Ridgid Miter Saw: Any Good?

[Jetboy]

I'm soon to be starting building a new garage. I'm thinking I could upgrade to a newer miter saw. I see a number of used Ridgid SCM 12" saws for around $250-300. Anyone have one? Is it a decent quality saw? I really don't need a 12" saw or a slider. I have a 10" sliding compound Evolution saw for cutting steel, and while it's OK for steel, it's not accurate for doing any type of trim work and I'd like a saw I can continue to use after this project for my other wood working hobby projects that require accurate miter cuts.

In many ways I'd prefer a 10" or even smaller saw as I don't need the big cut, but it seems like many of the smaller ones are really flimsy feeling. All I really need to cut size wise are 2x12's.

Any suggestions on a good miter saw for a non-professional? I don't need everyday jobsite durability, but I'd like at least precision and reasonably repeatable accurate miter ability.

 

[45Kevin]

I have a 10" single side bevel Rigid miter saw. It is about 15 years old and saw a lot of full time service back when I did contracting.

It still works fine.

 

[titanpat57]

The condition of the saw will be a dead give away.

If it's been dropped or misused the condition usually doesn't lie..if it's clean, maintained, moves freely, locks, tracks straight (the glide bars aren't bent) then everything can probably be realigned for accuracy. Also check to see if it runs and stops properly.

My guess it's around $450-500 new...I've been happy with my Ridgid stuff to date.


The key to enjoying your slide compound on a project is making a stop table to help accommodate longer stock, although they do make some pretty nice metal ones with fold legs.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, These saws are knocked out of alignment often. Most people sell when this happens and buy new. personally I like the Hitachi. Mike

 

[cruiserpilot]

I bought the Ridgid 12" compound sliding miter saw with the portable table in '07 when I built my new house and shop. Best investment I made on tools that year. I couldn't be happier, it was about $600 with the table, but it is durable, and accurate and really easy to adjust cuts with. I don't think the new tables are quite as nice for portability as my older one, but the saw is worth every penny - twice!

 

[Titan]

To pay the bills I build docks & bulkheads,big ,heavy lumber is what I work with..so, given that,i use a wide range of power tools, Rigid is good stuff, but like any tool a lot depends on its peripherals, blades in particular, but the best blade you can,a good blade puts less stress on the motor, also clean the machine well after use,also don't drag out 100' of cord when your 20' from power. most big brands work well,Makita,Milwalkee,Hitachi,even sears makes decent tools..but again its all in how its cared for and how its operated.I also suggest buying big. a 12" compound miter might seem like overkill on "small" jobs, but what if you decide to go bigger, with a 12 you can tackle anything,plus with a 12 you have the higher amp motor,so cutting is a breeze..just my 2 pennys.

 

[Spook50]

I bought a 12" off Craigslist a while back, and it works great. Even spins fast enough to use 12" metal cutting discs. Just need to remember to pull the plastic sawdust chute off the back before I cut metal

 

[mckent]

I think you should choose another brand like Dewalt or Bosch. Their are the best miter saw now

 

[Weber Sarge]

I've seen nearly-new Bosch 12" compound units on CL for some pretty cheap prices and wouldn't be a bit afraid to buy one - as long as it hasn't been dropped or knocked over . Just have to do a few test cuts and see if the resulting wood matches out the angles correctly .
Sarge