It's Getting Close To Decision Time

[PastorPaul]

The crosscutting I've done over the last couple of days has me convinced that a sled isn't going to meet my needs, especially when working with longer wood. So it looks like I am going to have to find the bucks for a CMS, or SCMS. I know we've had numerous thread about this, but they're all over the forum, so I thought I'd open a new one. I'm still preparing to go forward with the sled (in fact, I just found my plans), but I think it is not going to meet my needs.

My desire would be to get the Bosch 4410L (haven't had an offer for a freebie from Bosch :)), or it's 12" big brother, but cost definitely puts those and the other high end machines out of reach. Workbench Magazine poo-pooed the 10" Global Machinery Company SCMS that was in my price range, but they also mention that it is being replaced with a newer model, which may or may not be any better.

Here's what I am looking at: Most of my cross cutting is 1x8 max, with an occasional 1x10 or 1x12; and 2x6 usual max, with an occasional 2x8 and very rarely a 2x10. When I get to the 2x8's and larger, it is almost always the kind of project where the circular saw is sufficient.

So, here are my questions. First of all, am I correct that for the size I need I really should go with a SCMS, or would a 12" CMS do most of what I need? Second, since there is no way in heaven I can afford the brands I want and should be looking at, what lower brand would be a good second choice? I've heard HF and Tradesman (I think that's the brand) mentioned as not too bad for lower end saws. Basically, I have to settle for less or wait for a couple of years, or more, for a tool I should probably be using now.

Let's hear it from the peanut gallery.

Pastor Paul
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"If they don't have woodworking in heaven, I ain't going!!!"

[dcarter636]

I have used a friend's Delta 10" SCMS and was highly impressed by the quality of the cuts it made on framing lumber. I don't recall a model number but be assured it was not a top of the line Delta model.
My Bosch 12" CMS can mitre cut 4x6" lumber at 45º and cross cut 4x8" dimensioned lumber at 90º, I assume they all have those same capabilities.

[Danford C Jennings]

Paul,

FWIW, I have a shop full of Tradesman tools; TS, BS, CMS, and scroll saw. All were made in the same factory as the Delta equivalents. For example, the TS is, in reality, is a Delta Platinum. The only difference was it came with the old style UniFence w/micro adjust, a 2 year warranty on the motor and 5 year on the rest. All my Tradesmans have the same warranty....

My CMS was indentical to Delta's "Side Kick" 10" CMS, though, about half the price, I think I paid $99 for mine. 'Course that was about 6 or 7 years ago. I've not had any problems with any of 'em with the exception of my BS. About a month after I got it, the start capacitor went bad, I needed one right away so I went down to the local electrical shop and got one; Tradesman reimbursed me the $2.70...

My CMS hasn't needed re-alignment since I purchased it. I may be more careful than most with my tools but, believe me, they saw heavy use. My CMS was (is) my primary cutoff saw. My RAS is used for anything over 5 1/2 inches wide. I think that if you go the SCMS route, 10" will be fine.

I will say that the blades these tools came with are crap, go with a good 80T ATB with at least a 0 degree hook for your CMS or SCMS...FWIW.

Dano

[arcticfox46]

I got my Delta 12" CMS about a month ago. I don't know if it will cut a 12" wide board. I don't think so, but it has no problem at all with miter cuts on 2x8 PT.

It cuts nicely, I am happy with it.

Got it at Amazon.com (is there any other place to get tools?). It is a 'Recon' but when I got it, it lookd as new as new could be.

$175.00

My RAS is getting worried.

[PastorPaul]

Thanks for the input guys. I have to go to Lowe's tomorrow, so I'll have to see what all they have in stock.

Pastor Paul
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"If they don't have woodworking in heaven, I ain't going!!!"

[olphart]

Have you considered the Bosch 3915 10” Slider? It runs just under $400. It is highly rated on Amazon with 4 ½ stars from 81 reviews.

One factor I used in deciding on 10” or 12” is that the 10” blades are interchangeable with the table saw.


Someday we'll look back on all this and plow into a parked car.

[PastorPaul]

That's still over my budget (actually a package of sandpaper is over my budget), but how does it compare with the 4410? As for the blade factor, I don't mind having to get a 12" blade dedicated to the SCMS, especially if it gives me that much more cutting capacity.

Also, if I get one I'm pretty much tied into what Lowe's has in stock. Our main plastic is full from recent medical and dental bills, so it would have to go on Lowe's plastic. It's either that or Sears.

Pastor Paul
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"If they don't have woodworking in heaven, I ain't going!!!"

[PastorPaul]

I just looked at Lowe's website, which frequently doesn't include everything that the local store has in stock.

The GMC SCMS, which is supposed to be the replacement to the one that Workbench Magazine trashed, has the following specs:

Redeye® Laser Line Generator for improved cutting vision, faster set-up, increased accuracy and safer operation

15 amp motor for powerful cutting action

Double bar slide system for an extended cutting capacity and greater accuracy

Miter cuts 0° to 45° left and right for greater versatility in all applications

Bevel cutting from 0° to 45° enables a complete range of bevel and compound miter cuts

Positive miter table stops for fast and convenient setting of common miter cuts

Adjustable depth of cut permits trench cutting for greater versatility
Spindle lock button allows easy, one wrench blade changes

Carbide tipped saw blade stays sharper longer for an extended service life

Straight cut at 0º x 0º: 11 7/32" x 2 3/4"
Miter cut at 45º x 0º: 7 7/8" x 2 3/4"
Bevel cut at 0ºx 45º: 11 7/32" x 1 9/16"
Compound miter cut at 45º x 45º: 7 7/8" x 1 9/16"

For the same price, I can get a 12" Tradesman 12" CMS, but they don't list the cutting specs for that. Both have less than 30 teeth, so I think I'd invest in a new blade immediately to improve the smoothness of the cut.

Pastor Paul
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"If they don't have woodworking in heaven, I ain't going!!!"

[Super Ry]

Hey PP!!

It took a bit o searchen but I found the co website: http://www.tradesman-rexon.com/power...l/_m3052lw.htm

Heres the info your looking for:

Model #M3052LW
12 in. Compound Miter Saw with Laser Guide and Stand

Product Specifications
MOTOR:
RPM 4200
AMPS 15
VOLTS 120
BREAK Electric

Blade:
Size 12 in
Arbor Diameter 5/8 in.
Type Carbide Tipped

HANDLE:
Shape Horizontal "D"
Switch Trigger Type
Switch Interlock Yes

Base:
Material Die-Cast Aluminum
Overall Size 23 in. x 16 3/4 in

Table:
Material Die-Cast Aluminum
Size O.D. 13 in.

Fence:
Material Die-Cast Aluminum


Cutting Capacity:
Rear Fence position. (normal)
0º x 0º crosscut 2-1/2 in. x 7-7/8 in.
45º x 0º miter cut 2-1/2 in. x 5-1/2 in.
0º x 45º bevel cut 1-3/4 in. x 7-7/8 in.
45º x 45º compound cut 1-3/4 in. x 1-3/4 in.

Features
Arbor Laser Projects a Laser Accurate Line on Workpiece
• For pre-alignment of cutting line
Powerful 15 Amp Ball Bearing Motor
• Provides the power needed to heavy duty jobs built-in electric brake stops blade quickly
Die-Cast Aluminum Base
• Permanent marked rule for quick and easier lineups
12 in. 28 Tooth Carbide Blade
• Provides clean, precise cutting
Steel Stand Raises Saw to 31 in
• From the ground for convenience and ease of use
Extension Wings and Stop Block
• Provides additional support when cutting long pieces
Safety Clamp and Dust Collection Bag Included
• Holds small workpiece and keeps work area clean


I just moved to a slider and can tell you its real nice to have. My old CMS was a 10" and the new slider is 12, so obviously there was some added bennies off a blae size alone. Can you check both out on display - maybe see any differences between em as far as build and stability?

[PastorPaul]

The salesman at Lowe's really likes the Tradesman, but those cutting specs leave a bit to be desired, even for a 12". He said they are supposed to be coming out with a SCMS very soon.

What really caught my eye was, again, out of my price range. The DeWalt DW708 12" SCMS will cut 4 1/2 x 12 at 0 degrees. Right now, it's on sale for the same $550 that the Bosch 10" SCMS retails for. I slapped my hand and left Lowe's with just the angle grinder and a mole trap.

I wonder what the DW708 is going for at Amazon... Naw!! I'd better not!!

Pastor Paul
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"If they don't have woodworking in heaven, I ain't going!!!"