Replies

1. 
   warrenspahr | Feb 18, 2003 03:50pm | #1

   First I would'nt consider anything smaller than a 12". Anything smaller than that will limit the thickness of what you can cut.  I have a Dewalt 12" and have been very pleased with it.

2. 
   BG | Feb 18, 2003 04:10pm | #2

   DickM,

   I bought the less expensive (cheap) Delta Shopmaster CMS last Nov. for about $99 at a big box store.  It works fine.  If I want better cuts, I need to put money in the blades...which can cost more than the saw.  To be frank, shortly after I bought this CMS, I bought a cabinet saw...most of my fine cuts are done on that now..and the CMS gets used primarily for rough cuts.  The 12" suggestion makes sense if the price is right....

3. 
   Clay | Feb 18, 2003 06:39pm | #3

   I also use the twelve inch  Dewalt and everyone that I know who has one is very happy with it.  It's a far better saw than my Makita ten inch for instance.

4. 
   jc21 | Feb 18, 2003 11:41pm | #4

   If you're working with 4x4, I'd go with a 12" non-slider ........... best bang for your $, imho. Check out Tool Crib/Amazon's recon tools. Some good prices, full new tool warranty, and free shipping. I have Makita's LS 1220 ($249.99) and have been pleased with it. DeWalt's DW705 or DW706 (the double bevel model) would also be a good choice imho.

5. 
   Dick38 | Feb 18, 2003 11:51pm | #5

   The 12" Dewalt compound slider is the only way to go. Very happy with mine.

   Good luck, Dick

6. 
   MPHarper | Feb 19, 2003 12:59am | #6

   Ridgid12" compound mitre saw.  I have one and love it great saw very accurate.  Be sure to get a good balde.

   Matt-

7. 
   RANGERP75R | Feb 19, 2003 04:03am | #7

   Dick

      I have a Hitachi C10FS SCMS, but I have used the DW 12"and the Ridgid 12". If you are do not opt for a slider, I would advise the 12" as poster above suggested. Which one do I like the best. I like the DW and Ridgid as both are excellent in my opinion. I like the new Hitachi 10" if I were going with a 10".

      If you get a portable stand to sit it on or carry to a job site, I would hands down choose the DW stand. 16' of support and very sturdy. A little pricey, but it pays for itself the first time you cut 14' or 16' stock.

   Luck...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   DickM | Feb 19, 2003 04:28am | #8

   Many, many thanks to each of you for taking the time to respond to my post. I notice that there is no unanimity (not that I expected it), but it seems that several are happy with Dewalt, so I think I'll save my pennies for a few months and get a Dewalt 12". The sliding feature is nice, but don't think I can afford it.

   Thanks again.

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Feb 19, 2003 09:04am | #9

   Dick

      Neither did I, until I was in Lowes several weeks ago and they were clearing for the new C10FSB which has a taller fence and easier to read scale. The price was $337 and it was an offer I couldn't refuse.

      I added the taller fence with a piece of phenolic and adjusted the easier to read scale with a red and black magic marker for a saving of $142. (Retail $479) ha..ha..

   The DW will treat you right...

   sarge..jt 

2. 
   BHerman | Feb 20, 2003 12:59am | #10

   Ditto on the blades - I have a 12" DeWalt, used hard for 6-7 years now. Use the stock blade for 4x4 construction stuff, and a 96 tooth Freud teflon blade for furniture.