Question For those who use Clearmount

[coopd]

Pretty sure I am going to purchase the Clearmount measuring system for my fledgling photography business. I have a Sears brand saw which I paid about $120 for a year ago. In your opinion, should I keep this saw and get a carbide tipped blade with the Clearmount, get the Makita that comes with the Clearmount and give the sears saw away, or something else affordable?
Also, once the saw and measuring system is well calibrated, do you still find the need to fine tune the cuts or are they usually good to go?

Thanks

 

[janetj1968]

I've had this for better than 5 years:
http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11430

I attached my mitre saw (its a Sears 10") to my table and attached this to it. It does a great job. It only measures in 1/8 increments but finding 1/2 of 1/8 has never been a problem for me. Looks a lot like the Clearmount in a lot of respects...but is only on the right side of the saw. It'll do mouldings up to 3 1/2" wide which covers most of what I need to cut. With a single saw setup, I have no idea why you'd really need a measuring system on the left, anyways. Includes 39-1/4" long aluminum support table, adjustable legs, measuring scale, fence stop, and Measure Mate Calculator scale. For around $80. It's my understanding that you can get extensions, too.

I couldn't see spending $500+ on a measuring system.

The most important part is get the best saw you can afford with the best blade you can afford (and yes, go with carbide with the greatest number of teeth)...and make sure its calibrated correctly. Stay away from anything smaller than a 10" blade and avoid those pull type mitre saws (designed to allow you wider cuts without wider blades) because they have too much wobble. Mount it to a metal table rather than wood, if you can. If its plum, you shouldn't have to do anything else besides an occasional adjustment. I've only had to do 3 in 5 years.

 

[Cliff Wilson]

I use the Clearmount on two different saws and burned one out and replaced it. So, I've had 3 different saws on the system. The one that is sold from Clearmount comes ready to connect with all the mounting in the right place. When I installed the Dewalt, I had to drill holes in the base to mount the measuring system to it.

I am sure you can use your sears machine if it doesn't have "other" problems.
Whether you keep the Sears or not depends purely on what condition it's in and how much you need to "monkey with it" to mount the scale.

I soppose it's possible there might not be enough clearance, but I suspect it's fine.

Get a good blade!

 

[coopd]

Thanks for the responses. I did have a Frameco but had some problems with it and it did not last long. Glad that others have had some success with it. I decided to get the Clearmount, ordered a blade and will try the Sears saw. I can get another saw if it does not work out.
Cheers

 

[joe]

I have the Clearmount system also. I would get the longer fence for the right side (or both). I don't have the longer fence and now wish I did for really big jobs.