mitre sled vs mitre saw

[Marcellarius]

I saw a bargain for a 12" mitre saw (from $200 for $130) kind like this one, same saw other brand.
and I have to make some frames soon.
but it's still $130 so If I'm only gonna use it once....

so I thought what if I make a mitre sled like this video for my table saw?

would that work as good as a mitre saw?

so mitre sled vs mitre saw

[Dan26]

I made a sled for my table saw out of scrap pieces of wood and it works great. I have a miter saw, but it has its limits. If you only plan to use it once and a sled will work, I'd invest the hour or two to make the sled.

[julief]

You will find you use it all the time.  My miter saw is used 10 times more than my table saw.  Most of the pieces we use are small and it is so much easier to use the miter saw than the table saw.  Just my 2 Cents.

[Al W]

I have found much the same as Julie - I tend to use the miter saw frequently!  Major cuts (picnic table construction) to work on small projects.  I really spent some time tweaking the saw for a true 90 degree cut, and of course the 45, so I tend to use it several times a day (when I get to spend the day in the shop).

I also plan on making the sled - just because I like working with the table saw as well, and I think there are times when each has its own appeal.

Oh, on the miter - I took the fence to a machinist and had him true it up to a "perfect" flat - helped mine immensely.

Good look on the decision.

[Rapid Roger]

For picture frames, I highly recommend the miter sled instead of the miter saw. It is much more accurate and easier to use.
As long as you cut the ends on the opposite sides as shown in the video and use stop blocks for the length of the sides, you will get perfect frames every time. 
It doesn't have to be as fancy as the one in the video, in fact, mine does not have the front and back fence at all!    I just used a piece of plywood, two runners, and two 45 degree fences. Just make sure you never cut all the way through the plywood base.  As long as the fences form a perfect 90 degree corner at the front and are straight, you are good to go!
Much cheaper, easier to use and a guaranteed true miter corner every time, regardless of the size of the frame!

Rog

[EIEIO]

I have a radial chop saw that I use all the time for 2x4 cutting and other big stuff, but I have trouble trusting it to give a good enough angle for a picture frame.

I use my table saw miter gauge, but I set it to 45 degrees using a machinist's combination square
, and usually stack the picture frame opposite sides and cut them together so they are very accurate in length.

I also like to raise the table saw blade to 2" above the table and cut a 1" deep slot into each corner to add a 45 degree spline. It strengthens the corner and looks better than a screw.

[tvman44]

If you don't think you will use it again I vote for the miter sled, but I bet if you got the miter saw you would use it more than you think.

[mickey357]

I have both table saw and a 10 inch slide arm miter saw, my miter saw is used far more than my table saw. My miter saw is set up in my shop and the table saw is set up in the barn. I find the 10 inch slide arm miter saw is all I need for everyday use for cutting most boards for the scroll saw.  Plus blades are cheaper for  10 inch than  for 12 inch. Both saws I got from Sears and very happy with each one.

[Dakota Saw Dust]

My two cents - make the slide.  If you make a slide like the video, I would not perminately attach the two vee boards. Oh you need them for your 45degree cuts but if removed & saved the slide can also be used as a cross cut slide [with almost a zero blade openings,i.e.less bottom tear out]. Stops can be set up for either slide more easily on a slide than on a miter saw. I personally have works with some well used miter saws and the side to side movement on the pull can change the cut slightly.  My own saw came over on the May Flower, weighs a "ton" and has two 45 degrees stops left & right that have remained dead on.  If you do decide to buy the saw, be sure its bearing still do the job. Good luck on your choice.  Brian   

[dirtrider73068]

Go for the sled, I made one out of scrap wood for my table saw and made a small box from Steve's patterns and the corners were spot on and was nice looking. http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/dirtrider73068/media/scroll%20saw%20pics/IMAG0498_zpsba7fd4f4.jpg.html

[GrayBeard]

Very good video of making a miter sled.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H00prACPflw

~~~GB~~~

[dirtrider73068]

Thats the video I watched and built mine from though its not like his, but does work the same, and was easy to make and fun as well.

[Marcellarius]

thank you all, I did gave it a long thought and started on the sled.
will give that a try first, cheap and most of you say it's good.
let you know along the way what I think of working with it,