Glen
The slide does not lock. At least not on the Ryobi.
You use a sliding compound miter saw differently than you woudl think.
A typical chop saw you positioin the wood and lower the saw. A radial arm saw you positon the wood and pull the assembly. A sliding compund miter you position the wood pull the saw assembly out and down so that its in front of the wood, positioned closer to you , and you push the saw through the wood. Its a little different, But it is a great tool.

Rick
I agree a sliding compound saw doea take up a lot of room.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car