On Wed, 3 Dec 2003 20:39:56 -0500, "Mike O."
wrote:


"Jeff Cochran" wrote in message
.. .
On 3 Dec 2003 10:44:18 -0800, (Mike O.) wrote:

I'm going to be purchasing a compound miter saw in the next several
weeks, and I'm looking for some information (this is just for use for
projects around the house, I'm not a contractor or anything).

We recently moved into a 35 year old house, so we're looking done some
basic remodling. Things like replacing baseboard, partially finishing
basement, etc. Also, I'll probably be building a deck and/or wooden
play set next spring. I did some of that stuff at our previous house,
but I'm tired of using a hand held circular saw or handsaw/miter box.

Most of the things I'd be using it for would be 2x6 or smaller, but
there's been enough times I've worked on something larger (2x8 or
4x4), that I'm looking at the 12" models. I'm not really interested
in a sliding model.

Go with 12", you'll be glad you did. If you don't need a sliding
compound miter saw, you won't miss the extra weight of it. I've used
an older Rigid, and it was fairly decent, but bought a Dewalt when I
bought mine. I don't care for Ryobi, the tools are too light weight
for me.

Jeff

How does the Rigid compare with the Dewalt? They're both price about the
same at Home Depot, but it looks like Dewalt doesn't include a clamp or
stand.

The older Rigid I used probably didn't come with the clamp or stand
either. The Rigid tools are pretty solid, and for homeowner use I'd
say you'd be happy with them. Except for very minor differences they
are about the same value, and unless those minor differences are
enough to sway you there shouldn't be any loss in choosing one over
the other.

At the time I bought mine, Dewalt had a decent rebate, which swayed
me. Unfortunately, I also bought my Dewalt planer because they were
clearing out the older models and offering a free jig saw for
purchasers. While I like the planer, I never did get the saw after
three times sending in the rebates forms. Wrong form (I printed it
from the website...) then no original sales slip (they didn't return
the sales slip the first time, just sent a form...) then the third
time with a photocopy of the sales slip, and after a phone call with
their rebate people, I got a letter staing I hadn't sent in the proper
proof of purchase. They hadn't returned that when they sent the new
rebate form either, and after two phone calls and a letter I haven't
heard from them again.

But I'm happy with the Porter Cable tools I've chosen over the Dewalt
line...

No, I doubt I'll buy another Dewalt tool. But not due to the quality,
I'd just rather Dewalt's competitor's got my business from now on.

Jeff