which brand/type of miter saw should I buy to do base-moulding (6-inch high)?
Answers:
I use a 12" DeWalt Sliding Compound Miter Saw (cost $600) that works great. If you do not need the advantage of "sliding", a 12" Dewalt Compound Miter saw will do the job just as well and cost a lot less. The Dewalt also comes with a great carbide tip blade that saves you about $100 off the bat! Reliability: Mine is 6 years old and I have never had a break down. Easy of use: It is extremely easy to adjust and even comes with own tools to make adjustments. Cost: This is a top of the line ~ there are other 12" Compound Miter Saws that will do the job probably just as well (try Craftsman or Rigid). Note: Do not waste money on one with a laser guide because once you have used one a few times, its just as easy without one.
Other answers:
buy a "compound" mitre saw........ryobi, porter cable, dewalt, or any good brand
buy a "compound" mitre saw........ryobi, porter cable, dewalt, or any good brand
Personally, I own a rigid compound sliding miter saw. It is about three years old now, and is the third miter saw I have owned in the past fifteen years. 12" would be the size you are after
There are several things to look at when buying these saws. First look at the table, do the detents in the table lock solid in place, is it smooth in operation, and it must be easy to read. The bevel in back must be easy to adjust and have zero deflection from side to side when locked in place. Hitachi's best saw has a gear driven table and is the best I have seen. Makita and Dewalt make solid tables as well
Second, does the blade arbor have run out, meaning does the arbor wobble in operation; and is the saw direct drive or belt driven. There are advantages to both, direct drive gets the nod for smooth consist ant power and belt driven get the nod for cutting depth, as well as dual bevel capacity. If the ability to tilt the motor in both direction is not important to you than direct drive is the way to go. Delta makes a good motor but the tables are less desirable. Hitachi makes an extremely smooth motor and table.
I assume this is for business? If not, rent the saw. The cost of buying for a one time job is ridiculous.
If this IS for repeated use, don't limit what the saw can cut by saying 6".
If I was going to go buy a miter saw right now, I'd buy the Hitachi 12" sliding compound miter saw. The reason? Some brands just excel at certain tools, Hitachi miter saws being a prime example.
Other examples being:
Milwaukee- great drills*
Porter-Cable- great reciprocating saws*
Makita- great worm-drive saws
*Yes, I picked Porter-Cable's reciprocating saw over Milwaukee's "sawzall". To me, Porter-Cable wins, hands down.
If you are going to buy one for professional use I would recommend a Dewalt 12 inch sliding compound miter saw. I have used one every day for the last three years without a single problem.