Hey guys,

I'm looking at buying a miter saw, and I'm trying to figure out what I need. My immediate need is just to install a 5" board strand bamboo floor, along with base moldings. Part of the project will be installing the flooring on stairs too. Will a 10" compound do the trick? Do I need a 12" sliding double bevel? How crazy do I need to go?

Thanks!

-Ryan

What are your plans after the install? Will it gather dust? Will you use it as a beginning for a woodshop? That is really the determining factor. The other thing to remember is that pawn shops among other outlets have good tools cheap, especially if you are only planning on using it a few times.

A 10" slider will do most everything.

Pawn shops are the hot tip out here
You can pick up a new Dewalt 12" compound for 150 bucks

If you have some 45º cuts to make with those 5" wide planks, the 10" just doesn't cut all the way threw.

A 10" slider, works for pretty much anything you can throw at it, flooring related.
But with that said, I can do it all, except undercut doorjambs, with my cheap Harbor Freight table saw.