Advice for a replacement sliding compound mitre saw

[curtisrider]

I'm after a new sliding mitre saw, I'm outgrowing the capacity of my current Evolution rage 210mm and it's falling apart (blade guard won't retract by itself). The Evolution was good for the money (399.99) and accurate when set up well along with a Freud blade fitted but the build quality is quite poor as many of you have probably have found out due it's low cost, I'll fix it up and keep it as a spare.

The issue I have is knowing what I really need to spend, which makes are good in this area and where I can get them for the best price. Ideally a large cutting capacity (250-300mm) is necessary as we have a farm and chop through some pretty big timber at times and doing lots of hand sawing is slow. It will also be doing rather a lot of work as we are renovating some barns so it needs to be up to doing regular work, but also needs to be accurate enough to be used in the workshop. I have a universal stand (Titan) but it's quite light duty so that will also need replacing as it doesn't like anything above the weight of 3 metre 5x2s! I've seen offers in the past where the stand is included, but otherwise recommendations on a good one would be appreciated.

I like the look of the DeWalt DWS778-GB 250mm (£399.99 in Screwfix http://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dws778-gb-250mm-compound-sliding-mitre-saw-240v/41996 ) and the Bosch Professional GCM 10 SD 254mm (549.99 in Screwfix http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-pro...4mm-double-bevel-sliding-mitre-saw-240v/18089 ) and both have good reviews. Ideally I would spend less but I would rather have something decent.

The Evolution RAGE 3DB 255mm (319.99 in Screwfix http://www.screwfix.com/p/evolution-rage-3db-255mm-double-bevel-sliding-mitre-saw-230v/29848 ) is a chunk cheaper and reviews well but experience from my current one does not give me confidence in the brand.

There is also the Scheppach HM120L 305mm (299.99 in Screwfix http://www.screwfix.com/p/scheppach-hm120l-305mm-double-bevel-sliding-mitre-saw-230v/2098j ) which is nicely specced but seems a little too good to be true at that price!

Any advice would be appreciated, I'm also considering secondhand but I have found they make strong money and I think I would rather have a guarantee although I'm capable of repairing power tools myself if needed.

 

[Selwyn]

Dewalt.

Scheppach and evoltion are a step down. you will find the dewalt cheaper than screwfix

 

[Selwyn]

Dewalt.

Scheppach and evoltion are a step down. you will find the dewalt cheaper than screwfix

£359 in ffx

 

[MattRoberts]

Yeah, but the dealt is 10 inch.

I think you need to make a call first on whether you want / need a 10 or 12 inch saw, and then find one to suit your budget and

 

[curtisrider]

Thanks for your help so far guys. I need a minimum of a 10" blade, a 12" would be nice just for that extra capacity but not essential and I know it whacks on a fair bit to the price. Fortunately we get VAT back as it will be for the farm which makes them far more affordable.

A feature I would like is a laser, I found it very handy on the Evolution for rapid cuts such as when doing feather edge. I have seen the laser washers but they only seem to be available in the US annoyingly. I also like to be able to do trench cuts and found that feature useful on the Evolution too.

Makita LS1018 £355 is tempting as it seems to tick all the boxes
(

)

DeWalt DWS778 £359 as Selwyn recommends but no trench cut ability although it does get reviews stating its pretty quiet which would be nice
(http://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/Dewalt Dws778 5035048399620 240V Compact Sliding Mitre Saw 250Mm)

Bosch GCM 10 SD £420 seems really good but no laser and the most expensive
(http://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/...6772 10In Double Bevel Sliding Mitre Saw 240V)

 

[memzey]

I have had the Makita LS1018 for a couple of years now and have been most impressed. I'd definitely recommend it. FFX were the cheapest place when I bought mine.

 

[karlpolly10]

High i use the Charnwood 305 db at 250 quid, from Yandles, its got everything you wanted including a 12" blade.i have found great value for money.

 

[MikeJhn]

Another satisfied LS1018 user, had this saw for over five years and its still as good as new, had lots of use, just lost the switch button from the handle which is annoying, seems its supposed to be removable?

Mike

 

[Stevebod]

Metabo have some good prices at the mo for both 10 and 12 "...they only "tilt" one way, but they have trench cut (assuming you need it), and laser.
I understand the quality to be OK....I am torn between one of these or the higher (much) priced Bosch. I have seen some bad reviews about Makita, but I guess thats down to product variation as there are also some really good reviews as well!