Thread: Laser sights on your saws

I suppose it depends on which model and how much you pay

If I were to follow the laser line on my GMC jigsaw, I would finish up about half an inch off in a 6 inch cut

There doesn't seem to be any way of re-aligning it either

The actual laser beam is very fine and easy to see in all light conditions, so it would be great if aligned properly

So you get what you pay for I guess

Cheers,

Ned

As has been mentioned before, lasers on items such as SMCS are quite beneficial (when you spend the requisite amount of time ensuring it is accurate). Like any measuring item, that has a thickness, you align one edge. My SMCS has 2 lasers, showing either side of the kerf - useful so you can approach the cut line from either direction.

Lasers on items that have a tendency to track (bandsaws, jigsaws) are a marketing joke - you get the situation that Ned refers to every time.

However, in any case, I'd not use the presence of a laser to sway my purchasing decision - there are much more important features. If it then also has a laser - bonus.

As Stuart has already said, a laser and an SCMS can make make a good combo. Provided it's a good SCMS in the first place, of course.

I also set the laser so the edge denotes the cut line... unlike Stu I only have a single laser so it can only be relied on when I always cut the same "way." ie. at the mo I use the LH edge of the laser line as the cut marker with the waste to the right of the blade; cutting t'other way would need me to reset the laser. Still, 'tis only a minor quibble... for accurate cutting I always cut in a RH manner anyway 'cos it's basically a RH machine.

On the other hand, a laser on jig- or scroll- or even a band-saw is about as useful as air-conditioning on a lawn-mower.

My SCMS has a laser and my normal MS doesn't. I tend to ignore the laser and drop the blade to my mark before hand to get position - its just a habit.
Well actually I don't ignore it i use it as a rough guide but still eye the blade before I cut.

Originally Posted by Hickory

Laser sights on saws, Are thety worth it? can you get an accurate cut (really?) ? I was cutting some molding for a friend and having a time getting the blade alignment to set just right and my friend said, now would be a good time for a Laser...."

I have always thought the Laser line would be thicker than a thin pencil line or marking knife line and so I felt it would be OK for construction chopping but for detail work I figured it was useless.

So I am seaking advise from fellows who do the deed and are not trying to sell. Those of you who have them, do they detail well? Would you get another? Do you use them?

I trust you fellows more than the Magazines and Catalogs or the store clerks, You, who do use them know what I mean and if I need one.

My purchase will rely on what you say.

Thanks and have a good day!

I agree with all of the above .My SCMS has a lazer ,but I never use it .I have never really taken the time to align it .Im sure in the manual it tells you how though.
I just do as BleedingThumb does ,drop the blade to a scribed line where I want to cut.
Getting repeatable accurate cuts is more aproblem for my SCMS , its a Ryobi , which my wife bought me as a surprize Christmas present ,(no consultation with the end user).I would have prefered no surprize and an accurate saw.Its ok for rough cutting though.

Thanks guys for your input, seems that the consensus, both here and other forums (where I asked the same question), is that they are handy to reference a close proximity and to lighten up you finger and warn of the intimate danger, If you remember to turn them on or replace the battery. With proper adjustment and remembering which side of the beam it cuts and the amount of tollerance it can be a very useful tool, BUT... as far as an accurate instrument, necessity, or must need tool, It is primarialy a toy more than tool.

Does that sum it up?

I already ordered one for my SCMS, It shoud be a handy addition

Originally Posted by Hickory

Thanks guys for your input, seems that the consensus, both here and other forums (where I asked the same question), is that they are handy to reference a close proximity and to lighten up you finger and warn of the intimate danger, If you remember to turn them on or replace the battery. With proper adjustment and remembering which side of the beam it cuts and the amount of tollerance it can be a very useful tool, BUT... as far as an accurate instrument, necessity, or must need tool, It is primarialy a toy more than tool.

Does that sum it up?

I already ordered one for my SCMS, It shoud be a handy addition

Basically , a Christmas Light.