Strengths: I originally purchased this miter saw in the early 90s its strenghts are accuracy , ease of use it was the original design of the dewalt saws ,the aluminum base made it much lighter than the cast iron saws of the time and to this day still runs great ,maintenance is easy and most parts are still available today

Weaknesses: weaknesses are high power draw ,needs to be on a 20 amp circuit by itself ,this model only tilted to the right for compound cuts ,the table if not secured in your truck or van ,hard bumps or slamming knocks the table out of adjustment

What You Wanted to Know Before You Bought It: at the time I bought it just wish it would have beveled right and left for compound cuts

What Would You Tell the Maker of This Tool: they have improved the saw over the years and offer better 12 inch radial compound saws today !!!I use this saw most of the time for framing and finish work !!!!!

Strengths: Great for framing. I think its funny most carpenters say this is such a great finish saw and how accurate it is. But the truth is if you want true accuracy you have to have a 10 inch slide saw. The 12 inch has blade wobble cause the blade is so big and at 6 inchs away from the arbor is has a hard time stay8ing straight. Real finish carpenters will tell you 10 inch is the way to go. This saw is a good framing saw and really rugged.

Weaknesses: Accuracy, weight, and the annoying lever you always have to flip back and forth to unlock the dua compound.

What You Wanted to Know Before You Bought It: I knew everything, its a framing saw.

What Would You Tell the Maker of This Tool: Make it lighter, and change to lever on back to the dual bevel mode.

Strengths: saw is very tough and ajustments are quick and easy my original blade lasted two years you can look thourgh the blade gard to see your alinement

Weaknesses: heavy, but cutting 4x4 and such you need it heavy, a little cumbersome to carry, you need a work platform to use it proper.adjustment leg ajust underneath the saw not good if its already tide down,

What You Wanted to Know Before You Bought It: To by a bench for it like the one they make for it

What Would You Tell the Maker of This Tool: have a laser option, better lock down on the exstension leg not under the saw,all in all I abuse the heck of it, it rides in the back of a pick up with no pertection and nothing has ever broke or came out of alinement for 4 years.

Strengths: Excellent power and accuracy. It's cutting capacities are excellent. Finish cuts are exceptionally clean and accurate with the 80 tooth carbide blade. This tool is a must have for finish carpenters and deck builders. It makes life a heck of a lot easier! If you get this saw, buy the Dewalt stand that goes with it. It was well worth the money for me and has fences that you can set up for repeat cuts (a real time saver). Overall, it is probably one of the best tool investments we have made.

Weaknesses: It is a bit bulky/heavy to lug around, especially with the stand. I also purchased the laser for the saw which constantly goes out of alignment, hence, I never use the laser anymore.

What You Wanted to Know Before You Bought It: I wish I knew the add on laser guide was not reliable. I could have saved myself a few bucks.

What Would You Tell the Maker of This Tool: Include a reliable laser system with the unit and you would have the ultimate saw. Oh, and put it on sale more often!