Time for a new Compound Miter Slider.

[Dragon]

My oldest saw, a Dewalt 708, finally bit the dust. I got this saw used 4 years ago. Its owner had dropped it and broken several of the aluminum pieces. It was going to cost him over $300 to fix. He gave it to me and I spent $25 having it welded back together. :D

But all things must come to an end and it is time to retire this saw. I don't HAVE to go back with another 708, so if anyone knows of a saw that meets my requirements I'll consider it.

1. Must be a 12" or larger slider. Does anyone make a 14"?

2. Must go past 45 degrees on miter cuts to either side. At least 60 degrees to one side.

3. Must have a tall, even fence on both sides. Not lower on one side than the other.

4. Must be easy to change bevel accurately. Set up time is downtime.

5. No guards you can't see through or clear plastic that becomes scratched up. I like seeing where I am cutting (the first time) and will not allow anyone to tie a guard back.

6. Price is not a consideration. I've never been afraid to spend money on a tool, as long as it is worth it.

[Rich]

Well my first choice for miter saws is the Milwaukee (but they only have 10"), then Hitachi, then the one that could probably fit your needs :) is Ridgid.
Personally I would choose all these models before a Dewalt.

[Vector]

I'm very happy with my Ridgid 12" compound miter (though non-sliding). The sliding unit goes to 60deg miter both sides, 47deg bevel.

The fence might not be what you're looking for though.

The laser alignment is very nice once you learn exactly where it is in relation to the cut (about 1-2mm to the left of the actual kerf).

http://www.ridgid.com/CatalogDocs/MS1290LZ.jpg
http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/MS1290LZ/

[Dragon]

Well my first choice for miter saws is the Milwaukee (but they only have 10"), then Hitachi, then the one that could probably fit your needs :) is Ridgid.
Personally I would choose all these models before a Dewalt.

Yes, Milwaukee, only 10". To be honest it would be my first choice as well if not for that.

Hitachi, horrid guard and fence. I can't stand them.

Ridgid, umm... no. Again, did anyone who actually uses a saw design that fence? I fail to see the point in all those angles and dips. Sliders really can do more than cut a board laying flat on the saw.

I would say that my primary liking for Dewalts is their versatility.

[Rich]

I can't say I like the fences of many of the saws out there.. I always cut crown flat so I don't worry much about the fence.

[Tom R]

Bosch 4412, - - 12" slide compound, - - all controls up front, - - about $650-$700, - - it's the Cadillac-a-dilleo!! :D

[Dragon]

http://www.toolfetch.com/tools_images/images/items/4412c.jpg

That Bosch does have potential, though I can't say that I care for the guard. I could cut grooves in it like I did on my old Milwaukee, basically turning it into a Dewalt style guard.