mitertools
I just bought a ryobi 15 Amp 12 in. Sliding Miter Saw with Laser. I never use miter saw before. Cut a few 2×4 to learn how to use it. The problem is everytime I cut, I get a "burning" smell. Not sure if its normal or blade touched other metal parts caused that burning smell.
I also adjusted the depth. I don't think blade touched anything. but still get burning smell.
There are a few different things to look at:
Compound vs. Non-Compound - This refers to the kind of cuts you can make with it. A compound saw can both swivel and tilt. A non compound saw usually just does one or the other. Almost all miter saws are compound, and that is probably what you want.
Sliding vs. Non-Sliding - A sliding saw will let you cut bigger boards (2x10, 2x12, etc) but will be more expensive and quite a bit bulkier. I have a sliding saw, but honestly find that I hardly ever use the sliding feature. How often you use it will depend on how often you work with larger boards (2x8, 2x10, 2x12)
10" vs. 12". A 10" saw is good enough for most work and less expensive, but can only cut up to about a 2x6 in a single cut (unless it's a sliding saw). A 12" saw will cut 2x8 boards in a single cut. You can also cut 4x material easily on a 12" saw, while a 10" saw won't quite make it all the way through.
My suggestion - if you plan on using it mostly for trim or framing work, buy a 10" compound non-sliding saw. If you plan to use it a lot for decking or outdoor work with larger boards or 4x material, get a 12" saw, maybe sliding if it's in your budget.
As for quality items, here are a few things to look at:
Does the miter gauge look accurate? Is it easy to read? If you adjust the saw, can you easily set it to within one degree of accuracy?
Once you adjust the angle and set it, how tightly does it lock in? If it feels "sloppy" you'll have a hard time getting nice cuts.
Brand wise, DeWalt makes some really nice ones, as does Hitachi.
here is a saw with an integrated clamp.
The clamp is useful when you have a large/unwieldy workpiece. For example a 10-12 ft long trim piece. You can use both hands to get it positioned where you want, then clamp it in place and run the saw.
It is also useful as noted in comments, if you are doing a bunch of cuts all the same you can clamp a stop block in place.
Best Answer
It's burning wood you smell. If it's not a new saw, the issue is likely that the blade is dull. Time for a new blade.
If it's a new saw, it could be that you're cutting too fast through too hard of wood.