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Laser Accuracy

2K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  ToddO 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I own a lot of craftsman tools and I guess about 3 of these tools have a laser line feature (scroll saw, circular saw, and mitre saw). I think the only tool that has a truly meaningful laser on it is the mitre saw. The other two help you cut a long straight line, but if you really want it to be straight, you will use a straightedge.

Anyway, I'm wondering how accurate this feature should be. The laser on my saw is probably about 2mm thick. the brightest part is probably 1mm. I don't feel like the line is all that crisp though. It is actually enough that I still just pull the handle down to see where the teeth wil make contact with my board. Should I jsut be using the laser for a reference, or should I be able to rely on it for the cuts themselves. Just wondering.
Thanks!
 
#2 ·
I have a laser on my miter saw- the only tool that has one. In my opinion, with practice you can get pretty accurate cuts using the laser as the guide.

Lasers on other tools- especially the drill press- (at least to me) only serve to increase the price.

Lew
 
#3 ·
I have one on my miter saw but I rarely use it. I got it because of the novelty but, since I move my miter saw outside to cut, the laser can't be seen in the sunlight. But because it is offset from the actual cutline it does take a little getting used to. I just prefer line of sight. Maybe I just can't be taught new tricks. :)
 
#6 ·
I too have a Craftsman jigsaw and mini circular saw with lasers on them. I used to think they were a waste of money, (why not put that money into better quality or a feature I'd actually use I thought). Then for work I looked into laser modules and found out that they are dirt cheap. I guess it's like cup holders in cars, doesn't really cost anything to put them in and you get one more feature to add to the list on the box. Plus if you block off part of the line you can entertain your pet. As far as how accurate they are, they put these tools together by the thousands per day; you know they aren't tweaking each one to make sure it's dead on. So until I can adjust the light, I'll continue to use a straight edge.
 
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