The document evaluates three sliding compound miter saw models for use in Crowne Molding's mobile installation units. It establishes criteria of weight, durability, cutting capacity, and cost. Based on lighter weight and greater durability, the Dewalt DW718 model is recommended despite a smaller cross-cut capacity, as it will be easiest for installers to transport and has withstood student abuse. The 15% corporate discount from Lowe's also makes it the best value of the options.

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Running head: SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW
Sliding Compound Miter Saw for Crowne Molding, Inc.
Yardstick Assignment
Theodore V.G. Wolfs
July 26, 2011
Walsh College

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DATE: MAY 18, 2008
TO: JOHN CROWNE, OWNER
FROM: THEODORE V.G. WOLFS, SHOP SUPERVISOR
SUBJECT: CHOICE OF SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW
Purpose Statement
Here is the report you requested May 5, 2008 for examining and recommending a solution to
outfit each of our eight mobile installation units with a miter saw to satisfy their on-site needs.
This report discusses the best options available to Crowne Moldings for the specific criteria
needed. It then evaluates three miter saw models and presents a recommendation based on that
evaluation.
Problem: Appropriate Miter Saw
In an effort to reduce costs and to improve the quality, efficiency, and the customer satisfaction
of our custom installations, Crowne Moldings will need to change the process of how our custom
installations are done. Currently, our operation sends a technician to measure all molding and
trim work on-site and returns to the warehouse with a list to pre-cut the molding and trim. The
installation crew returns to the site to install the pre-cut molding and trim. When installing the
molding and trim the miters at the inside or outside corners may not align properly, due to
improper lengths, incorrect miter or bevel angles, or pre-cuts made in error. This increases the
installation time, the number of trips back and forth to the warehouse for new molding or trim to

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correct mistakes, and contributes to the dissatisfaction of our customers with the less than
professional performance of our workmanship.
Solutions and Alternatives: Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Outfitting our mobile units each with a rugged, accurate, and portable sliding compound miter
saw will allow for quick custom cuts for precision fits and will speed up the installation process
on-site. As the Home Depot buying guide states, “Whether you choose a standard miter saw for
basic cutting or a sliding compound model for more advanced functionality, the right saw can
substantially reduce the time it takes you to complete simple things like cutting molding…”
(Home Depot, 2008, p. 1). A point further supported by the Lowe’s buying guide, “Sliding
Compound Miter Saws have all the versatility of compound miter saws and a sliding feature,
similar to a radial arm saw. The major advantage of the sliding feature is the increased length of
cut it provides. Some sliding saws can make crosscuts in excess of 11”” (Lowe’s, 2008, p.1). The
warehouse may still pre-cut the pieces but now will allow stock for fitting on-site. The on-site
custom cuts will increase our installation accuracy and contribute to the overall professional
finished appearance of the molding and trim work.
In selecting the miter saw, we should look for rugged durability, versatility, and portability.
These saws will be subjected to the wear and tear of transporting in the cargo area of our work
trucks. The weight of the miter saw should be kept to a minimum to allow easy lifting by the
installers as they set-up the saw on-site. There is a concern for back-injuries due to lifting. The
miter saw should offer versatility to handle all of our molding and trim sizes to eliminate the
need to return to the warehouse to make a cut. To improve on the miss-aligned miter problems,

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the miter saw should have an increased capacity of range for the bevel and miter settings. This
should allow for greater customization to fit for problem corners and the proper fitting of
moldings and trim. To speed up the installation process, the miter saw should be a dual-bevel as
the Home Depot buying guide suggests, “While single-bevel compound saws tilt to one side,
dual-bevel saws tilt left and right, allowing you to make bevel cuts in either direction without
flipping your work. Dual-bevel miter saws are best suited for applications requiring you to cut
large materials or make frequent bevel cuts” (Home Depot, 2008, p.1).
Since Crowne Moldings will be purchasing eight of these saws to outfit the mobile installation
units, I found it prudent to shop at Lowe’s Home Improvement to take advantage of our
corporate account which entitles us to 15% discount on all corporate purchases. Lowe’s offers
three sliding compound miter saws brands in stock and have each model available for display.
The 12” sliding compound miter saw brands offered at Lowe’s are: Hitachi model #C12LSH,
Bosch model #5412L, and the Dewalt model #DW718
Figure 1.
Establishing Criteria for Selecting Sliding Compound Miter Saw
As Kit Camp writes in his article comparing the various brands of miter saws
available in Fine Homebuilding:
Twelve-inch sliding compound miter saws are the go-to tool for
carpenters who want it all in one package. These saws have the
precision and accuracy to cut miles of trim one day, and the power to
tackle a stack of framing lumber the next. This versatility makes them

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the standard for many job sites and home shops. But 12-in.sliders are bulkier, heavier,
and more expensive than most job-site tools, which makes a side-by-side comparison
especially important when choosing between models. (Camp, 2008, p.70).
In order to choose among the three models, I established criteria based on professional articles,
store buying guides, corporate websites, and personal experience comparing the display models
and hands-on experience. Here are the four groups of criteria I used in evaluating the three
sliding compound miter saw models:
1. Weight – Is the saw lighter in weight compared to the other offerings? Does
the lighter weight affect the durability and strength?
2. Durability – Is it perceived that the construction of the saw and its
components can endure the wear and tear of transport?
3. Cutting capacity – What is the vertical cutting, 90° cross cut, miter and bevel
capacity? (As described in Figure 1.)
4. Costs – Does the saw offer value for the money?
Discussion: Evaluating Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Hitachi C12LSH
Bosch 5412L Dewalt 718

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Each model was evaluated using the four criteria just described. Data comparing the models are
summarized in Table 1.
Table 1
A COMPARISON OF SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAWS AT LOWE’S
Brand Hitachi C12LSH Bosch 5412L Dewalt 718
Hitachi, 2008) (Bosch, 2007) (Dewalt, 2008)
Amps 15 15 15
No Load Speed (RPM) 3,800 3,800 3,600
Blade Diameter (Inches) 12” 12” 12”
Noise Rating (Decibels) 112 db 99 db 107 db
Laser Guide Yes Yes Optional ($70)*
Vertical Capacity (Inches) 4-3/4” 5-1/2” 6-1/2”
90° Cross Cut Capacity 4-3/16 x 12-1/4” 4-1/4” x 12-1/2” 2 x 14”
(Inches)
Miter Capacity (Degrees) 52° L to 60° R 52° L to 60° R 60° L to 51° R
Bevel Capacity (Degrees) 45° L to 45° R 47° L to 47° R 48° L to 48° R
Weight (Pounds) 66.1 lbs 80 lbs 53 lbs
Price $649.00 $727.27 $679.00
*Price courtesy of Amazon.com.
Weight
All three came in at less than 100 pounds. Dewalt came in at only 53 pounds. Kit Camp rated the
Dewalt “Best-in-Class: Easiest to carry” (Camp, 2008, p.70). He also stated:
“The Dewalt saw is the lightest, most compact of the bunch, and I found it the easiest to
carry. This saw is an excellent choice for those who install a lot of tall baseboard and

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large crown molding, or for just about anyone who has to pack and unpack a saw
everyday. (Camp, 2008, p.74).
Comparing the other two models in the store, their bases appear to be made of steel which may
have added weight to their volume. Dewalt, however, with its base made of aluminum makes it
lighter.
Durability
As you may see from the pictures, the Hitachi and Bosch models look less rugged. These models
have a light attachment which can be broken off and lost during transport. The handles and
knobs looked as if they could easily be cracked and broken if they were to suffer a blow. The
LED featured on the Hitachi model as described by Camp, “The most notable is the digital
readout for the miter and bevel scales, which might point to the future of these tools.” (Camp,
2008, p.74). The digital readout may be vulnerable during transport. The Hitachi model also
offered some disappointment as Camp states,” For instance, the stock blade cuts well, but there is
more play in the slides than I would like (about 3⁄32 in.). Also, this was the only saw that arrived
with fences out of square” (Camp, 2008, p.74). Accuracy also plagues the Bosch model as Camp
states,” Unfortunately, the model I tried out had some problems with accuracy. With the rails
fully extended, I could push the head of the saw more than a full blade width either way from
center” (Camp, 2008, p.72). The Dewalt has neither of the extra features of a light nor digital
read-out and with its aluminum base it appears to be rugged and durable. Its handles and knobs
are made from rugged black neoprene.

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Cutting capacity
According to Table 1, the Hitachi and Bosch models have a greater height in 90° cross cut
capacity at 4-3/16” and 4-1/4” respectively but the Dewalt model surpasses the others in vertical
cutting, miter and bevel capacity. These capacities may offer us some advantages in our custom
line of work.
Costs
The Hitachi, with its additional features, comes in the lowest price of this class at $649. Dewalt
comes in at a close second, only $30 more. Bosch, however, takes third at $727.27. Dewalt is
offering a manufacturer’s sale until the end of May 31, 2008, that offers the DW718 model for
$599 at their distributors. Lowe’s is honoring that sale in addition to our 15% discount.
Conclusion and Recommendation
I visited the local Lowe’s Home Improvement store to see firsthand the models in this
comparison. I used the above criteria to make my personal evaluation. I have worked with the
Dewalt model while taking woodworking courses at the Woodcraft store in Sterling Heights. The
unit in the workshop is two years’ old and has been used by numerous students. The saw has
seen some abuse from naïve students but still cuts accurately. I also own a DW718 unit myself
and could not be happier with purchase. I recommend the Dewalt DW718 12” sliding compound
miter saw to outfit our eight mobile installation units.

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References
Bosch. (2007). 12” Dual-bevel slide miter saw with upfront controls & laser tracking. Retreived
May 17, 2008, from http://www.boschtools.com/products/tools/pages/boschproductdetail.
aspx?pid=5412l
Camp, K., (2008, March 5). Testing 12-in. sliding compound-miter saws, they’re big and
expensive, but versatile enough for framing, trim, siding, and cabinetry work. Fine
Homebuilding, 194, 70-75. Tauton Press, Inc.
Dewalt. (2008). Heavy-duty 12” (305mm) double-bevel sliding compound miter saw – DW718.
Retreived May 17, 2008, from http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?
productID=9793
Hitachi Power Tools Hitachi Koki USA, Ltd. (2008). C12LSH 12” Sliding dual compound miter
saw with LCD display and laser marker. Retrieved May 17, 2008, from http://www
.hitachipowertools.com/store_item.php?
iID=518&arrPath=1,6,41,p518,&tab=2&tab=1&tab=2#
Home Depot Homer TLC, Inc. (2008) Buying guide: Miter saws. Retrieved May 17, 2008, from
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?
pn=Mitre_Saws&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
Lowe’s (2008) Buying guide for miter saws. Retrieved May 17, 2008, from http://www.lowes.
com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=BuyGuide/chsmitersaw