Customer Reviews

Freud TR215 8-1/2-Inch Sliding Compound Miter saw

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've used this saw for several months. I purchased it after my sometime building partner was called out of state, taking his superb (and costly) Milwaukee slide-compound saw with him. In all honesty, I bought the Freud elsewhere for less money than advertised here.

You probably will not like this saw if you are a fanatic for fine fit and finish. It's not as aesthetically pleasing as some of it's higher priced competition. The blade guard is cheesy, and the saw doesn't scream quality overall. It's obviously a price-point item. The exception to this is the blade, which is all one expects from Freud.

However, it is a good, functional tool. The cast-aluminum table is top-notch. The miter indexing is good, although the bevel indexing is only fair. I've cut materials ranging from 2-by pt and rough-cut to 5/4 to moulding, and always found the power sufficient. The only mechanical flaw I've found is the electric brake failing to function in extremely cold and damp weather. This is not unique, however, as a I worked with a friend's DeWalt under the same conditions and experienced a similar problem.

If you're looking for an heirloom quality tool, this probably isn't it. If you want something that does a surprisingly good job in rough-and tumble jobsite conditions, or for other reasons cannot justify spending additional money it's worth a long look. For the difference between the Freud and it's competition, I purchased a decent workstand, which truly increases production, safety and ease of use.

26 years in production carpentry, I know my saws. My Freud saw preformed for 8 years of daily on the job use. Northwest rain, blowing sand or apprentices could not stop it. I never even replace a trigger. I do custom finish work and have ordered a second Freud this week. I have used Delta and Makita, this saw gave me better cuts and longer service. Light weigh but stable, I recomend this saw.

Right out of the box this saw looks cheap, (actually it is compared to most sliding compound miter saws) a quick assessment of it's functionality confirms the initial impression. Plastic and cast aluminum parts look cheap, locking pin nearly impossible to use, blade quality is OK, miter turret moves a little hard, blade guard is a strange contraption, no guard to prevent tear-out, and being an 8 1/2" saw it's cutting capacity is seriously limited. There are a couple of nice features however -- the base gives the saw excellent stability while remaining compact. It's relatively lite and It's equipped with an electronic brake. In the end you'll be much better off stepping up to a Hatachi or Makita, They're wroth the extra money.

I have been using mine for about 2 years. Framed and sided a house. Installed about 1000 sqft of hardwood flooring and trim. Built a couple of decks. I found it to be rugged and accurate. When compared to a "chop" type mitre saw for about the same price, the Freud is easily twice as useful because it handles wide planks like siding and wide decking.

Downside:The on/off switch is absolutely impossible to work left handed. Either learn to use it right handed or buy a different saw. The safety has the look of a poorly thought out add-on added for importation into the US. But it can be quickly re-engineered (know what I mean?) making it a lot easier and probably safer to use. Yes the safety is that bad. Saw dust bag is also kind of lame but it is easily removed and doesn't get in the way.

It might not last for 20 years under daily use, but with a sturdy base this is a good, functional, and cost effective unit for a semiprofessional. One of my favorite tools. Only the awkward switching kept it from getting 5 stars.

The saw is not in the caliber of the Hitachi, however, $ is not $, either. I got one for Christmas after requesting it sight unseen because of Freud's name and I love their router. It does take some getting used to. The miter settings are set a little differently than on other saws. The bevel gauge is very difficult to get to easily. But, I wouldn't have had the Hitachi given to me, and it wouldn't have fit my budget. The Freud is a nice saw for the price. I can put up with a little "getting used to it" for the price difference. I do think it is fairly well-made. It doesn't drive like a Cadillac, but I think it will get me where I want to go. Do the words "good reliable transportation" conjure up any images?

I bought this saw for one reason and one reason only, price. I've wanted a sliding compound miter saw for quite some time but have not been willing to invest $500 or more. I've had the saw for only a short time but have these comments after this short exposure. 1. The switch is bogus, easily the worst feature on this saw. Someone needs to have a reality check, then return to engineering school.

2. The accuracy is acceptable, and in my case should remain so since it stays put in my home shop. (I make this statement not yet having tried any compound miter cuts, such as crown molding, for actual fit and finish.)

3. The cut is fairly smooth but I have very limited exposure to other saws and their performance.

For me, it's the right saw at this time. For a professional, I'm sure it would be a disappointment...

I bought the saw because of the price of all the "Big Saws" out there. I have to say for the money I have not been disappointed.
I did take off the lower blade guard right away so as to make the blade visable for fine cutting. I have no trouble operating the saw left or right handed, it has plenty of power to cut 2x material, and the crosscut will cut a 1x12 no problem. I have operated many saws in 20 yrs of construction, and I believe this to be good value for the money. While it is not a 5-600$ saw, it sure gives them a run for the money. I have used it to install crown and trim, and cut shelving, all with no problems, although I would suggest a better Freud blade for this kind of work as the stock one is more of a cross cutter not for fine trim. It beats the slop on the blade that you can get on the bigger saws by keeping the blade to 8.5 inches, the only one better that I know of in this class in a 7.5 inch makita that has a 6,000 rpm motor that cuts like a razor, but then you are back up there in price again, so the choice is yours. I do like the lightweight but very stable base to the saw also, it makes it real nice on jobsites. I do not take lightly buying tools, they are an investment and if taken care of will make you money many times more than their price, and I believe this saw will do the same.

I am a woodworker by hobby, and a part time weekend warrior light contractor. I bought this saw actually used at auction, but it had apparently very little use. As I do with all of my tools, I immediately gave the saw a good inspection with a square and by making test cuts. It was out of square, but the simple adjustments for the fence made correcting that issue easy. With the original blade, the saw makes nice cuts in hardwood without issue. I like the combination of smaller blade and sliding function, and I feel that is more accurate than the wobble i've seen from larger blades.

I think this is a good saw for the money. Downers are the non-standard trigger lock that makes you think consciously about turning the saw on, but once you've had it a while, its a non issue. One other thing is the miter adjustments are cumbersome at first to get used to as well.. The combo wing-nut and flipper are, however effective and easy to use once you get the hang of it.

A good saw.

While sawing a 2x4 stud a knot in wood came out and lodged shearing and twisting motor shaft into. This saw may be ok for small work such as picture frames etc. but would not recommend for heavier work.