Dewalt 8 1/2″ slider: good tool?
I’m looking to buy a miter saw and I’ve decided to go with DeWalt (80% of my power tools are DW–I’ve been very happy with them, although occasionally I stray to another brand).
I’m looking at the DW712 8 1/2″ slider (http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=6058)…does anybody own this saw? How is it?
I’m not a professional carpenter, just a homeowner who does a lot of projects around the house. I’ve used an old Hitachi 8 1/2″ slider for years and thought it was great (belongs to a friend, we trade tools and help to each other).
Any advice would be appreciated. The best prices I’ve seen for this saw run around $400. Does that seem reasonable? Anybody know of any current sales going on?
Thanks.
Edited 9/11/2008 12:12 pm ET by Megunticook
Edited 9/11/2008 12:13 pm ET by Megunticook
Edited 9/11/2008 12:14 pm ET by Megunticook
Replies
That is a well made saw (still made in Italy--last time I checked). It used to be an Elu brand tool.
The downside is it is heavy for a small slider (weighs the same as my Hitachi 10" SCMS--about 43# IIRC.
As the owner of an Elu SCMS, I can assure you that Dewalt saw bears no resemblance to the saw Elu produced beyond the size of blade.
European made at a former Elu factory in Italy. Seems very well made.
Not questioning the quality, just pointing out that this isn't the classic Elu saw that has the sterling reputation.I've got both the 1 1/4 hp and 3 hp Elu plunge routers as well. In spite of being over 20 years old, all three are still first class tools and going strong. Can't say that about a lot of other brands.
Hey, thanks for all the feedback everyone. Affirms what I suspected, that this is a quality tool.Now if only I could find one of those $240 specials! When I googled the saw I found a number of threads that actually had people saying Lowe's had some absolutely sick pricing on these about a year ago...I think one guy even claimed he got it for well under $200, hard to believe.I have some fir gutters I need to install this fall so I'm not sure I have the luxury of waiting for another markdown...
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I have a small Elu plunge router with all the bells and whistes. Never has missed a beat.
I also have the Elu portable planer with replacable carbide knives. It is a sweet planer.
The saw arrived last night, unpacked it and started to review the manual (nothing much there that I didn't already know, but I'm a "manual-reader" anyway).Weight isn't too bad--I'm a pretty big guy, but I'd call it very portable. Just based on a quick initial inspection it appears to be a well-designed, well made piece of equipment solidly assembled. Can't wait it try it out.What do you all use for stands with your miter saws? I was thinking of mounting the saw on a sturdy piece of Advantech that could be clamped down, but I'd love to see some photos of the setups you guys are using.I've wanted to own a saw like this for years...now for a decent table saw (wife rolls eyes...)
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"What do you all use for stands with your miter saws?"
I use a DeWalt stand. My Lovely Assistant got it for me a couple of X-Masses ago. The extendable supports are nice, it sets up pretty quick, it's not too heavy to lug around and it was relatively cheap.
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Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
That looks great--is it rock solid or does it wobble a bit when you put a long heavy piece on it?
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The stand is suprisingly solid.
I have the DW stand with a 718 on it, the first version of the Ridgid MSUV with a 705. Like both but if I were buying today I would look long and hard at this:
http://www.amazon.com/HTC-PM7000-Portamate-Miter-Center/dp/B000BKY63G/ref=pd_bbs_7?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1221837899&sr=8-7
For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
No wobbles. I must confess I've stood on it more than once when nothing else was handy and I had to go high.
It has a little clippy thing that's (I guess) designed to position the saw on the rail, centered, but it's not needed. Most guys simply take it off.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
It took me years to realize what that little clippy thing was for. I guess there are advantages to reading directions <G>
But it is a great stand.
"What do you all use for stands with your miter saws?"http://www.sawhelper.com'Nough said...
I passed on a chance to buy the saw on clearance for 239.00 at my Lowes. I wish I hadn't.
Webby
Edited 9/11/2008 4:51 pm ET by webby
Looks like a nice saw. They have it at Amazon.com for $385 and free shipping, lowest price I could find online.
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We have one. Nice saw. Portable. (Try lifting the 67# Bosch). Only problem is that it will not cut a 2x4 standing. The blade bolt boss hits the top and you are about 3/16 shy.
The ToolBear
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