Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 17, 2011 05:40pm | #1

   square and sorta-square

   I don't have one, but you may be expecting too much from a tool that was intended for carpentry work. A 12" wide board is at the extreme end of the saw's capacity, essentially, where the slide is going to be least accurate.

   The Bosch GCM12SD 12" Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw is spec'ed at a 14" capacity at 90°, and might do a better job for you. But, again, I don't have one, and can't attest to the amount of "slop" in the glide mechanism.

   One alternative would be to work around the design limits by cutting a bit long, and then true the end of the board on a shooting board.

   Another alternative would be to get an old, well-built Radial Arm Saw (Delta or DeWalt) for those wide cuts.

   Or, you could go the Festool way.

1. 
   bkewin | Dec 17, 2011 08:32pm | #2

   Thanks Ralph. I agree. Usually I've used a crosscut sled on the t saw but hoped this expensive scms would do as advertised.

   I guess for now I'll make a deeper sled. Now your shooting board idea is starting to sound appealing. That will let me test my sharpening skills.   Yeah I've used this basically only for rough carpentry.  This particular one isn't suitable for decent trim work. I've had it for years now. Just thought it was one of those lifetime purchases as its built like a horse. I'd built a small barn with it before I realized it was basically a lemon when it comes to exacting work.  plywood gussetts hide a lot of slop :)

1. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 20, 2011 11:50am | #3

   slop hiding

   "plywood gussetts hide a lot of slop :)"

   As does putty of various types applied prior to painting a joint.  ;-)

   "Shooting" a 12" wide board, though, could get interesting. Might require a Paul-Bunyan-sized shooting board and an extra-hefty #8 plane.

2. 
   bkewin | Dec 20, 2011 12:41pm | #4

   I wound up with a spanking new crosscut sled

   Finished my speaker and amp cabinets. Square as a mason and not a too bad job on the finger joints.

   The finger joints are another story. sheesh. I'd have saved two days in the shed if i'd have asked you earlier.

   Thanks again and have a great holiday season. Mine will be a bit better thanks to you.

   Regards,

   Bill

3. 
   hammer1 | Dec 21, 2011 05:38pm | #5

   Bill, are you talking about the Bosch 10" sliding miter saw? You should be able to cut full width right on the money. It might help if you said more about what you have tried. Did you run a straight edge on the fence to see if it's straight? Do you know you have an accurate square? Did you buy it new or used? The more detail you give, the more someone may be able to help. What you are cutting, pull or push, using the clamp, type of blade, the original Bosch blades are junk but should still cut square if not that smooth.