Comments on: Cheap-Ass Tools: Miter Saw Laser Guide

By: Clyde

Clyde — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:44:08 +0000

I need a laser guide for my Ridgid 12″ Miter saw with a 1″ arbor.

By: SteveDwsn

SteveDwsn — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:12:49 +0000

I bought the Irwin for my miter saw. It is the best $30.00 tool in my shop. I am going to try it on my worm-drive. Mine cuts perfectly. If yours is off, I hope you are able to adjust, because the perfectly square cabinet you just made will not work in your out of square kitchen.

By: Shopmonger

Shopmonger — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:12:32 +0000

Lasers are great……………………….. But only in certain situations. On a miter saw they are great. it is amazing how useful they can be. I understand that is a production shop where guys have been using these for 10 years and they know each saw, lasers may not be needed or even wanted. But I have the Irwin oneand I love it for setting up mitered cuts.

By: NotTheSharpestSpoon

NotTheSharpestSpoon — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:10:54 +0000

I use it mainly to line up the angle when transferring from a bevel angle tool onto the saw. Then I use the “blade to stock” method the place the cut. I never use the laser guide for actual cut placement. I guess I’m old school, just don’t trust these new fangled “lasers” as the young’uns call ‘em.

By: jeff immer

jeff immer — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:49:14 +0000

i bought the harbour freight one it works nice but i find myself not really using as much as i thought however it does make miters easier if do not mark the entire board

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:23:33 +0000

12″ Hitachi Chop saw with laser. I love the saw as a tool, however, the laser is off a bit(not sure how much) and it is barely visible when outside on a sunny day. I could do without it and I would not pay more for a saw with a laser.

By: fred

fred — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:37:01 +0000

None of our miter saws have laser guides - nor have any of my finish carpenters been clamoring for them. We had been happy with some older Bosch saws and happier still with some newer Makitas. We are coming up on needing to replace a few (maybe 3-4) - and I was thinking of taking a look at the new Festool (if my accountant will allow it) but I’d be interested in hearing comments from those toolmongers who do put laser models to professional use.

By: Benjamen Johnson

Benjamen Johnson — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:05:02 +0000

George K:

It cuts to long. That is if I put the laser line on the mark, I get 1/16″ extra.

Good idea removing some material from the blade side, I’ll have to check sometime if there’s enough material to make the adjustment.

By: George K.

George K. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:51:38 +0000

Good point Chuck…
Now the real question. Which way is it off?!?! (cutting long or short)

By: Chuck

Chuck — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:31:42 +0000

Does it recommend a thin kerf blade? You can always add a 1/16th dado shim underneath it if you take off too much.

By: George K.

George K. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:55:07 +0000

I’ve never handled the Irwin laser, please note that this is a guess at best…
Is the case thick enough on the blade side to remove about 1/16 of material via a belt sander? This could give you the adjustment you need.