i have that saw. it's good and cheap. i'm no pro carpenter so it's fine with me. the only thing i don't like is when you startup the motor it kicks like crazy. i was looking at some Dewalts that were smoother but a lot more expensive. i'd get some good clamps along with it because you'll line up your piece and it will kick it out of line.

 

I would rent, borrow, or buy used before buying anything ryobi.

 

The saw you link is a compound miter - you can change angle on both the miter and bevel.

If this is your only project look into renting a nice sliding compound miter saw or look on craigslist. I picked up a used Bosch 12" slider on craigslist for $150, new price was over $700

Also - depending on the wood you are cutting, get a high quality blade. Depending on the glue content of the laminate and the thickness and type of top layer wood you can chew up a cheap blade pretty fast.

 

Spend a few more bucks and buy a 12" compound. You won't be sorry. It's like trying to save a few bucks when you buy tires - you think you're saving money, then later you're sorry.

 

I would invest in a quality tool that you could use forever. Trust me, with a new home, you will.

I tend to stick to tools that are manufactured by DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, or Craftsman.

Ryobi = junk.

 

I learned this the hard way with Pergo->Craftsman Miter->Stock do-it-all blade. In the end the blade wasn't so much cutting the laminate but melting it and filling the air with acrid smoke.

 

I cut some Ikea laminate with this guy here:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_0...Name=Miter+Saws

Like they mentioned above ... it was like cutting plastic more than wood. The stuff would melt and stink up the place. I did all of 1000 ft^2 though.

J

 

That is probably a good saw with a high quality blade on it.

 

NFRs2000NYC, i'd look into this one


craftsman compund miter saw

 

Well, here's the thing...

1)The place isn't mine. I am throwing down the laminate because the hardwood looks like crap, and the landlord doesn't want to fix it.

2)I am buying this saw because really, I need to use it once. Problem is, to rent would cost about $35 a day, and it will take me 3 days to redo the apartment, so I figured I'd rather own the saw.

3)This project is costing me a decent lump of money, and the difference between a low end saw and a good saw is $400 or so. A 12" still can't cut more than 7.5" so it is useless to me.

I would consider a table saw, but I will need to cut quarter round molding, and will need to miter it.