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Craftsman 21231

Budget miter saw

pros
  • Includes stand, accessories
  • Preset detents
  • Good price
cons
  • Non-adjustable laser
  • Limited to 45 degrees
  • Plastic parts can break
  • Not good for clean cuts
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 

Reviews say that for rough cuts on two-by-four and two-by-six lumber, this 10-inch Craftsman compound miter saw is a good buy, but the cut quality isn't fine enough for precise work. Nor is the laser adjustable. However, the saw comes with a stand, vise clamp and extension tables, and the dust port fits a small shop-vac hose in addition to the included dust bag. The main drawback, beside plastic parts that aren't very durable, is that it doesn't miter or bevel beyond 45 degrees. If you can afford to spend more, reviews recommend the Ridgid MS1065LZA (*est. $200), which bevels farther, is easier to use and has all-metal parts.

We found more than 30 owner-written reviews and ratings of the Craftsman 21231 at Sears.com, most with detailed comments. Consumer Reports magazine tests two similar Craftsman 10-inch miter saws, rating them for accuracy, speed, ease of use and edge finish.

Where To Buy
 
 
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. Sears.com

More than 30 owners review and rate the Craftsman 21231 miter saw here, giving it a relatively high average rating of 4.5 stars out of a possible five. The laser guide gets mixed reviews, as does overall durability, but most owners say it's a good miter saw for the money.

Review: Craftsman 10 in. Rear Laser Compound Miter Saw, Contributors to Sears.com

2. ConsumerReports.org

June 2007Consumer Reports magazine doesn't test the Craftsman 21231 in this review, but does it test two similar Craftsman 10-inch compound miter saws, both of which have the same laser guide. Both are tested for accuracy, speed, ease of use and edge finish.

Review: Miter and Table Saws, Editors of Consumer Reports

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