Miter saw recommendation

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Dancinbaer

Dancinbaer

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Posts
1,267
Loc
De Pere, WI
I'd like to get some suggestions on a new miter saw for low volume cutting (2 - 4 frames a week). I'm currently using a Ryobi I bought about 5 years ago to remodel the basement. I've been doing my cutting at home but I'm moving my shop to a larger space. I'd like to leave my Ryobi at home and buy a better saw for the shop. Ryobi, DeWalt, Ridgid? Any suggestions?
 
Andrew's link targets compound (sliding) saws. I've always heard compounds will get out of adjustment (square) sooner and more frequently than rigids.

Have I heard correctly on this? I'm sure one of our more experienced woodworkers (Baer and others) will chime in.

This post reminded me of an "art" store I was in yesterday in downtown Charleston. Some of the corners were hideously gapped.
 
Denny, at 2-4 frames a week, why do you want to cut your own?

Several people here use a single miter saw, I have also seen one fellow that used 2 single miters saws so that he did not have to change them from cut to cut. If I had to give up by Pistorious Double miter saw, I think this would be the way I would go.

I have a Dewalt 12" compound slider that I love, but rarely use it for cutting frames. It will cut a 8" wide 4" high moulding on a 45.
 
I use a 12" Rigid chop saw for pieces that won't fit in our double mitre saw. It was a mid-high (cost) range saw that I bought at good ole' Home Depot when my Ryobi quit. Very happy with it, positive lock that dosn't move and remains accurate. The laser guide is helpful in certain situations too. You could probably get away with a 10" saw if you don't cut any wide moudlings and save yourself some cash.
 
Denny, of course everyone has their favorite based on what they use and requirements

Personaly I just bought a slightly used Inmes MP-30. I know several other Grumblers have one as well. It is a specialized industrial saw for picture framers, not a res/com chop saw. It is self contained with its own dust collection system

There is a Video here: http://www.framingsupplies.com/Inmes/InmesIM-30 MP.htm

There are other companies that sell this as well, such as PAM Industries. I have seen only a couple of used one, but if you watch they do show up once in a while. I just bought mine for $1400. + shipping. I saw one go on ebay a couple of weeks ago for about the same.
 
deaconsbench said:
Andrew's link targets compound (sliding) saws. I've always heard compounds will get out of adjustment (square) sooner and more frequently than rigids.
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I feel the same way. More adjustable parts, more adjustments to check. I'd prefer a rigid saw.

FrameMakers said:
Denny, at 2-4 frames a week, why do you want to cut your own?
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Trying to keep my costs down wherever I can.

cwiser said:
.......You could probably get away with a 10" saw if you don't cut any wide moudlings and save yourself some cash.
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My Ryobi is a 10". I haven't needed anything larger yet. So I thought I'd stick with a 10". Besides, then I won't need to buy more blades.

j Paul said:
...... I just bought mine for $1400. + shipping. I saw one go on ebay a couple of weeks ago for about the same.
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Quite a bit more than I can afford or want to spend.

Thanks all.

Anyone else have suggestions? I know there are other one person, small volume shops out there. What are you using?
 
Denny,

Everyone will have their own opinions and that's what you asked for but if your requirments are just a couple frames a week then I don't see why you would spend more money on an industrial grade saw when a home/shop saw will last years? We started 10 years ago with two Ryobi home grade saws and used them exclusivly for about 2 1/2 years with no problem, and they were not babied they were used well beyond their design capabilities. We now have a Ledsome double mitre saw that I don't see how I lived without but I know the old ones served us well for a long time. To each their own but if it were me I'd spend my money somewhere else. A shop-vac and a little tubing and you can have a fairly adequate dust control system on most saws out there too.
 
cwiser said:
........if your requirments are just a couple frames a week then I don't see why you would spend more money on an industrial grade saw when a home/shop saw will last years? ................... A shop-vac and a little tubing and you can have a fairly adequate dust control system on most saws out there too.
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Sorry I should have been more specific.

I am looking for a home/ shop grade miter saw. The Ryobi I've been using is just that and has worked fine. I want to leave it at home and get another one for the shop. I haven't bought one in a few years and I know some new brands and models have hit the market since I bought my Ryobi. So I was wondering if any Grumblers had any suggestions on which home/ shop miter saws to get.

Thanks,
 
DeWalt 12" Compound Miter saw $337.17
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Ryobi 12" Compound Miter Saw $149.99
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I don't like the back fence on either one. But I have the DW715, it's a work horse.

But either way.... even $150 can buy a lot of chop service . . . until you really NEED the saw.
But if you must.. I would go with the "devil you know" and buy another Ryobi.

In 3 years when you have finished amortizing that $150, you can think about what you really need.


Oh, and as for Sliding Compound Miter saws..... that extra word in there can either work fine, or give you a whole lot of grief. A friend gave me his brand new one that was a year and a half old because he couldn't get a straight or properly mitered cut. Worked fine for me.... but then I'm used to finessing hand tools that don't have motors..... :D
I took it back to him and walked into his shop to see him testing his new 16" Chop.. (no miter... but he didn't find that out until about 7 months later... :D)
Upshot was we sold the little slider on Craigslist and never looked back.
 
I have a 10" Milwaukee and a 10" DeWalt.

I think the Milwaukee is a better saw.

I would also add that good blades and a good table with in & out feed arms/measuring system is more important than the saw.

Doug
 
had 1-used delta---stops were ####! way way tooooo much play . now have 2-dewalts----stops are VERY positive &, once set properly, dont seem to wander off registration. you CAN get along with 1 BUT 2 makes life soooooooooo much nicer---no variance to miters other than your letting the wood move about.
 
Denny,
My volume is similar to yours and I use a delta reman that I bought at a black & decker outlet for $79.99. It serves the purpose and I sand each corner anyway.
 
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