Tool Review. An honest review of the GOOD ,Bad, and Ugly of the Kobalt 12" Sliding Miter Saw. This is NOT a paid review but an honest evaluation of this machine.
I really don't understand all the hate for Kobalt and Ryobi. Maybe if you are a contractor that has his tools running 40+ hours a week, then you'd want DeWalt or Milwaukee tools...that cost 3-4 times higher. But as a DYI home builder, I've built a deck, flooring, moldings, trim and baseboard, raised garden beds, kitchen cabinets, shelving, wainscoting, and laundry room shelving all with Kobalt and Ryobi powertools just fine with no issues. I've saved at least $5000 using the store brand (from Lowes and HD) tools....and saved well over $170,000 in home upgrades going DYI over hiring a contractor!
I got the 10inch last year, its not a bad saw, has lots of power. I used it on one job, turned out fine. I don't like the miter adjustment being on the fence, and really can't use the miter stops because the slop around + - a degree. I'm a trim carpenter and swear by the 12 inch DeWalt sliders. So if you want a precise trim saw don't get these kobalts, if you want a powerful framing saw, these are the Saws for you.
Good video. Definitely to maintain the perfect square with the gap in the rear will be very difficult. As you said for decks and also trimming could be as long as you know will need to fill the little gap
I own two of these. I thought the first one was a fluke, bought a second and it’s got even more issues. Laser is cheap and difficult to adjust, then eventually went out on both. The backing plate is crooked, and the pivot doesn’t lock on the degree I want. I bought these 10 years apart, and it looks like Kobalt just doesn’t care.
Hello, I just bought this saw but finding that I can't see the laser line in any kind of light. To confirm it worked I had to wheel it back in my garage, close the door and turn out the lights. This is my first saw with a laser guide and I am wondering if that is typical or am I doing something wrong. I returned the saw thinking it was defective but the second one is the same way. Thoughts? Thanks
I found the laser on the Kobalt to be weak as well compared to other saws. At the time I thought it was lighting in my shop. However, after I returned it and replaced it with a Dewalt, i realized it wasnt the lighting but just a weak laser output.
@@Iowawalrus I didn’t use an after market laser. I replaced the Kobalt with a Dewalt 12” slider and the factory laser is fine. However I usually don’t use the laser and keep it off as I am old school and feel the laser gets in my way.
I current also own two, and both are defective. The first I bought 10 years ago so it’s not covered, but I think the newer is covered but I tossed the box months ago. I regret not getting a dewalt or Milwaukee for a few hundred extra.
You can lock it in place, but once you move the miter setting, it will not return to the exact same position so you have to recalibrate with every move of the miter deck.
Currently I am using the Dewalt 12” sliding miter saw. It is very accurate but doesn’t quite have the depth of cut as the Kobalt. Another good saw I have used but not owned, is the Bosch. It takes less bench space but is much more expensive. I will be doing a full review of the Dewalt very soon
I was planning on doing a review of the Dewalt, but unfortunately my shop was broken into and my new Dewalt was stolen. I now have a used Hitachi, but Hitachi was bought out and is now Metobo
@@woodworkingbusiness1376 sorry to hear that you were ripped off. Being an old guy, I'm familiar with the Hitachi miter saws from days of yore when Hitachi literally established the professional baseline for pro miter saws. I also remember how bullet proof Metabo grinders were in the large bore piping construction trade, an area where a lot of the guys are grinders, not welders. Unfortunately I'm not convinced that Metabo HPT is carrying the legacy of either of the former brands. I'd love to see a tough evaluation of the current Metabo 12" slide compound, but not enough to buy one until someone else buys one and does the testing. Too many of the "tool channels" simply aren't trustworthy, IMO. Thanks for doing this review....I was literally planning on buying the Kobalt because of the awesome looks and current sale price.
I owned one. Wasn't impressed. It would flex a bit at full extension. Blade guard busted to pieces. The trigger finally stuck in the on position. I now have a DeWalt. I threw the Kobalt in the trash.
It’s a good saw for the money as long as you do not require tight tolerance accuracy. I did not keep the saw but returned it and bought a Dewalt 780 instead which I have found to be allot more accurate.
I found this video after noticing this problem and going to the internet to investigate. I just got this thing on sale for $184 and after a few gift cards got it down to $112. It's still stupid good value at the sale price, but will only be used for framing with this issue.
Хобби
I really don't understand all the hate for Kobalt and Ryobi. Maybe if you are a contractor that has his tools running 40+ hours a week, then you'd want DeWalt or Milwaukee tools...that cost 3-4 times higher. But as a DYI home builder, I've built a deck, flooring, moldings, trim and baseboard, raised garden beds, kitchen cabinets, shelving, wainscoting, and laundry room shelving all with Kobalt and Ryobi powertools just fine with no issues. I've saved at least $5000 using the store brand (from Lowes and HD) tools....and saved well over $170,000 in home upgrades going DYI over hiring a contractor!
Good review. Thanks for taking the time.
I got the 10inch last year, its not a bad saw, has lots of power. I used it on one job, turned out fine. I don't like the miter adjustment being on the fence, and really can't use the miter stops because the slop around + - a degree. I'm a trim carpenter and swear by the 12 inch DeWalt sliders. So if you want a precise trim saw don't get these kobalts, if you want a powerful framing saw, these are the Saws for you.
Thanks for the heads up on the slide rail issue!
Good video. Definitely to maintain the perfect square with the gap in the rear will be very difficult. As you said for decks and also trimming could be as long as you know will need to fill the little gap
Very helpful informative and honest review, thank you!
I have to agree with you I bought one and found the same problem so I will also return it
I've been able to get mine as close as a 1/32. Not bad for decking.
I own two of these. I thought the first one was a fluke, bought a second and it’s got even more issues. Laser is cheap and difficult to adjust, then eventually went out on both. The backing plate is crooked, and the pivot doesn’t lock on the degree I want. I bought these 10 years apart, and it looks like Kobalt just doesn’t care.
Get a table saw if you want that much precision.
Man! With 92$ lost from my pocket then I got good one for my weekend projects though. Why do we have to have expensive onece a while only.
Hello, I just bought this saw but finding that I can't see the laser line in any kind of light. To confirm it worked I had to wheel it back in my garage, close the door and turn out the lights. This is my first saw with a laser guide and I am wondering if that is typical or am I doing something wrong. I returned the saw thinking it was defective but the second one is the same way. Thoughts? Thanks
I found the laser on the Kobalt to be weak as well compared to other saws. At the time I thought it was lighting in my shop. However, after I returned it and replaced it with a Dewalt, i realized it wasnt the lighting but just a weak laser output.
@@woodworkingbusiness1376 what laser is the one you put on? Is there a model number?
@@Iowawalrus I didn’t use an after market laser. I replaced the Kobalt with a Dewalt 12” slider and the factory laser is fine. However I usually don’t use the laser and keep it off as I am old school and feel the laser gets in my way.
For my need of a home working, that is ok . Normally goes for my pencil markings not for the laser, they have to be very accurate to stay in place
I current also own two, and both are defective. The first I bought 10 years ago so it’s not covered, but I think the newer is covered but I tossed the box months ago. I regret not getting a dewalt or Milwaukee for a few hundred extra.
Is there an adjustment that can be made and locked into place?
You can lock it in place, but once you move the miter setting, it will not return to the exact same position so you have to recalibrate with every move of the miter deck.
what saw do you perfer or like for precision work
Currently I am using the Dewalt 12” sliding miter saw. It is very accurate but doesn’t quite have the depth of cut as the Kobalt. Another good saw I have used but not owned, is the Bosch. It takes less bench space but is much more expensive. I will be doing a full review of the Dewalt very soon
Are you going to do a review of the Dewalt that you ended up with?
I was planning on doing a review of the Dewalt, but unfortunately my shop was broken into and my new Dewalt was stolen. I now have a used Hitachi, but Hitachi was bought out and is now Metobo
@@woodworkingbusiness1376 sorry to hear that you were ripped off. Being an old guy, I'm familiar with the Hitachi miter saws from days of yore when Hitachi literally established the professional baseline for pro miter saws. I also remember how bullet proof Metabo grinders were in the large bore piping construction trade, an area where a lot of the guys are grinders, not welders. Unfortunately I'm not convinced that Metabo HPT is carrying the legacy of either of the former brands. I'd love to see a tough evaluation of the current Metabo 12" slide compound, but not enough to buy one until someone else buys one and does the testing. Too many of the "tool channels" simply aren't trustworthy, IMO. Thanks for doing this review....I was literally planning on buying the Kobalt because of the awesome looks and current sale price.
Try a higher tooth blade , Diablo is a good brand
What if I got a better or tighter black part at the bottom and give it less room to move back and forth ?
I owned one. Wasn't impressed. It would flex a bit at full extension. Blade guard busted to pieces. The trigger finally stuck in the on position. I now have a DeWalt. I threw the Kobalt in the trash.
Do you still like this saw ?
It’s a good saw for the money as long as you do not require tight tolerance accuracy. I did not keep the saw but returned it and bought a Dewalt 780 instead which I have found to be allot more accurate.
I found this video after noticing this problem and going to the internet to investigate. I just got this thing on sale for $184 and after a few gift cards got it down to $112. It's still stupid good value at the sale price, but will only be used for framing with this issue.
ive always found slides look cool but are nothing but a pain in the ass .
I was thinking of getting one of these