Craftsman Professional 15 amp 10''Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser (21201)

Craftsman Pro 15 Amp sliding compound miter saw April 17, 2012

This product is really the best. Has plenty of power, sets up well, very smooth. Has many attachments that allow you to do a variety of projects.

Wanted something good March 19, 2012

I wanted a good sliding compound miter saw with out braking the bank. I looked at many and ended up with this one by choice of it being on sale. I was nurvice at first because of some of the reviews i read i wanted a accureate saw. I did have to do some adjusting out of the box but every thing has stayed in place and it woorks well. I did get a better blade though for when i want to do trim an 80 tooth craftsman and i like it cuts awesome.

Certainly has the potential... February 27, 2012

I'm an "after-5:00" craftsman. I needed a sliding miter saw to cleanly cut through 10" panels jointed with red oak boards for a variety of projects. I was able to make enough adjustments to get a precision cut when the boards are cut by only dropping the saw down and not sliding it. However, the fence on the right side of the blade is not flush with the left. it is off by perhaps two degrees. If the piece only passes the blade by an inch or two I'm OK. Otherwise the cut is not a perfect 90 degrees. When cutting anything using the sliding feature, and doing so by way of the instructions, the saw needs to be fully extended, dropped then slid back. This produces a parabolic cut which is irritating on many fronts. I also can't actually figure out what part of the machine is enabling this "curve." The only thing I can pinpoint perhaps is the way the bearings are packed. I also noticed too that the bevel stop is in fact off on this machine like others at the 45 degree mark. The other part that is particularly annoying is that the screws holding the bevel stop bracket are neither metric or english. I had to replace the screws with something that I cold adjust with an allen wrench that I could actually make fit. Over all this saws capabilities are there. It seems to be made well and the dust collection works wonders when the saw is used properly. It certainly is not a shop-worthy tool in its current condition but I hope that can change. I purchased an extended master protection agreement so this will have to go back and be revamped with a new fence and perhaps new bearings. I'm giving it four stars as I believe Sears can get this thing to 100% working condition. I'll update when I receive the unit back.

Craftsman 10 inch Professional sliding compound bevel Miter Saw September 14, 2010

I reviewed a lot of saws prior to this purchase, the new Makita and Dewalt were at the top of my list.  I purchaed this saw due to the sales price, it definitely is not a $449.00 saw.  Fortunately, I paid close to half that amount on sale.

About the saw, the sliding mechanisn is not near as smooth as on other saws (Makita, Dewalt, Ridgid) I do wonder about the longevity and accuracy of cut as the slide mechanism wears.  I had to drill out the rear fence mounting holes in order to square it with the blade.  The left side 45 degree bevel is off, I have the replacement bevel lock coming under warranty, I hope that takes care of that problem.  I spent about 3 hours reading the manual and going over the tool, I had to disassemble the saw to accurately determine what was the culprit with the bevel lock. 

The saw makes nice clean cuts, it is quiet and as other have stated it blows saw dust everywhere.  I believe that is due to having enough clearance for the bevel feature and the dust guard, the tolerance is very wide so the saw dust does not directly enter the chute.  My single bevel non-sliding Dewalt has a tighter tolerance between the blade and dust collector to solve that problem.  The handle design is very comfortable, and the saw is light and portable.  The stock blade does a nice job on trim for a crisp clean cut.  I do like the tall fence and the locking feature for it is very handy and easy to use.  The crown molding stop works well and is also very easy to set up.

Overall, I could have spent $450.00 for the the new model Makita, or $190.00 less for this Craftsman Saw...that is the big debate for me.  Is the $190.00 worth the adjusting, disassembly, placing the part order, and the unknown longevity and durability of this saw.  In the long run, no.  If the replacement bevel lock does not fix the left side bevel (it locks on 48 degress instead of 45 degrees) the saw is going back and I will purchase the Makita.

The thing that is important on these sliding bevel saws is the sliding mechanism and the bevel design, they have to be sturdy, easy to use, accurate, and hold up to use.  A lot to ask for, but that is what they have to do.

I would rank this saw a few steps above the Ryobi, it has larger diameter slide tubes, and the location of the motor is where it should be, up out of the way.  The laser works in lower light conditions, it gets washed out in sunlight...no big deal.  If you really need a sliding bevel saw do yourself a favor and spend the extar cash and go for something else.  If you really don't need the cutting capacity of a slider you won't get hurt with the other Craftsman line of non-sliding Miter Saws.

Craftsman needs to go back to the drawing board and refine this saw, the saw does have potential.