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Market Report: Sawing & Cutting Choice cuts for hire Phil Mist estimates there are now more than 40 mitre saws and related products on the market, targeted at the hire industry. He assesses the latest models available. Like other portable electric tools, mitre saws have improved substantially during the last ten years. Compared to early machines in the UK, they are more flexible and have a wider range of cutting applications. The market now includes a host of crosscut mitre, non-compound mitre, compound mitre and slide compound mitre models from many manufacturers. This greater sophistication reinforces once again the need for adequate training and instruction in their proper usage. At one time, mitre saws were only offered by manufacturers of specialist woodworking machinery. But in today’s market, most power tool manufacturers include one or more in their ranges and they are readily available from general tool shops. Twenty years ago, there were only two major manufacturers or suppliers, namely Stayer and Elu (Black & Decker). The remainder of what was then a long list of power tool manufacturers simply did not bother to manufacture these versatile machines. However, times have changed. The first competitors included imported models from the Far East, but many were withdrawn because of patent infringements. As a result, several major manufacturers now actually produce their own machines. Playing the numbers game The agreement by the majority of the major brand names to participate in the Deloitte Touche power tool sales statistics scheme means that contributing companies can assess the true market figure for a particular type of machine. Many manufacturers introduced new mitre saws to try to win a slice of the market. Moreover, since the introduction of the sales statistics scheme, the overall market has expanded and the total number of mitre saws sold each month is simply astonishing. Approximately ten years ago, Makita (www.makitauk.com) had only two table saws in its range, and was looking at introducing a mitre saw. It has since designed, developed and introduced a total of nine saws in the UK, and although many of these, at first glance, have a similar specification, the machines are supplied with a choice of features, including a laser guidance system for accurate cutting. The Makita range also includes one flip over saw and one combined table and mitre saw. There is a staggering total of 15 mitre saws of various types in the DeWalt (www.dewalt.co.uk) range, including the renowned flip over saw (most people still call it the TGS), of which there are hundreds of units forming an important part of many tool hire company fleets. With blade sizes of 216mm, 250mm, 260mm and 305mm, there is a machine for virtually every application. Bosch recently increased its mitre saw range to five models. Two were launched in 2005 but only started to make an impact on the market in the latter part of the year. The GCM10SD and GCM12SD are made for Bosch by a dedicated mitre saw manufacturer. EHN reviewed them a year ago, and our opinion was that, while they were good value, they were a little too complicated for the average hire industry customer. Skilled operators, however, should find that the machines enable them to do all they need. Under the Metabo and Elektra Beckum brand names there are a total of five models, most of which have until now been sold under the latter name. The KGS303 and KGS305 are the first two models that are to be sold exclusively as Metabo machines, and this re-branding seems to be the trend for Metabo UK (www.metabo.co.uk). Even Ryobi, now erroneously regarded by some as only supplying DIY tools, has four mitre saw models with blade sizes of 250mm, 254mm (both 10in) and 300mm and 305mm (both 12in) and these weigh from 13.2kg up to a mighty 31kg. Whilst the specifications differ considerably, most units feature soft grip inserts on the handle, a high rear fence for accuracy of cut, and two models feature a laser marking facility. The largest in the Ryobi (www.ryobipower.co.uk) range, the EMS-1830SC, also has soft start. Hitachi’s range includes four mitre saws, all fitted with a laser level, a digital display or both. Again the Hitachi (www.hitachi-powertools.co.uk) models have either 255mm or 305mm blades and, therefore, the cutting capacity is similar to that of other brands on the market. It seems that these two blade sizes are the ones that matter, giving the optimum cutting depth. Whichever brand, model or specification is selected, there are a few basic rules for counter staff in hire depots and users of mitre saws to adopt. All saws when in use must be suitably secured to a rigid work surface, and this can be achieved by using a specific saw table or by bolting the machine to a workbench. In addition, eye, ear and face protection must be worn, even if the machine is fitted with a dust bag, but it is preferable to connect the machine to a dust collection system. Finally, any mitre saw should be used in a clean, uncluttered working area to protect bystanders or fellow workers. • Executive Hire News › Archives › June 2006 › Market Report › Choice cuts for hire
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