When I was working with a non-profit doing rebuilding in New Orleans, we tried to get the cheapest decent tools we could - and used a lot of donated tools. In general, it was hard to go wrong with a DeWalt. I know we were really happy with their miter saws.
Beth, Steve has a good suggestion. I'm a Makita guy, but for a homeowner, a Dewalt will tackle any job you might have, and for the price, you can't complain. Another option might be to buy a used saw. Craigslist, Pawn Shops, Swap Meets, Garage sales...All are viable options for picking up a good used miter saw. If buying used, be sure to check the saw thoroughly for excessive wear and tear. Good Luck!
I have had a DeWalt DW705 for about 17 years now. It has seen three major renovations now and I just replaced my first part this weekend. That part was the carry handle. When I bought it, it was a mid priced saw with no fancy extras. It is not cheap, mostly because of blade size, but it was not expensive either. I wouldn't get anything less than a 12" blade. If you ever have to cut anything of size you will not be happy with the smaller blades.
As a homeowner, just trying to save a little money and not having a huge mitering task, I was happy with my miter-box and saw for around $12 at a home store.
I've got 2 (12" dewalts ) power miters...a 706 that I use for "field" work and a 705 that lives in my shop. Being 12" versions they can cut a 2 x 6 on edge....a 10" will not. for wide crosscuts this saw is available as a sliding version...but that adds $$$ quickly.
I have seen and used a handful of others , rigid, ryobi, delta, craftsman. The rigid was my second favorite.
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I got my saw first one almost 10 years ago when I started the large addition to my home. it has been one of the best purchases ever.
Pawn shops are a good way to save...as is craigs list. Ebay, amazon etc are other options...here you can often find "refurbished" at a good savings over new. I got my first saw on amazon and the second "in trade" for some work to a clients home (it belonged to her EX...and she would never use it)
Makita is a good saw. Dewalts a good middle of the road pricewise saw. Might want to look at flea markets and pawn shops also. Can get a really good deal.
For the money, you can't beat the deals at Harbor Freight. Professional or Homeowner, their return policy can't be matched and their quality of tools has really improved in the last few years! You can't stay in biz selling crap and they've been around since 1968.
I have shopped for saws at pawn shops, but they were almost as much as new at Harbor Freight, etc. Craigslist is a different story, but be sure to plug it in and give it a test drive before paying.
I too have bought from Harbor Freight. I have always been satisfied. I always worried about second hand tools. I try to take care of mine, hope the first owner did the same.
Thanks for all the comments! Very helpful. I was planning on checking out Harbor Freight, and now I will for sure! I've looked on Craigslist but havent yet found what I'm looking for.
I have been very lucky to have met and been introduced to several different companies with my job. My opinion would be that Makita is the better choice for more industrial jobs, DeWalt is the way to go for DIY.
Easy to handle, price is more affordable.
And James is right about Harbor Freight is a great resource. I believe they are having a big sale coming up.
Try Craig's List for a used one. Lots of construction folks are out of work and selling their tools. I would recommend a 12" if you're going to use it for large crown moulding. We picked up a 12" Dewalt Compound Sliding Mitre saw for $150 on Craig's List. Just make sure to have the person demonstrate that it works before buying.
Today's The Day! $149 for a 12" compound miter box with a laser light guide so you can't cut outside your line On Sale Harbor Freight In-Store Only $149! I'm getting a back up for my Makita Tomorrow! B 2 U JL
JL is that the Harbor Freight brand? What would that be Chicago Electric? I have used Harbor Freight tools for years. The only drawback is getting parts to keep it running. That said I bought a 5" grinder for about 20 bucks and got 6 years out of it before the brushes went bye bye. I had to throw away a perfectly good grinder because the brushes were used up.
Yes I'm sure it is the home brand and the last couple of large tools like this I bought had extra/replacement brushes in the box too! I only had one such return for a metal cut-off saw that stopped halfway through a job and went there and they replaced it on the spot...6 years for a $20 tool is darn tootin' good shootin'! Good Talkin' to ya! JL
I have seen and used a handful of others , rigid, ryobi, delta, craftsman. The rigid was my second favorite. ...»
I got my saw first one almost 10 years ago when I started the large addition to my home. it has been one of the best purchases ever.
Pawn shops are a good way to save...as is craigs list. Ebay, amazon etc are other options...here you can often find "refurbished" at a good savings over new. I got my first saw on amazon and the second "in trade" for some work to a clients home (it belonged to her EX...and she would never use it)
Hope this steers you right! Best of luck, JL
Easy to handle, price is more affordable.
And James is right about Harbor Freight is a great resource. I believe they are having a big sale coming up.
Good luck