Looking for a solid 12″ compound miter saw. I’m not a pro (more like an experienced amateur), but I know better than to buy cheap. Primary uses will be trim work and furniture components.
I’ve looked over the Makita and the Dewalt (single bevel). Can’t figure out how you’d adjust the Makita, but other than that, I liked the construction and light weight. I’ve never been fond of yellow tools, but understand that their CMS is popular. There are a lot of CMS discussions in the archives, but most seem to be sliders. I don’t really need the width to justify the $$ for the slide.
Recommendations?
Thanks,
Pete
Replies
One vote here for the Makita LS 1220. Check out Tool Crib/Amazon's reconditioned tools- $250, full factory warranty and free shipping. The DeWalt is the same price. Been well pleased with mine. Was dead on right out of the box. Smooth saw ......... it has electronic motor control- soft starts and doesn't bog down. The stock 32 tooth blade should be replaced for finish work. Reasonbly portable- the carrying handle is in a good place. Dust collection is ok ........... no miter saw that I've seen or used has really good dust collection.
Edited 8/28/2002 10:57:46 PM ET by jc
The dewalt has a nice Vernier on the angle indicator makes for easy repititions of cuts that are a fraction of a degree off .
TDo not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
"Ya mean ya don't use caulk?" ;o) I was a little leary of the DeFault 705......... some of the earlier models had switch problems and probrably listening to too much DeFault bashing 'round here. The extra 72 tooth blade clinched the deal for me (not sure if that deal is still on). A belated happy bday, too.
Edited 8/29/2002 7:36:42 AM ET by jc
The vernier is nice but mr. short attention span here usually winds up with some pencil marks on the scale anyways.
Can I ask why you seem to have deliberately eliminated the double-bevel DeWalt 706 ? It has a lot going for it.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
I wasn't clear in my original post; I haven't eliminated ANY machine. I'd like to hear from folks who like Bosch, Delta, Hitachi, etc. too!
My question really is: "If you were in the market for a 12" compound miter saw, what would you buy?"
Pete
Oh, sorry, your post mentioned "single-bevel". In any case, the 706 is becoming popular around here - feels like about 1/3 lighter than a slider, lots of clearance for tall cuts because of the belt-drive, decent fence, and bevels both ways..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
I also like the 706. The belt drive gives it a semi-soft start. The saw is very accurate and worth a look.
I`d look into all the manufacturers, but chances are I`d end up with yet another Makita. The two miter saws I own are Makitas and I have nothing but praise for them both. J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
Little late to the show, but I got the Makita LS 1220. Love it...
Same here. I bought the LS1220 and it's a pleasure to use, even after more than a year of cutting everything we feed to it.
DRC
I bought the Bosch 12" and havent had a single problem with it. Its in and out of the truck daily and often sits in the bench at the shop doing precision cuts. I check it often but its never been out of alignment. Its 15amp motor with soft start and stop brake has all the power I've ever needed. Its a little on the heavy side but worth it if thats what makes it stay accurate. I feel very confident recommending it to you.
Its been a real hit on the job sites and more than once I've seen new ones show up after guys have used mine.
The only complaint I ever got was from a lefty but that was resolved when I showed him the left handed trigger release and someone did once call it a hoover because it sounds more like a vaccum cleaner than a saw.