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!!!"