:  the default Dewalt laser (accessory) is a pain in the #### to keep align, and I have *random* experiences of the default stops being not quite what they proclaim.  The latter issue, however, could have a lot to do with my work environment, so I don't think it should be the basis for choosing against this Dewalt CMS.  (I do realize I can adjust defaults, I just don't want to have to, since they were fine initially.)

   The stock blade is great for 2x12 rafter cuts, but I'm not pleased at all with what happens to finish material--(in my experience) you should plan on another blade if you intend to cut finish materials.  Fairness: the blade is clearly labled as "construction" so there's no reason to expect anything else from it.

   Otherwise.  I like this saw.  Most of these matters are in my control: 1) thread-lock laser adjustment screws; 2) make time to adjust miter stops; and 3) buy a new blade.  I'd get it again, unless someone came out with a saw with all the Dewalt's pros AND offered a dual-laser option.

   Nick

1. 
   Elcoholic | Mar 16, 2007 11:35pm | #9

   When I bought my 12" SCMS the Makita LS1212 was the new model.  Nothing except the 10" hitachi came close.  My friend bought the yellow one a month or two later and it wouldn't make a clean cut with the stock blade.  I replaced the blade on the LS1212 with an FS Tools Mitre blade and the cuts are like glass.  We tried the FS on the yellow tool and it cut much better, but not nearly as clean as the blue tool.  The highly regarded Bosch came out since as has a Makita to replace the LS1212.  My advice is to look at the Mak, Bosch or Hitachi's 12" slider and buy a high quality mitre saw blade like the FS or Systematic.  The WWII might be a great combo blade but a great slider will shine with a dedicated blade.  John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   The more things change ...

   We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized.  I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.

   Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC

7. 
   coolbreeze | Mar 17, 2007 06:56am | #10

   You have a lot of replies, but I will tell you what I have in my DW SCMS.

   Overall, it is one of the most used machines I have. I have the 12 " and I get a little over 12" cross cut. The newer ones may give 16, but I sure didn't know that.

   The only problem I hav is that I can adjust the saw where the cut from the left side is perfectly square and verticle. I can make the same cut from the right and the cut is perfectly verticle but is not square. It is not off square much but when you are cutting wide stock, it will be noticable. I live with it rather than buying another one because almost all of my cuts are from the left side. When i have to cut a long piece, I just cut it 1/16 proud and then make the finishing cut.

8. 
   Pondfish | Mar 17, 2007 04:48pm | #11

   I own the 5412L and have it mounted on the Rigid rolling/folding saw station.  It's a great setup for a trim carp.  The controls in front are great, compared to reaching around the back of the DW (I have a DW mounted in the shop).   I also like the ability to override the detents when looking to cut, say, a 45.5 degree angle.  The DW tends to slide back into the 45 degree detent.  The DW has a nice vernier so you can see where 45.5 is, even if you can't always get there.  I wish the Bosch had the vernier.

   The DW is a fine saw, though I obviously picked the Bosch for my own personal use.  A 16" cross cut would be really nice to have, but for me it's no problem to make the first cut, flip the board over, and finish it.  With care you can even eliminate most of the chipping.

   Get a really good blade for whichever saw you buy.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005