With easy portability and adjustment features built for speed, Delta's Sidekick 10-inch sliding compound miter saw makes a great cutting partner. Weighing in at only 56 pounds, the Sidekick is definitely designed for the job site, rather than the woodshop. Unlike other saws in its class, the Sidekick's entire base pivots--a distinctive feature that surely helped Delta build such a lightweight saw. The saw's dual horizontal rods are located underneath the base, too, which certainly protects the saw's slide and also seems to give the saw a lower, more stable center of balance. The ergonomic D-shaped handle is comfortable for either left- or right-handed use. The cam-action miter lock--always a good idea with miter saws--is definitely quicker and easier to use than the old traditional screw locks.This saw only bevels to the left, however, and setting the miter gauge requires more effort than we'd like. The scale is set from behind the fence, which means you have to lean over the saw a bit to set your angle. It isn't a hassle, exactly, but it might be more effort than finish carpenters--who have to dial in exact angles all day long--would like. However, anyone would appreciate the stock stops, which extend up to 59 inches down the stand. As is standard, Delta's Sidekick has positive stops set at 0, 22-1/2, 31.62, and 45 degrees. Spinning a 10-inch blade at 5,000 rpm, the Sidekick cuts widths to 11-1/2 inches at 90 degrees and 8 inches at 45 degrees. It's a good, solid saw, all in all, especially for contractors who want big cutting capacity and who are tired of lugging heavy compound miter saws around. --Justin Paul
