Well, my Hitachi C8FB2 8½" SCMS is _still_ a charmer after about four
years. Hitachi (I believe) was the first to make a SCMS and the
obviously make bigger models. It will cut 12" shelving and no other
small saw will do that. Also worked great builing my son's deck.
I've used the DW 12" and while it's nice, its very bulky. Hitachi may
have also reaped some awards for their SCMSs so don't rule them out.

wrote in message
ups.com...
I have recently purchased a property that requires a full make-over. To
save money i intend to carry out the vast majority of the work myself
and i am currently getting my tools together.

I'm have narrowed down my choices to the following models purely based
on brands i have heard spoken of in terms of reliable quality.

Dewalt DW708 or DW712, or Makita LS1214 or LS1013.

The Mitre Saw will be used for door framing, skirting boards, flooring
etc and some larger work outside like decking.

I am by no stretch of the imagination a Carpenter so i would really
appreciate any advice you maybe be able to offer.

Many Thanks
John

Thanks George, that's a real help