Craftsman Clamping Miter Box Saw

Craftsman's Clamping Miter Box Saw, model CMHT20800, presents itself as a versatile and user-friendly tool for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike. This detailed review will dive into its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it should be part of your toolkit.

Setup and Assembly

Right out of the box, the Craftsman miter saw is relatively straightforward to assemble. With just a Philips head screwdriver and the provided Allen wrench, I had the tool up and running in about 15 minutes. The instructions are decent but could use a bit more clarity, especially for those who are less mechanically inclined. However, the parts are well-labeled, and the diagrams help mitigate any confusion.

Design and Build Quality

The miter box itself is made from cast aluminum, providing a sturdy base that's both lightweight and durable. The legs, while plastic, are reinforced with rubber pads to prevent slipping, which is a nice touch. The four chrome-plated steel posts slide smoothly, though there is a minor play of about 1/16th of an inch. This slight looseness does not significantly affect the accuracy of cuts once you get going, but it's something to be aware of.

The saw blade included is a 14 TPI (teeth per inch) blade, which is sharp and effective for a variety of materials, including wood and PVC. The maximum cutting height is 4¼ inches, making it suitable for most home improvement projects but perhaps not ideal for larger, more demanding tasks. The table and fence dimensions are adequate for small to medium-sized projects, but if you’re working on large pieces, additional support will be necessary.

Performance

One of the standout features of this miter saw is its angle adjustment capability. The tool locks at preset angles, including 45°, 54°, 60°, 67°, 75°, and 90°, making it ideal for tasks like picture framing or shadow box construction. For custom angles, you can flip the table and manually set your desired angle, though this requires a bit of ingenuity and patience.

The saw excels in making clean, precise cuts. Whether I was working with 1/4" oak quarter-round trim or 3" PVC pipes, the blade cut through effortlessly. The clamping mechanism holds the material securely in place, reducing the risk of slippage and ensuring a more accurate cut.

Usability

Despite its lightweight nature, the miter saw is reasonably stable, especially when bolted down to a workbench. For smaller, portable tasks, this saw is a great alternative to heftier, more cumbersome electric miter saws. The comfortable grip and easy angle adjustment add to its user-friendly design, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods.

Durability and Maintenance

The induction-hardened teeth of the blade promise long-lasting sharpness, and so far, the saw has lived up to this claim. However, the availability of replacement blades is a significant downside. Finding a compatible blade has proven to be a challenge, which is frustrating given the tool's otherwise excellent performance. This issue could potentially turn a great tool into a disposable one, which is a shame considering its build quality and functionality.

Value for Money

Priced at around $50, the Craftsman Clamping Miter Box Saw offers good value for money, especially when compared to cheaper plastic alternatives. It bridges the gap between basic miter boxes and high-end professional models, providing a balance of affordability and performance. However, the difficulty in sourcing replacement blades could be a deal-breaker for some users.

Final Verdict

Would I recommend the Craftsman Clamping Miter Box Saw? Yes, but with reservations. Its ease of use, precision, and sturdy construction make it an excellent choice for small to medium home improvement projects. It's particularly useful for those who need a portable, manual miter saw that doesn’t compromise on accuracy.

However, the lack of readily available replacement blades is a significant drawback. If you anticipate heavy use that will wear out the blade quickly, you might want to consider other options or prepare to hunt for compatible blades from third-party suppliers.

In conclusion, the Craftsman Clamping Miter Box Saw is a solid investment for hobbyists and light-duty users who value precision and ease of use. Just be prepared to deal with the inconvenience of sourcing replacement blades, or you might find yourself in need of a new saw sooner than you'd like.