Replies

1. 
   Frank Vucolo | Sep 17, 2010 06:00pm | #1

   Save your misery for something else...

   Wood,

   This isn't the kind of thing to cause yourself misery over. There are good sliding compound sliding miters out there and there is junk. Stay away from the cheap stuff and the direct drives. Once you're in that class that includes Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, there will be as many arguments for and against each as there are arguments over who was the best center fielder of all time. It's a matter of preference. So as long as you're buying at that level you will be OK.

   I have the Bosch 12" Slider and love it.

   There are two saws I know of that are outside the norm. These would include the new Bosch that doesn't slide, but collapses and expands on some knid of knuckles (not even sure if it's been released yet.) Then there is the Festool that is a lot more expensive than anything else. Even though I like Bosch, I'm not sure I'd want to be an early adaptor to this new technology, so I would pass on it. As for the Festool... I'd rather buy the Bosch slider and a car with that kind of dough.

   Pick a good one and you'll be fine.

   Frank

1. 
   woodsimple | Sep 17, 2010 06:53pm | #3

   thank you!

   I really appreciate you taking the time...alot of help...thank you...like the wisdom too..ha,ha.

2. 
   RalphBarker | Sep 17, 2010 06:27pm | #2

   SCMS choices

   Finehomebuilding did a comparison of several of the leading brands a while back:

   http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/articles/miter-saw-features-roundup-video-reviews.aspx

   See how the features they show in the videos match up with your personal preferences. Based on those videos, I'd lean toward the Bosch.

   I would note, however, that I think of these saws as carpentry tools, where "square" often has a looser definition than in furniture building. Depending on the style of joinery you are using, the level of precision these saws provide may, or may not match your needs.

1. 
   woodsimple | Sep 17, 2010 06:56pm | #4

   thank you!

   I am grateful for your opinion and it has been a lot of help...have a great day!

3. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Sep 19, 2010 09:41am | #5

   Got a Tablesaw????

   Add an accurate sled and yur done.  If you're cutting long boards, rough cut with a circular saw and finish cut pieces on a sled.  Spend some of the extra money on a good plane for a shooting board mebbe?  Add some new blades for the TS?  

   If yur thinking of the Festool, you could prolly take yur significant other on vacation and still have some cash left, LoL.

   Regards,

1. 
   RalphBarker | Sep 19, 2010 10:51am | #6

   Circular saws

   You raise an interesting alternative, Bob. I always considered circular saws as rough carpentry tools . . . until I succombed to buying a Festool TS55EQ and its guiderail system. Although I bought it for cutting sheet goods, the guide rail provides good accuracy for cutting just about anything, and at about any angle you want. With the long (110") guide rail, one could even use it for building blanket cabins. ;-)