|
I can only image how great that would be when it comes to cutting the 8' sides - one day.I know it isn't really needed, but having some built in levels would be helpful - you still sometimes never know if things are lined up correctly. I will agree that the thing is a little tricky to setup, but what's a few extra minutes to help ensure a cleaner cut. I've only had this for a couple of days, but already the difference it has made on cutting down 4x8 pieces has made it well worth the price. This thing also grips and doesn't move - when I was cutting some 3/4" birch boards it actually gripped so tight it pressed in some of the wood - I have since learned not to lock it in so much.I think my only real complaint would be how easy the sides get scratched up and dirty when using bare tools against it - I had to setup a plastic guide so I'd avoid hurting the sides. Overall though, buy one - I took the advice from people commenting on the standard version and just went with the wide model from the start. Okay two complaints - it isn't the 99" model.
When I get this thing clamped down it works great. My Bosch has less than 1/2" of clearance and so it does not clear the straight edge - meaning that I can only use this saw to make cuts with the narrow edge of the saw plate against the straight edge, which can be a little unstable on trim cuts. However, I have trouble getting the adjustable side of the clamp to set right so that the clamp will lock - it's supposed to click when it locks, but I find it's quite difficult to get it to do this with the adjustable side of the clamp underneath the straight edge out of sight, and it's fiddly getting your fingers down there to mess with it. By the time I have the thing locked, my straight edge is out of alignment with the line it was set to.Likewise, it's not easy getting the thing to slide away from the workpiece when you release the clamp (I usually pull the whole clamp off the workpiece and flip it over in order to readjust the clamp).Something that didnt occur to me to check was the clearance underneath my circular saw motor housing.
This is a great clamp that is very easy to use.and yes, you can take it right out of the box and start using it. It is that simple.
One thing, the additional price for the ultrawide clamps is worth it. Also I found that set up with a accurate 48" scale was far more accurate than a measuring tape and much easier on the eyes. Expect that in the typical dusty environment that the clamping mechanism may have to be cleaned. It is obvious from the comments from neophytes that they weren't able to easily remove the slack. It worked flawlessly. If you expect to take this out of the box, throw it on top of a piece of plywood and have it automatically square and clamp itself you need to look elsewhere, maybe hire a cabinetmaker.
It is straight and clamps hard and that is all a craftsman expects. The length of the clamping stroke is short but is long enough for the job at hand. The only scrap panel was caused by "pilot error". I used this to cut prefabricated countertop material where the cut edge would be exposed and any out of square issues would scrap a panel. If however you have a lot of experience in cutting panel materials with a portable circular saw you will find this a godsend. Complaints that you need a square are puzzling; if the panel starts square and you cut a parallel line, aren't both parts square.
Lastly while I used the black plastic saw guide with success, the UHMW guide for the "Boomer Red" clamp also sold by Amazon looks like a better design. Lastly, this tool does not have divine origins: after you cut a piece you measure the result to quickly identify problems, not wait until all components are being assembled.
it seemed the product was broken as it would not work. this item sure is not worth the money, not worth the hassle, and not worth having to make a toll call. they were correcting it by including instructions. i followed the cumbersome instructions and got it to -just sort of work. at first i was disappointed in the flimsy nature of the product.
not so. so i had to make a long distance call at my expense. but it is a very awkard procedure and even then sometimes it does work and then again it will just not. all it is good for i think is as a straight edge.foregoing any plans to have it clamp easily to wood and guide a saw. i figured it should be intuitive and easy to use.
there after three attempts, someone told me they had a problem with the product they had not anticipated. never would i have bought this ahd i seen it beforehand. so the person told me the 'secret' of how to make this foolish thing work.
|
May be eligible for FREE Shipping offer
