Replies

1. 
   Dreamcatcher | Feb 23, 2004 09:38am | #1

   Koas,

   The Lion Miter Trimmer is not a carpenter's tool. It is best suited for picture framing. In the field it could be used to shave a miter but not cut a miter. Also, it requires alot of care and maintenance to keep a razor sharp edge.

   Best to put your money into a simple lowcost chopsaw maybe with a 71/4" blade to start. Try a Craftsman or better a Ridgid.

   gk

2. 
   JerBear | Feb 26, 2004 05:04am | #2

   I'm a trim carpenter by trade and I absolutely agree with Koas.  I have owned a Lion miter trimmer for 15 years or so and have only used it a few times.  It's better to get perhaps a 10" compound miter saw which will cost I think even less money and believe me with the right blade you will be just fine.  They're a cool tool but in some ways like my old Millers Falls heavy cast iron base hand miter box, they are obsolete. 

3. 
   OverKnight | Aug 12, 2004 04:14am | #3

   I agree with what has been said here.  I've had what appears to be an identical unit, made by AMT, for about 15 years.  It is terrific for picture frames, where any inaccuracy of mitered joints is far more noticeable than on trim.  The miter surfaces are glass-smooth.  When working with hardwoods, these units work best when slicing off paper-thin slices, especially on larger cuts.  To make a miter in oak, I'll cut the wood close to the dimension with a table saw and then finish with the AMT; it takes quite a bit of force to make a miter cut in oak.  Even with softwoods, they work best in finishing the miter, not starting it.  But if I were to be doing a lot of trim, I'd definitely invest in a miter saw.  It would be much, much faster.