Contractor Talk - Construction and Remodeling Site
CLICK HERE AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY TODAY...IT'S FREE!
Go Back   Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum > Equipment & Safety > Tools & Equipment

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 11-20-2007, 10:50 PM   #1
Registered User
Trade: Remodeling & Handyman Services
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 4
Miter Saws Accuracy: Slider vs. Non-Slider

Thinking of picking up a Makita 10" Miter Dual Slider LS1013FL for my trim work & siding jobs. My local HD got it for $399 on sale an Makita has always made a great product.

I've heard some of the finish guys say they like the non-sliders better because they can get a more accurate cut.

Wider cutting capacity is good with a slider, but not at the expense of loosing accuracy (if this is true).

Penny for your thoughts.


Brad

bradbheld is offline   Reply With Quote
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Join Contractor Talk

Join the #1 Contractor Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

ContractorTalk.com - Are you a Professional Contractor? If so we invite you to join our community and see what it has to offer. Our site is specifically designed for you and it's the leading place for contractors to meet online. No homeowners asking DIY questions. Just fellow tradesmen who enjoy talking about their business, their trade, and anything else that comes up. No matter what your trade is you'll find that ContractorTalk.com is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally free!

Join ContractorTalk.com - Click Here JOIN FOR FREE

Old 11-21-2007, 08:59 AM   #2
Pro
 
WilsonRMDL's Avatar
Trade: Carpenter/Remodeler
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Southeast Michigan
Posts: 155
Send a message via AIM to WilsonRMDL
I use a hitachi 10" slider which seems to be about the same as the makita slider, and i love it. Very smooth operating and light compared to other sliders like the dewalt.
WilsonRMDL is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-21-2007, 02:31 PM   #3
ContractorTalk Flunkie
 
dayspring's Avatar
Trade: Remodeling and Renovation Contractor
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Murphy, NC Hometown of Eric Rudolf
Posts: 1,035
I've had the 'kita 10" scms for close to 2 years, had to re-adjust it a couple times, no big deal, it gets loaded and unloaded from the truck quite often. I have found it to be very accurate. You can use it as non sliding by locking the slide. My only complaint is the miter scale location, other than that, Very dependable , hard working saw.


Where's my penny?
__________________
T.C.
"Never met a man yet that I couldn't learn something from"
Met a few you couldn't teach though
http://remodelingncarolina.com
dayspring is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-21-2007, 08:47 PM   #4
Pro
 
RobertCDF's Avatar
Trade: Custom deck builder
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 2,962
I just bought the 10" makita slider yesterday... I used it today for the first time and I love it! thing was dead on out of the box and it feels so stable.
RobertCDF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-21-2007, 09:54 PM   #5
Pro
Trade: remodeling general contractor
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 659
I have the 12" Makita slider, but honestly my Dewalt 12" compound is my "main" saw. I have no complaints about the accuracy of the Makita, just that it weighs only slightly less then a small moose. Unless you are dealing with large mouldings that are beyond the capacity of the regular compound miters, I have never seen the fascination of the cumbersome sliders.
troubleseeker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-21-2007, 10:48 PM   #6
Pro
 
RobertCDF's Avatar
Trade: Custom deck builder
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 2,962
I was considering the 12" dewalt with the back fence. I need to be able to cut decking at 45* angles some of the decking is 6 1/4" But I have heard so many good things about the makita and it is only 2 lbs hevier than the dewalt. I wanted the 10" for cheaper blades and less wobble. I think it is about the same cut capacity as the 12" dewalt with back fence. Either way would be a great way to go.
RobertCDF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2007, 11:03 AM   #7
Member
Trade: Carpenter
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SouthCentral Kentucky
Posts: 41
I'll ditto what robert said, makita 10scms is a great great saw. Used my papaws all summer, then ended up buying a 12 bosch scms(which is going back by the way), musta got caught up in all the hype haha. Once I get rid of the bosch I'll be pickin up a 10" makita. Some say its only a 10, I say if you need to cut more than it will cut then get your circular saw out.
Yes sometimes saws need to be adjusted no big deal, its a machine. However the bad ones are so bad that they can't be adjusted, meaning there isn't enough adjustment in them to zero the miters/bevels. This is why the bosch is going back......just my 2 cents--JP
JPhelps is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2007, 11:50 AM   #8
rdd
Registered User
Trade: carpentry
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1
been trimming for 30 years. Own and used Hitachi and Dewalt sliders. Nothing beats my old Delta fixed miter saws.. I have a great sharpening service(million dollar machine) which combined with saw creates pefect cuts.
rdd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2007, 06:32 PM   #9
Pro
Trade: General Construction
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 186
The newer Makita's are lighter than they used to be. I'll be the 4th to recommend the Makita for a sliding saw.
jiffy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2007, 07:17 PM   #10
Pro
Trade: Carpenter
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,549
Quote:
Originally Posted by JPhelps View Post
I'll ditto what robert said, makita 10scms is a great great saw. Used my papaws all summer, then ended up buying a 12 bosch scms(which is going back by the way), musta got caught up in all the hype haha. Once I get rid of the bosch I'll be pickin up a 10" makita. Some say its only a 10, I say if you need to cut more than it will cut then get your circular saw out.
Yes sometimes saws need to be adjusted no big deal, its a machine. However the bad ones are so bad that they can't be adjusted, meaning there isn't enough adjustment in them to zero the miters/bevels. This is why the bosch is going back......just my 2 cents--JP

I've used both the Makita and the Bosch extensively and prefer the Bosch myself, with all the up-front controls.

The Makita really is a great saw too.

Sounds like you just got a bad apple, - - my Bosch 4412 has worked great for me for years now.
Tom R is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2007, 08:33 AM   #11
Pro
 
wolffhomerepair's Avatar
Trade: General Remodeling
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: North Tonawanda, NY
Posts: 262
I have been using the 10" scms for over 5 years. works great never had to adjust yet. I check it often as I feel riding in the trailer all it's life would vibrate something loose but nothing yet. Also customer service is outstanding. had to replace the lock down pin. Went on line they had parts breakdown and ordered it by their number and was in my hands in 3 days.
__________________
http://www.wolffhomerepair.com


" Of course I don't look busy, I did it right the first time "
wolffhomerepair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2007, 09:31 PM   #12
Member
Trade: Carpenter
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SouthCentral Kentucky
Posts: 41
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom R View Post
I've used both the Makita and the Bosch extensively and prefer the Bosch myself, with all the up-front controls.

The Makita really is a great saw too.

Sounds like you just got a bad apple, - - my Bosch 4412 has worked great for me for years now.

Well I worked on the bevel adjust and got it to zero properly, but theres still not enough adjustment in the fence(bosch). However I do like the saw(upfront controls are sweet indeed), and am going to try another one. Since I ordered from amazon, a swap is pretty easy. You're probably right about it being a bad apple.
JPhelps is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2007, 12:05 AM   #13
Pro
Trade: Project Manager/Licensed Remodeler
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 757
I was out shopping tonight and came across the Hitachi SCMS with LCD readout for the miter/bevel readings. Anyone ever use one of those?
Dustball is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2007, 12:09 AM   #14
The Grand Wazoo
 
KillerToiletSpider's Avatar
Trade: Plumber
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,180
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dustball View Post
I was out shopping tonight and came across the Hitachi SCMS with LCD readout for the miter/bevel readings. Anyone ever use one of those?
I have one, but my opinion would not count for much, I use it strictly for stuff at my house.
KillerToiletSpider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2007, 12:23 AM   #15
Pro
 
Teetorbilt's Avatar
Trade: Residential Contractor
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Jensen Beach, FL
Posts: 10,376
Obviously the more moving parts, the greater chance for variance. Each part requires a tolerance to move.
__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein
Teetorbilt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2007, 06:20 PM   #16
Member
 
SPCarpentry's Avatar
Trade: Carpentry / General Contractor
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 50
I also have the Makita. It is part of a A&E Design stand with 2 8' tables. One of the stands has the flip stop. Very accurate. Total cost for saw & stand? Around $1200
Gary Katz sold me on the stand
__________________
"All Things Wood"
SPCarpentry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2007, 07:57 PM   #17
Insert title
 
dougchips's Avatar
Trade: Doors-Windows-Decks
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: MA&RI
Posts: 4,556
Quote:
Originally Posted by SPCarpentry View Post
I also have the Makita. It is part of a A&E Design stand with 2 8' tables. One of the stands has the flip stop. Very accurate. Total cost for saw & stand? Around $1200
Gary Katz sold me on the stand

If Gary Katz endorses a product then nothing else needs to be said on the topic. Does he use the Makita saw or just the table?
__________________
To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.
dougchips is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2007, 08:18 PM   #18
Certified Remodeler
 
silvertree's Avatar
Trade: Kitchen bath remodeler
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: North Oaks,MN
Posts: 3,166
I have a DeWalt 12" slider and it works great, but I'm looking at the Hitachi 10" slider. I have a 10" Hitachi compound miter saw that is nice and light, I use this a lot on smaller jobs. My only complaint with the DeWalt is its size.
silvertree is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Blade Wobble New Miter Saw balanceact Finish Carpentry 7 06-03-2008 08:12 AM
Hitachi sliding compound miter saw A.W.Davis Tools & Equipment 14 02-01-2007 07:53 PM
Best Table saw and sliding miter saw. wackman Carpentry 42 08-19-2006 06:04 AM
what about miter saws? Rob A Finish Carpentry 41 08-10-2006 05:50 PM
Hitachi C12LSH 12" Sliding Miter Saw Leo G Tools & Equipment 7 07-20-2006 12:21 AM




Top of Page | View New Posts


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:09 AM.


Contractor Talk™ © 2003 - 2009 The Building Network LLC