Miter saw choices

[Drich]

If the Kapex is first place I'm dc. Which would be the next best saw? Milwaukee or one of the other brands like jet. The Bosch looks to have terrible collection.

 

[Holzhacker]

I have a Kapex and love it. However, my general view of the Kapex is such. If you do site work its expensive but the way to go with the cart and wings. I wouldn't want anything else. For shop work only or mostly, I would consider buying another chop saw and using the saved cash to buy other festools.
I have an older Bosch chop saw, the big one, don't remember the model. Yes it is horrible for DC. However, I was just at big orange the other day picking up some materials and I saw the new Bosch chop saw. Didn't use it of course but the dust collection shroud is redesigned and looks like it should actually do a pretty decent job. At $400, the savings add up to some nice festool sanders and accessories.

 

[Drich]

Are the jet saws any good? Not sure as one does not see much of the on the web. I like the space savings of the Bosch. Has anyone improved the dc on them

 

[GregBradley]

Jet? That would be a definite NO.

They were sold under the Craftsman brand by Sears for a period. Does that tell you enough?

 

[Kev]

If you have access to the range, take a look at Metabo.

 

[Drich]

Do they they sell them in the States? I have seen their grinders at a few welding supply stores.

 

[chris s]

As Holzhacher said ,I have a Kapex  Which stays in the shop. I am contemplating a 12 in  bosch  for the field. Right now I have an older Hitachi 8 inch for the field, which has been a good saw.  Also as I have said before the kapex uses metric blades which are not readily available and more expensive.

 

[Drich]

Looked on line and don't see the 10" metabo miter saw on the us web site. The dust collection looked neat as it collected from under the base also.

 

[Kev]

Looked on line and don't see the 10" metabo miter saw on the us web site. The dust collection looked neat as it collected from under the base also.

That's a shame, Metabo have some good tools (must be a 110V vs 240V thing with the SCMS).

 

[Holmz]

Looked on line and don't see the 10" metabo miter saw on the us web site. The dust collection looked neat as it collected from under the base also.

That's a shame, Metabo have some good tools (must be a 110V vs 240V thing with the SCMS).

But [member=13058]Kev[/member] You rave about the battery one you have... One would think that they would be easier as only the charger cares about 110v or 230v ???

 

[DB10]

Both Dewalt and Milwaukee also make 18v cordless SCMS and both are available in NA.

 

[Kev]

Looked on line and don't see the 10" metabo miter saw on the us web site. The dust collection looked neat as it collected from under the base also.

That's a shame, Metabo have some good tools (must be a 110V vs 240V thing with the SCMS).

But [member=13058]Kev[/member] You rave about the battery one you have... One would think that they would be easier as only the charger cares about 110v or 230v ???

[member=40772]Holmz[/member] I'd be really surprised if the cordless Metabo SCMS didn't make it to NA ... for as you mention and the fact that they can easily scale production.

The 7~8", 10" and 12" mains versions could understandably be a different story.

Don't think we'll see any clever market plays from Metabo until Hitachi finish digesting them though [sad]

 

[sae]

It's sold here.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_757475-78551-KGS18+LTX+216+6.2AH_0__?productId=999957901&Ntt=

 

[Holmz]

...
Don't think we'll see any clever market plays from Metabo until Hitachi finish digesting them though [sad]

"digesting them"...
That gives a nasty picture of the possible end game.  [eek] I was hoping for roses.

 

[Drich]

Was wanting to check out the 10" electric model.

 

[blaszcsj]

I have the bosch 12" glider. It is extremely accurate, repeatable, and has gobs of power. I added the Kapex dust collection shroud to it and it does ok with a vac attached.

 

[Drich]

Does the Bosch 10" have a laser on it? Don't see it listed on their site. I thought everybody has lasers now?

 

[thedude306]

Do you not want the Kapex?  Go get it for 30 days and see if you like it.  ALL sliders are poor at DC in my books.  90% is impressive, but 10% is a lot of dust to contend with. 

The bosch glider is a tank if you plan to haul it around, but is on par with the kapex for DC after you change the dust apron.

 

[Drich]

I had the kapex and sold it as I was worried about it reliability and maybe some buyers remorse on the cost. I believe it's a great trim saw but not for cutting thick hard woods and construction lumber. It's just my thoughts on it. And at 3 times the cost I let it go and now can but 2 or 3 tools for the same money. I like the idea of the Bosch saw and not having the rails to worry about. I like the idea of having a laser for it but did not see it listed.

 

[thedude306]

As I have the bosch, and tried the Kapex for a month, here are my findings.

on the bosch:

No lasers.  Didn't think it was that big of deal but I miss them.  My old makita had them as well.  The add on laser washer is JUNK.
No soft start.  I'm used to it now but it's silly not to have it on the axial glide
It's a tank.  Like seriously heavy.  Even on the gravity rise stand it's a lot to move around
Needs a new blade.  The one that comes with it is JUNK.  I went full kerf with an FS Tool blade and haven't looked back.
Needs the kapex dust apron.  Still isn't great but does help.  No worse then the kapex. 
You can deflect the blade.  I only say this because you can deflect the blade on ANY saw, including the Kapex, but for some reason guys think it's the saw that doesn't cut straight,  I've never found this to be the case.  It's user error IMO.

If you aren't concern about the weight, the axial glide is a nice saw.

If weight is a concern and you REALLY want an accurate laser, the kapex jumps to the front of the pack pretty fast.

HTH