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

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. 

6 minutes ago, lew said:

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

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. 

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, 20223 yr by BillyJack

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.

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, 20223 yr by BillyJack

I had the Ridgid 12" sliding 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.  

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

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?

I have the Makita LS1013. 

 

Edited October 15, 20223 yr by BillyJack

13 minutes ago, BillyJack said:

I have the Makita LS1013. 

 

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

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 

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.

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.

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..

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!

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. 

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.

 

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