Entry Level Compound Miter Saws

[dartsportsteve]

Anybody have one you're happy with?

I've looked at Rockwell and Craftsman in the stores. I'm looking to spend around $150 right now. I haven't seen any good used ones in my price range either.

 

[Sureshot]

I had a B&D up until a few years ago. When I got a new Ridgid my skills went up considerably. If you plan on doing trim or finishing work I would try to get a good one. If you are building a deck no problem.

 

[RKA]

What do you want to do with it? Trim work can get tedious or impossible with an inexpensive saw, but at the very least will require a good blade ($50+ for a 10").

 

[digdug18]

try craigslist. I bought a dewalt compund miter saw on there last year for $150.

 

[toolmaker1]

I just caught the craftsman 10" sliding miter saw on sale a few weeks ago for $150. I was really amazed at the fact I pulled it out of the box and checked it for square and it was set up perfectly. My old $500 ridgid 12" non sliding miter saw was all out of whack when I got it. It took quite a bit of adjusting to get it right.

The blade included was actually very good quality also so I was very happily surprised.

Looks like it is $213 right now
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921237000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[dartsportsteve]

Thanks guys. I won't be doing much finish/trim work, so based on your opinions I'll probably be ok with a budget saw. It'll be more for fencing, small projects, and use during my garage build.

I'm tired of borrowing my FIL's saw.

 

[pipsters]

$68 w/ the 20% coupon
http://www.harborfreight.com/10-inch-compound-miter-saw-91995.html

The sliding one is around $100 w/ coupon

 

[dartsportsteve]

$68 w/ the 20% coupon
http://www.harborfreight.com/10-inch-compound-miter-saw-91995.html

The sliding one is around $100 w/ coupon

Cool - Thanks a lot!

 

[antinym]

Careful on the HF saw. I bought one and the fence was out of square. There's no ability to adjust. I returned it, and got a new one. Same issue. The design is poor.

Fortunately for me. I was able to elongate the holes that holds the fence on and make it square. but that may not be as easy for you.

Once it was square, I've had no major issues, though. A little underpowered, but that's fine if you take your time.

 

[dartsportsteve]

Good to know. I'm not in a big hurry, so I'll probably watch CL for a good used brand name saw. If that doesn't happen I'll buy a new off brand.

 

[timtaylor]

i'm in the same boat as you. i've been looking on craigslist and HF. however, i came across the ridgid saws. almost all of their power tools have a lifetime service warranty. i'm probably going to start buying all ridgid from now on.

edit: the 10" saw w/ laser is $199.99 + tax.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I just caught the craftsman 10" sliding miter saw on sale a few weeks ago for $150. I was really amazed at the fact I pulled it out of the box and checked it for square and it was set up perfectly.

That IS encouraging ! I don't do enough work to justify a really "good" quality miter saw, but I could pop for that price.

Does it have all of the necessary adjustments and instructions for squaring it up ?

Looks like it is $213 right now
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921237000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

The blade included was actually very good quality also so I was very happily surprised.

I have never seen a saw that could not be "improved" by adding a good quality carbide tips blade !

WOW ! It actually come with a 60 tooth carbide tipped blade !

 

[CatfishXpress]

I got a craftsman for Christmas a couple of years ago, I would not buy another one.

 

[uncletater]

try craigslist. I bought a dewalt compund miter saw on there last year for $150.

Agreed. I have a Makita. My skills went up greatly with a good saw. Buy a good one and you will have it forever. Cheap saws give cheap looking results. In my opinion.

 

[Packard V8]

Thanks guys. I won't be doing much finish/trim work, so based on your opinions I'll probably be ok with a budget saw. It'll be more for fencing, small projects, and use during my garage build.

Just askin' - then why do you need a compound?

Since everyone now THINKS he's gotta have a compound, the old heavy duty Makita Milwaukee, et al miter/chop saws are now going for less than the price of the carbide blade on them. I've picked up two Milwaukees for $20 each and a Makita for $25. They work great on normal home construction projects.

Modest proposal - pick up one of these to use while waiting for a great deal on a compound. While you are using it keep track of how many times you really needed a compound.

jack vines

 

[dartsportsteve]

Just askin' - then why do you need a compound?

Since everyone now THINKS he's gotta have a compound, the old heavy duty Makita Milwaukee, et al miter/chop saws are now going for less than the price of the carbide blade on them. I've picked up two Milwaukees for $20 each and a Makita for $25. They work great on normal home construction projects.

Modest proposal - pick up one of these to use while waiting for a great deal on a compound. While you are using it keep track of how many times you really needed a compound.

jack vines

Because I will be doing SOME. I could get by, but don't want to have to still borrow the FIL's or a buddy's after I bought one that doesn't do compound cuts.

But, your suggestion is certainly worth thinking about.