COMMUNITY FORUM

Forum >
Tools & Workshop >
Which miter saw

05:26AM | 11/04/02

Member Since: 11/03/02
1 lifetime posts

Which miter saw

Two questions....

I get an employee discount on power tools and I'm trying to decide between two different types of miter saws. I can buy a 12" miter saw with a 40 tooth blade, or I can get a 10" sliding miter saw with a 60 tooth blade.

My primary use for the saw initially is to install a Pergo-type flooring. I think the 60 tooth blade on the 10" saw would give me a clean enough finish I wouldn't need to go out and buy another blade. I know I'd have to invest in another blade for the 12" saw. The price difference between the two happens to come down to almost exactly the cost of a good finishing blade. Since I'm not building furniture or anything I really wouldn't need to buy the finish blade anytime soon.

Would you buy the 12" saw and a nice 108 tooth finish blade or go with the 10" slider? I'm leaning towards the slider right now.

ACD

12:01PM | 11/05/02

Member Since: 10/15/02
359 lifetime posts

The 12" is nice if you plan to cut 4x4's or install crown molding. The sliding 10" can also do crown if it is a compound saw. The 108 tooth blade would not be good for pergo, as it will tend to burn the MDF that it is made of. The more teeth per blade the better for hardwoods, but not for softwoods and composite materials. 60 teeth is just about right for most cross-cuts, but may also cause burning. I found a 50 tooth works better on the 10" and 60 on the 12".

LDoyle

06:11PM | 11/05/02

Member Since: 06/03/01
327 lifetime posts

The slider will allow you to make wider cuts. believe it is more useful all around. Consider the price differences and go for what you need.