Miter Saws Reviews

I own a dozen or so great blades, but one of these came with my new Unisaw, and I was amazed at how well it performed. I use a lot of MDF, which is very abrasive, and tough on carbide, and I cut about 800 feet of cabinet rails and stiles, and trim pieces before the blade showed any signs of wear. This is very good life for MDF. Rips hardwood very good, and crosscuts well also. It is a better blade than the CMT products at a much lower price. Razor sharp cuts with MDF, and runs straight and Quiet. Lasts longer than the Woodworking Wizards and Signatures from Oldham, although they are top notch as well. I save my favorites, the Forrests, for furniture. You can't go wrong with this one!! I ordered another one to use while my first one is out being sharpened.

Awesome combination blade. Clean crosscuts and decent rips. You can't go wrong! I have two.

This is an excellent combination blade at a great price. It produces very smooth, finished cuts with no visible saw marks. I no longer need to run boards through the jointer before panel glue-ups. I have cut hundreds of feet of Oak and Cherry with it (enough to build a dresser, chest of drawers, two night stands, a bookshelf, and a wall shelf) and the blade is still sharp! Delta even threw in two coupons for free sharpenings. Bravo on this one, Delta!

This saw is the same base unit as the other 3hp, right tilt. The only difference is the fence system.

Everyone knows that the Unisaw is the Holy Grail of all saws, and it lives up to this reputation. Out of the box it was flawless. It required almost no further adjustment. Even with the crappy blade that comes with the saw, the cuts are near perfect. The cuts become perfect after you throw that blade away and replace it with a better one. I recommend the Forrest Woodworker II.

The 30" fence that came with this saw was in service about 10 minutes before I decided to replace it with the 52". The saw was a gift (great gift, huh) and had I ordered it myself, I would have ordered it with the bigger fence. I got on the Biesemeyer web site and bought the replacement front and rear rails to convert it to the larger fence. You only need to replace these components, as the fence is compatable with both. I bought the new components and "factory seconds", but they were in perfect condition.

I looked at the "other" saws and came within inches of buying one based on price. I even drove five hours to a competitive product's showroom to see their saw hands on. I'm glad that I didn't buy it because it doesn't compare to this unit. The Unisaw is easy to use, easy to set up and adjust, and makes woodworking a religious experience.

Would I recommend this saw? Yes! Yes! Yes! The only drawback to this saw is that most people wait too long to buy it.

I've wanted a Unisaw since first using one years ago in high school shop class. It was a good saw then; it's even a better one now.

The saw arrived on the date ... said it would. The delivery driver not only unloaded it from the truck, but wheeled it around to my shop behind the house and into the shop. Only gripe about Delta's packaging is that extension table wiggled loose from box and suffered minor damage. Delta should rework packaging so damage in shipment is minimized.

Assembly of saw was straightforward, following Delta's directions in the owner's manual. The fence did not arrive with the saw as ... informed me it had been damanged, and would send a new one as soon as possible. So for about a week I could only use the miter gauge and dream about ripping boards.

All told, once completely assembled, this saw lives up to my years of dreaming and anticipation of ownership. I look for several things in a table saw; accuracy of saw and fence, quiet operation, fit and finish, easy and safe to use. The Unisaw never lags in any of these requirements. The saw and fence were dead-on accurate out of the box. The start/stop button mounted to the left of the saw's center is the ideal location for the saywer. The stop button protrudes from the switch face, allowing me to turn the saw off with my knee if necessary. Handy thing when the cut sometimes goes a little awry. The start button face is recessed, so accidental starting is minimized. The blade guard isn't the greatest, but what OEM guard is? Still, it is better than the one on my last saw, and I plan to keep it in place for all through cuts until I can go aftermarket for a better guard.

The saw has plenty of power. Dadoing operations that would practically stall my old table saw barely lowers the RPM of this saw. Ripping thick stock should be no problem. The fit and finish of this saw are adequate, though the plastic motor cover kept wanting to slide down till I figured out how to secure it properly. I'd prefer it to be hinged rather than the way it attaches.
The saw starts and runs quietly. My last saw was terribly loud; even with hearing protection on it was a major distraction and made using the saw unpleasant. With the Unisaw, I can pick up a board and buzz it through without hunting around the shop for my ear muffs. It's that quiet.

...P>You can't go wrong with this saw. This particular configuration must be "optioned" up a bit at this price; i.e. you'll want the 30" extension table and a mobile base if your saw isn't destined to live in one designated spot in your shop. I got both for my small shop; makes the saw the perfect addition for it.

I've used Grizzly, Jet and older Delta table saws and this is hands down the best I've used yet. This is one of the strongest 3hp units available on the market. At 220v this saw puts out 12 1/2 amps. This added power lets you use wide kerf blades which allows for smooth cuts and no bogging down. This saw is smooth and quite and is very compact too. The reason for getting this saw is because I have limited space available and with a moble base, you'll hardley notice that this is even in your basement. The miter slots are precise with no binding or sloppiness. If you're looking for a new saw shop around and ask questions but I guarantee you'll be back for this. Please do yourself a favor, and save yourself money in the long run buy this one now. I've gone through two different table saws and wish I had purchased this one first.

I was looking for a smaller portable powered saw that could be easily moved around to project locations. I have owned a lot of tools including a uni-saw which was not my favorite in terms of portability. I now have a portable 10" Bosch table saw (with the gravity-rise wheeled stand). I wanted the saw to be 10" so I could use my existing inventory of saw blades. A compound sliding saw was just too big for my purposes (I also have a radial arm saw). The dual bevel feature was a plus and the up front bevel and miter control lock was also a plus. The pull out side wings work well and when pushed in act as lifting handles when moving the saw. It cuts well and I appreciate the fact that the trigger does not have a safety lock so it is extremely easy use. It cuts 2x6 and 4x4 easily, and nearly cuts a 4x4 @ 45 deg. with only 1/4" left at one corner. So far it cuts are accurate and straight. Since I use the saw outside mostly, dust is not an issue so I do not use the dust bag. I am just begining to use the saw and find that for my ocasional projects it is the perfect compliment to my table saw and skill saw for being portable.

Several months ago I purchased the 10" dual bevel compound (industrial)miter saw. I have several Delta tools and have always considered it a professional tool. This saw had several features I liked and planed on using it when I did not need the 12" slider. After using it for a while I became discouraged with the very inadequate dust bag system. Most of the dust (90%) comes out the front of the blade guard and is all around the work table. Sawdust gets packed between the pinch guard and the spring to the point that the blade will not raise fully. In fact I have to remove the pinch guard and clean the sawdust from around the spring in order to raise the blade high enough to remove the screw on the blade guard to change the blade. I now leave the pinch guard off the machine. The next time I use the saw I will hook up my shop vac to try and get more sawdust away from the from of the machine and off the worktable.
Over all I like the saw and will work around the sawdust problem.

Dave

I was tired of using my circular saw and not getting "Dead on " cuts. Sure 90 degree cuts were easy but the others were time consuming. A project I started in the house convinced me now is the time to shoot the lock off my wallet and buy a compound miter saw. I didn't need the big 12" saw and I don't use the saw every day. As always I wanted a good quality saw. I looked around and did my research before heading to home depot. I was stuck between the Dewalt and the Delta. Both had many of the same features but the Delta had more. Dewalt had accessories I could buy, but the Delta already had them in the box. I didn't have to order anything or pay anything extra. Still I was going back and forth as to which was a better saw. DeWalt has a great reputation for a reason. I spoke with the very knowledgeable man in the tool corral and he spoke highly of both. Being I was a "weekend warrior" he suggested I opt for the saw that had the same power but came with more accessories. I bought the Delta and have no regrets. It was accurate right out of the box. The bevel adjustment is right up front. No reaching around the back like most saws. The slide out handles and clamp have been extremely useful. I might eventually get a better blade but the one included has worked just fine. It zips right through and does it accurately. I bought this saw to speed up my work and it has done just that. If I had to do it all over again I would again buy the Delta.

With out a doubt the most difficult dado to cut is a cross cut of laminated material.
Most moderately price stacked dado sets cut smooth accurate dados with the grain and if you get an upper priced set you can get a smooth bottom as well. But if you turn the material 90 degrees every blade and chipper had better be `balanced' or you're going to get `chipping'.
The Forrest Dado King is a cut above the norm. It's a well `Balanced' tool that makes a clean smooth dado in either direction. With the grain it almost like using a wide blade and it's smooth across the grain as well.

Forrest makes a clean sweep in the awards ceremonies. Their Woodworker II took top honors in Fine Woodworking Magazines run off of blades. Close behind was the Freud at a quarter of the cost. Excellent for both blades on smoothness of cut, but the Forrest earned an excellent on tearout, whereas the Freud earned a very good. Well I bought both, and found the Freud to cut a surface so smooth that it was glass like. If I was going to put a finish on it, I would rough it up with 200 grit to improve the adhesion, it was that smooth. Also the Freud had absolutely no tear out, not even a little bit. Perfect is the word here. So why did I buy the Forrest Woodworker II also? Because everybody was raving about it. Forrest makes great products.
On the Dado set, I noticed the reviewers stating that their was a tiny ridge at the bottom of the dado cut, created with the Forrest. The Freud has similar results. Oddly enough the Freud creates a perfect edge when making finger joints and the like, even though when you look down into the pocket, their are miniscule ridges in the cut. Comments that the end result on the Forrest have me concerned, stating that the edge is not perfect. Is this an example of more expensive must be better syndrome?
I bought the Freud Super Dado set based on my earlier experience with their standard saw blade vs the Forrest. I'm glad I did. No matter what you buy, a good old fashioned sacrificial piece of scrap sandwiched to your work piece is your best guarantee against tear out when working with expensive woods.
If you look at the Amazon sales rank, the Freud outsells the Forrest 4 to 1. Of course anything that is less money, sells more quantity, but I just can't get beyond the "perfect" performance of the Freud. How do you improve on that?
This is not a dig on Forrest. They make first class products. Just something to consider. I hope this was helpful.

The only thing to say is that it does everything that Forrest said it will do. It cuts your dado with absolutely no splintering. You can't go wrong with this item.

I am a cabinet funiture maker all custum top quality- price for 35+years I recived my Systi Matic #1960 Laminate Veneer blade 10in. 80 ATB. just the other day This is without a doubt the FINEST TRUEST CUTTING BLADE I HAVE EVER USED BAR NONE not only on veneers but any wood from the hardest to soft pine from. .25 to .75 I set my saw fence and blade with a dial gauge making sure everthing was true WOW. this blade is so well balanced and runs so true you could use it as a calabration plate if it was bigger I have used blades twice the price and not gotten a finer smother cut SYSTI MATIC IN MY HUMBLE OPINION HAS THEM ALL BEAT Iam sold on these blades Try one for yourself and you will see what I meen. I have ordered a combo blade from SYSTI MATIC cant wait as I have a large job comming up and will use both Did I mention vibration is a thing of the past with these blades THANK YOU SYSYI MATIC FOR THE BEST BLADE EVER SINCERELY CHARLES A. WHALEY FL. P.S support collers do help. Happy wood working

I am a cabinet funiture maker all custum top quality- price for 35+years I recived my Systi Matic #1960 Laminate Veneer blade 10in. 80 ATB. just the other day This is without a doubt the FINEST TRUEST CUTTING BLADE I HAVE EVER USED BAR NONE not only on veneers but any wood from the hardest to soft pine from. .25 to .75 I set my saw fence and blade with a dial gauge making sure everthing was true WOW. this blade is so well balanced and runs so true you could use it as a calabration plate if it was bigger I have used blades twice the price and not gotten a finer smother cut SYSTI MATIC IN MY HUMBLE OPINION HAS THEM ALL BEAT Iam sold on these blades Try one for yourself and you will see what I meen. I have ordered a combo blade from SYSTI MATIC cant wait as I have a large job comming up and will use both Did I mention vibration is a thing of the past with these blades THANK YOU SYSYI MATIC FOR THE BEST BLADE EVER SINCERELY CHARLES A. WHALEY FL. P.S support collers do help. Happy wood working

I am a cabinet funiture maker all custum top quality- price for 35+years I recived my Systi Matic #1960 Laminate Veneer blade 10in. 80 ATB. just the other day This is without a doubt the FINEST TRUEST CUTTING BLADE I HAVE EVER USED BAR NONE not only on veneers but any wood from the hardest to soft pine from. .25 to .75 I set my saw fence and blade with a dial gauge making sure everthing was true WOW. this blade is so well balanced and runs so true you could use it as a calabration plate if it was bigger I have used blades twice the price and not gotten a finer smother cut SYSTI MATIC IN MY HUMBLE OPINION HAS THEM ALL BEAT Iam sold on these blades Try one for yourself and you will see what I meen. I have ordered a combo blade from SYSTI MATIC cant wait as I have a large job comming up and will use both Did I mention vibration is a thing of the past with these blades THANK YOU SYSYI MATIC FOR THE BEST BLADE EVER SINCERELY CHARLES A. WHALEY FL. P.S support collers do help. Happy wood working

I've been using this saw for about three years now (when I bought it it was called the Platinum Edition, not X5; everything is identical though).

It's a great contractor saw. It cuts well and can be transported with two people. However, there are a few drawbacks.

First, moving the saw always throws the extension table out of alignment. If you move the table between sites, I suggest that the table be completely removed. The table is attached with wood screws and they just are not substantial enough to hold the table while moving it.

Second, dust collection is atrocious. If you plan on using this is a cabinet shop, you need to attach something to collect dust. I tried the dust chute manufactured by Delta and it is a complete waste of time. Instead, I attached 1/4" hardboard. NOTE: the best way to do this is to attach it between the legs and frame, which requires a lot of effort.

Third, the blade height mechanism is very difficult to adjust. The blade height mechanism loosens over time. So, if you are cutting dados and it is loose, you can end up with a dado that starts at 1/2" deep and finishes at 1/4" deep. Tightening it requires that you be a contortionist or that you turn the saw upside down.

Fourth, the blade guard is tough to work with. The plastic housing does not stay up and out of the way. I eventually tossed the blade guard and purchased a Beisemeyer after-market splitter, which works great.

Fifth, I don't see any benefit to the UniFence. In the three years I've used it, I've never had a situation where I wanted to change the oriientation of the fence. But I've had many occasions where a Beisemeyer fence would have been useful. Also, attaching jigs to a UniFence is much more difficult than attaching to a Beisemeyer. [Actually, there is one thing--say you need to make 20 cross cuts in 2x4 lumber all the same length. With the Unifence, you can slide the fence back and use it as a depth stop.]

Sixth, the motor will bog down when cutting thick tough wood, like 5/4 oak or rock maple.

So, this machine gets four stars (and I put a cabinet saw on my Christmas list).

I have put hundreds of hours behind this saw and enjoy using it every time. I am a machine design engineer and I am impressed with the performance of this saw. One of my best all time tool purchases. Make sure you get the contractor and not the contractor II sold at Lowes etc.

I've been shopping for a contractor's saw for awhile and I checked out the Delta, DeWalt, Jet, Grizzly, Etc. Most woodworkers I knew had either a Delta or a Jet and both saws have staunch supporters. The things that swayed me toward the Delta were: 1) The Unifence (easy to set up/adjust, versatile, and extremely rigid/accurate) 2) Delta has a great reputation for customer service 3) The X-5 version has some heft at almost 300lbs 4) I can take advantage of the X-5 rebates that have been going on 5) 5yr warranty...I probably won't need it. The saw is well built.

I had high expectations for this saw...

Now that I've had the saw for about a month. I am still very satisfied with my choice.

I had a small shipping damage issue with a couple of parts that Delta sent replacements for without delay. I had to wait on hold, but when they talked with me, the response was immediate and courteous. I love a company that cares for customers.

I set up the saw by myself with little or no difficulties. The only thing that was close to time consuming was mounting the motor and aligning the belt properly. The Unifence was easy to set up and align. The best way to ensure that you have great fence alignment...MAKE IT EASY TO ADJUST. The fence is solid with no side deflections (I checked out all fences at retailers and at Woodworking shows, the Unifence is up there with the best). Blade 45 and 90 deg stops were also very easy to adjust.

Part finish was excellent and the saw looks like a quality piece of equipment that I will give to my sons...after 30 years or so.

Cutting with the saw was a great experience. The saw is very stable, quietly powerful and safe to operate with splitter and guard.

When I get the mobile base, I'll be able to move it around when I am using other tools.

I really couldn't ask for more out of a Contractor's saw.

Except maybe one thing...If power tools are going to be sold by Amazon or any other vendor that ships. The packaging needs to be a little more robust to withstand the abuse that individually shipped tools can get. Replacing parts for shipping damage can't be a good way to make profits. I want Delta to be around for a long time, so please spend a little more on packaging.

We are using this blade in a 10" portable table saw. It is super-quiet and leaves a nice, clean edge. It's amazing how much better a saw can perform with a good blade in it. The motor doesn't bog down even when cutting thicker stock, and the blade powers right through the material. Definitely not a thin-kerf blade.

I am extremely happy with this saw blade and the support from amazon.com.

This is my second rip blade - its hard to find places to sharpen blades around here, and it takes a while, so I needed a back up.

I added the Freud blade stabilizers, and was able to rip inch and 3/4 ash with no blade marks whatsoever (on a delta contractors saw with link belt and zero clearance insert). I could feed it as fast as I was comfortable.

I can't imagine what paying an extra $[money] for a Forrest would gain me (not having to change blades, I guess).

I'm finding this blade tough to beat for the price. Crosscuts are easily as clean as my Forrest's at about half the price, and it rips better than other crosscut blades I've used. In fairness, my Forrest rips thick material better. The LU88 has large teeth, Frued's best carbide, anti-vibration slots, and teflon coating. Great for crosscutting and general purpose use on a TS, but I wouldn't recommend it for a CMS or RAS because of the aggressive hook angle.

Most crosscut blades cut cleanly but fall short in their ability to rip well or handle thick stock. The LU88 has some general purpose capabilities that many crosscut blades don't. It's tooth geometry features ATB carbide and a 15 degree hook angle that allow it to rip materials up to about 1" thick. Most crosscut blades have a very low or even a negative hook angle which provides a polished edge, but it also burns on almost any rip cuts. The LU88 is alot more versatile than most crosscut blades and cuts about as cleanly as my Forrest WWII. If you don't need to do alot of heavy ripping, I think you could do nicely using just this one blade. It's thin kerf design makes life pretty easy on my small saw. Very nice blade, and priced pretty reasonably too.

I've been an amateur woodworker for 25 years and in the last 5 or 6 years gotten into more and more projects that require the "right tools". I bought this blade 4 years ago when it first went on sale in our local area and I love it! Cuts whatever I feed into it with no difficulty and leaves a glass smooth edge. A little pricy in my local area to sharpen but that's life.

At this point all my blades are Freud and I'm a cheap SOB at heart so that's saying a lot.

Jim - a frugal New England woodworker

makes mitre cuts fool proof
laser makes cuts fast and accurate
built very well

love this saw

The Delta 12" compound miter saw is worth ever penny. Excellent heavy-duty construction and great power and accuracy. Make sure you buy one with twin laser guides - you'll never want to use a saw without a laser again.

I've been using this saw for [a while now]. It certainly does everything it should; bevel, miters etc with lots of power. The positive stops are very accurate and easy to use. One of the things I like best is the mounting system - the base has slots for setting it on 2 2x4's... ...The included blade isn't too bad either - especially for framing lumber.

Highly recommend this saw. Worked like a charm right out of the box! Really like the laser feature.

I Have been a cabinet maker for 30 years! Best saw I have Ever Own! Better than dewalt or makita or bosch! If you do a lot of crown molding at $6.00 A Foot which is fare; not including material you will be a happy carpenter! just call me Dusty

I originally didn't plan to spend this much on a miter saw, but I'm glad I did.
There are several 12 inch compound saws, but I chose this model for the twin lasers and the crown clips. They both work well, and were worth the price.
Quick set up. Good directions. No adjustments needed.