Looking for a high line mitre box? What are the differences between Mitre Boxes 1). Millers Falls Langdon Acme Mitre Box series 70’s and 2). Stanley 2358 and 358. Does one cut more accurate then the other? Particular model differences? e.g. 4 inch vs 5 inch, 28 inch vs 30 inch saw.
Will be used for trim and cabinets construction.
Did a search and did not find information on the Stanley’s. Also, the discussion search indicated that in most cases the cut end of the wood will still need to be planed to the desired angle. Is this correct for the better hand mitre boxes?
thanks,
Les
Replies
The hand miter boxes are all about the saw. If the saw has been filed correctly, there isn't a lot of difference between brands. I prefer the largest, longest saw available. It's easy to pull the saw out of the guides with shorter styles. The wider width allows greater depth of cuts, since they don't bevel, end grain 45's have to be cut standing up. The slightest contact with metal will ruin the blade. You have to make sure the depth control settings don't allow the blade to hit the miter box.
The hand miter boxes do have some issues. Stanley and Millers Falls have some clips that will hold the saw up while you position the work. This is one of the hard parts of using these, getting your stock lined up with the mark and not having the blade drop and nick the work. With a good blade, the boxes are pretty accurate but you will want a low angle block plane for fitting. You can't slice a tiny bit off a miter for a corrective cut like you can with power boxes. There will be a little hair left on the bottom and back of cuts.
I trimmed a lot of houses with a Stanley before Rockwell put out the first electric miter box. Neither one would be able to handle the work I do today. I don't miss either of them.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Les
You ought to consider using a shooting/chuting board for miters with any inexpensive miter saw. I have one that I made which makes perfect mitered corners on trim and cabinet doors. Just a couple of passes with a plane ensure perfection.
Jeff
Les,
Presumably you are looking at vintage miter boxes. I vote for the Miller's Falls Langdon box. I own several and they work well. My impression of the Stanley boxes is that they aren't quite as accurate, the Stanley guides seem to be bit more flexible. I agree with the earlier post, the saw is as important as the box and the longer the better.
John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine
Hammer, Jeff, and John,
Thanks for your informative knowledge, it is helping me a lot.
Les
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