My wife and I are about to start into a large home remodeling phase. Our first project will be to replace most of the door and window casings in the house, maybe add decorative mouldings! We are also going to create a loft area in two bedrooms upstairs by removing a wall between the two rooms that will open up the stairwell! After these two, we want to try building a corner fireplace surround for a gas log set we have had sitting in the basement unused for a few years!
We realize that the best way to cut the casings, mouldings and the wood for the surround is with a miter saw! We are prepared to buy a miter saw for these projects! Problem is neither of us knows how to use a miter saw! I’m looking for a book or video of basic instruction into safe miter saw use! Anyone have any suggestions or tips from first hand knowledge! Thanks is advance for your input!!
Edited 1/20/2005 11:08 am ET by Ky Joe
Replies
Check out this site. http://www.garymkatz.com/index.htm He is a contributor to Fine Homebuilding and some other magazines. He offers a lot of knowledge about trim carpentry. Also, check out the books
"Trim Carpentry and Built-Ins: Expert Advice from Start to Finish (Build Like a Pro Series)" by clayton dekorne and "Finish Carpentry: Efficient Techniques for Custom Interiors" by Gary Katz
And Gary Katz has a video just out, "mastering the miter saw"
http://www.garymkatz.com/DVD/mmspart1-2-details.2.html
For a miter saw, I have a Porter cable 12" compound, I like it but would probably go with a different one because of some of the features they have for cutting crown, and general ease of use. If you want a 12" compound, I would go with the Bosch 4212, it has up front controls for easier use, or the dewalt 12" dual compound. Both have good cutting capacities, good fences, etc but the bosch has upfront controls, built in crown stops and a few other little things. If you go with a slide compound miter then I would go with the 10" bosch or 10" makita. A 12" slide would just be extra money you don't need to spend. I think for casing work you would be fine going with 12" compound or a 10" sliding compound. The slide will be a little more but is better for very large moldings, more for a professional. Check out the miter saws at amazon, they have a good selection, free shipping, etc. If you want to see them go to Lowe's, HD or any good local tool store that the pro's use as a supply house (some times they get tools from the lumber yards). You may find someone at Lowe's that knows their stuff but don't bother at HD, they don't know any thing at all. Buy a brand name saw, makita, porter cable, dewalt, bosch, hitachi but absoutely avoid anythine like black and decker, ryobi, craftsman, etc. They are junk. They may not be accurate in their cutting, may be poorly designed (dangerous) and they just will not last. The extra money will get you a much better saw for better and safer results and it will save you a ton a aggrivation. Pro carpenters use makita, porter cable, dewalt, bosch, hitachi for a reason, time and good work = more money, less headaches. Also, for more information on good saws and books, go to the breaktime message board on this site and search for sliding compound miter saws, compound miter saws, etc. Those guys are all builders and carpenters and offer the best first hand reviews of the tools. Also you can check out the tauton 2004 tool guide at your local library or I know my Home Depot has a magazine section, look for Tauton's 2005 tool guide, they rate the different saws, sanders, nail guns, etc. in that. Good luck.
you don't need a sliding compound miter saw (SCMS) for doing casing. heck, you don't even need the compound (bevel) part. just a miter saw will work.
if you're thinking that you'll have other projects and have deep pockets, a SCMS is just the ticket. especially, for cross cutting wide stock. (SCMS runs about 500 bucks plus).
YOU DON'T NEED A COMPOUND MITER SAW TO DO CROWN MOULDING EITHER!!
upside down and backwards is the way to go.
but like others have said stick with a brand name. DeWalt, Porter-Cable, Delta, Bosch, Hitachi, Milwaukee.
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