Miter Saws at Sears

[yamaha0343]

Greetings gentlemen, This is actually my first post here, but I've been lurking for some time.

I've recently gotten a $200 gift card from Sears, and am looking at miter saws to help with projects around the house. I'd like to stay around the $200 mark, and have narrowed it down to 3 choices. Just wanted to get the experts' opinions.

1. Craftsman 10inch sliding miter saw for $189. Probably don't actually NEED the sliding function, but I don't think it's a bad idea to get.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10in...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

2. Craftsman 10inch compound miter saw for $109. Hey, because I'm cheap and this leaves an extra $100 for more tools!
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10in...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

3. DeWalt 10inch compound miter saw for $219. Seems to have fewer features, but is probably a higher quality tool.
http://www.sears.com/dewalt-10-in-1...0923427000P?prdNo=17&blockNo=17&blockType=G17

I haven't bought many Craftsman power tools in the last few years, so not sure of the quality these days. My father has a Craftsman miter saw from about 10 years ago that I've borrowed several times and it's worked great for my uses, but not sure if they've gone downhill like the hand tools have.

Thanks for your input!

 

[themiller]

Get the 10" non-sliding and spend some of what you save 2 good blade(s) with more teeth. Most of what I use mine for around the house, I found the 60T or 80T do a much better job than the 40T that came on my Hitachi from the factory. Never had a need for the sliding - 10" is big enough for 2x6's and 2x8" at 45 deg - otherwise cut and flip really isn't that hard.

 

[TXBDan]

I recently did a lot of miter saw research before I began redoing all the moldings and casings in our entire new-to-us house!

I ended up with this guy for $239:
http://www.sears.com/dewalt-12-in-single-bevel-compound-miter-saw/p-00923404000P


A 12" fixed saw will cut almost anything and is more compact to store, lighter, and more accurate than a slider. With the height capacity of the 12", you can stand most moldings (I'm doing 4 3/8") up so you don't need a bevel at all.

With a good Diablo finish blade I can shave perfect little molding slices like deli meat. Quite precise.

 

[yamaha0343]

I like both of those suggestions actually. The majority of my cuts will be 2x4's and 2x6's with the occasional 2x8. Just wasn't sure how the Craftsman power tools hold up these days.

 

[TXBDan]

I'd go Dewalt for sure.

 

[djjsr]

Never had a need for the sliding - 10" is big enough for 2x6's and 2x8" at 45 deg - otherwise cut and flip really isn't that hard.

What model 10" non slider will cut a 2x8? and at 45 deg?

 

[yamaha0343]

I ended up with this guy for $239:
http://www.sears.com/dewalt-12-in-single-bevel-compound-miter-saw/p-00923404000P

Just put in the site to store order for this bad boy!

 

[yamaha0343]

And now I ordered a Milwaukee circular saw from Home Depot. This is getting expensive.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-15-Amp-7-1-4-in-TILT-LOK-Circular-Saw-6390-21/100609348

 

[djjsr]

Got a table saw?

 

[tarbellb]

Avoid anything Craftsman that plugs in. They havent made anything decent in a decade, and thats from personal experience.

A 12" Dewalt should be fine for most home projects, and that Milwaukee will last for a while.

Now go get yourself a nice long straight edge and some clamps to start ripping down sheets.

 

[yamaha0343]

I have a lot of those things, but gradually getting more and more. The circular was more of a spontaneous purchase. I had a crappy B&D that it is replacing.

Getting to the stage in life where I'm acquiring nicer tools. It's great!

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Go to lowes and get the 10" hitachi saw. I got one when it was on sale for $99 and I am satisfied with it. Finish is ****** if you look at it close but the overall quality is pretty good for the price. The casting is really ugly and I had the threads in the base strip out while installing the carry handle on the side, but it cuts wood well so that stuff is forgivable.

 

[PoorOwner]

I installed laminate floor lately and the 10" just won't cut it.
The planks are 6.5" I think. Can't imagine flipping each one.

Sliding ryobi works pretty good out of the box and under $200

Save the Sears gift card and get a nice vise or something from the website that is not craftsman

 

[Fender1325]

I reccomend larger than a 10 inch...I have my dads old 10 inch craftsman miter. The 10 inch isnt enough to fully cut 4x4's on mine. Id get a 12 inch no question.

 

[yamaha0343]

I ended up with the Dewalt 12 inch.

The one linked in post 3.