What to look for in a compound miter saw?

[N80]

I went to Lowe's today to get some lumber, not intending to buy a saw. But I saw the one I wanted in a box with a couple of holes in it that had also clearly been opened before marked $250 which is $50 off. After looking for a salesman for about 5 minutes I finally found a young man and I asked him why it was discounted and he indicated that it had been opened before and may have some cosmetic defects but was all there, fully functional and with the full warranty. I bit.

Got it home and opened it up and was shocked. It was used. Covered in saw dust. Most of the logo paint scratched off. All plastic parts gouged and scratched up. Blade worn. All the decals and such peeling off. It was dirty and stained and looked like it had been used for a year or so. And abused during that time.

I'll take it back tomorrow. Will probably go ahead an get a new one. Then I'm done with Lowe's. Just one bad experience after another. That saw should have been marked "well used" and should have been at least $100 off. It probably should not have even been offered in a retail store at all.

When I told my wife she was in the other room and thought I was just being picky. When she saw it she was shocked as well. She said I should be posting pictures of it on line.

(However, I spent a minute fooling with it and as a model it looks and feels about the same as the better brand names.)

 

[lennyzx11]

I bought the HF model for 139 bucks. Giggle every time I use it. Love It.

I use a dewalt 12" double bevel but was reading that one from HF actually has won awards from wood working magazines as great value for the price for a homeowners use.

 

[prichard]

My wife and I each had a 10" single bevel non slide saw from before we met. Mine is delta hers is HF. The HF is lighter and easier to move around. It is also much easier to align the fence. It sees a lot more use.

 

[N80]

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

 

[kidr]

I use a dewalt 12" double bevel but was reading that one from HF actually has won awards from wood working magazines as great value for the price for a homeowners use.

Mine was dead on right from the box. I anticipated a couple hours set up, but even the laser was dead on. At that price happy x3.

 

[dickfoster]

Well when you get a saw I'd put one of the laser guide do lollies on it. Many are out there and not expensive although some saws come with laser guides today. It's as easy as changing a blade to install one if your's doesn't have it.



It's very handy. I've had one on mine for years now and the original batteries are still going.

A stand for your miter saw is very handy too. They can be pricey but I found a cheaper one that stays in the shop, no wheels but it works and saves storing and setting up a heavy saw. My stand was so cheap it didn't sit level the way it came but it does now. I also put casters under it to increase mobility around the shop.

I have a Makita 12" sliding compound saw. I got this one because it cuts compound angles and makes miter cuts over 45 degrees which many miter saws can't.

 

[N80]

The Kobalt comes with a laser. It is about the only negative thing I see in the reviews because it is often off a bit and people do not realize it is adjustable.

I've used chop saws without lasers and they work fine but it sure seems like it would be handy to me.

 

[dickfoster]

The Kobalt comes with a laser. It is about the only negative thing I see in the reviews because it is often off a bit and people do not realize it is adjustable.

I've used chop saws without lasers and they work fine but it sure seems like it would be handy to me.

Well the little thing I put on mine is adjustment free. I simply shines a beam right down along the side of the blade and draws a line on the workpiece where the blade is going to cut. It lights up when the blade starts spinning and stops when the blade stops spinning, simple but effective. I do have to allow for the kerf when cutting to the right of the blade but to the left of the blade it's spot on. I'd try to put one on my chop saw if I had one.

If you ever get a table saw these things are useful too. It sure does save material lost from measuring mistakes.

Wixey.com - Saw Fence Digital Readout

 

[N80]

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.

 

[prichard]

Thanks for the update and results.