Bosch
3912B
DeWalt
DW705
Hitachi
C10FC
Makita
LS1030
Makita
LS1220
Delta
36-220
We began by
sending the saws out into the field for a couple of weeks with our
framing crews. Once our framers had a chance to form some opinions,
we brought the saws back into the shop to make some direct, hands-on
comparisons. There's nothing like having all the tools in front
of you when you want to pick your favorite. We had the chance to
do that, and here's what we decided.
Test
Criteria
While we had a lot of different people evaluating these saws, there
were still some common features that we all looked for. Some were
the "convenience features" that make a saw easy to use,
and some were "survival skills" that help keep a saw accurate
over the long haul. Here are the overall features we like and looked
for.
Standard
detents at 0 and 45 degrees:
In general, we find that just a couple standard positive-stop
detents are enough. It is easier to find the angles and lock the
table when you need to, rather than bang through detents all day
long.
Low tool
weight:
Let's face it: A saw gets moved a lot during the day, including
getting hauled in and out of a truck. We like saws that are tough
and light. That's a difficult combination to find, so we'll sometimes
compromise and build up more shoulder muscles so we can have a
saw that will last.
Stamped-in,
raised miter scales:
Over the years, riveted-on and flush-mounted scales tend to fall
off, wear away, or otherwise disappear, leaving the old pencil
marks on the table to cut with. When you wear out a raised scale,
though, you know it must be time to get a new saw.
Separate
transport handle on top:
All these saws have a mechanism for locking the head in the down
position. If you pick the saw up by grabbing the motor or the
trigger handle, you are stressing the pivot point and the saw
will lose accuracy over time. So we like the tools that have a
separate carrying handle behind the motor. This keeps the tool
balanced during transport and distributes the force so nothing
gets bent. We find that this keeps the saw true a lot longer and
makes it far easier to handle over time.
Quick response
to full speed:
As mentioned above, this is one of our pet peeves: wasted time
waiting for the saw to come up to full power. And you do have
to wait--you can damage the saw's motor if you start cutting before
the tool is at rated speed.
Power:
Power is important to framers, deck crews, and trimmers alike,
especially those who occasionally run a dull blade or use not-so-perfect
power from a portable generator. Hopefully, those conditions don't
exist too often, but when they do, it's nice to have a tool that
can get the job done in spite of adversity.
Large fence:
One of the most important features is a good, tall fence. A large
fence makes the job easier 99 percent of the time. If the manufacturer
makes an optional larger fence, we always get one. These always
work better and stay true longer than site-built jigs and improvised
fences. The safety factor is better, too.
Functional
guards:
The days are gone when guards were the first things off the saw
and into the trash. This important safety feature will protect
you, but some guards work better than others at staying out of
the way. The best guards are durable, allow you to see through
them to see the cut line on the wood, and glide smoothly up as
the saw chops down.
Other
Factors
Another important factor to consider when shopping for tools is
the parts and warranty service network of the product that you are
considering. It can be frustrating to wait six months for a $10
replacement part while you beg, borrow, or buy another saw to replace
the one that you already bought to do the job.
Most of the
recognized names in the tool business have substantial networks
in place to support their products, but you should still check locally
just to make sure. Check for repairs services in the Yellow Pages
or ask your tool supplier how warranty service and parts are handled.
If that doesn't
work, call or write the manufacturer and ask for the service network
information. Then call the service center and ask how warranty service
is provided, and what the lead time is to get a tool fixed. It is
a good idea to ask if they have a switch or handle in stock and
if they will ship it if you call with a credit card number.
All these things
will indicate how long you could wait to get a problem solved. We
often pay a little more for a tool if we know the manufacturer will
be there when we need it to be.
Favorites
While we gained valuable information from all of our field tests,
we found it easier to make our final decisions with all the tools
lined up in the shop, cutting similar materials. By testing them
simultaneously and working back and forth from tool to tool, we
could evaluate subtle differences in their features and performance.
All these tools
are pro models and will do the job they were designed for, but a
few stood out from the crowd. They were the saws we would consistently
reach for first.
We liked the
Bosch
3912B and the DeWalt
DW705 best. While both the DeWalt and the Bosch had similar
features, the Bosch finally won out overall. This was because of
its lower price and a few especially nice features, such as the
easy-to-adjust large fence and a very comfortable lock lever on
the turntable.
Bosch
3912B
 This
is an excellent saw, ideal for every job frame, trim, and decks.
It has the power for bevel cuts and a high fence; the adjustable
fence has a quick and easy lever and is square to the table when
the lever is locked or unlocked. The raised markings on the table
will never need replacing. The locking lever on the arm is a more
comfortable design than on the DeWalt DW705. This saw has all the
same features as the DeWalt plus a few more, such as the high fence,
the fact that the fence stays square when loose, the number gauge
on the fence, the table extension, and a great price.
Blade Size: 12 inches
Rpm: 4,000
Amps: 15
Weight: 50 pounds
DeWalt
DW705
 This
is one of our favorites, especially as a trim saw. This is the only
saw I know that can cut a piece of 5-1/4 base molding standing up
on a left 45-degree miter. If it weren't for the motor housing on
the right angle, it would cut through the base that way as well.
The only real drawback of this saw is the lock lever on the arm.
I think the designers should put it on the top for easier access;
then you would be less likely to bang your fingers on the housing
trying to find it. It would also be nice to be able to cut miters
over 45 degrees and have a longer fence.
Blade Size: 12 inches
Rpm: 4,000
Amps: 13
Weight: 38 pounds
Hitachi
C10FC
 This
saw has a low weight, but comes up to top speed quickly and delivers
good power. The small blade means that you can't cut some types
of trim lying down flat and stable on the table. The flip-up fence
is a good idea--quick and simple.
Blade Size: 10 inches
Rpm: 4,600
Amps: 15
Weight: 25 pounds
Makita
LS1030
 This
saw cuts smoothly and accurately, but is difficult for a left-handed
person to use. The lockdown for the turntable is behind the fence
and hard to get to. The fence has a wide gap right by the blade--too
wide for safe use. The saw has good power, but takes a little too
long to get up to maximum speed.
Blade Size: 10 inches
Rpm: 4,900
Amps: 15
Weight: 32 pounds
Makita
LS1220
 This
is a stable saw with a good table and fence design. The cuts are
smooth, but the motor is slow to pick up speed and a little weak
once it gets there. The miter gauge numbers are on a strip of metal
glued to the table; too bad, because raised numbers would last longer.
The saw has a carry handle on top and is well balanced for easy
transporting.
Blade Size: 12 inches
Rpm: 3,200
Amps: 15
Weight: 45 pounds
Delta
36-220
 This
Delta has plenty of power and the controls are conveniently located.
Fence is not tall enough for cutting large base molding accurately.
The 10-inch blade will not cut through a 6-inch handrail plate.
The saw is not too heavy and is easy to transport.
Blade Size: 10 inches
Rpm: 5,000
Amps: 15
Weight: 30 pounds
Adapted
from an article by Hanley-Wood's Tools of the Trade
provided courtesy of Amazon.com
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