[Shop-talk] Miter saw or compound miter saw

[Karl Vacek]

OK - here's a little more of my ignorance exposed. Aside from cross-cutting
wider boards, which isn't my main need, is there any other advantage to a
sliding compound miter saw saw vs a chop-style compound miter saw ?  Isn't
the maximum material cut thickness almost completely a function of the blade
diameter, or do these saws vary significantly in that respect ?

Looks like the ways in a sliding saw are a major deflection potential, as
compared to a relatively rigid simple pivot of the chop-type.

All the work I'll ever do with this saw is minor trim and flooring at my
daughter's, which is my major concern right now.  Later, at home, I need to
do window and door casings and some crown molding, but at home I have a
table saw and a radial arm saw, so this would strictly be a small
convenience, not a necessity.
 
Thanks for all the constructive and educational comments so far !

Karl