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No question, SCMS! It cuts on repeatable angles and compound angles. RAS cant do both or even one easily. Also RAS is less accurate (usually). I would assume a TS was available already.
Doug
Doug
That's an easy one for me: A SCMS on a mobile base (collapsible type). If you do any carpentry work like decks, sheds, trim on the house, etc, the SCMS is a great jobsite saw. That and a circular saw with and edge guide will do about all you need. Inside the shop, it is great for miter cuts and cutting stock to length, and can be rolled off to the side when not in use.
The hard part is finding a SCMS that makes reliable repeatable cuts, particular angles and bevels. With almost any brand you have as many that swear at them as swear by them, particularly as to the accuracy on the angled cuts. I have an old (10+ yrs) 8 1/4" Craftsman SCMS. The slide assy/mechanism is very well built and is still holding true to good accurate cuts. When it dies I will probably look for a 10", as it seems the smaller ones don't have as bad a tendency to rack out of alignment.
JMTCW
Go
The hard part is finding a SCMS that makes reliable repeatable cuts, particular angles and bevels. With almost any brand you have as many that swear at them as swear by them, particularly as to the accuracy on the angled cuts. I have an old (10+ yrs) 8 1/4" Craftsman SCMS. The slide assy/mechanism is very well built and is still holding true to good accurate cuts. When it dies I will probably look for a 10", as it seems the smaller ones don't have as bad a tendency to rack out of alignment.
JMTCW
Go
HANDS DOWN, THE "SLIDER" IS THE ONE!
We've go both, and a 12" sliding miter saw is my favorite tool in my shop. Lots of choices out there, but our "peers" on here convinced me to get a 12" instead of a 10" and I'm glad they did.
I bought the 5412L Bosch on Amazon. It arrived promptly, free shipping, and I love that laser light. The features on that saw make it more of a tool than I am a WW.
We've go both, and a 12" sliding miter saw is my favorite tool in my shop. Lots of choices out there, but our "peers" on here convinced me to get a 12" instead of a 10" and I'm glad they did.
I bought the 5412L Bosch on Amazon. It arrived promptly, free shipping, and I love that laser light. The features on that saw make it more of a tool than I am a WW.
I'm torn. They both do different things well. The SCMS is the universal tool, it travels well( on stand) and positions itself well. The RAS, I keep it in the 90 degree position, is absolutely the best for long cross cuts (much more depth) and is absolutely tops for dadoes (beats TS's and routers). So basically it comes down to your needs. Or... you can buy a good CMS and a used Ras (about $200) for less than a SCMS.
By the way, I have two CMS's, one SCMS, and a RAS and love all of them.
Just my two cents worth.
Jimmy
By the way, I have two CMS's, one SCMS, and a RAS and love all of them.
Just my two cents worth.
Jimmy
I prefer a RAS. It can take a dado stack, run molder heads and can be accurate. Jigs can also be setup to make things very easy to work.
In my book, I'd opt for the RAS or a table saw + scms.
Many reviews of older SCMS's were not good on accuracy, but that seems to not be the case lately.
Last comment, a good used RAS can be had for a song, way less than a SCMS.
What are you looking to use these powered disk spinners for?
Jim
In my book, I'd opt for the RAS or a table saw + scms.
Many reviews of older SCMS's were not good on accuracy, but that seems to not be the case lately.
Last comment, a good used RAS can be had for a song, way less than a SCMS.
What are you looking to use these powered disk spinners for?
Jim
Thank you all for your replies!
I am trying to put together another shop after a 7-8 year layoff. My Compound Miter Saw died and rather than replace with another Compound Miter Saw I started thinking (tool disease). I don't really have room for a Compound Miter Saw and a ras hence the question. I have a Unisaw so I am set for a table saw. I am looking at a used 10" Hitachi Sliding Compund Miter Saw and thought I would get some advice prior to making the purchase.
I am trying to put together another shop after a 7-8 year layoff. My Compound Miter Saw died and rather than replace with another Compound Miter Saw I started thinking (tool disease). I don't really have room for a Compound Miter Saw and a ras hence the question. I have a Unisaw so I am set for a table saw. I am looking at a used 10" Hitachi Sliding Compund Miter Saw and thought I would get some advice prior to making the purchase.
A friend of my who is a finish carpenter has the Hitachi and swears by it. Says it stays true and is very accurate.
I think if I were making a load of book cases, I'd be tempted to get the RAS. Other than that, I'd chose the SCMS. Admittedly, I'm biased. I have Makita slider and a good table saw... so it's the devil I'm familiar with. The tool required depends on what you want to do with it. the votes depend on what we have (and are used to).
Ray
I think if I were making a load of book cases, I'd be tempted to get the RAS. Other than that, I'd chose the SCMS. Admittedly, I'm biased. I have Makita slider and a good table saw... so it's the devil I'm familiar with. The tool required depends on what you want to do with it. the votes depend on what we have (and are used to).
Ray
Geoff, I think that Jimmy hit the nail on the head with his response. They are both useful tools.
The portability of the SCMS would make it my first choice, as that way I could use it for general construction as well as woodworking.
If you find a good deal on a very good used SCMS, you probably won't go wrong with purchasing it.
The portability of the SCMS would make it my first choice, as that way I could use it for general construction as well as woodworking.
If you find a good deal on a very good used SCMS, you probably won't go wrong with purchasing it.
If you don't need the portablility of a SCMS (which ain't all that portable) maybe.....
You menitioned you have a Unisaw, have you considered a different approach?
http://www.in-lineindustries.com/index.html
The Dubby is pretty awsome.
I'm assuming you are looking to do accurate miter cuts.
Thanks,
Jim
You menitioned you have a Unisaw, have you considered a different approach?
http://www.in-lineindustries.com/index.html
The Dubby is pretty awsome.
I'm assuming you are looking to do accurate miter cuts.
Thanks,
Jim
I have to agree with Scott, if you have limited room and can get a good deal on a Hitachi SCMS I would definitely go that way.
Jimmy
Geoff, re the HItachi it would depend upon how much it's been used. Right now you can buy a new one - delivered - from Amazon for 447 (including shipping). $350.00 seems a bit hight to me for a used one, unless it was barely used.
If you could get it for $300.00 that would be a better deal.
Scott
If you could get it for $300.00 that would be a better deal.
Scott
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