carver348

I'm looking to buy a new miter saw soon. Was wondering what everyone else uses and what to stay away from?

mdshunk

Seems like this question comes up from time to time. Might want to check out the "search" button above. If memory serves, it seems like most favor the Hitachi SCMS lately.

2ndGen

Coincidentally, I was going to post the same question and feared the "try the search feature" quote.

Then I thought, what about newer saws?

Are we to stick to archaic threads?

What if someone new joins the forum and has an opinioin "not" offered in the other threads?

Allow me to ask this:

For myself, I've whittled it down to the following two 12" Compound Slide Miter Saws:

Bosch 5412L
Reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/review/product...owViewpoints=1

DeWalt DW718
Reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/review/product...owViewpoints=1

Now, I've been partial to DeWalt out of brand loyalty, but little by little, Bosch has been stealing my attention.

I'm very seriously considering the Bosch.

I was just wondering if there was anybody who had these two models and if they could tell how they feel about their performance.



Meanwhile, this might help...

http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/indus...01379&artnum=1

Ted W

I have the Bosch 5412 and I love it except for one thing - the sliding upper fences don't properly line up with the lower portion, off my just a hair. At first I was trying to figure out a way to correct it, but then it hasn't really posed any problems. My cuts are always right on.

I think there's a lot to be said for having all the controls right up front, makes changing positions a heck of a lot easier.

__________________
Carpentry and Woodworking - Chicago / North Shore - Ted's Carpentry

"I don't know everything but at least I think I do, and that's what really matters."

Norrrrrrrrrrrrm

I had the dewalt for a couple of days and sold it. Then I bought a Bosch and have not looked back. The dwealt has a rougher slide and the Bosch has the instuments up front. The Bosch is just awsome.

__________________
Norman Sharp
http://www.sharpimprovements.com

Jason W

This is my weapon of choice. I like it because it can handle anything from framing to finish (most importantly finish). The saw has a 10" blade and is compact and easy to move but big enough for anything. I've found the 12" blades to cause a wider cut at the face of the material, making trim look like it has a gap at the joint (unless you spend a fortune on a blade).

http://www.cpomakita.com/saws/miter_saws/ls1013fl.html

__________________
http://vtrenovations.com/
Vermont Historic Preservation Group

2ndGen

Question:

I was thinking about getting the Bosch 12" for most general work and a smaller saw for more accurate finish & trim work (maybe a 10").

The question is, would a non-sliding 10" model be more stable and thus more accurate for smaller work?

Ted W

To be honest, anytime there is a choice between Bosch and DeWalt, I go for Bosch - even if it costs more.

Mmmmmm.... booosssssccchhhh

__________________
Carpentry and Woodworking - Chicago / North Shore - Ted's Carpentry

"I don't know everything but at least I think I do, and that's what really matters."

2ndGen

Look at that Jason...I posted my 10" question before even seeing yours!

Great minds...

2ndGen

I've done some heavy spec comparisons and the Bosch comes standard with what DeWalt offers as options...so price-wise, they pretty much balance themselves out once you option the DeWalt out.

Jason W

Check this little guy out! 7 1/2" blade and cuts though a 2x12! My next purchase when I can.

http://www.cpomakita.com/saws/miter_saws/ls0714.html

__________________
http://vtrenovations.com/
Vermont Historic Preservation Group

Ted W

This looks like a good choice for a second 'smaller' saw, for times when you don't need something as big as a 12" slider. But it only cuts 2x12s at 90 deg. Cutting 45 deg. is limited to 2x8s max. Also, the 10 amp motor doesn't compare to the 15 amp on the Bosch big slider. But it's really a nice little saw for what it is.

__________________
Carpentry and Woodworking - Chicago / North Shore - Ted's Carpentry

"I don't know everything but at least I think I do, and that's what really matters."

Tom R

It's what's up front that counts.

Bosch.

2ndGen

7 1/2" blades?

Must save a ton on blades.

Jason W

I dont think i'd try and use this for framing or decks, but I've trimmed out enough places to have an appreciation for something this light and capable.

__________________
http://vtrenovations.com/
Vermont Historic Preservation Group

Ted W

Absolutely agree about that. I tried to write without sounding negative, because I really do think I'd like that saw. Sure would beat my ol' Delta 8-1/2" beater.

__________________
Carpentry and Woodworking - Chicago / North Shore - Ted's Carpentry

"I don't know everything but at least I think I do, and that's what really matters."

Jason W

An associate of mine bought one ; it's really slick!

But you'll break it in half if you throw a p/t 2x12 on it

Great 2nd saw though, or trim saw.

__________________
http://vtrenovations.com/
Vermont Historic Preservation Group

2ndGen

Cool factor?

I think it's a tie between the Bosch and the Makita definately.

Hitachi's new designs are (for me) hideous.

They look like toys.

Ted W

I'd be embarrased to walk onto a job with that Green Hulk looking thing.

__________________
Carpentry and Woodworking - Chicago / North Shore - Ted's Carpentry

"I don't know everything but at least I think I do, and that's what really matters."

2ndGen

The Hitachi reminds me of those ripped t-shirts that Valley Girls would wear in the 80's.

On second thought, no tie between the Bosch and the Makita "cool factor" wise...The Bosch wins undeniably.

After reading the reviews, I think it's going to be Bosch for me.



I love their demo hammers and jigsaws.