We'd like to get a family member a miter saw. Looking at sears, there were several different types.

Basically - the saw will be used for cutting 2 x 4's for remodeling, etc.

What features should I consider?
What brands are better than others?

Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I have a Makita 10" sliding compound miter saw. The extra $$ for a sliding compound miter saw is well worth it to me.

Avoid a regular miter saw less than 10". The Hitachi 8" sliding compound saw is ok as it has a capacity similar to a 10" saw.

A compound saw is very useful.

Makita gets my vote!

Jay J -Moderator

[This message has been edited by Jay J (edited October 09, 2001).]

If all that you want it for is to cut 2x4's, I wouldn't worry about what you buy. However if you want to cut moulding thats another mater. Type in "miter saw reviews" into your search engine, for all kinds of info.
Do not buy anything smaller than a 10" blade, a compound miter saw is nice but limited on a 10" blade. If the person that you are buying for has other woodworking interests, or wants to do a lot of crown moulding, trim work, etc. consider a DeWalt 12", the blade is scary at first but you get used to it.

Thanks to all for the response.

What is the difference between a Sliding Compound and a Compound saw?

What is the story with Black/Decker. I heard they are tied to Craftsman and Dewalt?

I can get a B/D - 10" compound for $175. Is that good or bad?

Makita is too $$. How do Pro-Tech, Delta, Craftsman, Dewalt, and B/D compare? Which would you buy, not buy, etc.?

I greatly appreciate your continued assistance!

the b&d 10" miter saw is great i own one and love it i also have a dewalt 12" compound miter.the decision is up to you if you are going to just use it to cut 2x4 and small house trim then spend the 175 insted of 300 plus

B&D bought DeWalt several years ago. I don't know if the quality declined or not. You will hear many people rave about DeWalt tools, but they were all purchased prior to the B&D buyout.

A sliding compound saw is a saw where the motor and blade ride on a rail(s). It is a cross between a radial arm saw and a compound miter saw. It is much safer than a radial arm saw. Because is slides, it has a wider capacity than a regular compund saw.

If remodeling, consider that you will also be cutting trim for doors, windows, and baseboards.

Price buys 4 things: blade size (capacity), power, quality of blade, and longevity. The blade that came with my Makita makes a very smooth cut.

To help determine your needs: How much woodworking has been done in the past? How much interest in the future? Any of the saws will cut 2x4s.

My order of preference is: Makita then Delta.