Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Best Mitre Saw to buy?

I just got a cool gift for Christmas. A $100.00 Sears Craftsman gift card. I am a big fan of Craftsman tools, as I have a mixture of both my Dads, and some of my upgraded tools. I am looking to buy a Sears Craftsman mitre saw. Which one would be the best buy for my. I am an above average craftsman, I love making things for the home, and would only get use out of it for home projects, nothing too big or fancy that would qualify as a full blown construction project. Any ideas?

When looking at the Craftsman line, note the position of the handle. If it sticks out toward you, you will tire of it quickly, because you have to unnaturally twist your wrist to activate the blade. Buying one with a D handle is much more comfortable. Of course you want to have the miter/bevel option, not just miter. Check to see if it has detents at 31.6 degrees for crown molding (if that is important), and make sure all the detents click solidly. Will it be mountable to a table? Then comes the budgetary "do I want a 12" or will a 10" suffice?" For occasional use a 10" will be ok, but a 12" will allow you to cut tall molding on its edge. The cutting table part should be of a milled material, not stamped, and the throat insert should be replaceable.
Just a few thoughts for you when you go to look. Hope it helps make your decision easier.

Larry

Sears does sell Dewalt products, so is this a better quality buy then? Didn't know about the chinese junk.....thanks for that tip. I will be sure to buy USA made.

I use a Bosch 12" mounted to a Dewalt rollable foldable transport table unit in my business, and find it unmatched in quality, but opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one.

consider a sliding compound mitre - I have a Craftsman 12-inch and I can't imagine life without it. :cool:

Thanks everyone for your responses. I am going to take a hard look at what Sears has to offer. If I am not satisified, I can always spend it on other Craftsman tools I need. I did think about the Craftsman Pro mitre saw, or just getting the old fashion mitre saw box. What do you think?

I have a DeWalt 10". I really like it but it has a few limitations. Yesterday I needed to miter 45 degrees on a 2x6 and the 10" saw can't do it in one cut. If you can manage the extra money I'd recommend either a 12" saw or a 10" sliding saw. DeWalt is great but I've used a friend's Craftsman and it was a nice saw too.

I took your advice, and after scraping up extra $, getting a raise, and selling items on ebay, I bought the 12" Professional Craftsman saw. It was really nice, and has been working great. I do have a warranty on it, and, it is a Craftsman, guaranteed for life! Thanks everyone for your input.

Craftsman Professional Laser Trac™ 12 in. Compound Miter Saw
Sears item #00921235000 Mfr. model #21235


http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@1350067184.1137076650@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccejaddgkddgfiicegecegjdghldghg.0&vertical=TOOL&pid=00921235000&bidsite=CRAFT