Look for a "first" miter saw recommendation

[Greenlawnracing]

Been tinkering with wood in the garage lately, making small stuff at night. Haven't woodworked in 30 + years, but after building a pergola I decided that racing bicycles, two young kids, fishing, and a makeshift foundation weren't taking up enough time.

@loganb sent me a couple of Asa Christiana books for my birthday, and my next project is this bench:

Easy-to-build outdoor bench - FineWoodworking

I first saw an outdoor bench like this one a long time ago, at the shop of a pro woodworker in Idaho, Mark Edmundson, who was selling them because they […]

www.finewoodworking.com

My first purchase when I got into this a few months ago was this miter saw, but apparently the refurbs get tossed in a box to fend for themselves. It was pretty banged up, and I could never get it to cut straight.

I have it boxed up to send back because this came today, but it is even worse.

I think I've had it with the refurbs from DTO. All of my other items have been fantastic, but I think they just can't package these saws well. Had it been a blemish - probably would have been fine.

So, my $39 budget went to $59 to $99 to.....well thanks Logan. Anyway, I figure I'll go buy a new one tomorrow.

Best thing I can see for the money that fits my needs is this 7 1/4 sliding compound from Lowes, unless I decide I want to pony up for a 10 inch. Figured I'd post here to see if there was any good deals or other things I'm not thinking of.

 

[dogdog]

Kerf Bent Side Table #homemade #fyp #woodworkingproject #woodworkingti... | TikTok

496 Likes, TikTok video from Josh Wright (@joshwrightwoodworking): "Kerf Bent Side Table #homemade #fyp #woodworkingproject #woodworkingtips #wood #woodworking #diy #maker". original sound - Josh Wright.

www.tiktok.com

I have a couple of miter saws from craftsman three of them and some unknown brands. All of them will do well on 90 deg chops. Some does the 45 deg good. Never thought I could do these things with the hf Hercules one…. My next saw for wood working would be that.

The dewalt one is also very comparable might be better.

Only have a TikTok link maybe that guy is in IG and YouTube as well.

 

[nadogail]

My Chicago Electric 12 saw from Harbor Freight has exceeded my expectations. If it fails, I would buy it's twin.

 

[crewchief888]

I have the lowes 10" compound slider you linked to. It's done everything I've needed it to do. I went with a 10" cuz I have a 10" table saw

 

[Big Bad Dad]

I recently purchased one of these saws with a stand from Home Depot. It was on sale for $269 as a combo deal. I see it is currently at $428. But I had been watching for a while, and have seen it go back on the special $269 deal before. I like it so far. Keep a watch on it, the deal will probably come back again...

RYOBI 15 Amp 10 in. Corded Sliding Compound Miter Saw and Universal Miter Saw QUICKSTAND TSS103-A18MS01G - The Home Depot

RYOBI introduces the 15 Amp 10 in. Sliding Compound Miter Saw and Universal Miter Saw QUICKSTAND. This saw features a 15 Amp, 4,600 RPM motor and has a 12 in. cross cut capacity. The LED Cutline Indicator

www.homedepot.com

 

[Firebrick43]

How much room do you have? Sliding miter saws have to set significantly away from the wall due to the sliding miter saw, taking up lots of extra space. I have a Bosch glide that doesn't but its expensive. If I didn't have that I would personally go with a 10 or 12" plain chop saw before a sliding saw.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

How much room do you have? Sliding miter saws have to set significantly away from the wall due to the sliding miter saw, taking up lots of extra space. I have a Bosch glide that doesn't but its expensive. If I didn't have that I would personally go with a 10 or 12" plain chop saw before a sliding saw.

Not a ton. The 7 1/4 Ryobi I'm sending back fit perfectly it its designated place in the cubby. The 10 inch sliding Ryobi is on the floor of the cubby, sure was a lot larger. In short, I can fit either....but the 7 1/4 is much easier and I would lean towards it if I didn't think I'll need a ten inch in the near future. I like to future proof, but today I'm thinking that I won't need that size any time soon. Space is a premium in my three car builder spec garage that is the size of most two cars and houses three large vehicles every day.

 

[stonesfan68]

I’d recommend getting a 10” saw as a minimum. I have the Ryobi slider and it has done everything I’ve ever asked it to do.

 

[Nutria]

I'd think a 12" compound chop saw, instead of a slider, if space is limiting. A non-slider is a bit more accurate as well, if you're going to do things like picture frames or other finicky stuff. There seems to be a decent supply of solid saws on the used market.

 

[jar944]

I would suggest a non slider. I was reasonably happy with the Hitachi c12 fdh when they were a sub $200 saw, at 300+ imho there are better options. The dewalt 716 is solid and reasonably priced.

 

[wandrur]

I'm very happy with my 10" DeWalt double bevel, non-slide. Go bigger so you can easily cut a 4x4.

I think the DeWalt (maybe it was another brand) had a deal recently were you buy a saw and get the sawhorse-style mount for free.

I bought might (saw only) in October for a sale price of $315 out the door.

 

[ludakris04]

I still have a 10" ryobi I got back in 04' for $50. It worked well for many years.
2 years ago I stepped up to a 12" sliding compound from Dewalt. I payed attention to what I saw the contractors in the neighborhood using.
Its big, heavy, etc.. but so much nicer. Wish I had gotten it years ago.

 

[dave*99]

The 12" DeWalt NON SLIDING saws are a good value and very accurate for your application.
I've been reviewing the latest sliding options from DeWalt and Bosch etc. That will probably replace my existing Delta that is quite old and simple.

My BIL gave me this. I spent a lot of time aligning it to make it usable. It's usable for rough work, but ultimately for furniture work, I would label it junk. You can chop 2X material with it. The fence is not very tall. Using it on baseboards was disappointing. I gave it away and went back to my non sliding non compound Delta.

 

[Nutria]

The 12" DeWalt NON SLIDING saws are a good value and very accurate for your application.

+1. I've used several chop saws, but the Dewalt is what I decided to buy (used). Carefully dialed-in, and with a Forrest Chopmaster blade, it does surprisingly fine work.

 

[John McA]

That bench looks fun. I have a couple of my grandpa's old handsaws. Sharpening and setting the blades would be half the fun. Maybe try some Japanese pull saws too. I might have some old redwood 2x's laying around...
So. My advice is to consider the cordless saw alternative.

Maybe even this mindset:

https://www.youtube.com/@MrChickadee

Good luck,
John McA

 

[Crabman]

We have a lot of these on Craigslist locally, you do also, here is a search for "saw".

oklahoma city tools for sale "saw" - craigslist

oklahoma city tools for sale "saw" - craigslist

oklahomacity.craigslist.org

A lot of these only get a little use and you can save some money and get a nicer unit.

I have a Dewalt 12" which is great, but takes up some space.

Here is a nice used one:

oklahoma city tools - by owner - craigslist

oklahoma city tools - by owner - craigslist

oklahomacity.craigslist.org

Will cost some time.

Good luck finding the right fit.

 

[Firebrick43]

We have a lot of these on Craigslist locally, you do also, here is a search for "saw".

oklahoma city tools for sale "saw" - craigslist

oklahoma city tools for sale "saw" - craigslist

oklahomacity.craigslist.org

A lot of these only get a little use and you can save some money and get a nicer unit.

I have a Dewalt 12" which is great, but takes up some space.

Here is a nice used one:

oklahoma city tools - by owner - craigslist

oklahoma city tools - by owner - craigslist

oklahomacity.craigslist.org

Will cost some time.

Good luck finding the right fit.

That would be an excellent choice for woodworking.

 

[dave*99]

That bench looks fun. I have a couple of my grandpa's old handsaws. Sharpening and setting the blades would be half the fun. Maybe try some Japanese pull saws too. I might have some old redwood 2x's laying around...
So. My advice is to consider the cordless saw alternative.

Maybe even this mindset:

https://www.youtube.com/@MrChickadee

Good luck,
John McA

I like to watch videos of that type of skill and craftsmanship. After I finish, I go and buy more power tools.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

I've had a Makita 12 inch non slider for several years and it works great. When I needed to cut vinyl siding I bought a DeWalt 12 inch slider with the LED light that shows where the blade will be cutting, and now I pretty much just use that. The DeWalt slider is quite heavy, and my Makita is much easier to move around, but I tend to always use the slider. Accuracy is very good unless you tried to cut to fast. If you only need to cut 2 by 4's and 2 by 6's, a non-slider should sure do the trick. If you need to cut wider material a slider comes in really handy. Also, a ready made miter stand, or building building a miter saw table is worth its weight in gold when you are on a project or need to be a bit mobile.

 

[2Busy]

I have the lowes 10" compound slider you linked to. It's done everything I've needed it to do. I went with a 10" cuz I have a 10" table saw

That Kobalt saw is an update to an earlier version I have (looks to be same saw with slightly different cosmetics and blade guard). Had it over 10 years now and it’s still doing fine. Checked the alignment a while ago and its still spot on after all these years, although I did have to adjust the laser lines a bit. Good saw, don’t think you can go wrong, even for today’s price (seems I paid about 100 bucks less for mine but that was then). If I ever wear it out I’ll upgrade to something 12” but this one’s doing me just fine.

 

[drwheels]

Justs a heads up 2540 has some bosch 12 inch dual bevel for $307.37 337709

 

[Aaron_W]

I bought a Rigid 12" dual bevel compound miter saw (no slide) about 10 years ago. I've been quite happy with it, and have used it a lot more than I expected. If I had known how much use it was going to get, I probably would have splurged for the Dewalt, but honestly I have zero complaints with the Rigid.

The sliders are nice, but add complexity, cost and one more place they can get out of wack. A 12" can cut a 2x8" @ 90 or a 2x6" @ 45, which is about the same as a 7-1/4" sliding miter saw.

I have been casually shopping for a 10" slider, but that is more my wandering eye than any actual need.

 

[dave*99]

I bought a Rigid 12" dual bevel compound miter saw (no slide) about 10 years ago. I've been quite happy with it, and have used it a lot more than I expected. If I had known how much use it was going to get, I probably would have splurged for the Dewalt, but honestly I have zero complaints with the Rigid.

The sliders are nice, but add complexity, cost and one more place they can get out of wack. A 12" can cut a 2x8" @ 90 or a 2x6" @ 45, which is about the same as a 7-1/4" sliding miter saw.

I have been casually shopping for a 10" slider, but that is more my wandering eye than any actual need.

I’m having the same thoughts. A 12” non slider will fit my uses.
But I seem to be studying the DeWalt DWS780 way too much.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have a 12" DW slider and non slider, the slider gets all the use. Buy once cry once, splurge for the slider and you'll never need another saw, unless you add a cordless one or two.

 

[Aaron_W]

I have a 12" DW slider and non slider, the slider gets all the use. Buy once cry once, splurge for the slider and you'll never need another saw, unless you add a cordless one or two.

Yeah I imagine there isn't much need for both, but a quality slider runs about twice the price, and you definitely don't want to go cheap, where a non-slider you can usually get away with a decent lower cost brand. I mean if $700 is in the budget great, but $300 to $700 is a pretty big step, and that is where I was at.

 

[dave*99]

I have a 12" DW slider and non slider, the slider gets all the use. Buy once cry once, splurge for the slider and you'll never need another saw, unless you add a cordless one or two.

I know and I will. Lol.

 

[adamnsrt4]

I agree with everyone suggesting the Dewalt 12in non slider. The saw is super accurate and you can see your blade and the material very well. Also when buying a blade don't cheap out makes a huge difference in saw performance

 

[jar944]

I have a 12" DW slider and non slider, the slider gets all the use. Buy once cry once, splurge for the slider and you'll never need another saw, unless you add a cordless one or two.

I have two 12" non sliders and one slider (glide.) The silder is the least used and the last one I'd grab given the choice. There is inherently more flex in any slider. That may or may not be a issue depending on what your building but from a pure accuracy standpoint the more ridgid the saw the more likely the cut will remain accurate.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

Justs a heads up 2540 has some bosch 12 inch dual bevel for $307.37 337709

Man that is TEMPTING! The Ferarri of saws, one that I wouldn't need today, but would future proof me the rest of my life. Will likely pass (but shouldn't) as it is larger than I'd like to pull out of my cubby 3X a week, and a bit more than I can justify today. I didn't realize you were in OKC, if you are the regular deal finder please shoot me a DM anytime you see something!

 

[Jackfre]

I have about ‘all” saws. Pull/push, hand/power but frequently what I go to for is my Millers Falls Langdon miter box. It does a great job is dead accurate, quiet and a gratifying tool to use. I picked mine up for $20 at the local Restore.

 

[flyingblind]

Buy once cry once, If you plan on doing woodworking buy a 10 inch or 12 inch (whichever one your table saw uses). Sliding compound is the way to go. I like Delta, Hitachi or Dewalt.

 

[Nutria]

I have about ‘all” saws. Pull/push, hand/power but frequently what I go to for is my Millers Falls Langdon miter box. It does a great job is dead accurate, quiet and a gratifying tool to use. I picked mine up for $20 at the local Restore.

Yes, that is a good point. I have the same miter box and a good Disston backsaw. I have limited space, and my Dewalt non-slider is stored vertically on a rolling stand. If I'm only going to make a couple of cuts, I go with the miter box instead. Quicker and as accurate as the Dewalt. If there is more work, the Dewalt comes out and gets set up. I do get a smoother off-the-saw cut with the Forrest Chopmaster than the Disston.

 

[dave*99]

My table saw is 10". I have many blades for it. My miter saw is 10" I have an excellent blade in it designed for miter cuts. I have never had the need to use any of my table saw blades in the miter saw. Or vise versa.
My next miter saw will be 12" Am I missing something?

 

[Nutria]

If you plan on doing woodworking buy a 10 inch or 12 inch (whichever one your table saw uses).

My table saw is 10". I have many blades for it. My miter saw is 10" I have an excellent blade in it designed for miter cuts. I have never had the need to use any of my table saw blades in the miter saw.
My next miter saw will be 12" Am I missing something?

That confused me too. It's generally a good idea to use a miter saw blade with less of a hook angle than is typically found on table saw blades. But maybe I missed the point.

 

[dave*99]

That confused me too. It's generally a good idea to use a miter saw blade with less of a hook angle than is typically found on table saw blades. But maybe I missed the point.

Yup, I'm flipping blades in and out of the table saw all the time. The miter saw blade stays in the saw until it's dull. I don't see any need for interchangeability.

 

[flyingblind]

I thin Kerf bade can be used for plunge cutting on a table saw.
(cabinet ventilation holes)

 

[Allan00]

DWS779

 

[Jawn]

Best thing I can see for the money that fits my needs is this 7 1/4 sliding compound from Lowes,

I've had that one (or maybe an older version of it) for 10+ years. No complaints... then again, I'm not building furniture or fine woodwork, and I mostly cut 1x4 or smaller. Occasional 2x materials. Picked up a secondhand Ryobi miter saw stand at an estate sale, best thing I've done for it. Gives me supports for the ends of long pieces, as well as an adjustable stop so I can make multiples of the same length without having to re-measure each one.

 

[jar944]

If you plan on doing woodworking buy a 10 inch or 12 inch (whichever one your table saw uses).

You really don't want to do that.

 

[flyingblind]

You really don't want to do that.

As I said above
"A thin Kerf bade can be used for plunge cutting on a table saw.
(cabinet ventilation holes)"

https://www.finewoodworking.com/200...:text=Yes, you can.,hook angle on their teeth.