Which one for a non-pro user. I'm just going to be using it for trim, crown molding, and a hardwood floor.

I was thinking about the Ryobi 10 inch one from Home Depot. It's pretty cheap, has good reviews, and I've had great experiences with thier 18V One+ stuff.

I don't want a laser and it seems like they are pretty much standard on the 12 inchers. I also don't want a $300+ saw sitting around after I finish up most of my projects.

Mike

 

Once you have the tools, you'll find more projects.
My experience is that the 10" ones tend to be underpowered, and are built cheaper in general. The 12" ones are higher quality usually, and will do a better job. Truer cuts, longer life, etc.
If you do run out of stuff to use it for, resell it when you're done.

 

The only problem I had with the 10" Delta I have is it won't cut all the way through. Some cuts have to be done straight up and the blade doesn't cut deep enough, so for that reason is why I recommend you get a 12".

 

I got a Dewalt DW705 at the pawn shop for $180. It is a 12" and they sell for $250 used most anywhere. Don't judge a miter saw by other tools the company makes, compare them on there own merits. For door casing, crown molding, and base trim you want a saw with:
Detents at the common angles: 45, 22.5, and 90
Easy to read scales both for the tabel and for the saw (even good brands have ackward and hard to read scales)
look at the release lever on the table and the tilt **** to see if they will last
I would suggest a motor brake and something with a dust bag or deflector
If you have an older house, look at a double compound saw that tilts left and right
A good quality, easy to adjust and consistantly use saw is well worth the money.

You may want to look at a stand as well. Once you have it you will understand.

 

I have two 10" slidng compound makitas that work great. IMO unless you are doing large crown just go with the 10" as long as it is a slider. if not slider then go for 12"

 

Later on in life, you will kick yourself for not getting a 12in. Do it now before you have to buy another. Plus a 10 will not cut a 4x4. a 12 will. I have cut a 18in board on a 12in miter. Can't do it on a 10. Your choice.

 

i like the my little 10" craftsman miter saw. i got a real good deal less then 90 bucks. my dad has a 12" dewalt and its a great saw but i feel for trim and small stuff like that it is to big. the little 10" did a great job around the house with trim and hardwood floor i just put one down in my grand parent house.

 

I have the ryobi 10inch saw and I am very pleased with it. I bought it at HD for I think $79 and it has already well been worth it. I drooled over the $600 12inch dewalts with the slide, but I honestly couldn't justify it. I wasn't planning on building a house or starting a business so this was all I needed and I haven't needed more yet. Sounds like it will be enough for you too.
I also bought the 10inch table saw at the same time, but so far I have only used that one time to cut one sheet of wood.
And just to let you know, I am the type that looks for excuses to buy nice tools. I have a bridgeport mill in my garage along with a super precision tsugami chucker lathe.
And like others have said, the stand is very handy. I bought the Rigid wheeled cart and it is nice(was $100, cost more than the saw?)

 

I bought the 12" sliding double miter from Harbor freight to do 1 remodel that was about 4 years ago and many remodels and many other projects. plus loaned out to friends for their projects. check prices online print online price take it to the store and they will match the price.

never go less than 12"

 

I have a 10" ryobi that we bought to make sample boards at work. WORST 100 bucks I ever spent. I have a 10" dewalt at home and love it we have 10" BOSCH sliders in our production shop $$$ good quality, but have to get rebuilt every 6months - 1 year

 

I'm just going to have to go out and look at them in person again, but right now the 10 inch Ryobi still looks good to me. It has an electric brake, stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 30, and 45 (22.5 and 45 are on both sides), it says it can cross cut 4x4s, and has great reviews on the net and at Home Depot's web site.

I'd like to get a 12, but can't justify the extra cost. Seems like they add too much extra BS to the saw like lasers that I never use.

I am also one who looks to spend money on tools. I almost bought all Dewalt because that's what I used to use when I did construction. I came to my senses and realized that I don't need professional grade at my house.

Mike

 

Get the 12 inch over the 10. Once you have it, you will find many uses.

 

Since when isn't bigger better?
I can't count how many times I've kicked myself for not shelling out a little extra to get the "bigger" version of whatever. Learnt that lesson a long time though and haven't made the mistake in a while.
If you have the $, go for it. You will not regret it.

 

Buy quality...you wont regret it later. Besides, to me, there is nothing worse than cheap tools.

 

Tools is where you spend your money. Better to buy the nice stuff and have it work everytime that you need it. I'm not saying run out and outfit a woodshop in Makita and De Walt here, but don't buy the Christmas powertool special. I have a Ryobi miter saw that I use sparingly, but I have a DeWalt drill and circular saw that get used daily/weekly.