Compound Miter Saw Reviews: April 2014

Monday, April 28, 2014

Best Cheap Bosch CM10GD 10-Inch Dual Bevel Glide Miter Saw, 15-Amp Reviews

Bosch has done it again – only smaller. Its new 10″ dual-bevel glide miter saw has more in common with its big brother than just a blue motor housing. In 2011 Bosch changed the face of miter saws with the GCM12SD 12″ Glide miter saw (read Glen Huey’s review here) which takes up less shop space – it sits closer to the wall – than most comparable miter saws.

I have to admit, from the first time I saw the Glide miter saw, I have wanted one in my shop. The glide mechanism is smooth, and who couldn’t use more space? But there’s lots more to like about Bosch’s Glide saws than a smooth mechanism and their space saving attributes.

In looking over the new 10″ model, and comparing it to its predecessor, there are a few new innovations which are great inclusions. There also are features I wish had made the transition from the 12″ model. I like the fact that the new saw is a 10″ saw. I know it’s only 2″, but for me, and lots of woodworkers I know, that fact is a lot less intimidating. Intellectually, I know it isn’t any safer than the 12″ version, but it some how feels different.

Because it only has a 10″-diameter blade, some things such as large crown mouldings should be more difficult to cut. Bosch has handled that problem with the innovative two-position crown stop (shown in red in the down position). When flipped up to engage the pin mounted to the articulating arm of the saw, the stop locks the saw into one of two positions to cut large crown or baseboard moulding – neither of which is easily done on other 10″ miter saws. This is a new feature not found on the 12″ Glide.

A feature I wish had carried over from the 12″ saw is the stock support extensions. I like that the 10″ model isn’t simply a stripped down version of the larger saw, but this is one missing feature that I find extremely helpful. (If you’re going to mount the saw on a mobile or fixed stand, this feature may be of less importance to you.)

Overall, I think the 10″ slide miter saw a great addition to the Bosch line. There are, however, a few more features I like (and dislike) about the saw. You’ll need to read my review in the upcoming April 2014 issue to get them all.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Cheap Makita LS1216L 12-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw Reviews

The Makita LS1216L 12 in. dual slide miter saw delivers the largest crosscutting and crown cutting capacity in its class. It has a patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System that further increases rigidity to produce superior cuts, and an exclusive 6 linear ball bearing design for smooth, adjustment-free, “dead-on” accurate cuts. Another key point of difference is the direct drive motor with soft start, which delivers smoother start-ups and constant power, with no belts to slip or replace. The LS1216L is ideal for benchtop and jobsite use, as well as high-production/manufacturing settings.

Makita LS1216L Features:

Powerful 15.0 Amp direct drive motor requires less maintenance and delivers 3,200 RPM
Large cutting capacity for up to 8-in crown molding (nested), 6-1/2-in baseboard (vertical), and 15-in crosscut at 90 degrees
Compact design with a patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System further increases rigidity to produce superior cuts
Independent laser indicates line-of-cut whether blade is turning or not, with on/off switch and micro-adjustments for precise left-of-blade or right-of-blade cutting
Exclusive 6 linear ball bearings engineered to deliver smooth, solid, and adjustment-free accurate cuts
Exclusive 5-1/2-in tall dual sliding fence system features versatile upper and lower fence adjustments for more precise miter and bevel cuts
Patented retractable rear guard and triple gear system for increased vertical cutting capacity
Miters 0 - 52 degrees left and 0 - 60 degrees right, with positive stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6 and 45 degrees (left and right)
Bevels 0 - 45 degrees (left and right) with positive stops at 0, 22.5, 33.9 and 45 degrees (left and right)
Dual rear-handle bevel lock is easily accessible, with front and top facing scales for more precise bevel adjustments
Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load for smoother, higher quality cutting
Easy one-touch miter lock for accurate adjustments and increased efficiency

Customer says ;
I recently added the Makita LS1216L 12-Inch Dual Sliding Compound Miter Saw to my collection of great tools. Three years ago I bought the LS1016 and I soon stopped using my radial arm saw. A month ago, I decided to sell my radial arm saw and get the LS1216L. With two Dual Sliding Compound Miter Saw's I am extremely efficient. I am a home owner doing a home renovation project including crown molding on built-in cabinets and the door and window trim. With the 2 I can set each Compound Miter Saw to the cut I need and get the job done at a fraction of the time. The Makita LS1216L and LS1016L are both very easy to use and accurate.

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Best Makita LS1016L 10-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser Reviews

Bottom line

The Makita LS1016L is a 10-inch sliding compound miter saw that blends expanded cutting capacity with a small footprint. Experts say this dual-bevel saw with 10 miter stops, seven bevel settings and an extra-tall fence (guide rail) is a good value and a top performer. The four-rail system cuts true; paired with a soft-start motor for smooth operation, the front-mounted laser provides extra precision. Makita covers the saw with a short one-year warranty, but just a few owners mention durability issues.

Performance

Impressive range. Experts say the Makita LS1016L has one of the best cutting capacities in its class, sawing crown molding up to 6 5/8 inches tall (or 4¾-inch baseboard vertically), which is more in line with a 12-inch saw. In their comparison test of 10 compound miter saws, Wood Magazine finds the LS1016L offers the greatest miter range (52 degrees left, 60 degrees right) and praises its 10 detents and seven bevel stops. They also find the LS1016L twin bevel scales easy to read from either side of the saw. The Makita boasts a soft-start motor, which eliminates kickback when starting. "Squeeze the trigger and the beveled-gear motor eases up to speed in about a second-and-a-half."

Ease of use

Settings take time to learn. Overall, the Makita LS1016L has good handling, with a bright front-mounted laser and a dust bag that works better than average. "The saw rides smoothly on a rigid four-rail system… that increases cut accuracy and reduces (its workbench footprint)," say Tools of the Trade editors, who list the Makita in their 2010 Editor's Choice Awards. However, the controls are not intuitive; an owner at Wood Magazine's tool-review website calls them "kind of backward from most saws," and other users agree. Editors at Wood Magazine also find the bevel lock on the rear of the saw difficult to reach and use. The miter lock is more complicated than most, as well.

Durability

Mixed reports on durability. One owner at the tool-review website for Wood Magazine describes the Makita LS1016L as "not too heavy, but still heavy duty." Experts mention few, if any, quality issues, but a number of owners experience problems with the LS1016L's durability, and some say the saw needs realigning periodically. As far as value-minded shoppers are concerned, the LS1016L includes a clamp, triangle rule and built-in level, and the included 60T carbide-tipped blade is the best factory blade in Wood Magazine's comparison: "[It] makes furniture-quality cuts, [and saves] the price of buying a replacement blade." Makita's one-year warranty is typical for compound miter saws, though brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee do offer longer coverage

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Cheap DEWALT DW717 10-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw Reviews

Bottom line

The DeWalt DW717 has one of the largest cutting capacities of 10-inch sliding compound miter saws, able to slice vertical baseboard up to 6 inches tall and crosscut 2-by-12-inch boards. Reviewers praise its outstanding miter and bevel spans. The detent override is secure for even more precise cuts. Owners name only minor drawbacks: its mediocre dust collection and a lower-quality factory blade.

Performance

Extended miter and bevel settings. The DW717 has the largest range of the miter saws tested by Wood Magazine: 60 degrees left, 52 degrees right. The DW717 also has the largest bevel range: 48 degrees each way, with seven stops. Editors also appreciate its 10 detents and secure override, "And it can cut a 6-inch-wide board on edge, nearly double most of the saws," they add. A well-designed fence supports the large cutting capacity, and the detent override allows users to lock in nonstandard angles for more precise cuts. Reviews say the combination of capacity and accuracy makes the DW717 a great miter saw for medium-duty jobs. However, it does not power through thick hardwoods quite as well; users recommend cutting slowly to prevent bogging down.

Ease of use

Solid sliders and controls. The DW717 has overall good handling and is one of the smoothest sliders, according to expert tests. Users say the miter angles are easy to set, though adjusting the bevel is a little more challenging. "DeWalt's bevel lock sits on top of the sliding rails -- not quite as accessible, but still better than the rear-mounted locks," finds Wood Magazine. They also call the lever-action miter lock their favorite because "it locked solidly, was easy to lift and depress, and didn't stick out as far" as those of competitors. Numerous user reviews say it's difficult to change blades on the DW717.

Durability

Reliable brand reputation. The DeWalt brand has a solid reputation of durability, and reviewers say the DW717 is no different. Owners at Lowes.com remark it has "superior quality" and call it a "great high-end product." Numerous users say the DW717 continues to be accurate and dependable even after four years or longer. The DW717 falters slightly with its mid-grade factory blade; many upgrade immediately to a higher-quality blade for smoother cuts and better overall performance. The saw only comes with a clamp, but DeWalt's three-year warranty is one of the best for compound miter saws and includes a 90-day money-back guarantee.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Cheap DEWALT DW713 10” Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw Reviews

The DEWALT DW713 10” Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw comes packaged with dust bag, wrench and one carbide blade. It provides fast and precise cuts through its extended power and durability. With it’s no load speed of 5,000rpm, it’s perfect for small and large jobs cutting jobs. The Dewalt DW713 10” Compound Miter Saw features a motor with strong power and many other convenient features. The precise miter system has 11 positive stops on the adjustable stainless steel miter plate for easy setup and improved efficiency.

DEWALT DW713 Compound Miter Saw

The Dewalt 15 Amp 10 in. Compound Mitre Saw is built around a powerful motor that delivers up to 5,000 RPM to its cutting blade. The tall, sliding fences handily support crown moulding up to 4-1/2 in., and the rugged stainless-steel detent has convenient positive stops at 0-, 15-, 22.5-, 31.625- and 45 degrees left and right. A mitre-detent override promotes fine adjustment and a precise mitre angle, while a cam mitre lock helps ensure quick and accurate mitre-table positioning. This saw bevels from 3 - 48 degrees for increased cut capacity, and its light weight improves portability.

Powerful 15 Amp motor delivers up to 5,000 RPM
10 in. blade with convenient keyless changes
Single-bevel design from 3 - 48 degrees for increased cut capacity
Miter capacity of 0 - 50 degrees left and right with stainless-steel detent plate with positive stops at 0-, 15-, 22.5-, 31.625- and 45 degrees
Cam miter lock for quick and accurate miter-table positioning
Miter-detent override for fine adjustment and precise miter angle
Tall sliding fences support 4 1/2 in. crown moulding vertically and slides out of the way for bevel cuts
Machined-base fence support maintains fence perpendicularity with the blade for cutting accuracy
Light weight of 35 lb. allows increased portability
Built-in carrying handle

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

The Great Compound Miter Saw Can Have a Flat Table

Drill Press : certain a hand drill will bore a hole however a drill press will do it in order that it's sq. to a foothold or surface or at precise angles. Larger bits are higher utilized in a drill press additionally as a result of you'll be able to modification the speed to a lower setting. You'll be able to use a wider kind of accessories on a drill press sort of a hollow-chisel mortise, a biscuit cutter, and even sand curved edges. Drill presses are available in bench high models and floor models. Floor models can have a lot of capability, however you will not would like that. Although you do not would like the additional capability, the flexibility of the ground models creates them engaging to several woodworkers. An honest drill press can have a table that is flat and sq. to the chuck and be ready to tilt to forty five degrees. It ought to have variable speed and be ready to settle for} 1/2" size drill bits.

Compound Miter Saw : A compound miter saw excels at cross cutting boards to length. Yes, a table saw may also try this however is tough with long boards. Also, with a fence setup on either aspect of a miter saw you'll be able to quickly, easily, and exactly cut boards to completely different lengths all while not a tape measure. A miter saw additionally excels at mitering boards up to forty five degrees, and beveling boards. A Sliding compound miter saws may also increase the cutting capability of a miter saw by many inches, therefore if you chop lots of wide boards over 8" you'll need to appear into one amongst these. Compound miter saws sometimes are available in8", 10", and 12" sizes that refers to the scale blade it uses. Naturally the larger the blade the broader boards it will cut.

A good compound miter saw can have a flat table that's perpendicular to the blade when set to ninety degrees and be adjustable for the days it would get out of sq. It ought to have a degree scale that is simple to scan and have stops at ninety, 45, and 22.5 degrees. It ought to be able to tilt to forty five degrees for cutting bevels and compound cuts.

Band saw : The band saw is arguably solely second in versatility to the router within the woodshop. Here are just a few of the items that the band saw will do: cut curves and circular elements, cut tiny logs into lumber, cut out spherical blanks for turning on the lathe, resaw thick planks into thinner book matched boards, and cut skinny slices into veneers. In my opinion (and its value what you are paying for it) with this a lot of versatility you would like to shop for an honest saw, very similar to the table saw, do not skimp here. Band saws are sized by the capability between the blade and therefore the back of the saw (refer to the "throat"). Therefore if a band saw is claimed to be 14" which means it will cut a board that is 14" while not} hitting the rear of the saw. How thick a board you'll be able to cut is decided by the area between the table and also the higher blade guide? If you intend on using your saw to resaw lumber then you would like a bigger capability between the table and therefore the higher guide. Some saws are ready to have a "riser" added to them which might increase their resaw capability from six half-dozen to 12".

Things to Consider for Buying Compound Miter Saw

Compound miter saws are small wood working shop tools. It is a tool ideal for trim carpentries, miters, crosscuts etc. It works fine on variety of woodworks, hard boards, panels, soft fiberboards, plywood, and aluminum sashes etc. The first thing to make sure of while choosing this saw is that it should be easy and comfortable to use and capable giving the desired cuts neatly and efficiently. Its adjustments for various cuts should be easily accessible when the saw is functioning to make the required adjustments. The miter angles should be capable of providing versatility for your job.

These saws are usually useful to smalltime workers and not the hard core professionals who may have their on specialized tools to do various types of carpentry jobs. Most good saw will have good bevel ranges to adjust the angles for the required molding or trimming. The handle of the saw should be positioned in such a way as to be comfortable to work with. Most of the good compound miter saws come with ergonomically designed handle to give us the right posture to hold it. The handle of the miter saw is the part that is likely to vibrate while the saw is functioning so make sure that its grip is cushioned well to reduce the vibration while you hold and work with it.

These saws should also have provisions for supporting and positioning of the material to be cut so as to make precise cutting. The good miter saw come with clamp locks to ensure this. To put it simply compound miter saws should have all the features to support accurate and precise cutting for various works. Some of the saws also come with dust bags to help you keep the tool as well as the space where the work is done clean. But, this is not likely to help you all that much towards cleaning the space of work. Anyhow a good compound miter saw can be very useful if you would like to give your own touch for the work around your home or shop.