While doing a routine scan of Amazon for deals, I spotted this Metabo KGS305 12″ dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw at a <$400 price point. The saw features a 4-3/4″ x 12-1/2″ crosscut capacity, built-in dust collection system, and all the bells and whistles one expects from a top-tier-branded 12″ sliding miter saw.
The saw is currently priced at $385 on Amazon, which is far lower than I would have thought a Metabo miter saw would sell for, although it does seem to be priced at $600-630 elsewhere.
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This deal seems almost too good to be true. There are currently 3 user reviews – one each from 2005 and 2006, and one from late 2011. So maybe Amazon’s just trying to move some inventory from their warehouses. Be sure to read the last review, which describes the saw as a great value option that seems under-powered for professional framing applications.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
fred
I’ve seen some Metabo tools offered for sale that were European wired – 240Volt.
http://www.toolmarts.com/Metabo/KGS-305.html
Is this offereing a 110V machine?
As far as dust collection is concerned – this is a sore point with many SCM’s
Stuart
That’s odd. I would have expected it to be wired for 120V like all other USA-distributed miter saws, unless otherwise specified.
Info on Metabo’s site was very hard to find, but I was able to dig up a fact sheet (opens in Word or rtf text editor). Input voltage is 120V and the saw’s rated for 15A current draw.
David
Just checked Amazon again on this saw and it’s now at $355. Still can’t bring myself to pull the trigger.
Jerry
I just got mine delivered. While not a carpenter by trade, I have spent quite a bit of time as an extra hand at various construction sites, and have had plenty of tool experience. While all I have really done so far is do a few test cuts to be sure everything works, I have been impresses. Now, if you compare it to a $700 DeWalt 12 inch saw, it is very close, but at the same price, I’d go with the DeWalt. However, when you compare it to other saws In the approximately $350 price range, and there is no comparison, hands down this is the best sliding miter saw I have ever seen under $400, maybe even under $500. The motor is soft start, and very smooth. The blade brake is as good as any on a 12 inch saw as I have used, and it comes wired standard 120 volts. I am not a carpenter, just a serious do it yourself who helps friends with weekend projects, and this saw is perfect for me. The instruction manual has clear (for once) instructions for all the adjustments are to square the fence to the blade, and came out of the box already squared up. I don’t have fancy equipment to test square, I just cut a wide board clear through, then turn it around and set the blade to cut only part way through. Try to slice just a blade thinness off the edge, and you will see how square it is. Passed with flying colors. It has nice little touches like a user settable (and re settable) angle stop, and telescoping table extensions on both sides. It weighs over 60 pounds, and build quality is very good, everything works smoothly. I can’t see how the one customer on Amazon could have trouble with the bevel catch letting go while in use, unless they were just using the spring loaded plunger, and not engaging the locking lever to hold it into position, as I found it to be very secure. In fact, the lockdowns for both axises seemed very secure.
Unless you are a true pro who has to have the best of the best, you won’t be disappointed.
Jerry
Just to add, Metabo guarantees parts availability for 8 years minimum after manufacture (mine was made in 2011) and if you register it online will extend your 1 year warranty to 3.
Mike
FWIW, this is a discontinued model, as far as I can tell. It’s in their 2010 catalog, but doesn’t show up on their European website. I think the 315 has replaced it, but Metabo’s not selling it in the US right now. One thing about Metabo is, it may or may not be the best of the best for any given tool, but it’s always good. At this price, you can’t go wrong, provided you don’t want the accessories. A couple of other things. First, don’t count on the parts availability guarantee. This hasn’t been my experience with Metabo. Second, this sucker is HEAVY at 68 pounds.