Sliding compound miter or not?

Question

I am getting my shop together and wonder if the extra cost for a sliding compound miter is worth it or not. It seems like there are just more parts that can break and should I just go with a 12" compound for the larger stock or go for the sliding miter.

Answer 1

The sliding feature increases the width of the board that you can crosscut, but it reduces the maximumthickness that you can cut. If you will be cutting more wide stock than thick stock, get a slider. If you will be cutting more thick stock than wide stock, don't get the sliding saw. I would definetly spring for the twelve inch blade over the ten inch blade. Just remember this, buy the tool that you know you will buy eventually. If you are going to have a 12" sliding compound miter saw "someday", buy it as your first saw, other wise you are spending extra money an a tool that you will never truly like. If you buy an inferior tool now while you are saving up for the one you will buy later you are making yourself wait longer, and spending far more in the long run than you would if you just waited a little longer. If you EVER cut a board that is larger than what the next saw down would have handled, you have just payed for the difference in price, and if you never exceed that capacity, what have you wasted, $50-100 over 10-20 years? That's only $2.50-10 per year.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

It will really depend on what other tools you have. For instance I have a Radial Arm Saw so I only purchased a compound miter saw. It also depends on the type of work you will be doing. If you are going to be doing a lot of framing and will be cutting 2X10 or larger stock often a slider may be a good choice.

Answer 4

Go with the slider! I just got a miter with laser, but it doesn't slide. If you're going to be cutting any angles on anything wider than a 2x4, you'll need the slider. I just tried to cut a 2x6 at a 40 degree angle, and my blade wasn't big enough. SLIDE!

Answer 5

I have a 10 and then bought a 12 chop saws. The sliders give you the ability to cut a wider board. I also have a table saw and skil saws. If you want to do wide and precise cuts then it's the ticket. I now wish I had bought a table saw with the folding wheelbarrow portability feature, I think bosch, cause carrying stuff to my shop is a pain. It also stores well. Could be a replacement for the slider. Eventually you want it all. A planer is next on my list.

Answer 6

i bought a 12 in miter saw instead of slider because of the price. im pretty content with the purchase but when i get to a wide board i have to cut it on my table saw with a home made sled. this isnt much of a problem unless its a long board. ridgid makes the fold down table saw by the way.

Answer 7

If you are going to leave it in place the extra money is worth it, however if you are like me and have to transport it all over, it weighs a ton, I wished I would have not gotten the sliding feature. I do love the benefits, when I am building decks, it will cut through the 1X12 skirt boards with no problem, I can cut through just about any stock of wood, also when I am runnig base or crown, it is nice to be able to slide it our and run it in to your mark, if it is on the table, (mine doesn't have a lazer).

Answer 8

I was faced with the same dilemna. I spent the extra money and went with the sliding compound mitre. I was able to cut wider stock and the blades were cheaper. It only takes a little more effort to maintain a SCM than any other equip. you will have in your shop. You are going to have so much FUN.I know that I did.

Answer 9

Go with the slider. I have a small one and it is still better than having a regular miter saw.

Answer 10

I would definitely get the sliding miter.