Miter Saws

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Intaglio

Grumbler in Training
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Kettle Falls, WA
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I’m new here, and posted this as a reply to an old thread. So perhaps I should have put it here, as a new thread, since miter saws have changed a lot in the last few years! Now I see tons of cordless ones, but I just need a corded miter saw:

This a really old thread, and I just signed on here…but I have the same Makita saw, LS1030, quite old now, and some thin circular piece of metal came out of the circular part a couple years ago. Now it is getting just too loose and am having some trouble getting good corners. Many parts are not available for that saw anymore, and since it has play in both the circular table itself, and the handle/saw blade part, I need to get a new saw. Want to stay with 10” since I don’t do lots of wide mouldings. And I would rather not have a compound or a sliding type saw (fewer places for it to have play). I quick look shows most saws use a different style handle now, which I don’t find as comfortable. Does anyone have any brand suggestions? And this saw has always been quite noisy…Bosch might be quieter?.. I have the phaedra system, which takes up the whole workbench and some, so I don’t believe I’ll go with two saws. This saw has made perfect corners for many years. Most of my moulding is 3/4” to 2 3/4"
 
We had a Makita which I bought in 1985 (I think) which was still running when we sold our shop in 2021, so I see them as being pretty darn durable. We also had a DeWalt sliding miterbox that performed well. I really think any major brand saw intended for professional use would work well. As far as sound goes, I've never heard a quiet one.
 
As a test, you can turn on your saw with and without a blade attached onto the spindle shaft.
The difference in noise level is the air resistance against teeth of the circular blade as it spins. The vibration against the teeth to the air also causes the body of the blade to amplify this noise. A 10" circular blade will have a velocity of about 112 miles per hour that creates wind currents in the air that we perceive as sound. This is the same effect as opening a window of a car as you drive on any road.
 
Bruce Papier said:
We had a Makita which I bought in 1985 (I think) which was still running when we sold our shop in 2021, so I see them as being pretty darn durable. We also had a DeWalt sliding miterbox that performed well. I really think any major brand saw intended for professional use would work well. As far as sound goes, I've never heard a quiet one.
Click to expand...
I’m having a hard time finding a simple miter saw without being a compound miter saw. I believe the part that broke on mine is the ‘slide plate’, and would repair it if the part was still available somewhere!
 
For the price that they go for on eBay(under $250 new), I would consider this model as a "disposable" machine. I do not know where you are looking for a new miter saw other than the basic home centers. Most of these machines are made to a "price point" and are not the ment to be used in a commercial setting.

Just in case, here is a source for parts.
 
The Phaedra system is "tuned" to the brand of saw it is coupled with, and replacement saws, unless they have an identical footprint, will require re-tuning.
This is primarily having to have holes drilled in the base of the saw to accept the joining bracket, and to adjust (replace) the miter measuring scale on the bed of the extensions.
The peel and stick replacement scales are available.
The original Makita brand power miter saw was a much better made tool than its current replacements. I've had mine for about 30 years but it doesn't get much use since I converted it to metal frames only. It still runs fine and still screams like a banshee. Hearing protection is a must.
 
wpfay said:
The Phaedra system is "tuned" to the brand of saw it is coupled with, and replacement saws, unless they have an identical footprint, will require re-tuning.
This is primarily having to have holes drilled in the base of the saw to accept the joining bracket, and to adjust (replace) the miter measuring scale on the bed of the extensions.
The peel and stick replacement scales are available.
The original Makita brand power miter saw was a much better made tool than its current replacements. I've had mine for about 30 years but it doesn't get much use since I converted it to metal frames only. It still runs fine and still screams like a banshee. Hearing protection is a must.
Click to expand...
My Phaedra system attaches to the side of the ends of the saw’s ‘bed’….so if a new saw has holes there, it will work. But yes, I’d have to replace the measuring scale. Makita only seems to make the LS1040 now, a compound miter saw (compound angles on one side only). Am wondering if that will introduce too much possible play, in the adjustable part. It might be my only option, since the part I need to try to repair this one is no long available. Used LS1030s, so far have only seen rather beat up ones. Yes, they do scream! I have good hearing protection.
 
JFeig said:
As a test, you can turn on your saw with and without a blade attached onto the spindle shaft.
The difference in noise level is the air resistance against teeth of the circular blade as it spins. The vibration against the teeth to the air also causes the body of the blade to amplify this noise. A 10" circular blade will have a velocity of about 112 miles per hour that creates wind currents in the air that we perceive as sound. This is the same effect as opening a window of a car as you drive on any road.
Click to expand...
It is a bit quieter without the blade.
 
JFeig said:
For the price that they go for on eBay(under $250 new), I would consider this model as a "disposable" machine. I do not know where you are looking for a new miter saw other than the basic home centers. Most of these machines are made to a "price point" and are not the ment to be used in a commercial setting.

Just in case, here is a source for parts.
Click to expand...
I haven’t been able to find any of this model on ebay, but do see the LS1040. And lots of sliding compound saws with bells and whistles I don’t need. Yes, I’ve been checking that and other replacement parts places online….the part I’d need is not available anymore, they all seem to say.
 
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