Popular Woodworking 2000-11 № 118, страница 49
blade, but we think there's more blade deflection and for that price ($650) you might as well buy a sliding compound miter saw. When buying, here are the important features to look for. Cut Capacity Buy as much cutting capacity as you can afford. In general, a 10" compound saw will crosscut a board that's up to 23/4" thick and 53/4" wide with the blade set to 0 degrees. With the blade set to 45 degrees, its capacity is somewhat diminished. A 12" compound miter saw will handle boards up to 8" wide at 0 degrees and 53/4" when set at 45 degrees. Sliding compound miter saws, on the other hand, will handle stock up to 12" wide at 0 degrees and 83/4" at 45 degrees, but that capacity comes at a price, usually about $500. Miter Range All miter saws swing 45 degrees to the left and right, but some go a couple degrees further. This helps you get tight miters when you're working in a corner or on a case that isn't square. Look for saws that swing at least a couple degrees more. As important as the miter capacity are the controls that change your settings. Some saws make it easy, some don't. Make sure the saw has stops at the common miter settings, such as 0, 221/2 and 45 degrees. Bevel Range When you buy a compound saw, look for a saw that will tilt right at least 45 degrees. Some of the better saws also tilt to the left Make sure it's easy to lock and unlock the bevel and that there's a stop at 0 degrees. Motor Power Believe it or not, the motor isn't a big issue with miter saws. All the saws on the market in the United States use universal motors, the same sort of powerplant in your router. We have yet to test a miter saw that lagged in a crosscut. Don't let a couple amps on the motor's information plate be a deciding factor. Stock Blade You should demand a carbide tooth blade for your chop saw. High speed steel blades make ragged cuts that are fine for framing, but not for finesse work. If the saw doesn't come with a carbide blade, buy one with either a 0 degree or -5 degree hook to the teeth. This will make a cleaner cut. Dust Collection Dust collection is all over the map with miter saws. Most of the dust bags work poorly on these tools. Your best bet is to hook yours up to a vacuum, and to add dust collection down by the fence, too. Balance,Weight, Ergonomics With sliding compound miter saws, you need to pay attention to the way the tool balances on your bench. Some saws are designed so you don't even need to clamp them to your bench. Others will tip over with the saw carriage all the way back. If you plan to use your saw on a job site, pay particular attention to the weight. Unlike with table saws, lightweight miter saws are a good thing. Also check out the handle you pull to make the cut. A horizontal handle is more comfortable than a vertical one. PW Compound miter saws are a trim carpenter's best friend. If you ever plan on cutting crown moulding, get a compound model. PW OmmenKo: The following miter saws have been tested or used by the editors of Popular Woodworking and have earned their recommendation. Occasional User There are two outstanding saws that are perfect for the occasional woodworker. The Delta 36-225 10" compound miter saw is priced less than $200 in most markets and comes with a carbide blade, useful table extensions and a front-mounted work clamp. Also recommended is the Hitachi C10FC2 (also about $200), which also comes with a 10" carbide blade and top-mounted work vise. While the Hitachi doesn't come with the table extensions included on the Delta, it does miter to 60 degrees to the left, whereas the Delta miters only to 47 degrees. Serious Home Woodworker The serious home woodworker should consider buying a 12" compound miter saw. We recommend the Bosch 3912 12" compound miter saw. It has an excellent fence and is capable of cutting a 4 x 8 and can be bought for $350 or less.We also recommend Porter-Cable's new model 3802 12" compound miter saw, which has the same cutting capacity, and we recommend Ridgid's MS1250, which is a bargain at $297. Advanced Woodworker or Professional Many contractors prefer the Hitachi C8FB2 8^2" sliding compound miter saw, and we also recommend it.This saw will set you back about $450, but it can crosscut a l2"-wide board at 0 degrees, which is enough for almost all woodworking applications. However; the crown prince of miter saws is the Makita LS1013, which has won every tool award this magazine gives out. It is the perfect combination of engineering and design, and is the saw we use every day in our shop. |
