Replies

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   Guest_ | Mar 04, 1999 07:25am | #1

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   It depends on what your needs are... if you're going to use the saw more than once a month, I would look at Makita or Hitachi or Milwaukee. We just finished a review of sliders, and the Ryobi... well, you get what you pay for. Good luck.

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   Guest_ | Mar 04, 1999 06:46pm | #2

   *If they still make their small radial arm saw, I think it would be a better choice for a light duty compound saw. Especially if you cut TJIs.

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   Guest_ | Mar 05, 1999 11:10am | #3

   *Chuck, Thanks for the reply on the Ryobi s.c.m. saw.I have been a carpenter for 25 years but do more supervision now than anything else. I just wonder what your complaints might be? Do you find it underpowered [I'd be cutting mostly 1x stock for my own house] inaccurate [couldn't tolerate that] or what? Do you have any experience with the Freud s.c.m. saw? Yeah, you guessed it, I'm cheap but actually find the Hitachi et. al. more of an investment than I wanted to make for a limited use tool. I'd appreciate any other input you have.Thanks, Brad

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   Guest_ | Mar 08, 1999 05:29am | #4

   *Brad,I've just completed a review of 12 sliding compound miter saws for FHB due out in late summer or early fall this year. My Opinions: Avoid the Freud - even though it's cheap. Funky action, underpowered....Ryobi is OK for light duty but if checking prices then compare the Craftsman saw. It's the same Tawianeese machine with a few improvements over Ryobi. Both are 8 1/2" machines and are limited for depth of cuts on the bevels. Best $ I've seen on Ryobi = 349.99 Craftsman sale $ = ???Makita 1013 and Dewalt can be had for good prices if you shop around. $499 each.Hope info helps.Mike

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   Guest_ | Mar 08, 1999 08:25am | #6

   *Brad, I've used both , though not recently, and they sucked, unless you're cutting rotten balsa wood. Can't imagine they've been improved. If you have to have an 8 1/2" sliding saw, the Hitachi is vastly superior. If you want a good saw, don't shortchange yourself. Save for a good one, and do more homework.

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   Brad_Brotje | Mar 08, 1999 08:25am | #5

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   I am looking for someone that owns a Ryobi sliding miter saw and can give me their opinion/review of its operation/quality etc. Thanks