Any tool company CEOs or reps out there. How about giving older carpenters, (you know, the ones with money!), a break from the increasingly heavier tools. Is there any good reason why we don’t see a quality 7 1/2 in. sliding, DUAL tilt compound miter saw. I need to replace my aging 10 in. Hitachi but I don’t want to be lugging around another 10 in., not to mention 12 in., chop saw. Ok, maybe I would like to be able to, but I just can’t. Please don’t tell me “There’s no market”. I’ve been a carpenter for 32 years and a finisher for 23 and I KNOW there is a market. Why can’t we apply all those advances like dual tilt, compact rail systems, lasers, and strong lightweight materials to smaller tools instead of focusing on getting bigger. The higher initial tool cost, extra costs around big dia. blades, big blade flutter, bulk, and most of all weight are all reasons that should encourage us to build smaller, and in case you haven’t noticed, there are a lot less big homes going up and a lot more renovations. Jobs that often call for working in a more confined space, multiple tool set-ups and just more flexability all ’round. The small, dual tilt sliding compound would round out my “going lighter” kit; Cadex 23 guage and Paslode T250A 16 guage, 16′ Big Max tape, folding aluminum sheetrockers sawhorse, smaller synthetic bags, 10 oz. hammer, lightweight air hose, Hilt 40 laser tape measure, etc. These all add up to a nimble worker through the day and a happier body at the end of it. I have all the heavy gear but why work harder if we can work smarter? You aren’t trying to make higher profits through making bigger tools are you? No, I didn’t think so. Any takers out there?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Fine Homebuilding is excited to be the official media partner of the 2024 Building Science Symposium series! This event offers builders, tradesmen, architects, designers and suppliers to discuss topics ranging…
Featured Video
How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post CornersHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
As a DIYer, I know one of my major criteria for tools is light weight. But I'm probably in the minority, unfortunately -- too many people believe that "bigger is better", from hamburgers to cars to houses.
chalk
Take a look at the Kapex.
10" saw, but not heavy like what else is available.
Not light by any means, but not enough to kill you.
Last yr I retired my 8" Hitachi-but wanted the extra blade for mainly crown cutting. The kapex filled the bill-beautiful dual thin laser lines on each side of the blade. A very nice saw and a very high price. But, like you say-think working better not harder.
Have a look.