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Double Lasers Show the Kerf
Porter-Cable and Delta have
added a new dimension to the
laser-guided miter saw.Instead
of a single laser line, these new
saws feature a double-laser sys-
tem that shows the exact line of
cut on both sides of the blade.
That means you can make cuts
from the left or right side of the
blade.That’s huge!
The factory-set lasers can be
adjusted to exactly fit
the kerf of your
blade. The lasers operate inde-
pendently of the motor so you
can activate them for position-
ing without a spinning blade to
worry about.
MITER SAWS
MITER SAWS
68 American Woodworker 2003 TOOL BUYER’S GUIDE
Visit www.americanwoodworker.com for a complete list of manufacturers, models and costs.
the spinning blade).Like a radial-arm saw,the head can be tilted for
bevel cuts and angled for miters.Combine the tilting head with the slide
and you can bevel wide stuff like big base moldings. Unlike with a
radial-arm saw,you can’t rip or dado on a sliding-compound miter saw,
but that’s what your tablesaw is for.
Features
Positive Angle Stops
Distinct positive stops are best (Photo 1). A spring-loaded pin
firmly drops into the angle-stop recess as you’re swinging the saw
to the angle setting. These stops leave no doubt about whether
you’re on the right spot.
Easy-to-Read Angle Indicator
An easy-to-read angle indicator,like the hairline cursor in Photo 2,
makes setting the saw quick and accurate.The vernier scale allows
you to set 1/4- and 1/2-degree increments.
Fence Height
A tall fence is best because it allows you to cut 3-1/4-in. crown
molding on a conventional miter saw without having to add a
wooden sub-fence (Photo 3).The compound miter saws also ben-
efit from the increased support offered by a taller fence.
Handle Style
Handles are either horizontal or vertical.Our testing panel preferred
the horizontal style and the Hitachi and DeWalt were voted the most
Distinct positive angle stops are user-friendly.
Angle and bevel indicators should be easy to
read.Hairline cursors are the best.
HAIRLINE
CURSOR
PIN
1
2
3
A tall fence makes it easier to cut crown
molding.
ANGLE
STOP
RECESS
What’s New?
Delta 36-255L and Porter-Cable 3802L,
12-in.compound miter saws;both available fall 2002 for under $400.
VERNIER
SCALE