Miter Saw or Cordless Circular Saw?

[rgG]

Paul F. wrote:
You know the REAL solution to this, right?

Buy both

This is what I was going to say.
They each have their advantages/disadvantages and it is so nice to have the best tool for the job at hand.

[davester]

BernDog wrote:
I would buy in this order, due simply to versatility.

1) corded circular saw
2) Miter saw
3) cordless circular saw

If you're going to buy one thing, go with 1. If you're going to buy two things, I'd consider 2 and 3, but it depends how much you'd use it, and what kind of projects you'd be doing with the circular. 1 and 2 might be a better choice.

This is the right answer. A corded circular saw is a very flexible tool that can be used for many purposes (and it's portable and powerful). A miter saw only does one thing. A cordless circular saw is convenient, but even the best of them are just not powerful enough for many projects and the batteries get sucked dry pretty quickly, leading to frustration. They are only good for those projects where you've just got a couple of cuts and where running a power cord is a nuisance.

If you do go with the circular saw, be sure that you get one that takes a rip fence accessory or buy an aftermarket saw guide (kreg makes a good inexpensive one, there are others out there too) to vastly increase the versatility and accuracy of the saw.

[digby]

So, what's wrong with a manual mitre saw?

That's all I've got, and a nice, sharp high-tooth-count mitre saw is so handy for other tasks, from woodworking to tree-trimming.

I grew up with a crafty dad who used nothing but manual tools. (Even his drill... that was something, to put the big mushroom-shaped wood handle in your stomach and lean on it as you cranked the bit...)
So far I'm following in his footsteps (except for my cute little cordless screwdriver/drill).

[davester]

digby wrote:
So, what's wrong with a manual mitre saw?

You need a high quality backsaw and miter box to get a good accurate miter. Nowadays that costs more than an inexpensive power compound miter saw that will cut just as accurately and much faster. Also, power miter saws do compound miters which are very difficult to do if not impossible using most miter boxes.

[mikebw]

Kinda repeating what others have said, but a corded circular with a guide can be very versatile and perhaps necessary for long cross cuts on plywood. A miter saw can also be indispensable depending on the job. I cut about 100 ballusters on a mitre saw and that took long enough! No easy way to jig up a circular saw for that task and get the same consistent results.

[thermarest]

I vote for a small 7.5" sliding miter saw. Light enough to carry outside easily.

I haven't looked that closely at the Ryobi vs. Craftsman but I have looked briefly at the store and I'd say probably made in the same factory. A friend of mine got the Kobalt at Lowe's and was happy with it. I have a big-ass dewalt 12" saw and I've contemplated getting a small 7" one for portability.

[Cary]

I wouldn't look down at Ryobi if you're considering Craftsman - Ryobi makes many of the Craftsman power tools...

I have a Milwaukee 18V cordless circular saw, and haven't used my corded circular saw in ages (a very nice Porter Cable left side blade model).

Circular saw and miter saw are really not interchangeable, and your decision should be based on what projects you're looking to do.

I would look on Craigslist and pick up used, good quality tools rather than new low quality ones...

[Paul F.]

Cary wrote:
I would look on Craigslist and pick up used, good quality tools rather than new low quality ones...

An excellent bit of advice...

[Racer X]

Paul F. wrote:
[quote=Cary]
I would look on Craigslist and pick up used, good quality tools rather than new low quality ones...

An excellent bit of advice...
I pick up used Milwaukee stuff from CL.

Clean it up, and maybe some new brushes, and you are good for another decade. Got a SawzAll in metal case, for $20. Been using it since 2003.