New Chops Saw Recommendations

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I am looking to upgrade my chop saw to one that can do better 45 degree miter joints. My current Black & Decker saw has never done true square cuts on square tubing.I was looking at the Milwaukee 6180-20 and like it because it has a cast steel base and what looks like is better clamping system.Anyone have any suggestions of others to look at?
Reply:i have the makita dry cut saw with the carbide tipped blades. it will set you back about 400 bucks but a lot of people are going to these. they cut extremely quick , clean , and fairly cool to the touch. if that is out of the question go with the ridgid. lifetime guarantee will put a smile on anyones face.
Reply:It is true the ridgid has a lifetime guarantee.  I burned up two of them in two days when I replaced a three year old Makita that I used day in and day out.  After returning both of the ridgid saws I bought a dewald that has been reliable from day one to the present. I bought chopsaw blades by the case.
Reply:My DeWalt works great. I would only suggest- NO Harbor Freight. I returned mine 6 times until I gave it away and bought the DeWalt.
Reply:OK...the makita LC1230 looks like something that might work well for me. I like the fact that it will cut aluminum too.What is the life expectancy on these dry cut blades and is there anything that you should avoid cutting?How does the saw do with miter cuts?
Reply:Originally Posted by h2oboyMy DeWalt works great. I would only suggest- NO Harbor Freight. I returned mine 6 times until I gave it away and bought the DeWalt.
Reply:if you want to cut good 45's think about getting a band saw i find that chop saws never cut straight enuf more $ but a good blade lasts longer
Reply:I've got a Ryobi industrial 14" with the cast iron base, it NEVER has cut a square 45 since day 1. My guess it that the blade deflect's or somthing, all I'm sure is when I get done cutting I have to spend another 10 minutes with a grinder and a square to create a good 90 deg. I've wanted to buy a band saw but the only thing in my price range new is somthing from Harbor freight and I'm leary of spending the money there.
Reply:Originally Posted by o.c.d.I've got a Ryobi industrial 14" with the cast iron base, it NEVER has cut a square 45 since day 1. My guess it that the blade deflect's or somthing, all I'm sure is when I get done cutting I have to spend another 10 minutes with a grinder and a square to create a good 90 deg. I've wanted to buy a band saw but the only thing in my price range new is somthing from Harbor freight and I'm leary of spending the money there.
Reply:my makita dry cut 12" cuts great miters. blades last for hundreds of cuts. the saw wont let you down
Reply:Amazon has the Makita LC1230 for $387.01 shipped. That seem like a good price?
Reply:Experiance has taught me to spend a little more $$ on blades. This usually helps with the blade wander
Reply:We are talking about the 14" metal cutting dry cut saw with carbide tipped blades?   not an abrasive saw right?If so, I might add that I have the Millwaukee and it is WAYYY better than an abrasive chop saw, cuts are clean, cool and miters are really good if you add some clamps to your workpiece over the stock material clamp.  Which is better then most, but still changes angles as you tighted the material down.One other note, my experience with blade life is mixed, when using this saw to cut 3x3x3/16 angle on 45's, I dulled a $120 blade within 20 cuts.  But for cutting 1.75 round tubing and other small stock, it has yet to dull.
Reply:for cutting thick round or square stock in excess of 3/8" the carbide blades arent fun. but anything smaller is a breeze. i still keep the rigid ready for action but the makita lc1230 is my go to saw. dewalt would probably be my next choice but dont plan on needing it
Reply:The Makita is the hot ticket for thin wall tubing .065. I use this saw all day long...hundreds of cuts on 1" tubing. we replace the blades about every 3-6months. Seriously thousands of cuts per blade. 2" tube dulls them out fairly quick. Stainless tears the blades up fast. We also use Tenru replacement blades for about 2/3 the cost of Makita. I am almost shure Tenru makes the blades for Makita."If you live in Sacramento you have seen my work."
Reply:OK...I bought the Makita saw. I am very inpressed. The miter cuts aren't quite perfect but darn close.I am very happy with this purchase.One question though. The instructions say to try to have the blade hit square tubing at an angle to the blade so it is recomended to move the piece away from the fence with a wood spacer block. Is this really necessary?"Common sense is not very common"http://www.tahoekeyshome.com
Reply:Originally Posted by o.c.d.I've got a Ryobi industrial 14" with the cast iron base, it NEVER has cut a square 45 since day 1. My guess it that the blade deflect's or somthing, all I'm sure is when I get done cutting I have to spend another 10 minutes with a grinder and a square to create a good 90 deg. I've wanted to buy a band saw but the only thing in my price range new is somthing from Harbor freight and I'm leary of spending the money there.
Reply:Originally Posted by brucebOK...I bought the Makita saw. I am very inpressed. The miter cuts aren't quite perfect but darn close.I am very happy with this purchase.One question though. The instructions say to try to have the blade hit square tubing at an angle to the blade so it is recomended to move the piece away from the fence with a wood spacer block. Is this really necessary?