SCMS Which one 10" or 12" Bosch, Hitachi ??? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

tnb · 05-01-2008, 05:56 PM

Please help me on some questions. I am looking at getting a SCMS and had a few questions. It will be used for mainly framing work, siding, decks etc... I need one that will crosscut a 2' x 10' for sure also will the 10 inch ones cut a 4" X 4" post. That would be nice also but is that the only advantage that the 12 inch SCMS have over the 10 inch sliders? Also I have been doing some review reading and have narrowed it down to Hitachi, Bosch, and maybe a dewalt. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

bob14-0 · 05-01-2008, 06:54 PM

I don't think you can go wrong with Makita, Dewalt or Hitachi. I've had the 10" Hitachi w/lazer guide for 4 years and it's performed flawlessly; quiet, smooth and accurate.

Bob

TempestV · 05-01-2008, 08:05 PM

As I've seen, there are 5 players in the sliding miter saw market- Makita, Bosch, Dewalt, Hitachi, and Rigid.

I personally hate the Makita- whoever designed the miter gauge and control knobs hadn't done much work with a miter saw before. It's plenty high quality and cuts fine, but it isn't easy to use. If you can get one of the other saws without the weird miter gauge location, then It is a pretty good choice. My saw is actually an older 10" Makita slider.

I used to recommend the Bosch saws, but the last couple times I've been at one of the local hardware stores and messing around with the saws, I've found that the Bosch saws seem to be rather loose- you could fairly easily swing it 1/2 a degree or more when the miter was completely locked down. In addition, the saw has a lot of extra gadgets that I couldn't see being all that useful, and would probably just get in your way.

The old Dewalt 708 12" slider was a great saw, one of the best I've ever used, and I've had a lot of experience with it. When the newer version, the 718, first came out, I was not very impressed with the quality. However, lately, it seems that the quality has greatly improved. Right now, the 718 is, in my opinion, the best 12" slider out there.

The older model Hitachi seems like a very good saw, and it's still available as a 10". If I was buying a new 10", that is probably the saw that I would buy. The Hitachi 12" has been updated and restyled with the "alien" design, and in my opinion, they've created several faults, including the fact that the saw is very top heavy, and letting the cutting head spring up after making a cut can tip the whole saw over, stand and all.

I've looked at the rigid, and everything about it was just fishy- things like the fact that the miter gauge went to 62 degrees, but the saw would only swing to 50 degrees, and other weird things like that. Also, it's really clunky and feels poorly built.

Of course, when it gets released, the Festool Kapex is probably going to blow everything away, both in utility and price.

dayspring · 05-01-2008, 08:08 PM

My personal flavor is 'kita, but any of the top brands will do a good job. Many like the Bosch. I've had my 10" scms 'kita about 2+ years and haven't really needed anything larger. Very well made saw, I just don't like the way the miter scale is set up.

jiffy · 05-01-2008, 08:26 PM

I like my Makita 10" slider.

2ndGen · 05-01-2008, 10:06 PM

Personally, for rough work, I'd prefer the Bosch 5412L. I have a warm spot in my heart for the DeWalts.

This might help:

Reviews
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...px?ac=ts&ra=fp

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

Video Comparisons:

Bosch
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...iew-bosch.aspx

Makita
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...ew-makita.aspx

DeWalt
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...ew-dewalt.aspx

Hitachi
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...w-hitachi.aspx

Rigid
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...ew-ridgid.aspx

Craftsman
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...craftsman.aspx

WarnerConstInc. · 05-02-2008, 12:06 AM

Kapex, but my bosch will do for now.

2ndGen · 05-02-2008, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarnerConstInc.

Kapex, but my bosch will do for now.

Other toolmakers should bow down and hide their heads in shame to the Festool Kapex.

+ YouTube Video

However, I wonder how it would hold up to really brutal work like for rough framing, siding, roofing, etc...Even a lowly Black & Decker Firestorm can cut moldings and trim.

Ultimately, for me, what matters most is a saw's toughness and accuracy. While the Bosch is said to have some issues with it's accuracy (by far the most important thing a miter saw needs), it is a well engineered machine. Before I go out and make my big purchase for the whole set up (Bosch 5412L, Gravity Rise Stand, Hood, Auto Vacuum Turn On Switch, etc...), I'm waiting to see something good said about Bosch's accuracy being addressed.

WarnerConstInc. · 05-02-2008, 09:35 AM

My 12" Bosch slider has been great, I have only had it for 6 months. I check it for 90 and 45 about once a week. I think the issue with most miter saws like that is the bouncing around on its stand in the trailer. They seem to have a tendency to loosen up a little bit. Standing it up on stand and strapping it to the wall seems to be a little better for it. I had a new 10" Makita for 2 months untill I made it into a boat anchor. Not near the quaility of the Bosch. Bosch is easy to use, all controls upfront, big scale, sliding fence, well made saw. All miter saws need to be checked and adjusted for accuracy every now and then. The Kapex is designed to cut all materials, extruded aluminum, laminates, solid surface, hard and soft woods and even hard woods up to 3"+ inches thick. It has on board speed control, what other miter saw has that. I think it would hold up to anything. Its got a 3 year warranty so you might as well use it for what you want. $1300.00 bones is a lot for a saw, but I think you would have it the rest of your life. I am more interested in it for doing kitchens, baths, flooring, and trim work, where I can set up in the house and not trek back and forth form inside to out side. They claim 91% dust collection. Come July I will be buying one, if I dont like it I have 30 days to return it!!!

Too bad with all the extras in the video you are looking at about $1800.00

98mustangguy · 05-02-2008, 03:19 PM

I have the Hitachi 10 scms the older one not the new alien looking one and it is awesome. first slider i have had so nothing to compare it to really but it works awesome every time i need it

2ndGen · 05-02-2008, 05:28 PM

Quote:

WarnerConstInc Too bad with all the extras in the video you are looking at about $1800.00

Without the toys, it's another miter saw.
So I consider it an $1,800. saw.

Worth it for guys who do high end work.

I think I'll be happy with a Bosch.

2ndGen · 05-02-2008, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98mustangguy

I have the Hitachi 10 scms the older one not the new alien looking one and it is awesome. first slider i have had so nothing to compare it to really but it works awesome every time i need it

That's the main way I judge a tool...does it do what I need for it to do when I need it to be done?

That's how I fell in love with Bosch Demo Hammers. Every morning that I picked one up to get my work done, I knew exactly what it would do and how it would perform. It's the old saying of the tool becomming and extension of the arm...my roofing gun is a lot like that.

Tom R · 05-02-2008, 06:17 PM

The all-front controls of the Bosch make it the fastest saw to use, - - time is money.

For the most dead-nuts accurate, - - the Makita.

I like both, - - but I use the Bosch.

tnb · 05-02-2008, 07:02 PM

Thanks for all that answered. This board is so helpful. Well the way it looks I am probaly leaning towards the Bosch but damn that Hitachi looks like a good one also. I don't own any Hitachi tools but I do have the Bosch jigsaw and love it. Does anyone know if either of the Bosch or Hitachis will cut thru a 4" x 4" post 3 1/2" X 3 1/2" ? Again A BIG THANKS for all you guys hep.

WarnerConstInc. · 05-02-2008, 07:05 PM

yes they will

2ndGen · 05-02-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnb

Thanks for all that answered. This board is so helpful. Well the way it looks I am probaly leaning towards the Bosch but damn that Hitachi looks like a good one also. I don't own any Hitachi tools but I do have the Bosch jigsaw and love it. Does anyone know if either of the Bosch or Hitachis will cut thru a 4" x 4" post 3 1/2" X 3 1/2" ? Again A BIG THANKS for all you guys hep.

Bosch Specifications
Amperage: 15
Arbor Size: 1"
At 0 bevel/0 miter: 4-1/4" x 12-1/2"
At 0 miter/ 45 right bevel: 1-3/4" x 12-1/2"
At 0 miter/45 left bevel: 2-3/4" x 12-1/2"
At 45 miter and 45 right bevel: 2-5/8" x 8-3/4"
At 45 miter/ 0 Bevel: 4-1/4" x 8-3/4"
At 45 miter/45 left bevel: 2-3/4" x 8-3/4"
Base Molding - Against Fence: 4-1/4" Max
Base Molding - Laying Flat: 12"
Bevel Angle Range: 47° to 47°
Bevel Detent: 0°, 33.9°, 45° Left/Right
Bevel Stops: 0°, 33.9°, 45° Left/Right
Blade Diameter: 12"
Country of Origin: Taiwan
Crown Molding - Angled Against Fence: 6" Max
Crown Molding - Laying Flat: 10-1/4" Molding (90° corner when molding has a 38° "spring" angle from wall) using 31.6° miter and 33.9° bevel stops
Height: 20"
Max. Motor HP: 3.0
Miter Angle Range: 52° Left / 60° Right
Miter Detents: 0◦, 15◦, 22.5◦, 31.6◦, 45◦, (Left/Right) 60◦, (Right)
No Load RPM: 3,800
Rating: 120V
Weight (lbs.): 59

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hitachi Specifications

Amps15
No-Load Speed3,800 RPM
Blade Diameter12"
Miter Cutting Range0-46 L; 0-57 R
Bevel Cutting RangeLeft & Right 0-45
Digital DisplayYes
Laser MarkerYes
Saw Blade Drive SystemPoly V Belt & Gear
Splinter GuardProvided (Fixed)
Tool Dimension WxDxH23-7/16"x36-5/8"x27-15/16"
Tool Weight66.1 lbs
Cutting Capacities (HxW):......................
90 Degree Cross Cut4-3/16"x12-1/4" or 4-11/16"x10-3/16"
45 Degree Miter (L/R)4-3/16"x8-5/8" or 4-11/16" x7-1/16"
45 Degree Bevel (L)2-3/4"x12-1/4" or 2-15/16" x10-3/16"
Compound Cut 45x45 (L/L)2-3/4"x8-5/8" or 2-15/16"x7-1/16

1018 · 05-02-2008, 07:25 PM

Can anybody get my a towel to wipe up the drool from watching that video?

2ndGen · 05-02-2008, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1018

Can anybody get my a towel to wipe up the drool from watching that video?

**Leo G** · 05-02-2008, 09:10 PM

The Festool looks like a nice system. I wasn't impressed with the outside miter they showed though. It had a lot of spaces that looked like blade wobble had happened.

I have the Hitachi 12" slider. Nice saw, not perfect. The default blade that comes with it sucks. I put a Forrest Chopmaster on it and it is a different beast. I find the accuracy to be excellent. You can deflect the saw it you try. If you are careful and take the cut slow, youwill have no problems. If you ruch the cut you can have slight deflection issues. I wish the laser was on both sides of the blade.

2ndGen · 05-02-2008, 09:37 PM

Cordless Miter Saw System...

http://www.hardwarestore.com/media/p...0_front200.jpg