If you are buying a tool to work with every day (or, even EVERY WEEK) it makes sense (in the long run) to buy the best you can afford. But...

For the application you describe my recommendation would be the RYOBI Model TS1350DX 15Amp 10" compound mitre saw. This s/b in the $150 range and will cut accurately & last for years in a less-than full time, homeowner-type application.

The times you need to make longer cuts (say, on a 2x12) you can reverse the angle, flip the wood over and make a second cut.

A 12" sliding compound mitre saw is way, WAY overkill for your application, IMHO!

Cheers!

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'91 420 SEL @ 199K, '92 SVX @ 181K, '93 SC400 @ 86K, '93 Kaw ZX-11 @ 30K, '87 F250 @ 181K , 2001 Valkyrie Interstate @ 6K, Y2K Honda NightHawk 250 with 1.5K, '88 420SEL I.@ 179K & the 2nd latest, an '88 420SEL II.@ 210K runnin' parts car, '85 F150 300/NP435

LOL
Well, there you have it. Ya pays yer money, ya takes yer chances

By the way, which is better, dino oil, or synth oil ?

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past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

Thanks for the tips guys. Don't worry about hijacking the thread Glen, you asked questions I wouldn't have known to ask

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

Thanks to everyone for the quick education. Having done some very minor work around the house using a handsaw/mitre box any compound mitre saw will be an improvement!

I plan to purchase something soon to tackle a few larger projects!

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Glen Tokuhara
Beauty & the Beast and the wagon that could!

My Dad has several Ryobi tools, while I personally wouldn't have one (no offense to the Ryobi fans). To me the Ryobis have too much plastic and items like their band saw use oddball sizes.

All my BIG tools are Delta, still looking for an old Rockwell tilting arbor though (mainly because Rockwell became Delta AND parts are still available- kinda like an old Benz). My power hand tools are Dewalt, PorterCable and Skil.

Every shop should have a 12" bandsaw and a 14" drill press. A 36" bed lathe is always a nice addition too, as well as a jointer/planer.

My next house will require either a 6 car garage, or two separate 3 car garages. No room for cars and tools with only 3 bays!!

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

What do you all think of this?
http://www.shopforpowertools.com/Delta/saws/B00006K00A.html

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Glen Tokuhara
Beauty & the Beast and the wagon that could!