Miter Saw (Home Depot, molding, cost, compare)

[rpearlberg]

I'm looking to buy a miter saw to help with my crown molding install. I want something good, but not top of the line. Besides crown molding it will be used for other general household upgrades and repairs. Any suggestions? I'd like to stay around $200-$250...

Thanks!

[Zembonez]

I have a Craftsman compound miter saw. I've had it about 5 years and used it on multiple projects. It has a laser guide when cutting that is quite handy. So far it has been flawless. They normally are on sale around this time of year too!

[Scott2187]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

I have a Craftsman compound miter saw. I've had it about 5 years and used it on multiple projects. It has a laser guide when cutting that is quite handy. So far it has been flawless. They normally are on sale around this time of year too!

I use the same... had it for 2 years with no issues at all.

[BobKovacs]

I know professional tradespeople frown on them, but Ryobi makes some decent mitersaws, as long as you stay away from the sliders. Unless you're planning to do really large crown, a 10" saw will be more than adequate, and also reduces the cost and blade wobble compared to a 12" saw. Also, while compound saws are nice (dual-bevel being ideal) for larger crown to be cut on the flat, if you're looking at typical 3 5/8" crown, you can cut "in position" and don't even need a compound saw, since you'll just need to cut a miter. You can get a 10" Ryobi saw with a laser for about $150, and can also get a Ridgid saw for about the same price.

[WyoNewk]

I've had a DeWalt for 15 years or so. Excellent saw. Price might be a little over $250 by now, and it's probably top of the line so might be more than what you want. I've made tons of picture frames with it -- perfect cuts.

[Wilson513]

Be sure and get a compound miter saw. If you have never used one, you might end up with a simple miter which will be of no use for crown moldings.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by Wilson513

Be sure and get a compound miter saw. If you have never used one, you might end up with a simple miter which will be of no use for crown moldings.

Simple miters are just fine for crown molding if you nest the crown against the saw at it's spring angle. Setting a compound miter saw for cutting on the flat is pretty tough for a hobbyist, especially if the corners aren't perfect 90's (which they hardly ever are). Unless you're cutting large molding that can't be nested, cutting on the flat is a waste of time and effort.

[timfountain]

I bought the Roybi when it was on-sale a month ago at Home Depot for $88. It has done everything I asked of it.

[rpearlberg]

Went to Home Depot and found these two in my price range...
Ryobi TSS101L 13AMP 10" Sliding Compound with Laser

DeWalt DW713 15AMP 10" Compound

I would think the DeWalt is a better saw, but doesn't have the sliding function.

Any thoughts on these two, or others in this range....

[Coldjensens]

Stay away from Harbor freight. They are cheap, but I am on my third one. This one works, but the gate(?) is out of alignment. (The thing you place the wood against to hold it straight. Iseem to recall it being called a gate or something similar)