I snuck (sneaked? snake?) in here from _Fine Gardening_ to ask you about a miter box. I’m a gardener, and I do occasional woodworking projects, either for my own amusement or perhaps a bit of hardscape for a client, such as a custom wooden trellis. I don’t want to buy a big ol’ electric CMS. Would a miter box & saw like the Stanley 20-800 serve me well (see www.stanleytools.com)? Lee Valley (www.leevalley.com) has 2 miter boxes. I need more than just the few standard angles that are built into the cheapie plastic miter boxes, plus I prefer to invest in good tools.
Thanks for any opinions, half-baked or otherwise.
Replies
I don't think much of the newer miter boxes. I'd suggest you contact one of the antique tool dealers on the web and locate an old Miller's Falls Langdon miter box with either a Disston or Simonds saw. The Disston saws have wider blades for deeper cuts and are slightly better saws. A good old Langdon miter box is a fine and capable tool. I like 'em better than the modern screaming miter saws. Of coarse the high end electric saws are pretty good at compound angles you can't cut on the old type miter box.
Garden,
Picking up on Larry's comments, will you need to cut boards that are up to 12 inches..with compound angels? The point is we all start out saying something like.."I just wanna build some stuff, nothing fancy...and would like appropriate tools...nothing that makes anyone think I'm a professional..or trying to be a pro". You'll learn in this forum it takes a lot of skill and supportive tools, jigs, workbenches, etc. to do things manually..did I say skill yet? In many aspects the tools you speak negatively about are much more for you and me than the pro....IMHO
Speaking of miter box's. My good bud just gave me (for the price of a lunch) an old Disston miter saw with base. Saw is in perfect condition. it is 6" tall x 24" long with wood handle that looks new. The aluminum and steel base is being restored right now. Probably worth $100 bucks or more. My bud got it at a garage sale for $6.50.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
PlaneWood
What an awesome deal! I wish I could find stuff like that.Jase--Is there a better way?
Garden Frnd
This is probably more accuracy than you need if you mainly do outdoor stuff, but if you appreciate good, well made, accurate tools, check the Nobex miter saw. It's a frame saw style miter box, made in Sweden. It's used by picture framers, also works well for cutting molding. The Woodcraft and Woodworker's Supply catalogs carry it. GP
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