I saw a lot of 4x6 timbers.
I have a sawsquatch, but I could save a ton of time on layout if I had a miter saw in a similar size.
But the largest models I can find are 12 inch which just isn't big enough.
Does anybody know who (if anyone) makes a large sliding compound miter saw?
I have a 12" Dewalt and use it to cut 4x6's all the time. In fact I was cutting braces on it today.
But yeah, it can't saw with the 6" standing up if that is what you are doing.
You might want to look at radial arm saws.
Even big DeWalts, 14" to 16" saws are available on FBM or Craigs List for very low prices. well made, very strong machines.
I would use one only for cross cuts.
They have fallen out of favour for a number of reasons, but there's plenty of experienced carpenters and framers out there, that use them and like them.
A scenario that is similar to jump saws. The safety gurus saw them and thought they were dangerous, so they were banned from the workplace.
Why not miter cuts? I've done a few but nothing in heavy timbers.
This is my long arm 14" Dewalt I restored. $85 at auction but I put several hundred more in it to get it like new. I found sawblades with negative hook angle made for RAS's behaved very well.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/DSCF9619.JPG) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=355855)
Take a look at the Northfield Unipoint.
Agreed.
They are an amazing bargain, especially when looking at your long arm DeWalt. :thumbsup:
However, a lot of these machines that have been heavily used and abused, and only get used once in a while when the SawSquatch gets too heavy. I don't own a RAS, but have used a number of them on build sites around this area. Most of em aren't adjusted for accuracy, and have rusty, dull blades which don't have a negative hook angle. Which can make them jumpy and twitchy. I tend to shy away, other than to make a simple cross cut.
Once aligned and fitted with proper blades such as on your machine, they're
perfect for timber work. Similar to a table saw, the machine is only as good as its design and maintenance allow it to be.
There's not too many shops with a big hefty RAS anymore. However, almost every shop has the sliding compound mitre saw - which has limited cutting depth.
Quote from: logman on September 26, 2024, 07:18:13 PMI have a 12" Dewalt and use it to cut 4x6's all the time. In fact I was cutting braces on it today.
I couldn't even get through my 3 inch braces with a 45 degree bevel. I can crosscut at 90 degrees though.
Which model are you using? That might make a difference.
Quote from: Larry on September 26, 2024, 09:10:35 PMWhy not miter cuts? I've done a few but nothing in heavy timbers.
This is my long arm 14" Dewalt I restored. $85 at auction but I put several hundred more in it to get it like new. I found sawblades with negative hook angle made for RAS's behaved very well.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/DSCF9619.JPG) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=355855)
This looks nice. I now remember my TF teacher telling me to get one of these a long time ago.
I am cruising marketplace for one now!
I cut 3x5 braces to 45 on my Milwaukee M18 10" scms on Sunday. No issues. I don't know if it would do 4x6.
I have an original Saw company 16 inch radio arm saw and it will cut through 4 inch dry oak like it was butter. so I second the advice from others above to look at getting an older large radial arm saw
I was just cruising Marketplace and saw a 15" miter saw for sale. I didn't even know anyone ever made one🤷