Michael Donahue
01-15-2010, 10:45 PM
OK, I know that sounds backwards because most people end up upgrading to bigger saws with more capacity!
I've got a Ridgid 12" SCMS that works well enough, but it doesn't cut as accurately as I'd like. I can't get perfect miters say for a picture frame (can get pretty good ones though) and when I cut vertically (on baseboard for example) there's clearly some deflection in the cut as it's not perfectly straight. In the saw's defense, I've only used the stock blade and a Freud Diablo 96 tooth blade. I've been hesitant to spend serious money on a blade in case I'm expecting too much out of the saw.
I was wondering if I'd have better luck with a smaller saw and a full kerf blade. I want to be able to cut tight miters without too much worry and I'd love to free up some bench space (that 12" slider is a beast!). I thought a regular CMS might be more accurate without having to worry about the play in the sliding mechanism. It's not too bad with my saw, but it's there. I'd be using this saw to finish the trim in my house, but I also want to use it on furniture/cabinets/picture frames/ etc.
So I could use some advice! I figure I have 2 options and all advice is welcome!
1. Sell the 12" SCMS and get a 10" CMS with a good full kerf blade.
2. Get a good 12" blade for the SCMS and see if that helps.
Thanks folks!
I've got a Ridgid 12" SCMS that works well enough, but it doesn't cut as accurately as I'd like. I can't get perfect miters say for a picture frame (can get pretty good ones though) and when I cut vertically (on baseboard for example) there's clearly some deflection in the cut as it's not perfectly straight. In the saw's defense, I've only used the stock blade and a Freud Diablo 96 tooth blade. I've been hesitant to spend serious money on a blade in case I'm expecting too much out of the saw.
I was wondering if I'd have better luck with a smaller saw and a full kerf blade. I want to be able to cut tight miters without too much worry and I'd love to free up some bench space (that 12" slider is a beast!). I thought a regular CMS might be more accurate without having to worry about the play in the sliding mechanism. It's not too bad with my saw, but it's there. I'd be using this saw to finish the trim in my house, but I also want to use it on furniture/cabinets/picture frames/ etc.
So I could use some advice! I figure I have 2 options and all advice is welcome!
1. Sell the 12" SCMS and get a 10" CMS with a good full kerf blade.
2. Get a good 12" blade for the SCMS and see if that helps.
Thanks folks!