Laser Guide for shop saw

[Krawlin98ZJ]

edit: i meant Chop saw

Has anyone used this http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JFNKX0/?tag=atomicindus08-20 what do you think of it? does it work well?

 

[dink]

Personally I see these things as total gimmicks.....your already chopping or cutting down in a straight line where you need to be.....why waste the money

 

[volvo]

Personally I see these things as total gimmicks.....your already chopping or cutting down in a straight line where you need to be.....why waste the money

Because some people just do not know where they are not suppose to put their fingers...H

 

[Larz]

Lowe's carries these for about the same price. I looked at them. Don't think I would like it as an add on.

I use a miter saw more than any other tool in my woodshop. I can see where these would help with accuracy and lining up the blade to make a cut. My older saw had the blade guard covering the entire blade, including the very bottom where you lined the blade up with the cut line. You had to hold the blade guard up with one hand to line up with the cut line. With the laser, you don't have to worry about that. Line the laser up and cut. I'm not much on "gimmicks" when it comes to tools but I think the laser light has a place.

 

[-lecroix-]

Personally I see these things as total gimmicks.....your already chopping or cutting down in a straight line where you need to be.....why waste the money

You haven't used a chop saw before. Have you?

They do nothing to help you cut "straighter." They help to align the saw so the blade is exactly where it needs to be in reference to the piece being cut.

I think they are a great idea, although a bit pricey.

 

[ba614]

Are we talking about an abrasive blade chop saw to cut metal with?

If so. You tighten the material in the saws vice a little, then with the saw turned off you bring the blade down to your cut line and make sure you cutting the right side of the line, tighten the saw vise and cut the material.

It's that simple so I don't know what anyone would need a lazar light for. Oh yeah, if it's got a guard that extends past the blade you just pull the guard up when you set the saw for the cut.

Just another gimick to me.

 

[PAToyota]

A friend got a laser guide for his drill press. The problem I saw was that you had to reset it if you changed the thickness of the piece you were drilling or adjusted the height of the table. Too much trouble for what I do, but he makes harps and drills hundreds of holes in a piece and has to align each one. So for him it made sense. I think these are the same. When I'm out in the shop I'm taking my time, relaxing, and enjoying what I am doing. If you're doing production work, where any time saved adds up, then the laser helps because you save time with each cut by not having to check if you're lined up.

 

[Junkman]

I have one on my DeWalt 12" miter saw, and it is OK if the room isn't brightly lit. Worthless if outside. I would vote for "save your money" on this item.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

There have been a few saws that the lasers have been decent on. Those that show both sides of the saw blade, so you know the kerf.
Most, just show one side or the other, and aren't very bright.

Now give me a laser, to REPLACE the blade, and do the cutting for me, then I will be happy. Otherwise, we've done without them for so long, and have built quite a few impressive structures.

 

[Krawlin98ZJ]

Well it seems to be that the general consensus is the same as my own, I guess I'll pass on it too then. I was just wondering if maybe I'd overlooked something in my hastened judgement.

 

[l_bilyk]

My bosch saw come with something like that.. it's OK.. helps if you're doing bevels to see where the blade is going to enter... but i probably wouldn't pay extra for it

 

[Major Ramifications]

I have always wanted one on my saw, but have resisted buying the flange type (like the Irwin shown) because I figured the line would be a little off. I would love to have a dual LASER setup on my saw, but I like my saw (Dewalt 706 21" dual bevel) too much to get rid of it just to gain two LASERs.
On the guy with the laser on his drill press, Sears sells some inexpensive drill press LASERs that project a big X with the beams. The intersection of the two LASER lines doesn't move as the table is raised or lowered, or if the workpiece thickness is changed. It works great if it will fit your drill press (won't fit my old Emerson made Craftsman).

 

[PAToyota]

Here is the one he installed - not sure but it may be the Craftsman that you're talking about... Since it clamps to the post of the drill press, where the beams cross is dependent upon the vertical plane that they are projecting on.