Need a Saw -- Radial Arm or Sliding Compound Mitre?
 

I sold my RAS 3 years ago thinking I'd never use it after we moved into
a new house, but I was wrong. Don't tell my wife -- she thinks I'm
perfect. ;-)

I have a few projects needing more than my skill saw. I need to decide
whether to buy a good used RAS (there are hundreds out there in great
condition sitting unused in basements and garages) or go for a new
sliding mitre saw.

Projects I currently have on my list include some framing, fence-
building, and putting baseboard and crown molding in several rooms. If I
hired a handyman to do even one of these projects, it would cost at
least 3x what a new saw will cost. Plus, I enjoy the projects as long as
I don't have a deadline and can knock off to "watch the game" when I
feel like it.

I liked my RAS for cross-cutting, and in a pinch it was acceptable for
ripping plywood. I didn't find it great for really good finished mitre
cuts, but that could be me rather than the saw. I've never used a
compound mitre saw and don't know if it would be any better than the old
RAS. I have enough space for either saw.

Which saw would you choose for these projects (and more like them in
future), and why? If a CMS, is there a particular 10 inch model you
recommend?

Thanks,

Rick

Need a Saw -- Radial Arm or Sliding Compound Mitre?
 

On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 22:46:58 GMT, Java Man
wrote:

I sold my RAS 3 years ago thinking I'd never use it after we moved into
a new house, but I was wrong. Don't tell my wife -- she thinks I'm
perfect. ;-)

I have a few projects needing more than my skill saw. I need to decide
whether to buy a good used RAS (there are hundreds out there in great
condition sitting unused in basements and garages) or go for a new
sliding mitre saw.

Projects I currently have on my list include some framing, fence-
building, and putting baseboard and crown molding in several rooms. If I
hired a handyman to do even one of these projects, it would cost at
least 3x what a new saw will cost. Plus, I enjoy the projects as long as
I don't have a deadline and can knock off to "watch the game" when I
feel like it.

I liked my RAS for cross-cutting, and in a pinch it was acceptable for
ripping plywood. I didn't find it great for really good finished mitre
cuts, but that could be me rather than the saw. I've never used a
compound mitre saw and don't know if it would be any better than the old
RAS. I have enough space for either saw.

Which saw would you choose for these projects (and more like them in
future), and why? If a CMS, is there a particular 10 inch model you
recommend?

Thanks,

Rick

for the above mentioned projects or any other you may have, if you
need a lot of cross cut capacity you might choose the RAS or a SCMS.
The SCMS is certainly more portable.

If you don't need a lot of cross cut capacity and want better
repeatibility and precision a good CMS is what you want. The CMS
seems to be more appropriate for the above mentioned tasks.

Have no opinion on model. I've only used Delta, but that is because I
could get them at a very low price. Seems like every Mag does a CMS
comparison about every year. Do some research.

Frank

Need a Saw -- Radial Arm or Sliding Compound Mitre?
 

In my opinion, a RAS is a good rough in tool or one to cut scrap wood for
the wood burning heater in the shop. As you have already determined it is
not usually a real precision machine. Based on your project list the miter
saw seems like the best choice, however, if you plan many additional future
projects it may be time to consider a good table saw.

Don Dando


"Frank Boettcher" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 22:46:58 GMT, Java Man
wrote:

I sold my RAS 3 years ago thinking I'd never use it after we moved into
a new house, but I was wrong. Don't tell my wife -- she thinks I'm
perfect. ;-)

I have a few projects needing more than my skill saw. I need to decide
whether to buy a good used RAS (there are hundreds out there in great
condition sitting unused in basements and garages) or go for a new
sliding mitre saw.

Projects I currently have on my list include some framing, fence-
building, and putting baseboard and crown molding in several rooms. If I
hired a handyman to do even one of these projects, it would cost at
least 3x what a new saw will cost. Plus, I enjoy the projects as long as
I don't have a deadline and can knock off to "watch the game" when I
feel like it.

I liked my RAS for cross-cutting, and in a pinch it was acceptable for
ripping plywood. I didn't find it great for really good finished mitre
cuts, but that could be me rather than the saw. I've never used a
compound mitre saw and don't know if it would be any better than the old
RAS. I have enough space for either saw.

Which saw would you choose for these projects (and more like them in
future), and why? If a CMS, is there a particular 10 inch model you
recommend?

Thanks,

Rick

for the above mentioned projects or any other you may have, if you
need a lot of cross cut capacity you might choose the RAS or a SCMS.
The SCMS is certainly more portable.

If you don't need a lot of cross cut capacity and want better
repeatibility and precision a good CMS is what you want. The CMS
seems to be more appropriate for the above mentioned tasks.

Have no opinion on model. I've only used Delta, but that is because I
could get them at a very low price. Seems like every Mag does a CMS
comparison about every year. Do some research.

Frank

Need a Saw -- Radial Arm or Sliding Compound Mitre?
 

"Java Man" wrote in message
ble.net...
I sold my RAS 3 years ago thinking I'd never use it after we moved into
a new house, but I was wrong. Don't tell my wife -- she thinks I'm
perfect. ;-)

I have a few projects needing more than my skill saw. I need to decide
whether to buy a good used RAS (there are hundreds out there in great
condition sitting unused in basements and garages) or go for a new
sliding mitre saw.

Projects I currently have on my list include some framing, fence-
building, and putting baseboard and crown molding in several rooms. If I
hired a handyman to do even one of these projects, it would cost at
least 3x what a new saw will cost. Plus, I enjoy the projects as long as
I don't have a deadline and can knock off to "watch the game" when I
feel like it.

I liked my RAS for cross-cutting, and in a pinch it was acceptable for
ripping plywood. I didn't find it great for really good finished mitre
cuts, but that could be me rather than the saw. I've never used a
compound mitre saw and don't know if it would be any better than the old
RAS. I have enough space for either saw.

Which saw would you choose for these projects (and more like them in
future), and why? If a CMS, is there a particular 10 inch model you
recommend?

For what you want, either will work fine.
I just bought a RAS because I wanted the crosscut capability. I have been
perfectly happy with the quality of it's cut.
I just used my RAS to cut a bunch of dados. Sure couldn't do that with a
CMS, but then you don't want to.
However, for the price of a good used RAS you can get a 10" CMS. If that
will be big enough for your purposes (and it ought to) they are a lot easier
to use, move, adjust, etc.
I don't see that you need a slider, but if you do, then the RAS becomes more
attractive because of the price.

Need a Saw -- Radial Arm or Sliding Compound Mitre?
 

I am far from being an experienced woodworker - more of a do it yourself
carpenter that does some trim work but here is my 2 cents. I have a RAS and
a CMS but since you mentioned crown molding you really might want to
consider a CMS where you can cut the crown upside down on the saw standing
up against the fence or flat doing both bevel and miter cuts at the same
time. I wish I had bought the Bosch 3912 12 inch CMS [not sliding] that goes
for around $280. It comes with a 40 tooth decent blade [many come with crap
blades that you will need to replace] and has both preset miter and bevel
stops for crown though if not close to a 90 degree corner you would need to
make adjustments. The 12 blade will also give you better crosscut capability
and height against the fence. I bought a Pro Tech 10 inch [$139] inch miter
saw at Menards kind of on a whim but it works well. I think any brand is
made in China or Taiwan these days. For occasional ripping duty you could
use a couple saw horses and a circular saw with a guide clamped on. If I was
going to do it again I would buy the Bosch 3912. There are lots of reviews
on Amazon on CMS and it seems that a lot like their Dewalts [non sliding].
If you really want a sliding CMS you might reconsider and but a regular CMS
and then a used RAS for probably the same money. I have never used a sliding
CMS but the Hitachi's get good reviews on Amazon. Good luck --- Steve


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013

"Java Man" wrote in message
ble.net...
I sold my RAS 3 years ago thinking I'd never use it after we moved into
a new house, but I was wrong. Don't tell my wife -- she thinks I'm
perfect. ;-)

I have a few projects needing more than my skill saw. I need to decide
whether to buy a good used RAS (there are hundreds out there in great
condition sitting unused in basements and garages) or go for a new
sliding mitre saw.

Projects I currently have on my list include some framing, fence-
building, and putting baseboard and crown molding in several rooms. If I
hired a handyman to do even one of these projects, it would cost at
least 3x what a new saw will cost. Plus, I enjoy the projects as long as
I don't have a deadline and can knock off to "watch the game" when I
feel like it.

I liked my RAS for cross-cutting, and in a pinch it was acceptable for
ripping plywood. I didn't find it great for really good finished mitre
cuts, but that could be me rather than the saw. I've never used a
compound mitre saw and don't know if it would be any better than the old
RAS. I have enough space for either saw.

Which saw would you choose for these projects (and more like them in
future), and why? If a CMS, is there a particular 10 inch model you
recommend?

Thanks,

Rick

Need a Saw -- Radial Arm or Sliding Compound Mitre?
 

In article , n9rou@n0-spam-for-me-
comcast.net says...
I am far from being an experienced woodworker - more of a do it yourself
carpenter that does some trim work but here is my 2 cents. I have a RAS and
a CMS but since you mentioned crown molding you really might want to
consider a CMS where you can cut the crown upside down on the saw standing
up against the fence or flat doing both bevel and miter cuts at the same
time. I wish I had bought the Bosch 3912 12 inch CMS [not sliding] that goes
for around $280. It comes with a 40 tooth decent blade [many come with crap
blades that you will need to replace] and has both preset miter and bevel
stops for crown though if not close to a 90 degree corner you would need to
make adjustments. The 12 blade will also give you better crosscut capability
and height against the fence. I bought a Pro Tech 10 inch [$139] inch miter
saw at Menards kind of on a whim but it works well. I think any brand is
made in China or Taiwan these days. For occasional ripping duty you could
use a couple saw horses and a circular saw with a guide clamped on. If I was
going to do it again I would buy the Bosch 3912. There are lots of reviews
on Amazon on CMS and it seems that a lot like their Dewalts [non sliding].
If you really want a sliding CMS you might reconsider and but a regular CMS
and then a used RAS for probably the same money. I have never used a sliding
CMS but the Hitachi's get good reviews on Amazon. Good luck --- Steve

Thanks Steve, and all others who responded. Good points about why a CMS
is probably the better choice for my list or projects. I like the idea
of being able to lug it into the yard more easily than a RAS to build
things like garden arbors, etc. that are on my "dear wife's" request
list. (I always get her all enthused a project that needs a new
powertool long before I ever mention I need the tool. Works wonders.
;-)

I see that the non-sliding CMS are less expensive, and that most 12 inch
models can cross-cut 4x4 and 2x8, and even mitre cut 2x6. That would
cover 99.9% of the cuts I would ever have to make with mitre saw or RAS.
So it looks as though I'll pick up a 12 inch CMS and a good straightedge
guide for my circular saw for ripping and crosscutting plywood/OSB.

Thanks!

Rick