On Wed, 16 Feb 2005 11:03:12 -0000, "Martin Crook"
wrote:
Looking to buy a saw for a birthday, unfortunately not mine - it's for my
dad, but I expect to make some use of it ;-)
Price range can be justified up to £400 max - the saw will get a lot of
varied diy use. I have been looking at the pros and cons of the following
saws
I looked at all of these about a year ago during a trip to the U.S.
I found a machinery store that had an example of virtually every mitre
saw made and went and had a long look through them. Coincidentally,
Fine Woodworking magazine had done a detailed review as well.
I was looking at 10" or possibly 12" sliding compound mitre saws. I
wanted something of good and solid quality with accuracy,
repeatability and smoothness of operation.
As a sanity check, I went along to a Home Depot store (they are the
largest DIY retailer in the world and B&Q model themselves on HD to
the finest detail). HD have a substantial tool display also and do
quite a lot of rental. I thought that it would be a good idea to
look there because it would be a reasonable indication of how tools
could get after being subject to people poking around and site use.
I'm glad I did this.
Anyway.... the three saws that I liked the best also seemed to be be
liked by the reviewers. These were the Makita LS1013, the DeWalt
DW708 and an equivalent Bosch (number I can't remember). The DW was
felt to have an advantage if the extra capacity was needed and it is a
site workhorse for sure.
The Makita LS1013 came out the best in reviews and in the tool store
it certainly had the most solid feel and smooth operation by a long
way. When I looked at the same models in Home Depot, the DW708 was
frankly in a sorry state. The mechanism, which was never as good as
the Makita felt distinctly graunchy. It may be that the saw had been
dropped or something, but that was enough to put me off.
When I returned to the UK, I also looked at the Elektra Beckum.
This is also a very nice saw, made by Metabo and of high quality. I
had an opportunity to try one out and it seemed fine. It has two
advantages. The first is that it is an induction motor and therefore
quieter than the others. The second is that it is somewhat lighter.
The Makita is well balanced and has a strategically placed handle for
carrying, but like other good quality mitre saws is relatively heavy.
Unfortunately if you want something solid, weight is implicit.
So I bought and would recommend the Makita LS1013. It's a lovely saw
and lives up to its expectations and price.
If you are looking to buy a decent saw, with similar criteria to me,
then you won't find one for under £400. Don't even bother looking at
any of the DIY shed products - they are not in the same league.
You can get an LS1013 for about £450 if you shop around, and frankly,
I would spend the extra £50 - it really does make a difference.
e.g.
http://www.caldertrade.co.uk/makita%...aws.htm#ls1013
and this one includes a stand.
--
..andy
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