Looking to buy a miter saw

In the process of deciding what compound sliding miter saw I would like to buy. I have been hearing good things about Bosch, Makita and DeWalt. Can anyone provide me with some information about this? I am leaning towards going with a 10″ model as I feel the blade stays true when you are doing trim work. Also, I would prefer to buy something wit the stand included so I can get it in and out of my truck easier.

 

 

Thanks,

 

FB82

You really can’t go wrong with any of the miter saws from those brands. I have the Bosch 12″ slider its been great. Sometimes I wish I got the axial glide just because you can put the saw against a wall with that system

Bosch 10 inch duel bevel sliding saw, Its basically a undercover Festool.

Welcome to the forum FB82. I did a pretty extensive research into this very matter. I have the Kapex from Festool but my short list (assuming you want a double bevel sliding miter saw) boiled down to the following saws:

Festool KAPEX

Dewalt DWS780

Dewalt DW717

Bosch Axial Glide

Makita LS1016L

Makita LS1216L

Milwaukee 6955-20

Hitachi C12RSH

The KAPEX is by far the most expensive machine in this list and I am biased but it is the best machine out there. What you need to do is figure out what you are doing with the saw and what size blade you need. 10″ blades are fantastic as you can run your table saw with the same size blades. My top priorities were Dust Control and Accuracy and space. In my opinion KAPEX takes it but for $1400 it should. The Dewalt DWS780 and Milwaukee seemed to be the two machines that I felt most comfortable taking the plunge on with the Bosch in fourth place. The Hitachi actually is a great saw and the sliding mechanism is great, very similar to the KAPEX and Milwaukee in that there is no rear slide so you can put the machine against the wall. DR99 is dead on, the Bosch Axial Glide can also do this. For me space was an issue and the Dewalt unfortunately does not sit flat against the wall but I am pretty confident that was the machine I was going to get (but I ended up scoring big on the KAPEX). Reading JLC reviews and talking to the pro members here, I felt that was the saw I would get the most use out of and biggest bang for my buck. Expensive but worth it. The Milwaukee was right up there too, just more expensive. You have to ask yourself though, what are you going to do with the machine. Many of the guys here are manufacturer biased while quite a few don’t care so you are likely to get a lot of direction one way or the other but to ask a question like this requires a little homework for you too, to get a really solid answer. In my opinion, the above mentioned machines are top of the line saws with great features and capabilities. I’m sure other may disagree but as you can see from my rainbow colored listing, I really don’t care about makes (outside of my KAPEX….duhhhh :). )

It has to be a balance of your budget, cut needs/capacity, weight, & dust collection.

I have heard really good things about the Bosch Axial glide. They have a 10″ available. Complaints I have heard with those saws are they are HEAVY! Dust collection can be improved actually by snapping on a Kapex dust boot onto the Bosch.

I own the Dewalt 718 (older 780) and it was a great saw for me for years. Weight was ok. Cut quality was decent but the rails can deflect pretty easy at full extension.

If you don’t need huge cross cut capacity ditch the slider and do a great dual bevel regular miter saw.

I also own the Kapex and it does excell in all features…but as Chris said…it should!

Do you have any specific models you are looking at?

I like the DWS780 it is on my radar. I really like the shadow that is cast on your work to show your kerf. I wonder how that is in a bright shop or outside. All of the saws that Chris mentioned would be welcomed into my shop with open arms.

Aside from the Kapex which is worth more than an African Elephant, DWS780 is the most accurate saw on the market with the XPS light system in many people’s opinion. I got mine and aside from imperfect slides (at full extension it binds a bit) it’s cut quality is amazing. Mine came out of the box accurate to 1/4 of a degree. 

The kerf light is great  indoors but not visible outside. You can make very accurate cuts without a lot of line creeping. A good vac hooked to it does ok for dust collection. I like the look of the 717 also but never tried one.

I have 780 and love it man especially the XPS light system and I got a deWalt stand with mine during the holidays now I know it doesn’t sit flush against a wall which is a lil bummer but wasn’t a deal breaker for me I looked at the Bosh which also looks and felt great the hitachi was pretty nice also I even was debating on getting the 782 which does not have the XPS lighting and can’t have one attached from what I read and identical from what I seen for $200 cheaper read a lot of great reviews on it 2 but glad I went with the 780 the XPS system is awesome and comes in so handy working in dark areas, I’ve only owned for a couple months but love that beast.

overanalyze wrote:

The kerf light is great  indoors but not visible outside. 

 

And lasers are? Unless it’s literally direct sunlight it still gives a shadow outside, I just rotate my saw to shadow it’s self and I get a line all day long. 

Chris totally nailed it 🙂

 

Any saw in that list is going to be a top contender and will do what you want it to do 🙂

+1 for Makita LS1016 here =p

http://professional-power-tool-guide.com/power-tool-forum/index.php?/topic/4878-milwaukee-6950-80-miter/page-7?hl=%2Bmilwaukee+%2Bfuel#entry40317

Here’s the link we had going on about the different saws. Really good read with a LOT of help from the AWESOME members here!

Thanks for all of the responses! I am doing lots of trim and fine cutting if that makes sense, so I am leaning towards a saw where the blade is going to stay true. I have heard decent things about Milwaukee’s 12″ but I have also heard you really have to get the saw going so the blade will straighten out. I don’t plan on cutting  2×12 so I don’t think a 12″ is something I am going to need at this time.

Go with dewalts on 780, I love this thing, has always stayed true for me. And hey it’s a dewalt. U may have to watch out for free stand deals though. I think that’s most of them though.

Yeah, that’s a good point in terms of the stand. If it was just going to stay stationary I would just build something for my garage. However, I am going to be using it at different locations, so I think a built in stand with wheels is the way to go for me. I am leaning towards the Bosch since that is the only one I have really used for a long period of time.

 

 

FB82

Hugh Jass wrote:

And lasers are? Unless it’s literally direct sunlight it still gives a shadow outside, I just rotate my saw to shadow it’s self and I get a line all day long. 

Definitely glad you are getting better results with yours. I do like it, just haven’t had great results outdoors with it. You are correct that lasers aren’t much better in sunlight either.

ill add my $.02 

 

i used to own the makita ls1016 but had a bunch of issues with it.. it seems that they have straightened some of them out but i cant speak for sure(i bought mine the day it was released so i could have had some first batch issues).. accuracy was the main issues i had..    with that said i would actually advise you to look into the makita ls1018, its a new saw they just released at a lower price point and on paper it actually seems to address all the issues i had with my 1016   maybe makita smartened up and simplified the saw to get some sales back..    the motor on my makita was great and it looks like that has carried over to the 1018..   at 400 that would be a hard saw to beat in my opinion

 

i now have the kapex but i know that is not for everyone..   it is a damn nice saw though and leave you wanting nothing.    it is just excellent.   for the next 3 or 4 days you can actually get it for 10% off    also, if you can justify the cost, they have the 30 day no questions asked return policy so try it out and see what you think. 

 

my second choice after the makita would be the bosch axial cm10gd     I’ve heard great things about the bosch saws and don’t think you can go wrong there.. 

Until I bought my first sliding miter I had no idea how annoying the slides can be. If your a framer, or work on large job sites its less of an issue. When your in smaller homes or a shop situation it has its problems

I’ve got the Milwaukee 6955-20.  I bought a recon from CPO when they were having a recon sale so got a killer deal. Once I squared it up, it cuts straight and true every time.  I can’t speak to some of the other saws, but a buddy of mine has a Dewalt 780 with the crunchy slides that’s really hard to push.  The slides on the Milwaukee are quite nice.  You will have to invest in a stock clamp if you’re into that sort of thing, as the saw doesn’t come with one.  The Bosch one fits and works well.

 

One thing I can add is – get yourself a good quality blade.  The difference between the stock blade and a chopmaster is night and day for rigidity and staying true cutting through PT 2x12s.

kdv wrote:

I can’t speak to some of the other saws, but a buddy of mine has a Dewalt 780 with the crunchy slides that’s really hard to push.  The slides on the Milwaukee are quite nice. .

that’s a question about adjustment.. Tell your friend to contact Dewalt service, and they can explain how..

Never had a problem with dewalt slides, and once u go slide u never go back.

After extensive research I am going to go with a 10″ saw, just still debating about the brand. Have read good things about Bosch, Makita and DeWalt. Unless I can find something glaring, I might just go with the cheapest option here…. even though I know I’ll be forking over about $900 (including the stand).

 

 

 

FB82

really look into the makita ls1018..    seems like a great saw for the money

Damian, before you buy that saw verify the amperage of the motor. The HD site says its 13amps then 15 amps. 13amps isn’t too bad but I used to have a 7-1/4 Craftsman slider that wood (GET IT….haaaaaaa!) bogged down on wide planks. It’d cut em but just slow down a bit. A new blade will cure that problem. Also Ryobi is a good brand. There are a LOT of people including my Dad who is an awesome finish guy and he uses a lot of Ryobi tools in his home retirement shop. Remember just because you get this saw you can always upgrade the blade and depending on what you want in the future pic up a bigger one later on.

I’m a firm believer that a proper blade for what your cutting and of good quality can make or break any saw…..

FYI – I was in the Home Depot today at lunch and they have the free DeWalt miter stand deal with purchase of a DeWalt miter saw.

The stand appears to be the DWX723.

Stopped by on my way home tonight and saw it also.

That’s a good offer but a little over his price point! You know they have that Ryobi stand for $59 at HD….my KAPEX rests on it right now. Not a bad stand. I got it because it’s cheap and I can save or make a better one at some point.

The Ryobi saw stand is a winner for the money. 99 in the store and lower online (59-79). My old boss had one for his Kapex. He also built a flat top and wing extensions board. Pretty nice setup.

Man… can’t beat a free stand! I might have to jump on that deal to save a little cash. Seems the consensus is Bosch or DeWalt.

 

 

 

FB82 

Another thing to consider – if you’re interested in a rolling type stand, the Ridgid MSUV (AC9945) is fantastic.  While it’s not as easy to raise as the Bosch Gravity-Rise T4B, it’s also almost $100 cheaper.  I had to go for a rolling stand as I got really tired of setting up my base (and before that, saw horses and plywood) and lugging out my heavy a$$ saw just to make a couple of quick cuts.  With a rolling base, it’s no problem at all to wheel it out, pop it open and you’re up and running in under 2m – no back aching 75lb miter saws to lift.

 

HD had it on special for $149 during the holidays, so it may go back to that at some point during the next sales rush – (Father’s day anyone?)

 

Then again, if you’re going for a smaller / lighter saw, it isn’t as big of a deal – especially if you get the Dewalt with the free base!

I like using one of my Keter work tables as my stand. It’s light, sturdy, and quick to setup. They range from $50-$60 at Sams and Costco.

gonna built a stand for my saw whenever I get to it……..

overanalyze wrote:

I like using one of my Keter work tables as my stand. It’s light, sturdy, and quick to setup. They range from $50-$60 at Sams and Costco.

nice set up and I like how the keter can just fold up and carried like suit case

Bigmikez wrote:

nice set up and I like how the keter can just fold up and carried like suit case

Yep! We have two. Just handy to have in the van. I like the shelf below for storing clamps, jigsaw, coping saw, etc. All things I have at the saw anyway.

DamianD wrote:

 

What do you guys think of the ryobi tss102l.  10 inch sliding single bevel??  At $170 it seems to be the way to go for a smaller budget miter that doesnt get used all the time.

 

 

I have the TSS101L Which I used exclusively before picking up my DWS780. Though a good saw with plenty of power, it’s precision isn’t very great due to a lack of positive stops. I thought it was great until I cut with my 780 and felt want fine craftsmanship feels like. I pulled out the TSS yesterday to make a few quick cuts, after my second cut I put it away and got the 780 back out. 

 

I work with a whole lot of PT lumber and I can tell you it will take a beating, but doing anything like trim or finish carpentry leaves a little to be desired. After 2 years now the electric brake fails now and again and I broke off the plastic miter lock a month after I got it.

 

Honestly the only thing I hated about it was changing the blade, it was an absolute nightmare due to what I’d guess is poor machining, blade is so tight I have to strike it with a hammer to get it on or off. 

overanalyze wrote:

I like using one of my Keter work tables as my stand. It’s light, sturdy, and quick to setup. They range from $50-$60 at Sams and Costco.

That’s is a perfect fit in there! I’ve heard nothing but good about the Keter tables too. Cheap, durable and really helpful with the clamps.

I just want to get something in and out of the pickup when necessary, but also something that is easy to move around the garage. Might look at a few more reviews in terms of the stand.

We have been using this combo for work for over 6 years now…it gets thrown in and out of the install truck on a daily basis! stays true to the cut. We do all kinds of cuts with it I can vouch for this sucker.

 

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comp56 wrote:

gonna built a stand for my saw whenever I get to it……..

yeah i was going to do the same….still going to do it, a mobile base for my garage….

and the my bosch T4B for job sites, just love how convenient that base is.

 

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Nice set up Madman. I like that stand. Your wife is awesome dude, she got you a heck of a deal!

yeah i was really surprised when she pulled up with that huge package 😀

with the new laser my set up is at 100%

FrosBros u decide on anything yet?

I’m curious as to what you went with myself.  I’m also in the market for a saw.  I will add that I have a few different saws and for years used them on saw horses or on the ground until I bought a stand.  I didn’t think much of it. Last year I picked up a used saw that came with a Ridgid stand on wheels and since I’ve been using it I don’t think I can ever go back to using a saw without a stand or one without wheels.  I love how much more convenient it makes it. Not super easy to load into a truck or van by yourself but it’s just so convenient for everything else I don’t even care. At this point I’d rather that Dewalt slider was $20 cheaper instead of coming with a free stationery stand because I know I won’t be using it.  

Yeah what’d you get?

mufwapo wrote:

I’m curious as to what you went with myself.  I’m also in the market for a saw.  I will add that I have a few different saws and for years used them on saw horses or on the ground until I bought a stand.  I didn’t think much of it. Last year I picked up a used saw that came with a Ridgid stand on wheels and since I’ve been using it I don’t think I can ever go back to using a saw without a stand or one without wheels.  I love how much more convenient it makes it. Not super easy to load into a truck or van by yourself but it’s just so convenient for everything else I don’t even care. At this point I’d rather that Dewalt slider was $20 cheaper instead of coming with a free stationery stand because I know I won’t be using it.  

 

When I bought my DeWalt a few years ago I ask if I could have the rolling stand and it was no problem. 

Really Rego man I wish I would’ve asked don’t get me wrong I really like the stand it’s very sturdy and all but having a rolling stand would be awesome.

a miter saw stand is almost a must have. comes in handy in many ways

Yea MM wifey said to go buy one yest but I’m trying to save funds for future tools that will be coming out.