I plan to purchase a 10" sliding miter saw in the next couple of weeks. I have been looking at the Craftsman because of the price $189.00. Lowe's has the same saw under the Kobolt name for $199.00. The saw doesn't look to be all that great but I don't really want to spend $500.00 for a name brand saw. I have been delaying my purchase of the Craftsman saw while thinking about looking for a used Dewalt, Rigid or another good quality brand.
The slide mechanism on the cheaper saws just doesn't feel right when compared to a higher quality brand. I even borrowed a can of WD40 at Lowe's today, gave the slides on their Kobalt brand a shot, and improved the slide action a bit but it did not improve it as much as I had hoped.
I also want my new saw to have a horizontal handle, after many years (and many saws) I am ready to switch to the higher comfort the horizontal handle provides my wrist.
Hi Abbott
I bought one of the low end sliding compound saws for my local high school, It didn't hold up to well. I own a dewalt,bosch, and a Ridgid. There all good saws but $650 + or- .If you could find a used one that has not been thrashed I think you will be ahead of the game although you will still be in the $350 Range if your lucky.
If for any reason you are forced to sale the tool after some use, those brand names are: hard to sale AND they do not retain any value.
I paid $380 for a DEWALT 12" Dual Double Compound 5 years ago. I sold it yesterday for $200…..so $180 for abusing a saw 5 years???? thats a good deal to me! I doubt it's possible todo this with a Craftsman or Cobalt tool.
Yeah, that's where I am at. $200.00 for what may or may not be a serviceable saw or $350.00 for a used name brand. I haven't owned anything made by Dewalt yet I usually use Makita or Ridgid tools but folks I know have some nice Dewalt stuff. I like the Makita 10" slider but I think I will go with a saw with a horizontal handle this time. Dewalt or Ridgid seem to be whats around used. I like Ridgid tools.
I think the 10" Sliding Makita will be my next move. I have comapred it with the Hitachi C10FSH (a classic) and the award winning makita is a superior tool. If your concern is about the handle position, I have read excellent reviews about the new Bosch sliding Mite saws
I think that Makita 10" slider is an excellent saw. I have been looking at them for quite awhile thinking of purchasing one. There is a used one on Craigslist near me right now for $275.00 and it is tempting.
One of my boys purchased a Hitachi last year with the horizontal handle and I found out what a natural "feel" that tool had when I used it. I usually keep tools until I wear them out so I want to purchase one that I am comfortable with. I think a saw with a horizontal handle would be preferred. That Bosch saw looks like a great tool but it sure is pricey!
The 10" saw that I am replacing is an older Hitachi that is actually made with metal that has given me many good years of service. I think a slider is where it's at these days though. I can't count the times I wished I had a little more reach with my miter box.
I went and looked at several more saws today Hitachi, Dewalt, Milwaukee (Bosch and Milwaukee brands are both very nice saws but are to expensive for my budget) and that Makita.
I think I will stick with a saw with a horizontal handle. If I can't find a used saw that will fit my wants and end up purchasing a new tool I think I will go with the Rigid. The Rigid saw has absolutely the best locking mechanism I have seen on a miter saw yet, with a convenient flip down handle plus a rolling lock. It has the quality of the other major brands and seems like it would be a very comfortable tool to use. It seems I hardly ever go into my shop and not use my miter box.
I have the Sears 10" slider and love it. I use mostly soft woods, so maybe that makes a difference. My only complaint would be that the laser isn't exactly on the line and I have to clean it off frequently. It makes a good guide though.
Vicki
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