I own a miter saw purchased 3 years ago. It cost me RM 540 (USD 140) – considered very cheap, at that time. Other branded ones of the same class cost  about  RM 900 to RM 1,200  (USD 240 to 320) 

 I did not read carefully the brand-name. My eyes told me it was “Makita”, I just grabbed it. When I reached home I read the o/manual. The machine was actually “Wakita, written in the same font, colour and size of Makita, and the country of origin : China. 

The machine make did not bother me anyway, at that time. It was not for heavy usage after all.   Believe me, it cuts miter perfectly. Very clean cut every time – without a single hair thin wood fiber tear out. The blade can cut aluminum as well.  The only problem is the drive belt.  I’d   replaced  the drive belt  twice in a month, after approximately 15 to 20 cuts. 

Recently when I wanted to replace the belt again, I was told  by the  shop’s owner that  he  could not  get new supplies. None of the drive belts available in the market fit the machine.  To end my  story of  sloppy drive belt  – the manufacturer  in China has closed shop.

I’m thinking of modifying the miter saw (without using drive belt).  Perhaps  I should  convert the machine to a spindle sander  for example but I’m afraid the RPM may not be suitable for that purpose.

Any idea  what  to do with  that Wakita miter saw ? Just anything would do, as long as  the machine  is still with me. 

The morale of  my story : Carelessness …

… Do not believe your eyes, double check what they see,  and what  a woodworker saws.