Jim,
Do you attribute the mitered crown fitting to be a function of the tool,
or your experience and craftsmanship? Isn't knowing the correct bevel
and miter angle for crown 98 percent of the battle? I recently did
crown for the first time and it turned out fine, but not until I looked
up the formula for calculating the B & M angles. My non slider DeWalt
did only as well as my attention to detail. It worked out ok, despite
my lack of experience...(which I almost made up for by reading, going
slow, and making a test cut)
dave
James D Kountz wrote:
Buy the Dewalt, you wont be disappointed. I have two of them and one I use
everyday rigorously. I don't baby it and I've done nothing but change the
blade. Last week I mitered some 8" oak crown and I didn't even have to fine
tune the joint. Now the other one is in my shop and I do baby it. Its just a
damn good saw. I've owned a Delta and a Bosch which I wouldn't spit on if
someone paid me. The damn thing literally fell apart. I did try to take care
of it but it just wouldn't take the abuse that a full time construction crew
building log homes everyday can put it through. The Dewalt can and has so
far. More money yes but worth it. About the Ridgid MSUV, I love mine use it
everyday.
Jim
"Bannerstone" wrote in message
...
Other criteria should be the fences, I've noticed the Bosch has rather
short
fences where the Dewalt much better. Now I've heard vendor's gripe about
the
Dewalts from a durability standpoint but the Contractors I know that use
them
and move them around every day really like them.
Upswept motor allows better clearance for bevel cuts to the motor side.
I wouldn't base my purchase at all on the blade, in fact most factory
blades I
use for things that I'd rather not cut with my good blade.
If it comes down to a tie go with the company that supports their products
the
best.
David
In article , Joshua
says...
Hello, everyone -
I am in the market for a 12" SCMS and could use some advice with the
purchase. I have already read every post I could find on the subject
and was looking for more recent opinions (there are some newer saws
out).
I'm looking for a saw that will really be a "jack of all trades". I
will be using it for deck framing in the immediate future, followed by
molding and trim work and some furniture work. I won't be
transporting it around too much, so size is not that much of a
concern. (I do plan on mounting it on Ridgid's MSUV, though, so I can
wheel it around the house and store it easily when my workshop reverts
back to a garage 
I have done a whole bunch of research and have narrowed it down to
three models, each with a distinct set of advantages:
1. Ridgid MS1290LZ
Pros: Big capacity, decent price, I like the big turntable, seems
to have above-average dust collection capabilities,
laser-guide,
has all the miter and bevel detents I could want, good
detent-override mechanism, good bevel lock mechanism.
Cons: This sucker is huge. Dimensionally, this saw is probably 50%
larger than the other two I am looking at. Comes with a
so-so
(60-tooth) blade. Quality of Ridgid's newer tools?
2. Makita LS1212
Pros: Compact design. Both sliders use linear bearings (most
SCMSes
use a nylon bushing on one). Flip-up fence feature.
96-tooth
blade. Winner of a couple magazine comparisons (Workbench
and
Popular Mechanics). Currently comes with a bonus 14.4v
drill.
Cons: No bevel detents at all. No miter detents for crown molding.
No laser (does that really matter, though?). Also, I
question
the long-term stability of the geometry of this saw. Because
the rails slide into the base instead of through the neck,
when the saw is locked in "chop-mode" there is an effective
12"
or so lever arm from where the head assembly is supported.
3. Bosch 4412
Pros: Great ergonomics (bevel & miter locks up front,
multi-position
handle, etc.). Nice extra features like the table
extensions,
stock-stops, etc. I have had great luck w/ Bosch in the past
(router & jigsaw). Decent 80-tooth blade.
Cons: $100 more than the other two. Several people have mentioned
non-flat tables and/or fences.
If you have experience with any of these saws, I would love to hear
your
thoughts!
Thanks.
- Josh