Good Trim Work Tools

Project53

I have to go back and start doing trim work ie: Crown, window trim, floor trim etc:
I'm looking to buy some new tools. HD has some sales on stuff.
I'm looking at the Ridgid 12" CMS with Lazer for $269 It seems to be a farily solid piece for that price. I'd like a slider, but for double the price and what I need to use it for, dosen't seem worth the money. The other thing I'm looking at is a Porter Cable 3 nailer/compressor kit for $299 150maxpsi, 6 gallon tank, comes with brad nailer, finish nailer and narrow crown stapler.
Any thoughts on this equipment...good/bad?
I need a good stand for the CMS and such..the 12" may be overkill for trim, but I don't want to limit it to just that.

In_Mexifornia

The 12" slider is nice, but it weighs a ton. If you've got to unload and load everyday it sucks. Rockler.com has a Porter Cable finish nailer and brad nailer combo for $170, or you can get it at the store if you have one nearby.

Project53

Yeah, the 12" slider is nice....but costs twice as much. The non slider is not unheavy at 50lbs. But seems to be a good piece of gear. The Porter Cable stuff...is missing the the Crown stapler....plus if you buy over $600 worth of stuff..you get 125 off....so seems to be a good deal.

Shaftoe

Yeah, those PC combo's. You get what you pay for. The guns are sub-standard at best, and the compresser is deafening. If you're just starting out it's probably the way to go, but if you're going to be using it day in and day out, then expect to be replacing it in a few months.

The SCMS is twice the price, but the cut is going to be better, if only because there is less motor vibration (because it's belt driven) and probably worth the cost if you're going to try and make a living.

Project53

Yeah I figured that the guns were not real great.....but THAT bad?
I need to run thru at least 20 houses with this set up. 12 windows, crown and such. I can deal with the compressor noise..but if the guns are junk...thats not going to work. DeWalt has the same thing..combo kit...but once again if the guns are junk..then no reason to buy them.
The Ridgid 12" CMS I thought was a good piece of gear. Didn't know that the big buck stuff was run on belts?......

Project53

The problem with me is I haven't bought tools in a long time....I've been a PM for too long. Hell to cut molding we had somthing called a miter box.(7 dollor piece of wood)..LOL...used a hand saw, and used a hammer.with a punch...LOL
So gun quality is not something I know....

ron schenker

As far as stands go, you can't beat the Ryobi for price. Good solid piece and easy portability too. Here in Toronto it sells for $129.
I love my PC brad nailer, I've also got a Bostich. Check out this months issue of Fine Homebuilding magazine, there's a great comparison of finishing nailers.

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AtlanticWBConst

It's been mentioned already. For doing crown molding - I find that a sliding compound is more useful than just a compound. The Porter cable combo nailers with compressor is also a good bargain.

Also, check out some of the handy tools from this supplier:

http://www.collinstool.com/base.php?page=tools.htm

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dayspring

Slider, period. (Makita or Bosch) Mounted on a Ridgid stand

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Norrrrrrrrrrrrm

If you can muster a few more bucks, I would recommend the bosch 10'' slider. A real sweet piece of tool. Do some research on the net, also check out fine home building article on compound saws, it won the choice awards. I have one and love like a fat kid loves cake!

dougchips

PC makes some good power tools but their air tools are not that great. Spend the extra money for a good miter saw, your miters are a test of your ability don't let a crappy tool handicap you. Stay away from the pawn shops, no need to buy our stolen tools.

Makita SCMS

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Krazy Johnni

Project53 I think your tool selections will out fine for the type of work your going to be doing. A 12" compound miter gives you the ability to cut large crown with it sitting in it's natural position which I find easier than cutting it flat like you have to with a sliding compound miter saw. Plus sliders require more room behind the saw to operate which can be a problem in smaller home's that's whats makes the 12" compound miter a good one saw for everything tool. Porter Cable tool's are used and liked by a lot of people in the trade so I can't see why they wouldn't do the same for you. As for a saw stand my favorite is still a piece of plywood with some folding table legs along with a couple of plywood fence's to support long material which most of the factory built stands don't do very well and best of all it costs Pennie's to build. The one tool that I think is more important than all the other's for finishing though is a good quality, sharp, block plane.

415moto

The Porter compressor in that 3 pc set is loud. Not too bad, but loud. The quality is hit or miss, I've been through a few (they're cheap cost wise) and you get what you pay for.

The guns are OK as well. They work, don't jam much, but ergonomics on them are not the best.

Saw wise, the 12" slider is the most versatile. They are heavier, but when you get into big wide trim, its good. I cut crown raised and flat on my 12 scms.

Stands, I've seen the others and played with 'em a bit. I prefer the fit finish and size of the Dewalt stand.

Project53

I think the Ridgid should work OK for what I need. I just don't have the budget for a slider. I have too many tools to buy. Over the years my son has borrowed(on the perment type basis..LOL) almost all my tools, even down to my squares and levels.
I was in Lowes yesterday...kind of a kid in a candy store thing..LOL
I could have blown over 3K easy....but since I really have like a $1200 budget right now. I have to price shop, and really just go in there with a list of what I REALLY need...not what I want, if you know what i mean.

RobertCDF

I dont know if HD is still doing it but if you bought a ridgid miter saw you could get the stand for $50! And you cant beat that ridgid msuv stand. It is worth the price even at full price of $149.

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Project53

That would be a nice deal on the stand, but I didn't see that listed. I think there just doing instant money off right now, depending on what you spend. But lowes is giving 15% of all tools. Its really a toss up. You really have to go between the 2 and price shop. I have about a month to price shop and get everything I need. Problem is I need about everything..LOL
Thought i still had my sawzall...just went out and looked for it..nope!
So I have to go out and buy everything from a Jigsaw on up...LOL

john5mt

The rigid miter saw is a pile.

12" blades walk and leave gaps so you only want to use a 12" if your stock is too large for a 10"

Hitachi, Bosch, or Makita Miter saws are a superior choice to Rigid and priced comparably to it.

KentWhitten

I have an older DeWalt slider and the only complaint I have about it is that the motors have burned out 3 times. They replaced 2 for free, third I had to buy.

I really like the Stabila levels.

And if you are looking for cordless drill drivers, that little white makita looks very cool except the battery amp on it is the "homeowner" edition (1.5 Ah compared to 3.0 for the "pro")

Krazy Johnni

I think the attitude of only buying a tool when you need it not when you think your going to have a use for it in the near future ends up saving you even more in the long run. The one place that you shouldn't skimp on is the blade for your minter saw buy a good quality one and it should last you a long time. The ones they give you with most saw's are just for decoration.

Bone Saw

I agree, I believe the deal is still going on with the stand, I have it with the ridgid 12" scms, It is a very nice and heavy saw

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