Craftsman Miter Saw Review: What You Should Know About It
Contents
- Presenting… The Craftsman SM2509RC Miter Saw
- Best Features of the Craftsman SM2509RC
- Full Versatility
- Silent Motor
- Compact, Ergonomic Design
- Flexible Miter Cuts
- Improved Crosscutting Features
- Good Dust-Collecting System
- My Craftsman Miter Saw Review
- General User Impressions
- My Opinion
- Things to Consider Before Buying a Sliding Miter Saw
- 1. Safety Features
- 2. Motor Power
- 3. Dust-Collecting System
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
When you’re making anything out of wood, whether it be furniture, molding, or any kind of frame, you know you’d need to make angled cuts. You need a miter saw.
This article covers the Craftsman SM2509RC, a 10-inch compact sliding compound miter saw. It is an older model from the Sears era of the brand, so it is now hard to find new; check used listings or Craftsman's current lineup.
Read on to understand what this saw has to offer, what its key features are, its ideal uses, and its flaws and weaknesses. By the end of this Craftsman sliding miter saw review, you’ll know whether this is the right tool for you!
Presenting… The Craftsman SM2509RC Miter Saw
Craftsman has been around for nearly a century, so woodworkers expect a lot from its 10-inch compact sliding compound miter saw, the SM2509RC.
In fact, it’s one of the few sliding miter saws that offer a unique wall-hugging feature. This is where the side rails hang beside the blade allowing the saw to cut and miter even when backed up against a wall.
It runs on a 15-amp motor, the standard for corded miter saws, with enough power for hardwood and softwood trim.
It suits hobbyists and light-duty contractors. It is compact and portable for a sliding saw.
It is not the right saw for anyone who regularly miters thick stock. A 10-inch blade will crosscut a 4x4, but mitering one is beyond its capacity.
Best Features of the Craftsman SM2509RC
These key features separate the Craftsman SM2509RC from the rest:
Full Versatility
What truly sets the Craftsman SM2509RC apart from other miter saws is its versatility. Hobbyists in small, tight shops will definitely appreciate this feature.
Unlike other models, its side rails are not attached behind the blade, but rather beside it. This allows you to get a full range of motion even when the blade is pressed against the wall.
Silent Motor
Some owners describe this saw as relatively quiet for a miter saw. Do not take that to mean safe for your ears: any miter saw is loud, and OSHA notes that exposure over 85 decibels can damage your hearing. Wear hearing protection every time you cut.
Compact, Ergonomic Design
Are you a beginner? Then you’ll love this next key feature!
The Craftsman SM2509RC has a functional, ergonomic design that makes it easy to handle and carry around. It doesn’t take much space, so you’ll have room for all your other woodworking essentials and power tools.
For contractors, the compact size makes it easier to transport.
Flexible Miter Cuts
The SM2509RC miters up to 50 degrees left and right, a common range for miter saws. The wall-hugging rails let you use that range even in a tight shop.
Improved Crosscutting Features
A sliding miter saw can crosscut wider boards than a non-sliding saw of the same blade size. The SM2509RC can also crosscut a 4x4 at 90 degrees.
Good Dust-Collecting System
Most miter saw dust bags catch only part of the dust. Owners report this one does better than average, and you can improve it further by adding a shop vac to the saw.
My Craftsman Miter Saw Review
Here are the main pros and cons, based on the saw’s features and owner feedback.
Pros
- Wall-hugging design that allows maximum versatility
- Quiet motor doesn’t make loud, irritating noises
- Good dust-collecting system
- Functional, ergonomic design promotes better handling
- Can create smooth, clean cuts
Cons
- There are times where multiple adjustments had to be made before the miter saw was able to create accurate cuts
- Its ability to finish sharp angles and precise edges isn’t always the best
- Can cut 4×4 boards, but can’t miter them
General User Impressions
Owner feedback is a useful check before buying. Users generally praise this saw for clean, accurate cuts. It saws smoothly, and the blade glides along the railing perfectly. That makes it perfect for creating small, precise pieces such as picture frames, crown molding, and door frames, among others.
Some woodworkers say its accuracy is inconsistent until it is carefully adjusted. Check the miter and bevel stops for square before precision work.
Hobbyists in tight spaces also liked its dust collection and its budget-friendly price.
My Opinion
The SM2509RC is a versatile saw for a beginner or hobbyist. Its 50-degree miter range and wall-hugging rails make it useful in a small shop.
Some users find it bulky, though it is portable for a sliding saw. Its 15-amp motor handles typical trim and framing lumber.
We recommend it for:
- Beginners: It has an accurate laser pointer, tall siding fence, and ergonomic design. Even beginners wouldn’t have trouble handling it.
- Light-duty pros: It can serve for trim and remodeling work. Keep a larger saw for thick stock a 10-inch blade can’t handle.
While it may be a great, all-around miter saw, I don’t recommend the Craftsman SM2509RC to woodworkers who regularly miter very thick boards in small, cramped spaces. You’d be better off with larger options built for heavy-duty slicing.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Sliding Miter Saw
Check the following when shopping for a sliding miter saw:
1. Safety Features
Look for a self-retracting blade guard, an electric brake, and a hold-down clamp. OSHA's tool safety guidance says to secure work with clamps or a vise so your hands stay free and clear of the blade.
2. Motor Power
Next, check the motor. Most full-size corded miter saws draw 15 amps, and smaller models draw less. Avoid underpowered bargains if you cut hardwood.
3. Dust-Collecting System
Woodworking is great, but cleaning up sawdust is a drag. If you don’t want to spend long hours sweeping dust and shavings off the floor, then make sure you buy a miter saw with a functional dust bag.
Most miter saw dust bags catch only part of the dust, so a shop vac connection helps.
Pro Tip: On a sliding saw, pull the head out, lower the spinning blade into the board, then push it back toward the fence. Never pull the blade toward you through the cut, which can make the saw climb the workpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Craftsman 10” miter saw cut a 4×4 wooden board?
You can make a 90-degree cut on a 4×4 wood. However, the Craftsman SM2509RC is not suitable to miter it.
Does this miter saw model have a laser guide?
Yes. The Craftsman SM2509RC has a laser guide. You’ll find the switch above the handle.
What pieces can you cut in one pass?
The Craftsman SM2509RC can easily cut simple pieces like decking, laminate flooring, shelving, and crown molding in one pass.
Final Thoughts
That’s everything you need to review before buying a Craftsman miter saw model SM2509RC. All that’s left is to reassess your goals and determine whether its features match your needs.
Overall, it is a versatile miter saw for hobbyists and light-duty work. Its 15-amp motor handles hardwood and softwood boards.
Its wall-hugging rail design lets you make wide crosscuts in a cramped shop, for jobs like decking, trim, and door casing.
