A SawmillCreek member recently asked his fellow creekers about the right tool for cutting laminate flooring. He’s eyeing a miter saw in the $300 range, but is open to other suggestions.
Most notable in his questions:
1) Do you recommend a good blade for my Circular or get a Compound Miter Saw for the cross cuts?
2) If a Miter saw is recommended, which one does the average woodworker prefer, and why?:
10” Sliding or a 12” non sliding?
Single or Dual Bevel?
The forum responded pretty much unanimously that the Makita LS1013 would be his best bet, the only problem being that it’s about $150 over his outside price.
Here’s a round up of answers he got:
1) Makita:
Makita LS1013 8 (all votes for the LS1013…)2) DEWALT: 3 votes total
DEWALT 706 10″
DEWALT DW715 12″
Dewalt sliding and non sliding3) Hitachi: 2 votes total
Hitachi C8FB2 9.5 Amp 8-1/2-Inch Sliding Compound Miter saw
Hitachi C12LCH 15 Amp 12-Inch Compound Miter saw4) Bosch: 2 votes total
“I have the Bosch 12″ and have been very happy with it.”
Bosch 4410L 15-Amp 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw5) Delta: 1 vote
Delta 36-322L 15 Amp 12-Inch Compound Miter6) Festool: 1 vote
“I have the Festool slider and it works well for me. “
The thread over in Sawmill Creek is first rate… there are several well reasoned responses to the question that make it a great read! Click here to read Which Miter saw to buy? Need help. at Sawmill Creek. >>
Other Miter Saw Resources:
Hitachi vs. Bosch vs. Makita: Making the Sliding Compound Mitre Saw Decision
ToolCrib’s Essential Miter Saw Buying Guide
If you are doing laminate flooring why invest $300+ for a saw that can only cross cut when you’ll need to rip as well???
I suggest you consider laminate flooring saws made by Makita, Skill, or Ryobi which sell for around $150. They use a small 5″ carbide blade, they are lightweight and can rip, cross-cut or miter up to 3/4″ of flooring.