Replies

1. 
   WillGeorge | May 27, 2005 09:13pm | #1

   I'm also looking for a mitre shear.. Then ya do not need a miter box!  Close is enough!

   As in Close is enough with a Miter Shear!  Dang I wish I had one!

   
   

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   Edited 5/27/2005 2:15 pm ET by Will George

2. 
   SawdustSteve | May 28, 2005 04:17am | #2

   Hi Jag... Please, a bit more info ... How big a miter box do you need. Are you doing large moldings or small picture frames? There are several small miter boxes made of extruded aluminum. They are used by model-makers, are relatively small but they are accurate. Have you done a Google search on 'Lion Miter Trimmers'? If you are interested in making picture frames with this equipment, again Google on 'picture framing tools'.
   SawdustSteve

1. 
   jagwah | May 28, 2005 05:49am | #3

   Thanks for the info I was tryng to remember the name 'Lion trimmer".

   Yes as to size I'm picture framing out a lot of small moldings anywhere from          1/2" x 3/8" to 1/2" x 3 1/2". it's a bunch of complicated fussy old English mahogany library paneling in a new 28,000 sq. ft. home.

   I've considered the smaller ones but think the big old back-saw using mitre boxes like my grandfather had would be perfect for the initial cuts especially on the smaller pieces that the power saws would blow up. Then if that wasn't crisp enough shave a bit with the shear.

   As you can imagine I've lucked into a client who doesn't mind the cost as long as they get the since of old world patient craftsmanship happening within their walls.

   I benefit by finally getting to step back and listen to the sound of whoosh... as my #4 smoothing plane feathers another curl of sweet smelling mahogany and walnut.

   Ok I need to get a life but it's not often for us old carpenters that we get to stop and smell the walnut much less take the time to dress the edge of our tools on the clock. 

1. 
   polarsea1 | May 28, 2005 08:42am | #4

   Too bad you aren't near Oregon, I've got a Fox Miter machine I would sell you cheap. Makes a Lion seem like a toy.

1. 
   jagwah | May 28, 2005 03:30pm | #5

   How much is cheap? Frieght might be a bit. Is this one of the oldies with the cast iron base? 

2. 
   hammer1 | May 28, 2005 05:36pm | #7

   I had a job last year that required at least 500 miters. They were restricted within panels and had to be exactly precise. I started with my power miterbox and added accessories to hold the small moldings and keep them from getting hacked. The power box just was not precise enough. I bought a lion trimmer to fine tune the cuts. The trimmer works best when you are only taking off 1/64" or less. Setting up a stop and being able to cut to a mark is rather difficult on the trimmer. After a couple of panels and a lot of fussing and fitting, I switched to a miter sled on my table saw. I was able to get perfect cuts and accurate lengths with the sled. It cut my time by 2/3 and drastically improved the fit. It's fun to whittle on pieces but it's more fun to get the job done efficiently and get the check from a happy homeowner. If you have a good table saw, spending an hour or two making an accurate miter sled and buying a professional level, fine cut off blade, will give great results. You could do like me and buy some expensive tools, that don't do the job you expected them to do or, the way you thought they would. I would set the trimmer up in the kitchen but the blades are dangerous. Don't make the mistake of touching one.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   jagwah | May 29, 2005 06:26am | #8

   Thanks for the info.

   I've been pondering the realities of this for some time. While the trimmer seems ideal I have used the table saw with good results. Unless I get a great deal I doubt I'll spend the $300 or so for a new one.

   Thanks again 

3. 
   WillGeorge | May 31, 2005 07:28pm | #11

   OK.. Just me and I do dumb stuff all the time BUT I CAN cut straight!

   I use a Japan saw.. Pull stroke... When I have a LARGE Job...

   I hand cut two 20 inch long or so (of the stock I'm using) Get a PERFECT miter.. Hand sand if I HAVE to get the best fit... Outside and inside set...

   I place them on/in the corner... I can look at the fit for that corner and adjust my cut as needed.. Works for me...

   I think you need a good way to hold your stock from moving.. As in a toggle clamp on a long FLAT board more than a miter box...

2. 
   WillGeorge | May 29, 2005 10:31pm | #9

   If you are going to do ALOT of miters over a long period of time.. Get a Radial Arm Saw.. I had a old 12" Craftsman and still working.. However my Son-In-Law has it and uses it to cut metal.. I think I got it in about 1967.. Just back from the Army... My first TOY!

3. 
   WillGeorge | May 29, 2005 10:37pm | #10

   Miter Box..

   Just me.. Get a Japan PULL saw.. And practice a bit.. You can cut as close as any miter box with one.. Just takes the right PULL stroke with the Shoulder 'In line' to the cut..

   Not braggin here.. Well a  bit!... I can cut a straight line with one.. Harder with a PUSH cut saw..

   Just me...

   I was thinkin.. Old Movie..... Japan folks on a SUB.. Trying to get a really big OLD TUBE Radio down the hatch of a submarine,,  One said to the other... We have to figgure out how to make this thing smaller if we get back someday!

   I had one of then smaller ones!  I think the battries were 90 Volt and a few others!

   Edited 5/29/2005 3:59 pm ET by Will George

3. 
   scott345 | May 28, 2005 04:07pm | #6

   check the garrette wade cataloge.