Replies

1. 
   kingwoodworks | Oct 04, 2006 10:55pm | #1

   I have one and have enjoyed it on three jobs now.  No problems.  I use mine on job sites with the new DeWalt stand.  Very nice.

   Bob

2. 
   JMartinsky | Oct 05, 2006 01:09am | #2

   Hitachi, Bosch, Makita......in that order.

   Best,

   John

3. 
   KesslerCraftsman | Oct 05, 2006 05:52am | #3

   I just got a 12" Bosch that I'll set up for perfect 45-degree mitred pieces.  I made 25 lamp caps (four pieces w/four mitres) and did the best mitres I've ever done.

   It seems like a dard good saw!

   lp

4. 
   geilerzimmermann | Oct 05, 2006 09:37am | #4

   I trim houses for a living and that is the saw I use. It does everything that I want it to do

   mark

1. 
   justinh | Oct 06, 2006 03:10pm | #5

   I also trim houses and the 716 is the saw I use.  Good saw. 

   After purchasing take the stock blade off very carefully and walk it quickly to the garbage can.  Then replace with a quality blade of your choice.  Also if there is a DeWalt service center or tool repair shop near you that services DeWalt tools purchase a couple of arbor bushings as they seem to go out very quickly due to wear or if a small piece of scrap gets shot up towards them.  They are cheap parts but if they go out the blade wobbles badly.

   The detent override is a nice feature as is the 1/2 degree line.  The laser if you choose to purchase will need to be adjusted every time the saw is moved.  Also check the table for flatness and the fences for square with the table as these have been problems I have heard of with the 718 version of the saw. The saw is easy to adjust and tends to stay square even when transported from job to job.  I check it every time it comes out of my truck and rarely have to tweak it.  If I do the process is simple and the on board tool storage is a nice time saving feature.

   I have the Hitachi C10FSH SCMS, but if given a choice and the job will allow I will choose the 716 every time.  With a little jigging I have cut up to a 7 1/2" crown in position with the saw.

1. 
   wooddood | Oct 06, 2006 09:26pm | #6

   Thanks to all for the advice. I'm going to check out both the Dewalt and the Bosch but it sounds like the Dewalt may be the better choice. I have a couple of good blades, a Freud and a CMT, but may spring for a Forrest.

   The saw will be permanently mounted in my shop, so weight and portability aren't an issue. Accuracy and reliability, however are vital.

   Thanks again.

   Alan

1. 
   Dusty Hanky | Oct 06, 2006 10:39pm | #7

   Cost may be your issue, but why not a sliding chop saw?  You have so much more versatility with a sliding saw.  I think it is worth the investment.  Bosch just got highly touted in the lastest FWW.

2. 
   justinh | Oct 07, 2006 03:32pm | #8

   If it will be set up in a shop a SCMS would be more versitile.  I still think that CMS will always be more accurate because they have fewer moving parts to get knocked out of whack.  Cutting mouldings in position IMO is also more accurate because you are relying on a scale with at lest a 12" radius and detents for the saw to drop into vs. a a small, hard to read scale with about a 3 1/2" radius and often no detents.  Cutting in position also makes it easier to deal with quality issues in trim like twists and cups, and makes it easier to see measurement marks.  Most SCMS do not have the vertical cutting capacity that the 716/706 has.  Stock it will cut 6 1/2" base crown in position and if you put an taller aux. fence behind the stock fence you can make use of the portion of the blade behind the fences and increase the capacity for crown.

   If I were to buy another SCMS it would be the Makita.

   As for blades stay away from the CMT or the Freud Diablo series (unless you will be cutting alot of MDF and don't care about destroying the blade. ) .  Freud's industrial series is good but I was told by my sharpener that the carbide is almost too hard and tends to chip and crack resulting in more tooth replacements. The Forrest Chop Master is a great blade.  Tenyru blades are also excellent.  I usually keeps FS tool blades in my saw.  They are more of an industrial blade designed for heavy use. They don't really advertise but are great blades that hold ther edge well.  Sharpeners love them because they lend themselves well to CNC sharpening.  I get them from my sharpener.

   Regards,

   Justin