Help Choosing Compact Miter Saw

[Deker]

Hi All. Just moved into a house recently and have plenty of new projects to keep me busy for a while...planter boxes, pentagonal tree bench, new workbench for the garage with drawers and cabinets, etc.

I’ve got a tiny garage shop space, so I’m trying to look for smaller portable tools where possible. My thinking is that if I get a contractor table saw (perhaps the Bosch 4100XC-10) and supplement that with a small 8-1/2” (edit: sliding) miter saw, that should cover everything I’ll realistically need to do. Does that seem reasonable? I know I can’t cut a 4x4 on the miter saw, but if I’m using a 4x I most likely need just a rough cut and I’ll make due with a circular saw or a couple passes with the miter saw.

That said, I’m considering the Bosch CM8S or the Makita LS0815F. Would love to hear recommendations on which one to go with. Any other thoughts would be appreciated, as well.

Thanks in advance!


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[The Cobbler]

8-1/2" miter saw is pretty small, and not very robust . unless you're doing very small trim & base I would go up to at least a 10" .

 

[SamuraiJack]

The 10 inch saws are not that much bigger and you will be much happier with it. If you can get one with a slide you will be even happier. My 10 inch Kobalt with a slide can cut a 2x12 in one pass. The side slide in and fits nicely on a shelf.

Probably not the answer you are looing for but in the long run you will be very happy you purchased the slightly larger saw.

 

[Lynden]

I recommend the Makita LS1040.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000223I4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[matt_i]

I also would recommend a 10". Many blades are available in that diameter.

I have been rolling with a 10" Milwaukee (back when they made that kind of gear) for 25-ish years now, so it won't be something you can buy new but rarely have I found a problem I can't handle other than valley rafters and that was easily done with the circular saw.

 

[danallen]

About 6 years ago I was on a tight budget so I bought a Hitachi miter saw and have used the snot out of it since. Very pleased with its performance, its just as good as any of the bigger brand saws.

 

[Deker]

Thanks all for your your feedback. I should have mentioned that the saws in my OP are both sliders and will cut up to a 3x12 at 90 degrees . Does that change anybody’s opinion?


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[Formerjeeper]

I have a Makita 10” which I love. Glad I didn’t buy smaller. My use is DIY and a couple of rental properties.

 

[The Cobbler]

Thanks all for your your feedback. I should have mentioned that the saws in my OP are both sliders and will cut up to a 3x12 at 90 degrees . Does that change anybody’s opinion?


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It depends on what you're cutting or doing. that's fine for casing etc, but baseboard doesn't like cut laying down, so you're limited to 3" tall base really

 

[carlgrover]

Unless you have a lot of moldings to cut, I would pass on a mitre saw. You can build a few jigs for your table saw that will do anything a mitre saw ever did. For anything way too long and skinny, break it down by making a rough cut with a hand saw. Then you can do a final cut with your table saw.

carl

 

[eastbaysubaru]

The Bosch saws are amazing space savers as they don't have the sliding bars that eat up a ton of space. They utilize a set of arms that glide. I bought the 12" model, but the 10" might fit your needs very well.

https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/miter-saws-cm10gd-48431-p/

-Brian

 

[Deker]

Thanks everyone. I'll see if I can find an 8-1/2" sliding model nearby so I can get a sense for how sturdy they feel. If I don't like it I'll roll with a 10".

 

[Jeffh40]

Another option is a 12" non-slider. I ditched my 10" sliding saw for a DeWalt 12" non slider a few years ago and have been very happy with it. Cuts anything I need cut and doesn't take up so much room behind the saw so I can push it closer to the wall than I could put my old Delta sliding saw. Cheaper as well if you are on a budget.

I know this thread is about miter saws, but you mentioned a contractor table saw as well. Just go into it knowing that you are limited to saw blades with that class of saws so you won't be able to use any datto cutters or shaper heads like you can with a traditional table saw. If I were you, I'd think long and hard about getting a full size Delta contractor saw at a minimum. The datto cutter will come in very handy the first time you try to build a cabinet.

 

[snorky18]

I've had four miter saws - still own three.

First bought a bosch 12" dual bevel slider. Cat's meow for large crown, etc. Used it a lot for that. Haven't done much large trim in the last few years. It mostly sits on the shelf - it's a huge heavy beast.

I then bought a small, single bevel 10" non sliding Hitachi for cheap. Think it weights 24LBS. Was pleasantly surprised to find it could single pass cut a 4x4 at 90°. This is my go to saw for 95% of miter saw needs. Light, easy to carry around the property, cuts what I need it to.

Friend then gave me a single bevel 10" non sliding Dewalt. Fit and finish is a bit better than the Hitachi, but weight and size is also a bit more, so it gets used less.

 

[Sawdust_]

I vote for the non-slider too. Especially if you have a table saw. As Snork said the non-slider will be your goto in almost every case.

 

[tarbellb]

The only way to truly save space is buying one of the specialty miter saws.

Personally I have the Makita double throw slider, yes excellent, but still takes up a lot of space.

I've also used the Hitachi rail style saw, it is the best short throw slider (bedsides the Festool ver$ion).

The Bosch is similar in footprint to the Makita, with a questionable performance design....

Seriously, check out the Hitachi / Metabo METABO HPT-C10FSHCTM, $300 and excellent.

 

[doug.j]

I almost bought a 8-1/2 saw but most everyone recommends a 10". I ended up with a 10" non-sliding Dewalt DWS713. It is precise, light weight, and compact. It can be set close to a wall. Most sliding saws can't. I also have a Dewalt 10" portable table saw so having matching blade sizes is a plus. If I was really tight on space I could live with only the portable table saw. I've had the Dewalt table saw for many years and really like it. I would buy the same one again if something happened to this one. I've been considering building a Ron Paulk style bench to serve as a outfeed table. That way I can clear the space between projects. A little off topic but I recently bought a cordless DCS356 multitool. That thing is a must have.

 

[Deker]

I almost bought a 8-1/2 saw but most everyone recommends a 10". I ended up with a 10" non-sliding Dewalt DWS713. It is precise, light weight, and compact. It can be set close to a wall. Most sliding saws can't. I also have a Dewalt 10" portable table saw so having matching blade sizes is a plus. If I was really tight on space I could live with only the portable table saw. I've had the Dewalt table saw for many years and really like it. I would buy the same one again if something happened to this one. I've been considering building a Ron Paulk style bench to serve as a outfeed table. That way I can clear the space between projects. A little off topic but I recently bought a cordless DCS356 multitool. That thing is a must have.

Thanks Doug. Like you, I’m finding that most everyone recommends at least a 10”. I went down to the lumber yard today and got my hands on an 8-1/2” Metabo slider and a 10” Dewalt non-slider. The Dewalt has a smaller footprint and weighs roughly the same.

I’m starting to lean more towards the 10” non-slider, especially since I also plan to get a portable table saw. As far as that goes, I was planning to get the Bosch 4100, but I recently found the Grizzly G0870 and am seriously considering that instead. It’s appears to be a Dewalt copy at a slightly lower price point.


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[theoldwizard1]

Thanks everyone. I'll see if I can find an 8-1/2" sliding model nearby so I can get a sense for how sturdy they feel. If I don't like it I'll roll with a 10".

Sadly, you got the classic GJ answer : OVERKILL !

Report back on what you find !

(Segue : I was blown away at how well a dinky little "panel" saw handled 2by material. Lightweight and easy to handle. Sure it had a fraction of the power of a "sidewinder" but with a carbide tipped blade, it was amazing !)