Replies

1. 
   oldlou | Sep 04, 2002 06:04am | #1

   If you are a home woodworker it's much better that trying to do compounds with your circualr saw. Mine cost about 130.00. so either this is a super great deal or a downgraded version (I bet the latter). Compare this one to a $135 version. If you don't force the saw to do more than it sounds comfortable doing it should work just fine. I push mine and after one year the bearings sound like it.

   If you need this to cut "almost" perfict angles, does it have the capability  of adjustments to both planes so you can tune up the settings? My saw is susseptable to hand english so you must insure that you do not appy much sideway force when you pull the blade down.

   As always, the title is craftsman not craftstool.

2. 
   forestgirl | Sep 04, 2002 06:42am | #2

   Is this the 10" version, or 8-1/4"?  Sounds like the 10". 

   Don't buy it just because it's "on sale."  Either of these saws is easy to get at a low price.  Best (IMHO) to decide what you need in a saw, then determine which saw is going to give it to you.  I bought the 8-1/4" Delta CMS several years ago for a project involving mostly 2x4's.  It's an OK saw, but not terribly accurate, let alone precise.  The "hand English" problem definitely exists.  When I get around to upgrading, I want something that is more stable, relatively easy to tune, has hold downs, built-in work supports, and power and blade size. 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   BG | Sep 04, 2002 12:37pm | #3

   Oldlou, FG,

   I've got an old craftsman miter saw that, I found out two weeks ago, cuts on a slant (2-3 degrees) and there is nothing I can do about it...

   I don't want to spend the big bucks for a Sliding CMS...wanna save my money for the TS.

   I suspect the $99 10" CMS from Delta is because they will discontinue that model.  I thought it might be reasonable to make that investment, that maybe the saw blade alone was worth half the investment. 

   On the other hand, my basement is filled with 'almost good enough' tools and I don't need $99 worth of additional aggrevation.  Your comments are highly valued. thanks 

1. 
   forestgirl | Sep 04, 2002 06:50pm | #4

   Hi BG.  That's a drag about your old miter saw!  I had that type of experience with a couple of old Craftsman routers, finally tossed them and got a PorterCable.

   I'll have to say, the blade that came on my little Delta CMS was pretty good -- not $45 worth, but still pretty good.  What do you expect to be needing a CMS for over the next couple of years?  That's where I'd start with deciding.  What you'd need for mitering picture frames is going to be real different from what will do for quick cross-cutting and mitering 2x4's for decks or whatever.  Yep, those sliders are pretty expensive -- nice but maybe not necessary?

   Hope you come here to gloat when you get your table saw!

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   BG | Sep 05, 2002 12:27am | #5

   FG,

   Your hitting the nail right on the head.  Currently, I have a miter table set up with extensions that allows me to square off and measure relatively accurately things like legs, stiles, rails, etc.  Some times I cut a 45 degree miter for wood edges around whatever....quick and easy set up ...

   Only recently have I ever cut compounds..that was on the TS following the article recently in FWW.....lots of fine tuning afterwards on the workbench.

   The slider CMS is expensive...the thing i think about is maybe being able to cut dados with the blade in a fixed position. However, no way do I drop $500 bucks on that puppy before something with Trunnions (what ever they are...lol)

   BG 

1. 
   Purds | Sep 05, 2002 03:04am | #6

   BG:

   I have a Delta CMS, the 10" 36-225, a 15 amp saw that I bought for about $190 two years ago. I have seen it on sale for $99 this summer (HD, I believe). It's a great saw for $99--heck, it's been a good $180 saw for me--but it's not a precision machine. It does very well for me, but I use it mostly for framing cuts. I had been making those cuts on the TS, and it's a timesaver. It comes with mini-extensions and two holddowns.

   However, it sounds like you have a setup similar to the 36-225, and so if that's what's on sale at Lowes, it's not really something you need. Others who don't have a CMS might find it worthwhile.

   Purds

   PS: Delta's web site shows the 36-225 discontinued, with a "double bevel" mitre saw taking its place.

3. 
   mike4244 | Sep 05, 2002 03:35am | #7

   Buy this saw if your needs are for a mitersaw not a compound miter. I bought this saw last year for a small trim job. I have a $600.00 Milwaukee slide saw in the shop, but  it is a little large to lug around for small jobs, The Delta saw is 10" has plenty of power and a decent blade. I changed the blade for trim work. For $99.00 bucks this saw is definitely worth it.

4. 
   muddflap | Sep 05, 2002 06:02am | #8

   bg. I just bought one of those saws and am very happy with it . it seems to be right on the money,and speaking of same thats why i bought it enjoy.