Replies

1. 
   JMartinsky | Dec 12, 2007 03:31pm | #1

   Dear Carpenter5,
   I have been in the business now for over twenty years. As a contractor, I see a lot of different steups. Up until five or ten years ago, I would say that a Hitachi Slider and Makita Tablesaw were pretty much the standard. Now, I would rate:

   Sliding Compound Miter Saw: (I think that I would rate a straight miter saw the same way)
   1) Bosch
   2) Hitachi
   Far and away the leaders, followed by:
   3) Makita
   4) DeWalt

   Tablesaw: (It would be pretty hard to find a bad one)
   1) Bosch
   2) Makita
   3) DeWalt

   Personally, I use a 10" Hitachi slider and a 10" Makita tablesaw. It is a combination that I am used to, but more importantly, it performs flawlessly for years on end. Put those two together with a 12" Makita surface planer and I'm good to go.

   Best,

   John

1. 
   JohnCanfield | Dec 12, 2007 05:45pm | #2

   While not a professional, I have used my 12" DeWalt (non-slider) for probably 10 years and have done many trim jobs and general work with it and it is a faithful companion. I believe it cuts as good now as it did when new and I haven't performed any maintenance on it. The only problem it has ever had is the power cord plug - the rubber jacket is breaking down where the cord meets the plug.

1. 
   captainkidd | Dec 12, 2007 08:02pm | #3

   I have the Bosch table saw and really like it. I don't have room for a cabinet or hybrid saw so a portable one was the only option I had. When I bought mine it was the 4000-09 (with the stand) but now they have the 4100 which has some improvements too it. The only thing that kind of got me miffed was that the 4100 became available within a couple of weeks after I bought the 4000 for the same price. Not really anyones fault and I am all for improved design but I wished it would have been a 6 month difference <grrrrrr>. Anyway, yes I did by it after reading a few reviews and talking to other people about it. Oh and as far as the Dewalt miter saw that's what I was going to get a couple years back but decided to get a Craftsman because it went on sale, otherwise I would have probably ended up with the Dewalt. B.Kidd

   Edited 12/12/2007 12:04 pm ET by captainkidd

2. 
   Gurk | Dec 13, 2007 05:54am | #4

   I've had both for 7+ years and couldn't be happier with them.  Accurate, reliable, durable, economical - all I could ask for.

3. 
   DAC747 | Dec 13, 2007 08:05am | #5

   I currently use the Ridgid 12" slider,it's a very good saw that's easily adjusted with better power than the Dewalt. It replaced the Dewalt 12" slider,not because I don't like my Ridgid but because I believe the Bosch is just another step up. And I believe it can help me do a better job easier and faster than my current saw.The Bosch will be my next 12" slider.  I also use a Ridgid portable table saw but am not nearly as happy with it. I haven't seen many bad tools from Bosch. Allright I haven't seen any bad Bosch tools.