Miter Saw and Stand suggestions. I have $400.

[Scott W]

I'd like a suggestion....i am in the market for. SCMS with stand. I was thinking about the Ryobi 12 inch for $200 and maybe the Dewakt stand for under $200...i think I can get that from Amazon for under $200 Prime.

So I want the saw for breakdown of longer stock but more significantly to me for some outside projects coming up. Chicken coop, possible detached shop build and I have a few rooms of quarter round and a little crown molding repair. 

Any thoughts?

Thank u

[giradman]

I'd like a suggestion....i am in the market for. SCMS with stand. I was thinking about the Ryobi 12 inch for $200 and maybe the Dewakt stand for under $200...i think I can get that from Amazon for under $200 Prime.

So I want the saw for breakdown of longer stock but more significantly to me for some outside projects coming up. Chicken coop, possible detached shop build and I have a few rooms of quarter round and a little crown molding repair. 

Just a few questions that might help us to offer more specific suggestions: 1) Does your MS stand need to be fix or portable; 2) What width of boards will you be cutting; and 3) Do you own a table saw?  For myself, I have a non-sliding Hitachi CMS sitting in my basement shop on a stand that I made; for wider cuts, I use a sled on my table saw.  Point is that you might be able to get a better SCMS if you built your own stand?  Just some thoughts - Dave

[Scott W]

Just a few questions that might help us to offer more specific suggestions: 1) Does your MS stand need to be fix or portable; 2) What width of boards will you be cutting; and 3) Do you own a table saw?  For myself, I have a non-sliding Hitachi CMS sitting in my basement shop on a stand that I made; for wider cuts, I use a sled on my table saw.  Point is that you might be able to get a better SCMS if you built your own stand?  Just some thoughts - Dave

And width?  2x12 I assume.

[Scott W]

Thanks. 

Yes I do have a TS. 

I'd like it to be portable....very much so.

[Lynden]

I'd spend the $400 on a better miter saw and build one of these....

http://tic.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-co..._stand.jpg

http://www.gnhlumber.com/diy/miter-saw-bench/

[photobug]

I'd spend the $400 on a better miter saw and build one of these....

http://tic.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-co..._stand.jpg

http://www.gnhlumber.com/diy/miter-saw-bench/

I have not looked at his suggestions for stand builds yet, but just seconding the "buy a better saw".  My one attempt at Ryobi purchase was a miserable failure.

Unless you are a contractor or trying to setup in a garage that you will have to break down the shop for parking, I would suggest a full time miter saw station over a portable one.

[Admiral]

I'd spend the $400 on a better miter saw and build one of these....

http://tic.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-co..._stand.jpg

http://www.gnhlumber.com/diy/miter-saw-bench/

+1.  Spend the money on the saw.  You can also mount it on a Workmate (screw it to plywood, screw a 2x4 centered, and clamp it in the Workmate) and get some roller stands to support the work,  I've done it for 15 years, although I admit I just recently picked up a Rigid portable stand recently, and while it is nice, the saw is the important thing.

[Lynden]

If you decide to buy a stand, this folding Portamate stand gets good reviews.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/PORTAMATE-Fo...gJxX_D_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Miter-Sta...ds=pm-4000

[EvilTwin]

I'd go with spending the money on the saw first and then worry about the stand.  You can always get a couple of saw horses and throw a board on top and instant stand.  I did it that way for years.  Look out on CL for one of the nicer saws like a Bosch, Milwaukee or if you gotta go Yellow, Dewalt.  I'm not a huge fan, but lots of folks love em, so that has to count for something.  

My other suggestion would be to prowl the local CL and see if you can snag one of the older/ original Rigid MSUV or mitersaw utility vehicle.  I scored one if pretty good shape for 50 several years ago, but I've seem em come up every now and then for around 100, which is a very fair price considering how nice it is.  Has a nice set of rubber wheels that let you move it easily over grass or up and down steps.  

Not mine, but the same stand.

[Scott W]

Lowes has a 12 inch Hitachi slider for about $350....if I add the portamate  (thanks for the suggestion) stand I could come out for $430ish+tax.

Hone depot website has a 12 inch dewalt slider for $399 but no stand and not available to buy so it's a moot point.

Any thoughts on the Hitachi?