10" VS 12" Compound Miter Saw

[Christopher Stahl]

I have a Makita LS1013 10" slider that works great. Makita has the motor at a 45 degree so you can cut 45 degrees bevels in both directions. Also, I couldn't justify going with the 12" version which only cuts an additional 1/4 inch. The 10" is great.

I picked one up at the Grizzly tent sale for 20% off and has a $75 mail rebate. Effective price of $316. Can't beat that.

[Jerry Crawford]

Old military axiom: Bigger is almost always better. If your going to err, err on the side of power.

[JayStPeter]

I used a 10" for a few years and now own a 12". I just finished a deck and really can't imagine having used the 10" on it. I flipped the 6x6 and 2x12 boards to complete cuts, but otherwise was able to cut everything, including 45s on the decking boards that wouldn't have been possible with the 10".
As for lasers. I have the Delta twin laser saw. I haven't really found any use for the laser in my shop. I do use it when rough cutting, but wouldn't have paid for it for that. But, it ruled for building the deck. It really helped out when I was positioning 16 and 20' boards. I did two piece "picture frame" around the deck and it was awesome for cutting the 45s on 18' pieces.

Jay

[Gary Sostrin]

I too have a Makita LS1013 and I think it is great. The Makita has a 10 inch blade which is the same size as my PM66. I have interchanged a plywood/particle/fine crosscut saw blades between the two. If you buy a 12 inch saw, you are stuck. Also the 12 " blades are much more expensive so its better in buying one size blade then 2.

[Keith Foster]

I'm not a contractor...

But I have two DeWalt 12" CMS (one at the farm and the other at the house). Best tool purchase I've ever made. Had a 10" (not a DeWalt - but a sliding). I like the 12" much better.