Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

lets start with the laser, it has a separate window located at the body and is quite accurate and is desired against a blade installed one...


the laser can be turned On or Off with a switch located on top of the handle...

the safety handle built much better than the previous model, the arbor lock is well located for easy blade change...

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

going to the table, incorporated is a ruler markings for easier and repeatable freehand cuts... very simple and very nice to have...

with the twist of a knob at the back, the fence extends for a more accurate cut especially for high angle miters...

works on both sides...

the markings are easy to see even for people with poor eyesight (don't ask why I know)... and is equipped with positive stops for common angles.

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

the markings for the bevel angles are well designed and clearly marked as well.
access to the release lever for the bevel adjustment is a bit cramped but not a problem and is well built as well.

cut capacity is 12" which makes cutting long boards much easier, was something I do on the TS or with a circular saw...

the slide bars are thick and very stable, no play sideways was noticed and slides very very smooth...

the handle boast an ambidextrous design and is positioned ergonomically correct imho.

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

Nice Saw.

What is the size of the blade and the arbor?

Any side to side play on the blade?

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

now while the fence can be extended, the table can be too. Plus, it has stops at the ends which makes long repeatable cuts a breeze.


now how about cutting grooves or dadoes on the SCMS? non thru cuts are possible with the 3160..
a lever can be moved to stop or allow the head to fully lower or stop at an adjustable depth.

and it can be locked for repeatable cuts...

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

Nice Saw.

What is the size of the blade and the arbor?

Any side to side play on the blade?

the blade is 10", I haven't checked the arbor size yet since it came unboxed and without a manual. but I'm not complaining 😀

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

and to finish off, I tried cutting 11 1/2" pine...

well sort'a. had a guest woodworker who I gave the honors to try...


I guess you can ask his feedback if you can't trust mine (but I think he'd rather review his new ride) 😀

I would like a light mod on this saw, by replacing a pair of bearing for the blade cover (which I will probably do in a few days. but other than that, the saw came in PERFECT!

build: 8/10
performance:8/10
price: well I don't know yet, but with a discount, I'm sure it would be great...

would I recommend this saw? YES I would

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

That MS would surely off load some work from the table saw.

However it will shine for longer boards up to 12" wide.

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

That MS would surely off load some work from the table saw.

However it will shine for longer boards up to 12" wide.

definitely Jay, just imagine cutting an 11" wide board with a 6' length for accuracy as I can't get satisfaction using a CS. now imagine cutting it on the scms... soooo easy and accurate... 😀

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

definitely Jay, just imagine cutting an 11" wide board with a 6' length for accuracy as I can't get satisfaction using a CS. now imagine cutting it on the scms... soooo easy and accurate... 😀

Just the arbor size now. If it can take Freud blades then it would be even better.

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

Just the arbor size now. If it can take Freud blades then it would be even better.

While I'm sure freud has a blade for this, I will let you know when I find out the arbor size...

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

@timber,

nice looking scms!

the motor is located on the exact place where it should be.

my only dislike is the small knob for the slide lock.

i am sure outfitting it with a better toothed blade will give the smoothest of miters.

cheers!

PS

i wonder if the new scms from bosch is available now in our soil.

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

So Skil still has some bright spots..i wonder how much this costs? From the looks of it it is very tempting to buy, probably relegate the old makita to aluminum cutting duties if ever i decide to get this.

How is the dust extraction btw?

Re: Skil 3160 slide compound miter saw

So Skil still has some bright spots..i wonder how much this costs? From the looks of it it is very tempting to buy, probably relegate the old makita to aluminum cutting duties if ever i decide to get this.

How is the dust extraction btw?

How true of tool addicts. We have the same train of thoughts. 😮