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I asked this question to the discussion group in Fine Woodworking, and received no answers; so c’mon you Fine Homebuilding guys & gals, help me out here.
I’ve read and seen in British woodworking magazines a miter saw/table saw combo which they commonly refer to as “flip saws.” These “flippers” share one motor, and one saw blade. The tool appears to be a miter saw, until the base is somehow unlocked and allowed to flip upside down, which then reveals a small table saw. This tool combo seems like it would be ideal for trim carpenters. I noticed in the magazines that there are several manufacturers of this tool, including Elu and also Dewalt. I read somewhere that this tool is not sold anywhere in the USA because manufacturers are concerned about accidents/liability lawsuits. What a shame!
Does anyone own one of these saws? Is this tool any good? What are it’s strengths and drawbacks? Where can I buy one and for how much$$$?
Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Davo
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Davo
The flip saws you have seen are now all DeWalt amd retail in the UK for around £600 ($900)The flip refers to the fact that when a catch is released on the mitre saw side( with the blade fully depressed)the base of the saw flips through 180 deg to expose the blade as a table saw. The pro's are that the saw is as accurate as a site saw needs to be,The mitre saw is as good as any other,They are easy to transport and set up,The cons are that they are a little small maybe for timber above 4x2,with a base of a little over 2 feet square ripping sheets of 3/4 ply can be tricky and lastly because of there size and portability every body I know who has owned one,including myself has had it stolen
I also find it strange that they are not available in the US for safety reasons (I guess no-one at DeWalt has seen a Prazi beam cutter)
Jim..
*James,Thanks for the reply. I really think they would be a good thing here in the United States. I think the U.S. market is geared toward selling their sliding compound miter saws and are afraid that the flip saw would hurt their business. Like you said, Prazi beam cutters are "OK" as well as chain saws, router/shaper tables, and every other type of wood working tool that poses risks, but the flipper is "too dangerous." WHAT A SHAM!Anyway, thanks again for the feedback. One question though; "Can the miter saw position cut compound angle cuts or is it limited to just regular miter cuts?"Davo