Milwaukee 6490-6 Magnum 15 Amp 10-Inch Miter Saw

by Milwaukee

Product Description

Miter Saw Buying Guide

Choosing a Miter Saw
Miter saws are versatile tools that have become a mainstay of workshops everywhere. These powerful saws make angled cuts by pulling a circular blade down onto a workpiece with a short, controlled plunge. It might appear that miter saws are infinitely complex and varied, but there are only three general types. The type you choose will depend on your woodworking needs.

Basic Miter Saws
Basic miter saws are the least versatile off the three major variations, but they’re a great starting point for novice do-it-yourselfers. These models typically adjust for miter cuts only, so consider upgrading if you need to do more than that.

Compound Miter Saw
Compound miter saws are easier to use than basic miter saws because you can place your stock flat for cutting, and they adjust simultaneously for miter and bevel cuts. A compound miter saw is great for jobs that feature stock that's not very tall or wide, such as door and window trim or picture frames.

Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Sliding compound miter saws are the most versatile of the available models. They have a motor and blade assembly that's mounted on a moveable arm to accommodate longer, wider workpieces. For smaller pieces, the saw performs like an ordinary fixed-head model. On some models, the blade can only pivot in one direction, but on a dual sliding compound miter saw, the blade can tilt to the right or left.

Important Features at a Glance
Though models will vary by manufacturer and design, these are a few of the more commonly found features that you might want to keep in mind.

• Electric brake: Reverses the flow of electricity when the saw's trigger is released. This is an important safety feature that slows the blade quickly in case of emergency.
• Blade guard: Most miter saws have self-retracting guards that withdraw when the saw is lowered for use, and reappear when it is raised.
• Laser guide: Gives a precise visual line where the cut will occur on your workpiece.
• Dust bag: Helps collect sawdust for a clearer, more tidy cutting area.
• Shaft lock: Immobilizes the shaft and blade for quicker, easier blade changes.
• Table extensions: Mount on either side of the saw to help balance longer workpieces.

Miter Saw Blades
Miter saw blades come in a variety of different sizes, grades, and materials, but there are three main types: steel, high-speed steel, and carbide-tipped blades.

• Steel: Inexpensive and good for cutting soft woods or plywoods. Sharpness diminishes quickly in tougher materials.
• High-Speed Steel: More rugged than steel blades, and great for cutting harder woods.
• Carbide-Tipped: More expensive than other blades but much more durable. Maintain sharpness over a longer period.

Product Description

For Both Models: Positive stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 30 and 45. Cuts 4" x 4" and 2" x 6" at 90. Cast in angle scale 51 left and 59 right sides. Features electric brake to stop blade quickly. Trims 4-1/4" molding. Extra tall fence to support large workpieces. Features spindle lock for quick blade change. Includes convenient built-in carrying handle and locking pin for ease in transporting. Automatic retracting lower guard gives you high visibility and large capacity. 5/8" Arbor.

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Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 41.8 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00004TQEE
• Item model number: 6490-6
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #310,657 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best, March 10, 2001

By 

Ross S. Graupman "topshelfbuilders.biz" (Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Milwaukee 6490-6 Magnum 15 Amp 10-Inch Miter Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I bought this model back when they cost $300, so under $200 is a good deal. This is the best basic miter box you can buy. I've installed base, casing, and crown 40 hours a week for 4 years with this and I have no complaints. Unless it's getting limited use, don't buy a $150 miter box. Get this one. The gauge is accurate and the 60 degree cut has come in handy. When you graduate to precision cutting wider stock (> 5-1/2" wide), get a sliding compound miter saw, but keep this in your arsenal for the base and casing.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good and Simple!!!, June 18, 2003

By 

"milton_lau" (Honolulu, Hawaii United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Milwaukee 6490-6 Magnum 15 Amp 10-Inch Miter Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

If you're looking for a saw that will last a lifetime this is the one to get! Built to Milwaukee's tough "Heavy Duty" standards this saw has quality written all over it! It may lack the compound adjustments with all the bells and whistles and cost a bit more than a cheap Taiwan model, but outfit this saw with the proper blade or jig and it'll tackle anything from trim work to rough framing! Not to mention, with excellent power and precision. The fifteen amp motor is as powerful as it gets without tripping most circuit breakers. This rock solid machine is vibration free and most of the dust actually goes out the dust port! The high fence and clever wrench storage clip completes this simple design.

What I really like about this saw is the effective blade retraction system. The clear lower guard retracts into the upper blade guard assembly away from snagging your thumb or sleeves as the guard moves upwards. O.K., maybe it's just the way I'm holding the handle with my big hands but I have gotten the pointy joint on my thumb slammed on the retracting path of the DeWalt and Makita guards...Ouch!!! To me, there is insuffient space between the handle and retracting guard on those saws.

Along with the high sticker price, this saw should have came with a set of extentions with stopping block and hold down clamps. These accessories are quite pricey when purchased separately. I guess to enjoy fine dining you must order ala carte just as you would with this fine tuned machine!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Precise mitre saw, August 18, 2001

By 

ADRIAN SOTO (Nogales, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Milwaukee 6490-6 Magnum 15 Amp 10-Inch Miter Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I use it to cut aluminum extrusions, it feels solid and makes very accurate cuts. I used to have a lower price mitre saw and this one worth the extra bucks. I think this is the best mitre saw on its class the next step would be a commercial type saw (CTD, Pistorius...)