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Patrick Molzahn, Cabinetmaking & Millwork program director at Madison Area Technical College, recently reviewed a selection of power tools and small machines for Wood Digest.

HITACHI C8FSE SLIDING COMPOUND MITRE SAW

The 8 ½-in. sliding compound mitre saw by Hitachi is a compact yet versatile tool. Although the smaller blade reduces the depth of cut (2 9/16 in. at 90 degrees), it also helps reduce the saw’s weight. At 31 lbs., the saw won’t break your back when moving from site to site. While it is compact, it has a mitre capability of up to 45 degrees left and 57 degrees right. The bevel adjustment goes from 48 degrees left to 5 degrees right, helping to cope with compound mitres which are slightly out of square. In addition, the sliding head will crosscut stock up to 12 ¼ in. at 90 degrees.

The C8FSHE includes a work light and an adjustable laser marker. An optional support bracket and length stop are available for supporting longer stock and for making repeat cuts. Overall, the saw performs well and cuts accurately. My only criticism is Hitachi has yet to integrate a holder into its saws for the blade changing wrench, which is supplied with the saw.

MILWAUKEE 6955-20 12-in. DUAL BEVEL MITRE SAW

I’ve got to hand it to the designers at Milwaukee Tool Corporation — they never stop trying to improve their tools. Their new 12-in. sliding mitre saw is a real winner. The saw comes equipped with an LED work light to illuminate the workpiece. The mitre adjustment includes a digital readout accurate to 1/10 of a degree, and has a micro-adjustment dial for precise setting. The saw will mitre up to 55 degrees left and 65 degrees right. The bevel adjustment is easily reached from the front of the saw, and goes up to 50 degrees both left and right. The fence has been redesigned from earlier models, not only making it easier to recalibrate, but also easier to use when cutting bevels. A new style bag actually collects a significant amount of the dust when cutting — something most saws fail to do. The only downside is that the rectangular opening does not allow the user to hook up a vacuum hose.

Other features on this saw include a redesigned depth of cut adjustment, equipped with a flip lever allowing the user to instantly switch back and forth from partial to full depth cuts without time-consuming adjustments. As with earlier models, the saw includes a blade changing wrench attached to its base. The wrench also includes a hex driver for removing the blade guard and making adjustments on the saw. The designers even added rubberized grips at the saw’s base, which are friendly on the user’s hands when it comes time to moving the saw to a new location.

SAWSTOP 10-in. CONTRACTOR'S SAW

Sawstop recently introduced a 10-in. contractor’s version of its popular cabinet saw. The designers deserve due credit for rethinking what a table saw should be, from the well-labeled packaging, making assembly a breeze, to an optional mobile base that allows the user to easily maneuver the saw around (even with the optional 52-in. side table attached). Kudos to the manufacturers for providing “beefed up” blade wrenches for changing blades, and a blade guard that actually works well enough to remain a fixture on the saw. Not to be outdone, they even included a magnetic “Quick Start” guide, which can remain attached to the saw for users to refer to.

The model I tested included an optional 52-in. fence upgrade and cast iron extension wings to replace the stamped steel wings that come standard. The only cheap parts of this saw are the cast aluminum tilt and height adjustment handles. Overall, the saw performed well and would be a worthwhile addition to any work site or small shop. The on/off paddle switch is easily accessible, and can be locked out to prevent unauthorized use.

This saw includes the same blade stopping, amputation preventing technology as has been proven on SawStops’ cabinet saw. Some may scoff at the price compared to other contractor saws. However, given that the majority of table saws I see on work sites typically have their guards removed — a violation of OSHA requirements — this saw may just be the cheapest investment you make.

DEWALT DW717 10-in. DOUBLE BEVEL SLIDING COMPOUND MITRE SAW

DeWalt has redesigned its sliding mitre saw to include several new features. The bevel latch lever is now located at the saw’s side, making it easy to access from the front of the saw. A mitre latch override allows the user to make small adjustments near the angle’s detents without slipping back to a preset angle. A grooving stop allows the user to adjust the blade depth, and then flip it out of the way for making full-depth cuts without having to change settings. One unique feature on this saw is the side stop, which positions the saw on the rails so that the tallest possible vertical mouldings can be cut with the head in the locked position.

As with most mitre saws, the dust bag is ineffective at capturing dust. However, its round port can easily be attached to a vacuum hose. A wrench for changing blades is included and attaches to the saw’s base. Although somewhat awkward, the blade guard is adjustable so that it pivots out of the way when changing blades. The saw also includes a vertical hold-down clamp, which can be mounted on either the left or right sides of the saw for securing the workpiece.

FINALCUT SAW BLADE

The Finalcut saw blade (www.finalcutblade.com) is a unique solution aimed at saving operator time by providing finished rip and/or crosscuts in one operation. The maker claims the blade works equally well on both soft and hardwoods. I compared samples from this blade with material cut from a number of different saw blade types, and found the finish left by this blade superior, with the exception of my fine tooth mitre saw. Though I remain somewhat skeptical about how frequently the abrasive would need to be changed, I can see this product useful for a trim carpenter trying to achieve a better end result while working on-site with limited equipment.

BESSEY K-BODY 'REVO' CLAMPS

I remember how excited I was when Bessey first came out with its K-Body clamps — finally a fast acting bar clamp with square faces and extended jaws. Now the K-Body has been replaced with a new and improved model — the K-Body “Revo.” It has all the same features as its predecessor, only with a larger clamping surface and with a 25 percent increase in clamping pressure. The jaws come with removable, glue-repellant protective covers to prevent marring of the workpiece. The fixed jaw is now movable, allowing the user to achieve better balance when using long clamps — translation: no more long-handled bars projecting outward from clamped objects. Additional features include a newly redesigned two-component handle with a soft plastic insert for better gripping, and a plastic stand at the end of the clamps so they will sit upright on a table surface.