Replies

1. 
   njric | Sep 27, 2006 05:43am | #1

   I have been working for years doing High end cabinetry and carpentry and have never been disappointed with the accuracy of my SCMS. Is a sliding table saw any more accurate than a cabinet saw? Accuracy is a directly related to the setup, care, adjustment, and quality of the blade. Check the stops on the SCMS and make sure they lock securely. I have owned several and prefer the positive stops of the Dewalt or Bosch over the ball detents of the Makita or several others. 

2. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 27, 2006 04:11pm | #2

   I think it comes down to cross cut capacity. Any slider can cross cut about 12", which is very handy.

   I think you may be right about accuracy of the CMS vs. the SCMS -- but that's only if you never adjust it. I have a Makita 1013, which is wonderfully accurate. But even though I never beat on it, the fence seems to get a little out of whack and must be readjusted every six months or so.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   Pondfish | Sep 28, 2006 01:29am | #3

   Sliders are not less accurate than non-sliders if you have the saw all the way in (i.e., are not extending out).  So for small cuts it's just as good. 

   It's fair to say that a SCMS isn't as accurate as a table saw and crosscut sled, but the SCMS is far more flexible (I mean: versatile) than a TS with sled.  And the SCMS is plenty fine accurate for cutting wide crown accurately.

   I'd suggest you go for the SCMS versus CMS--the extra ability to make wider cuts will come in handy at some point, and you do not give up anything. 

   Now you're going to have to decide on a 10" or 12" SCMS...

    

   btw, I have the new Bosch 12" SCMS.  Excellent saw.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
4. 
   stantheman | Sep 28, 2006 01:31am | #4

   Seems to me, in my admitted limited experince, SCMS still more accurate for cross cutting wider boards than sled on table saw.  So it depends on what your primary use would be.  

1. 
   quietude | Oct 09, 2006 09:10am | #5

   That depends I think on the sled. A lot more work perhaps to set up and use the sled, but more accurate in the long run if it is done properly. That said, I more often use my scms and after adjusting it several times have had few problems with it's accuracy. How often does your cut really need to be that perfect? Someday I hope all my cuts are and need to be, but right now....

5. 
   justinh | Oct 09, 2006 03:24pm | #6

   I am a finish carpenter and a large part of what I do is running mouldings of various types.  I own both types of saw and use my 716 double bevel CMS whenever possible.  I prefer to cut mouldings in position vs. on the flat.  I find it easier to see my measurement marks, easier to line up the marks with the blade,  and more accurate as a result.  The 716 will handle 6 1/2 base and crown stock and larger crown with a little tweaking.  The back fence system on this saw also allows a 10" crosscut capacity with some simple jigging.

   My first issue with SCMS's may stem from the saw I own, a Hitachi C10FSH.  The fences attach independantly from one another and are easily knocked out of whack by normal use, travel in the back of my truck, or as it seems sometimes a harsh glance.  When tuned correctly it is a great saw but sometimes it takes a bit to get there.  My second is that I think that when cutting mouldings it is more accurate to rely on a scale that has a 12" radius than one that has a 3 1/2" to 4" radius.  My third is that something that has more moving parts has more things that can go wrong and will require more care.  I would rather be making money with a tool than adjusting it.

   These are all opinions which are like belly buttons and based on the way I prefer to work.  Everyones tool needs are different.

   If you will be purchasing one saw only a SCMS is more versatile and there are many good ones on the market. I wouldn't use cost as the deciding factor.  If whatever saw you choose allows you to work more quickly and accurately it will pay for itself in time.  Think hard about what you will need the saw to do and make your decision based on what you come up with. 

   Best of luck,

   Justin

6. 
   waljay | Oct 10, 2006 05:53am | #7

   I do some furniture making and recently purchased the Hitachi C12LSH SCMS and fit it with a Freud LU91R012  12" thin kerf blade.  Its accuracy is uncanny but you must cut slowly - do not slam the saw around.  The quality of this saw is not quite what the 10" saw offered (made in China vs made in Japan) but still acceptable.  I do not rely on the lazer indication and do a lot of test cutting and use several old Starrett squares etc. but this is a good saw.  FW did several tests of the 10" SCMS and liked the Bosch.  It too is a good saw.  I also use a table saw which is incomparable for accurate cuts but it is a lot more time consuming to set up.  If quality and accuracy of the cut is your objective, then do the really fine precision work on the table saw.  I do woodworking only for the opportunity to escape from the hectic world so speed is not my gig but quick jobs are much easier on the SCMS.  Regardless of the saw you use, take the time to set it up so it cuts as accurately as it is capable of.