What to look for in a compound miter saw?

[LD1]

Congrats on the saw. As much as I dont like lowes, my next one will probably be a kobalt. They seem to be about the nicest ones at a lower price point.

My current saw is a "tool-shop" brand from menards. (similar quality to HF). ITs a 10" slider with single bevel. Came with a free stand at the time and was like $120 bucks. Bought it to build my first deck...a 12x24. Thinking if it could at least make it through that job, then it would pay for itself. Have since built 4 more decks, a 12x16, a 10x20, A 12x24, and another 12x16. Getting ready to use it to do new decks on my house, a 12x24 and a 10x28. Plus building my 40x72 shop (which didnt require alot of cutting....by design). And countless other odd jobs, shelves, etc. Not accurate for trim work by using the marks on it...gotta set it up with a speed square. But I dont do trim stuff.

Got no complaints at all about the saw, only the blade that came with it was junk. A good blade and I couldnt ask for better

 

[300UGUY]

That's awesome! When I got married my wife came with a cat and a used hotel room TV.

 

[prichard]

Yes, my wife came with tools, 4 dogs and a cat. And she knows how to use the tools. She put laminate flooring throughout her house mostly on he own. She got a little help from her dad

 

[LittleBill21]

Well, I took the 'used' Kobalt back to Lowes and they took it back with no problem. I bought a new Kobalt 12" dual bevel. It seems to be designed well and thoughtfully laid out. It was easy to set up. I made stake pocket rails for my new flatbed trailer. I had no problems cutting treated 2x8s and 2x4s at various angles. Was a lot easier than using the circular saw.

The laser line is off about 1/4 inch but it is adjustable.

It is big and heavy but has well placed handles and everything locks down for transport.

Some of the plastic parts feel cheap but this was true on some of the better name brands as well.

Next project is a trellis/gate for the yard. Then riser facing for deck stairs. Then the real test will come when I attempt to build some built-in book shelves.

make sure you get a square on it and align it, otherwise you will loose your mind trying to getting stuff close

 

[prichard]

Lots of good info here http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2010/07/23/miter-saw-tune-up/

 

[N80]

make sure you get a square on it and align it, otherwise you will loose your mind trying to getting stuff close

The manual said to do the same thing. Fortunately it is square. Still need to adjust the laser. Kind of a pain.

 

[CurlyDave]

...The laser line is off about 1/4 inch but it is adjustable...

This has been my experience with every laser on a saw I have ever seen.

You can adjust it, but it will quickly be out of adjustment again. There is a lot of high frequency vibration in the saw housing, not to mention the abuse from moving the saw.

For me, it is far more accurate to just sight down the saw blade. This works 100% of the time and never needs adjustment.

 

[buickanddeere]

You always look for where your left thumb is before cutting

 

[2LaneCruzer]

That is a sound piece of advice.

 

[N80]

That is a sound piece of advice.

Unless you've already failed to heed it.