SCMS Choice

[cava]

Hi All,

I have read most of the threads on the various models of SCMS, and with new models/upgrades coming out all the time thought that I would ask here, just in case I have missed something.

Looking for a SCMS for (hopefully) furniture making for private use, and need something with good accuracy.

The parameters/criteria is as follows:
1. Something <$1000, and I have been leaning towards either Bosch or Makita. But am open to other brands.
2. Realistically I think that 10" would be suitable, however 12" would encompass future use.
3. It will be stationary on a 900 mm wide bench, so a stand would not be required and rear space would not be an issue.
4. Accuracy is important. I would love a Kapex, but the budget just does not stretch that far!

Any advice or suggestions would be welcomed.

[FenceFurniture]

4. Accuracy is important. I would love a Kapex, but the budget just does not stretch that far!

I hear your pain George.

I have a Kapex 120, and recently I've been exposed to (and used) some others, mainly Makita. I must stress that they weren't recent models, but there was just no comparison. Even little things like the time it takes to clamp the job (Kapex is a super-quick cam lock). If I had my time again I would go for the less expensive Kapex 88 (saving over $450). I never use the laser on mine (prefer to cut to a line), I doubt that I'll want to cut crown mouldings. I forget what the third difference is but I was pretty sure I could live without it.

I'm still using a 27mm DE hose, but will be changing to a 36mm very soon. Even with the 27mm the DE is pretty good. The cuts are just brilliantly smooth. I changed to an 80 tooth blade and a lower speed. Now, I get no burning, absolutely minimal chip out at the back of the cut and an insanely smooth cut.

G'arn, it's only $400 over budget and you'll never regret it.......you know the mantra......

Cheers
Brett

[elanjacobs]

+1 for Makita.
Whatever you get, make sure it has a single piece fence like the Makita. Trying to get both parts of a two piece fence (such as on a Hitachi) square and level to each other is one of the most painful jobs on the planet.

[cava]

+1 for Makita.
Whatever you get, make sure it has a single piece fence like the Makita. Trying to get both parts of a two piece fence (such as on a Hitachi) square and level to each other is one of the most painful jobs on the planet.

Thanks Elan, I notice that you wrote that somewhere else as well and have taken it on board.

Any suggestion of what model of Makita to go for?

[cava]

G'arn, it's only $400 over budget and you'll never regret it.......you know the mantra......

Still trying to get me in trouble Brett?

I know in the long run that I won't regret it, however, the secret is in surviving long enough to enjoy it.

And just for the record, I am walking a fine line here with tools etc as I still have to pay for some H&S chisels and a load of timber from QLD, that may/may not have gone under the radar.

[elanjacobs]

Can't really help on model, the last one I used was a 10" at TAFE (pretty sure it was the LS1016) and we have a Hitachi at work (hence the fence comments), but I'd skip the laser unless you're going to be doing lots of compound cuts.
I'm in the 'buy the biggest/best you can get away with' camp, so if you can future-proof your shed with a 12" then go for it, but even the 10"ers have a pretty generous cut size.

[jimfish]

I have had a few makitas but now use a dewalt 12 " .
As a fit out chippy I believe the dewalt a more robust unit and the mitre lock is more durable and accurate. Can't comment on other brands as I haven't used them.
Cheers Jim