DeWalt 706 and other Miter saws – Help
Hello, I have a need for a Miter saw which is very accurate and portable to use on some high-end trim and furniture work I am doing. I have a Hitachi 10†slider in my shop but I would like a second saw so I don’t need to unbolt and move the Hitachi every time I need to work in the field.
I came across a Dewalt 706†duel-bevel, which is like new for $260. I realize this is a good price and that this saw is a very good framing saw but I am not sure of the Dewalt’s precision for cutting good tight miters and crowns especially with the extra 12†blade flex. Is anyone using this saw for these types of applications?
Just today I saw a Bosch (4410), which looked to be a fine saw but I know very little about it. I also like the Makita 10†slider but these two seem a bit large to be moving around too much.
I guess the other option would be a Hitachi 8 1/†slider, however I am very used to the duel-bevel feature I have on my Hitachi 10†and the 8†only bevels one way.
Does anyone have suggestions as to a high quality saw which is also somewhat portable? Or input on the Dewalt 706?
Thanks
Bob
Replies
I do not personally own the dewalt, however a couple of my buddies do. That means this is only second-hand info. They both seem to concur that if you buy the dewalt brand new and you are the only person who ever touches it, it will work fine for making perfect cuts and staying true. However.... This is not a very hardy saw and misuse and rough handling will cause it to become "sloppy". It will wane and flex too much to trust it to make perfect cuts. My advice would be to pass on the used one. Just because it's clean looking, you don't know what it's life was like before it went up for sale. It only has to be dropped once during transport or setup to knock it permanently out of whack.
Up until a couple of months ago I was using an 8" hitachi which had been basically the company b**ch. A whole array of different gorrillas (carpenters, laborers, concrete guys, etc.) beat on this saw for 10 years, and yet it still cuts surprisingly true. I think If I were in the market for one today, I would get another hitachi. Although, I would probably get the double compound like you have.
In my area, the 706 seems to have become very popular. Much lighter than a slider, fairly tough, big cut capacity, needs a good blade c/w stabilizer.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
The 706 is a very good saw and that is a great price. If you get it, you will need to play with it some and get used to the blade movement when you pull that trigger...due to the belt drive. I like mine, but then I am the only one who uses it.
i've been using the dewalt 12 slider for a while on large (6 inch) crown molding and other kitchen cabinet trim
miters are perfect everytime, even in prefinished cherry and maple
caulking is not a piece of trim
Bob, I think you're the pro,why don't you go with the DeWALT 8 1/2".
It's light, portable and able to cut wide trim. I'm a student now, just doing some small site jobs,I have a Hitachi 10" with laser,the motor is too loud. If I had a second chance, the DeWALT would be my choice.
tung le
I have Dewalt chop and slider .
Good saws .
Tim Mooney
Trim is mostly what I do. I have an Hitachi 10" and the Dewalt 706. The 706 is about all I ever use. It's a great saw, but like was said, you have to take care of it.
I've had the DW SCM saw since it came out with no problems and its always been acurate.
Just don't buy the dustbag...its a total waste. It doesn't work "at all".
I like some of the acsessories as well...the postive stop guide, the crown molding guide and the hold down (clamp).
Be well
andy
The secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!
When we meet, we say, Namaste'..it means..
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Bob
I own the Dewalt 12" slider , I love it . I have used in the field the 10" hitatchi with the company I work for . I think when it comes down to making adjustments to the mitre , the hitatchi is the better tool . Just my opinion , I don't know how far that will go .
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. I am getting the Dewalt 706 with the strong recomendations here. My concerns about the accuracy of cut have been put to rest.
Thanks again
Bob