Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Jan 07, 2010 04:30pm | #1

   Miter saws like so many other woodworking tools are always changing. Since they last for quite a while, many of us have older models such as my Bosch. There are a lot of things that I don't like about the Bosch but it's a previous generation. I don't think I'll buy another Bosch based on my experience.

   Part of my work is trimming houses. I've burned up a few sliders since they became available, I put them to severe use. I've had to rebuild the Bosch. One item was the bearing at the end of the commutator. What didn't impress me was the use of the cheapest, non lubricated bearing available. They could have gone one size larger and used a sealed bearing.

   I have no idea if the new saws are engineered to the minimum, which is my opinion of the Bosch. Tool reviewers don't take things apart or put them to the torture of years on the job site. I keep looking at new saws, have owned Hitachis and have used several others. If I had to make a choice today, the Makita would likely be the one.

   I played around with one a week or so ago, unplugged. It took me a few minutes to figure out what knob did what. It should take up less depth due to the quad rails. I like that the rear post is back away from the blade. On most saws, sawdust hits that post and goes flying. This makes dust collection very difficult. They say it's one of the quieter saws, too. As an all day user, I would appreciate that aspect. I also have a bunch of 10" miter blades that are good, hate to buy a 12" and start the collection over. Locking a hair off a detent seemed easy, something I often use. Materials and finish look excellent.

   Makita saws have always been top quality. There were a few user issues with the older style, mostly quirks of the design. It looks like they have addressed some of those and produced a saw that is a bit more like the others on the market. Looked like it has all the latest bells and whistles. The 1016 model hasn't been out very long.

2. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 07, 2010 04:42pm | #2

   I'll throw out another option
   I'll throw out another option not mentioned. I just upgraded from my Makita 12" to the new Milwaukee 12" slider. I've only had it for 2 months, and haven't put it through the ringer like Hammer has (YET!) but so far, I think it's the best saw on the market under $1300.00 (Kapex)

   My makita was a decent saw, but I had to readjust the fence quite a few times, and the presets would change slightly, too.

   I doubt there is such a thing as a bullet proof saw, but I am happy with my purchase. I've heard too many complaints about the QC of the new Bosch saws to risk getting one, myself. The flex alone was a deal killer, for me.

   Jeff

1. 
   Lyptus | Jan 08, 2010 03:13pm | #3

   I was looking at the Milwaukee 12" slider and the Makita LS1016 too. They are both around the same price at HD. Of course, it's hard to tell what the differences are in the store without using them. Looks like the Makita has a smaller footprint but Milwaukee has been favorably reviewed by several woodworking and homebuilding magazines.