Joe Edwards 44
07-24-2010, 12:01 PM
I am looking for advice before purchasing a new miter saw. I plan on dedicating this saw to finish/trim work only (4-1/4” crown, 3-1/2”casing, 5-1/4” base). I’m working on replacing builder’s grade white trim with new oak trim throughout. I’m also making lots of picture frames. This is a big project for me. I currently have a DW705 (12” CMS) – but it’s showing its age. I plan on using it for general carpentry moving forward.
General comments:
- Not looking for an all-in-one saw – I really do intend to dedicate to finish/trim work only.
- Main criteria is accuracy! I’m getting pretty good and I’m going slow enough that I’m insisting on picture frame corners everywhere. This is my own home.
- I’ve always assumed a CMS would be more accurate than a slider. Based on some reading, it sounds like I might have it backwards. I can use some direction here.
- It sounds like I’m going to get better accuracy out of a 10”. I think the 10” will handle the 4-1/4” crown fine – but I’m going to have to lay the 5-1/4” base flat. That’s not an issue for me – the first question is… are 10” saws inherently more accurate?
- Budget is in the $700 range – seems like I’m in good shape except for Festool – out of my league.
- I will definitely be adding a stand with wheels. I have the DW705 on the DeWalt heavy-duty stand. Love it – but just too big to move around.
- At this point – I’m more interested in figuring out the 10 vs 12 and SCMS vs CMS than I am in picking a specific saw. However, if you wanted to add your personal suggestion – I’m all ears!
- Laser is not a necessity and probably won’t get used - unless it’s dead accurate.
- Also - if you have an opinion on best blade setup for accurate work – again I’m all ears!
Thanks everyone!
General comments:
- Not looking for an all-in-one saw – I really do intend to dedicate to finish/trim work only.
- Main criteria is accuracy! I’m getting pretty good and I’m going slow enough that I’m insisting on picture frame corners everywhere. This is my own home.
- I’ve always assumed a CMS would be more accurate than a slider. Based on some reading, it sounds like I might have it backwards. I can use some direction here.
- It sounds like I’m going to get better accuracy out of a 10”. I think the 10” will handle the 4-1/4” crown fine – but I’m going to have to lay the 5-1/4” base flat. That’s not an issue for me – the first question is… are 10” saws inherently more accurate?
- Budget is in the $700 range – seems like I’m in good shape except for Festool – out of my league.
- I will definitely be adding a stand with wheels. I have the DW705 on the DeWalt heavy-duty stand. Love it – but just too big to move around.
- At this point – I’m more interested in figuring out the 10 vs 12 and SCMS vs CMS than I am in picking a specific saw. However, if you wanted to add your personal suggestion – I’m all ears!
- Laser is not a necessity and probably won’t get used - unless it’s dead accurate.
- Also - if you have an opinion on best blade setup for accurate work – again I’m all ears!
Thanks everyone!