chopsaws

[omineca]

I'm looking for a professional quality 12" compound mitresaw for my cabinetmaking shop. I'll be putting a superfine cutoff blade on it and will be looking for perfect cuts. I don't want a slider. I know there are a few models out there but I'd like to hear some opinions on this.
Thanks

[omineca]

I'm looking for a professional quality 12" compound mitresaw for my cabinetmaking shop. I'll be putting a superfine cutoff blade on it and will be looking for perfect cuts. I don't want a slider. I know there are a few models out there but I'd like to hear some opinions on this.
Thanks

[omineca]

I'm looking for a professional quality 12" compound mitresaw for my cabinetmaking shop. I'll be putting a superfine cutoff blade on it and will be looking for perfect cuts. I don't want a slider. I know there are a few models out there but I'd like to hear some opinions on this.
Thanks

[capt jake]

Well, I know you said NO sliders; but I just got a Hitachi 10" compound slider and I love it!! It is very acurate and I love the increased cutting ability of the slider (never had one before). Maybe their non-slider would fit the bill??

Good luck!! smile.gif

[capt jake]

Well, I know you said NO sliders; but I just got a Hitachi 10" compound slider and I love it!! It is very acurate and I love the increased cutting ability of the slider (never had one before). Maybe their non-slider would fit the bill??

Good luck!! smile.gif

[capt jake]

Well, I know you said NO sliders; but I just got a Hitachi 10" compound slider and I love it!! It is very acurate and I love the increased cutting ability of the slider (never had one before). Maybe their non-slider would fit the bill??

Good luck!! smile.gif

[Mrleft8]

The DeWalt 12" might be what you want. I have one, and I recomend it highly.

[Mrleft8]

The DeWalt 12" might be what you want. I have one, and I recomend it highly.

[Mrleft8]

The DeWalt 12" might be what you want. I have one, and I recomend it highly.

[Bob Adams]

I have a lot of DeWalt tools also, and am pleased with them. But I will never buy another as their parent Black & Decker, while highly profitable, has descided it more profitable to move production to the land of the 25 cents a day wage. I will not support a company like that.

[Bob Adams]

I have a lot of DeWalt tools also, and am pleased with them. But I will never buy another as their parent Black & Decker, while highly profitable, has descided it more profitable to move production to the land of the 25 cents a day wage. I will not support a company like that.

[Bob Adams]

I have a lot of DeWalt tools also, and am pleased with them. But I will never buy another as their parent Black & Decker, while highly profitable, has descided it more profitable to move production to the land of the 25 cents a day wage. I will not support a company like that.

[bret]

I don't blame you for wanting to buy American, but off hand I can't think of good alternatives. I stopped buying buying Dewalt's tools when I had a couple that croaked just after the warrantees expired. When I found I needed a portable table saw though, I did get there's (used 'em befor, can't be beat). If I added up all of my other tools (Delta, Powermatic, Milwualkia) the majority of my money has been spent in the U.S., so I try to feel good about that.
ANYWHO
I would get a slider. I have the Basic old Dewalt 12" and while it is accurate it has limitations. First is it only cuts 8 - 8 1/2 inches. Big crown or base is sometimes a drag. It also only tilts to the left. I think you can pick 'em up for +/- $300. But for $200 more I think you get at least twice the saw with a slider. Someday when the fairy tool person allows, I will get the Makita. It's pretty nice.

[bret]

I don't blame you for wanting to buy American, but off hand I can't think of good alternatives. I stopped buying buying Dewalt's tools when I had a couple that croaked just after the warrantees expired. When I found I needed a portable table saw though, I did get there's (used 'em befor, can't be beat). If I added up all of my other tools (Delta, Powermatic, Milwualkia) the majority of my money has been spent in the U.S., so I try to feel good about that.
ANYWHO
I would get a slider. I have the Basic old Dewalt 12" and while it is accurate it has limitations. First is it only cuts 8 - 8 1/2 inches. Big crown or base is sometimes a drag. It also only tilts to the left. I think you can pick 'em up for +/- $300. But for $200 more I think you get at least twice the saw with a slider. Someday when the fairy tool person allows, I will get the Makita. It's pretty nice.

[bret]

I don't blame you for wanting to buy American, but off hand I can't think of good alternatives. I stopped buying buying Dewalt's tools when I had a couple that croaked just after the warrantees expired. When I found I needed a portable table saw though, I did get there's (used 'em befor, can't be beat). If I added up all of my other tools (Delta, Powermatic, Milwualkia) the majority of my money has been spent in the U.S., so I try to feel good about that.
ANYWHO
I would get a slider. I have the Basic old Dewalt 12" and while it is accurate it has limitations. First is it only cuts 8 - 8 1/2 inches. Big crown or base is sometimes a drag. It also only tilts to the left. I think you can pick 'em up for +/- $300. But for $200 more I think you get at least twice the saw with a slider. Someday when the fairy tool person allows, I will get the Makita. It's pretty nice.

[Tom M.]

The Makita 12" chopsaw is the best I've seen. The DeWalts are kind of rough in comparison.

Just wondering, why aren't you considering a slider?

[Tom M.]

The Makita 12" chopsaw is the best I've seen. The DeWalts are kind of rough in comparison.

Just wondering, why aren't you considering a slider?

[Tom M.]

The Makita 12" chopsaw is the best I've seen. The DeWalts are kind of rough in comparison.

Just wondering, why aren't you considering a slider?

[Bruce Hooke]

Originally posted by Bob Adams:
I have a lot of DeWalt tools also, and am pleased with them. But I will never buy another as their parent Black & Decker, while highly profitable, has descided it more profitable to move production to the land of the 25 cents a day wage. I will not support a company like that.Is there any significant company in the portable power tool market that isn't making most of their tools somewhere in SE Asia or other low-wage parts of the world? I thought everyone had moved their small power tool production there years ago...

[Bruce Hooke]

Originally posted by Bob Adams:
I have a lot of DeWalt tools also, and am pleased with them. But I will never buy another as their parent Black & Decker, while highly profitable, has descided it more profitable to move production to the land of the 25 cents a day wage. I will not support a company like that.Is there any significant company in the portable power tool market that isn't making most of their tools somewhere in SE Asia or other low-wage parts of the world? I thought everyone had moved their small power tool production there years ago...

[Bruce Hooke]

Originally posted by Bob Adams:
I have a lot of DeWalt tools also, and am pleased with them. But I will never buy another as their parent Black & Decker, while highly profitable, has descided it more profitable to move production to the land of the 25 cents a day wage. I will not support a company like that.Is there any significant company in the portable power tool market that isn't making most of their tools somewhere in SE Asia or other low-wage parts of the world? I thought everyone had moved their small power tool production there years ago...

[Tom Lathrop]

It's easy to be critical of companies for moving their manufacturing "offshore", but faced with the same economic realities, who could do differently?

As an example, look at the prices of power tools available today. The prices of most that I see are barely higher than comparable units 20 years ago. This is the direct result of competition from imports. I bought a Bosch jig saw (made in the USA) about 20 years ago for $135. If you look for a good deal, they can be had for about the same amount today. USA based companies have to compete or die. In the meantime look what inflation has done to domestically produced automobiles, houses or even staples such as bread or milk. We all take advantage of these "low" prices and how many insist on buying the equal but higher priced domestic products in order to save our producers from extinction?

Our lawmakers have done much to hurry along the dismemberment of our manufacturing facilites by pushing the adoption of programs like NAFTA. It now appears that old Ross was right after all. Maybe this should be in another forum, but it was triggered by this discussion.

As an old sage said, "Them's hard sayin's"

[Tom Lathrop]

It's easy to be critical of companies for moving their manufacturing "offshore", but faced with the same economic realities, who could do differently?

As an example, look at the prices of power tools available today. The prices of most that I see are barely higher than comparable units 20 years ago. This is the direct result of competition from imports. I bought a Bosch jig saw (made in the USA) about 20 years ago for $135. If you look for a good deal, they can be had for about the same amount today. USA based companies have to compete or die. In the meantime look what inflation has done to domestically produced automobiles, houses or even staples such as bread or milk. We all take advantage of these "low" prices and how many insist on buying the equal but higher priced domestic products in order to save our producers from extinction?

Our lawmakers have done much to hurry along the dismemberment of our manufacturing facilites by pushing the adoption of programs like NAFTA. It now appears that old Ross was right after all. Maybe this should be in another forum, but it was triggered by this discussion.

As an old sage said, "Them's hard sayin's"

[Tom Lathrop]

It's easy to be critical of companies for moving their manufacturing "offshore", but faced with the same economic realities, who could do differently?

As an example, look at the prices of power tools available today. The prices of most that I see are barely higher than comparable units 20 years ago. This is the direct result of competition from imports. I bought a Bosch jig saw (made in the USA) about 20 years ago for $135. If you look for a good deal, they can be had for about the same amount today. USA based companies have to compete or die. In the meantime look what inflation has done to domestically produced automobiles, houses or even staples such as bread or milk. We all take advantage of these "low" prices and how many insist on buying the equal but higher priced domestic products in order to save our producers from extinction?

Our lawmakers have done much to hurry along the dismemberment of our manufacturing facilites by pushing the adoption of programs like NAFTA. It now appears that old Ross was right after all. Maybe this should be in another forum, but it was triggered by this discussion.

As an old sage said, "Them's hard sayin's"

[Bob Adams]

Yes, perhaps this belongs elsewhere, but it is a consideration when I purchase tools. Therefore I thought it appropriate. BTW as B&D was announcing the loss of the American jobs, they were also announcing significant increases in profit.I will never purchase their products again.

[Bob Adams]

Yes, perhaps this belongs elsewhere, but it is a consideration when I purchase tools. Therefore I thought it appropriate. BTW as B&D was announcing the loss of the American jobs, they were also announcing significant increases in profit.I will never purchase their products again.

[Bob Adams]

Yes, perhaps this belongs elsewhere, but it is a consideration when I purchase tools. Therefore I thought it appropriate. BTW as B&D was announcing the loss of the American jobs, they were also announcing significant increases in profit.I will never purchase their products again.

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Bruce Hooke:
Is there any significant company in the portable power tool market that isn't making most of their tools somewhere in SE Asia or other low-wage parts of the world?...My Bosch router was made right here in the USofA.

Porter-Cable tools are made here in the US, too (Jackson, Tennesse.) Porter-Cable even manufactures their own motors.

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Bruce Hooke:
Is there any significant company in the portable power tool market that isn't making most of their tools somewhere in SE Asia or other low-wage parts of the world?...My Bosch router was made right here in the USofA.

Porter-Cable tools are made here in the US, too (Jackson, Tennesse.) Porter-Cable even manufactures their own motors.

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Bruce Hooke:
Is there any significant company in the portable power tool market that isn't making most of their tools somewhere in SE Asia or other low-wage parts of the world?...My Bosch router was made right here in the USofA.

Porter-Cable tools are made here in the US, too (Jackson, Tennesse.) Porter-Cable even manufactures their own motors.

[Bob Adams]

And those are the companies I will support. I wonder where the new Ridgid line is being produced?

[Bob Adams]

And those are the companies I will support. I wonder where the new Ridgid line is being produced?

[Bob Adams]

And those are the companies I will support. I wonder where the new Ridgid line is being produced?

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Some of the line is US, some of it is METABO, from Germany... interesting thing is that the six inch random orbit, which is a pretty darned nice sander, is about 80 dollars more as a METABO than as a Ridgid... I can't see the difference. :confused:

Oh yeah, the miter saw. My vote is for a Makita LS1011 or 1013

[ 10-27-2003, 10:22 PM: Message edited by: Peter Malcolm Jardine ]

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Some of the line is US, some of it is METABO, from Germany... interesting thing is that the six inch random orbit, which is a pretty darned nice sander, is about 80 dollars more as a METABO than as a Ridgid... I can't see the difference. :confused:

Oh yeah, the miter saw. My vote is for a Makita LS1011 or 1013

[ 10-27-2003, 10:22 PM: Message edited by: Peter Malcolm Jardine ]

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Some of the line is US, some of it is METABO, from Germany... interesting thing is that the six inch random orbit, which is a pretty darned nice sander, is about 80 dollars more as a METABO than as a Ridgid... I can't see the difference. :confused:

Oh yeah, the miter saw. My vote is for a Makita LS1011 or 1013

[ 10-27-2003, 10:22 PM: Message edited by: Peter Malcolm Jardine ]

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Bob Adams:
And those are the companies I will support. I wonder where the new Ridgid line is being produced?A friend of mine was just looking at the new Ridgid stuff and it was tagged as manufactured in Germany.

Ridgid is, these days, a subsidiary of Emerson Electronics (Japanese firm).

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Bob Adams:
And those are the companies I will support. I wonder where the new Ridgid line is being produced?A friend of mine was just looking at the new Ridgid stuff and it was tagged as manufactured in Germany.

Ridgid is, these days, a subsidiary of Emerson Electronics (Japanese firm).

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Bob Adams:
And those are the companies I will support. I wonder where the new Ridgid line is being produced?A friend of mine was just looking at the new Ridgid stuff and it was tagged as manufactured in Germany.

Ridgid is, these days, a subsidiary of Emerson Electronics (Japanese firm).

[jwaldin]

I have an Emerson non-slider. It is heavy heavy duty. Can barely lift it. Have a super fine carbide blade for finish work. Great tool!

[jwaldin]

I have an Emerson non-slider. It is heavy heavy duty. Can barely lift it. Have a super fine carbide blade for finish work. Great tool!

[jwaldin]

I have an Emerson non-slider. It is heavy heavy duty. Can barely lift it. Have a super fine carbide blade for finish work. Great tool!

[Northernguy59]

I have had a Skil 10" mitre saw for about fifteen years and have used it heavily. Im a professional carpenter and I have never had a problem with it.

Cuts are great!!

I also use Skil worm drive saw exclusivly...... none better !!

[Northernguy59]

I have had a Skil 10" mitre saw for about fifteen years and have used it heavily. Im a professional carpenter and I have never had a problem with it.

Cuts are great!!

I also use Skil worm drive saw exclusivly...... none better !!

[Northernguy59]

I have had a Skil 10" mitre saw for about fifteen years and have used it heavily. Im a professional carpenter and I have never had a problem with it.

Cuts are great!!

I also use Skil worm drive saw exclusivly...... none better !!

[Middle Bay]

Here's my 2 cents-
this web site tells about Porter-Cable's history

http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=270

and here's my pick-

http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2733

I don't have this saw (wish I did) but my 15amp circular saw in awesome, and every porter-cable tool I have or have ever used has been exceptional, plus I here that if they ever need repair that it's quite painless- having thier manufacturing here at home.
They also have a 12inch-chop, no slider.

[Middle Bay]

Here's my 2 cents-
this web site tells about Porter-Cable's history

http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=270

and here's my pick-

http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2733

I don't have this saw (wish I did) but my 15amp circular saw in awesome, and every porter-cable tool I have or have ever used has been exceptional, plus I here that if they ever need repair that it's quite painless- having thier manufacturing here at home.
They also have a 12inch-chop, no slider.

[Middle Bay]

Here's my 2 cents-
this web site tells about Porter-Cable's history

http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=270

and here's my pick-

http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2733

I don't have this saw (wish I did) but my 15amp circular saw in awesome, and every porter-cable tool I have or have ever used has been exceptional, plus I here that if they ever need repair that it's quite painless- having thier manufacturing here at home.
They also have a 12inch-chop, no slider.

[Scott Rosen]

I like my Hitachi 10" compound miter chopsaw. It makes perfect cuts with a fine carbide blade, as far as I can tell.

[Scott Rosen]

I like my Hitachi 10" compound miter chopsaw. It makes perfect cuts with a fine carbide blade, as far as I can tell.

[Scott Rosen]

I like my Hitachi 10" compound miter chopsaw. It makes perfect cuts with a fine carbide blade, as far as I can tell.

[John B]

until recently I had an Electra Beckum compound mitre saw. Superb machine. I think they might also be sold under the metabo brand. induction motor... just purred. I had a nice negative rake aluminium cutting blade on it and it was fantastic for fine cutting timber. It got stolen a couple of months ago unfortunately. In a hurry ,I replaced it with a screaming skull brush motor type and I hate every second of using it.

[John B]

until recently I had an Electra Beckum compound mitre saw. Superb machine. I think they might also be sold under the metabo brand. induction motor... just purred. I had a nice negative rake aluminium cutting blade on it and it was fantastic for fine cutting timber. It got stolen a couple of months ago unfortunately. In a hurry ,I replaced it with a screaming skull brush motor type and I hate every second of using it.

[John B]

until recently I had an Electra Beckum compound mitre saw. Superb machine. I think they might also be sold under the metabo brand. induction motor... just purred. I had a nice negative rake aluminium cutting blade on it and it was fantastic for fine cutting timber. It got stolen a couple of months ago unfortunately. In a hurry ,I replaced it with a screaming skull brush motor type and I hate every second of using it.

[Stiletto]

Snap; I have had my Electra beckum for about 15 years and love the precision of it. The screaming brush motor saws seem to have more starting torque though.
Do you think the negative rake on the teeth makes much difference ? none of the other saws saeem to have it.

[Stiletto]

Snap; I have had my Electra beckum for about 15 years and love the precision of it. The screaming brush motor saws seem to have more starting torque though.
Do you think the negative rake on the teeth makes much difference ? none of the other saws saeem to have it.

[Stiletto]

Snap; I have had my Electra beckum for about 15 years and love the precision of it. The screaming brush motor saws seem to have more starting torque though.
Do you think the negative rake on the teeth makes much difference ? none of the other saws saeem to have it.

[John B]

negative rake is important on any 'unclamped' drop saw . You can get away with positive rake with timber no doubt, but with metal of any sort it has to be negative rake. I regard it as a safety feature myself. And that starting torque of the brush motors... that's what I hate ( apart from the noise). this new thing just about jumps off the floor every time it starts. POS.I don't know what brand it is. never looked. at least, I did and then forgot. bit like most glass or ferro boats.

[John B]

negative rake is important on any 'unclamped' drop saw . You can get away with positive rake with timber no doubt, but with metal of any sort it has to be negative rake. I regard it as a safety feature myself. And that starting torque of the brush motors... that's what I hate ( apart from the noise). this new thing just about jumps off the floor every time it starts. POS.I don't know what brand it is. never looked. at least, I did and then forgot. bit like most glass or ferro boats.

[John B]

negative rake is important on any 'unclamped' drop saw . You can get away with positive rake with timber no doubt, but with metal of any sort it has to be negative rake. I regard it as a safety feature myself. And that starting torque of the brush motors... that's what I hate ( apart from the noise). this new thing just about jumps off the floor every time it starts. POS.I don't know what brand it is. never looked. at least, I did and then forgot. bit like most glass or ferro boats.

[WayGray]

I just bought a new 12" Ridgid with stand and laser reference for $300. I had been using a radial arm saw, so this is really an improvement in convenience for what I am doing. It may not be top-of-the-line but represents the right price/value combination for me. Looks to me to be a quality tool that will last a long-time (came with a life-time waranty).

[WayGray]

I just bought a new 12" Ridgid with stand and laser reference for $300. I had been using a radial arm saw, so this is really an improvement in convenience for what I am doing. It may not be top-of-the-line but represents the right price/value combination for me. Looks to me to be a quality tool that will last a long-time (came with a life-time waranty).

[WayGray]

I just bought a new 12" Ridgid with stand and laser reference for $300. I had been using a radial arm saw, so this is really an improvement in convenience for what I am doing. It may not be top-of-the-line but represents the right price/value combination for me. Looks to me to be a quality tool that will last a long-time (came with a life-time waranty).