"Doug Miller" wrote

I'm looking for something that will last a good long time. The one that
died is only the second one I've ever owned; the first one lasted nearly
20
years, and I'm hoping for similar durability. The budget is large enough
to
include Bosch, Makita, or Milwaukee, but not Festool.

TIA... Thanks may also be expressed tangibly, in the form of a cold
homebrew
or three, next time you pass through Indianapolis.

Since you ruled out Festool:
Milwaukee fan here.
I also prefer the left blade but for no special reason other than a better
view of the cut.

Max