10 inch vs 12 inch miter saw

[KevTN]

Hey guys…I know I have been kinda MIA but work has been stupid crazy. It has been fun seeing what everyone is doing.   I will be upgrading my miter saw. I currently have a 10 inch. Is there a distinct advantage to move to a 12 inch? I have narrowed to the Bosch or Ridgid with articulating arms to save space. 
 

Have a great weekend

[lew]

If both have the features you want, I’d go for the bigger one. 
 

When miter saws first became available, I bought the Hitachi 7” sliding. I thought it would do everything I wanted. Unfortunately, it couldn’t cut thu a 4x4 vertically. Also it was limited in the width of a board it could cut. 

[Gunny]

6 minutes ago, lew said:

If both have the features you want, I’d go for the bigger one. 

[KevTN]

4 minutes ago, lew said:

If both have the features you want, I’d go for the bigger one. 
 

When miter saws first became available, I bought the Hitachi 7” sliding. I thought it would do everything I wanted. Unfortunately, it couldn’t cut thu a 4x4 vertically. Also it was limited in the width of a board it could cut. 

Hey Lew,

 

that’s my thought about going to a 12 inch as well.

 

The width of cut is why I am going with the sliding. I guess I am questioning is the depth cut and cost of the 12 inch blades vs 10 inch blades justify the cost difference. I have never used a 12 inch and I know there are some on here who have used both. Interested in hearing the others experiences and thoughts. 

[BillyJack]

I'm a little different. I have the 12 Dewalt 708. Great saw. I'm hearing there not as good as they once was. I bought a Makita 10" slider and put it in my bench. Unless you want the height, a 10" is fine. Also remember the bigger the saw the more movement..

 

Nachos, I mean notches are good, bearing not so good for accurate settings. 

Edited October 15, 2022 by BillyJack

[KevTN]

6 minutes ago, BillyJack said:

I'm a little different. I have the 12 Dewalt 708. Great saw. I'm hearing there not as good as they once was. I bought a Makita 10" slider and put it in my bench. Unless you want the height, a 10" is fine. Also remember the bigger the saw the more movement..

 

Nachos, I mean notches are good, bearing not so good for accurate settings. 

True the deflection is greater with the 12 inch.

[BillyJack]

What's the old saying?

 

" Bigger isn't always better, it's how you use it"

 

Few things to keep in mind.

 

#1...Notches for the settings.

#2...height and operation of the rear fence...

#3... will this be mobile and weight..

#.4 if in a bench how deep will it have to be?

 

Check these things put as you look at saws. 

Edited October 15, 2022 by BillyJack

[JimM]

I had the Ridgid 12" sliding Miter Saw: A miter saw is a specialized tool that lets you make cuts at a variety of angles. The saw has a blade mounted on a swing arm that pivots left or right to produce angled cuts. You can use a miter saw to quickly make cuts for crown molding, picture frames, door frames, window casings and more.">CMS.  I replaced it with a 10".  It was just too much saw for me, heavy and difficult to move around, even with the mobile stand.  Also, in my mind, I couldn't justify the extra expense of the 12" blades.

 

I guess the bottom line is which saw meets your foreseeable needs.  

[BillyJack]

I would check Marketplace, pawn shops, etc. For a sweet deal. Sometimes there like new for a savings..

[John Morris]

I've had my Makita Miter Saw">SCMS for 15 years and have never regretted it's capacity. And it cuts 4x4's no issues, I think, been awhile since I cut something that thick, I know it'll cut through, but will it finish the cut at the fence?

[BillyJack]

I have the Makita LS1013. 

 

Edited October 15, 2022 by BillyJack

[John Morris]

13 minutes ago, BillyJack said:

I have the Makita LS1013. 

 

Same saw I got, still running like a champ, and accurate.

[KevTN]

21 minutes ago, John Morris said:

I've had my Makita SCMS for 15 years and have never regretted it's capacity. And it cuts 4x4's no issues, I think, been awhile since I cut something that thick, I know it'll cut through, but will it finish the cut at the fence?

Good point. Thanks 

[John Morris]

1 minute ago, KevTN said:

Good point. Thanks 

Actually Kevin, it will finish the cut at the fence at 90 degrees, but if I tilt the blade to 45, it seems to have a hard time completing the cut right at the fence, it leaves a little connected nib, I may just have to adjust the saw is all, perhaps others have seen this.

[KevTN]

14 minutes ago, BillyJack said:

I have the Makita LS1013. 

 

Mikita makes a great product and they have a sliding one that has a zero clearance. It is a strong #3 on my list.

[BillyJack]

It's always been a difference of opinion for what a sliding miter saw is for. 

 

#1... rough cuts

#2... trim cuts

$3... furniture cuts..

[John Morris]

1 minute ago, BillyJack said:

It's always been a difference of opinion for what a sliding miter saw is for. 

 

#1... rough cuts

#2... trim cuts

$3... furniture cuts..

 

I've had great luck with all the above!

[BillyJack]

1 minute ago, KevTN said:

Mikita makes a great product and they have a sliding one that has a zero clearance. It is a strong #3 on my list.

 

Makita does make some good products , but like each manufacturer, they will do something different. Bearing locks are no good for long term , plus you have to lock it to keep it.  Over time dust gets on the bearings and they don't automatically lock in the correct position. 

[BillyJack]

Here is the current radius with tge 10" Makita slider., cuts great, but because of the bearing I have to fiddle with degrees the entire radius.

 

[BillyJack]

Here is another from 2005... Dewalt 708 with notches. Took no time to move and cut. No fiddling around. Positive lock.