Miter Boxes (usage, new ones)

Re: Miter Boxes (usage, new ones)

mikew


>HI Paul--I've used one or the other, but don't remember which, but not the economy one.

It worked very well as long as you do not apply too much pressure when sawing, which I was tempted to do because of the fine blade which was on it.

Make sure if you get it to get the coarser blade, especially if you follow-up using a shooting board, it makes the work quicker.

Take care, Mike

Re: Miter Boxes (usage, new ones)

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA


>eBay lists 19 miter boxes right now, of which two look to be Langdon Acme type boxes, with saws. I don't know what these are going for, and the shipping isn't cheap, but it seems like it would be worth checking completed listings to see what you're likely to have to pay.

Re: Miter Boxes (usage, new ones)

Roy Anderson


>I am in the process of learning how to use my old Langdon miter box, but it hasn't been easy getting it up and running. I bought one off E-Bay and it was crushed by UPS. Since they have such odd protruberances (i think that's a word) they are hard to pack safely. I had to get another and it was missing several minor parts. Between the two, I am pretty sure I can assemble a complete unit. I have managed to acquire 3 old miter saws, but only one is tuned up and ready to go so far. It has very fine teeth. I need to clean and sharpen the other two to have a good variety of saws.

The point here should be obvious. If you want to get in business soon, get the new one. If you have the time to play tool restorer, go with the old ones. If you put a value on your time, make a calculated decision.

I'd get the big one. And get several saw blades with a variety of points per inch.

Re: Miter Boxes (usage, new ones)

JimG


>I have a Jorgenson like the ones at LV. The quality might not be as good, though it is the "Pro" version. Don't like it. Not heavy enough, neither the saw or the base. I now use it for cutting metal (got a fine blade for it).

I also have a Miller Falls Langdon like the Craftsman now on ebay ( Item number: 130023936549 ). That I really like. Got the saw sharpened, added a couple of holds to the base, and it cuts like a dream and dead accurate.

HTH

Re: Miter Boxes (usage, new ones)

Bill Houghton, foggy mornings in Sebastopol, CA


>So, with shipping, the Langdon-type boxes seem to go for about $70-100, most of it shipping. Interestingly, the actual item price isn't far off what I've paid at garage sales. Not sure if the Bay is worth it for that particular item.

Re: Miter Boxes (usage, new ones)

paul womack


>Looking at the "standard" and "professional" (I probably need the height) miter boxes at LV. How well do these work?

If the older (backsaw style) boxes havew the height capacity you need, they're quite appealing.

If you need the vertical capacity however, the more modern bow saw style are essential.

In Germany Ulmia used to do these in wood, which were rather fine (I saw one come through an auction a few years back).

http://www.holzwerken.de/museum/german_maker/steiner_gehr1.jpg

In the modern era I have no hesitation in commending the top of the range Nobex "Champion", which I believe is the one LV call "professional".

As Mike says, you do have to let the saw provide the steerage - excess force from you can only lead to inaccuracy; the saw is "rigid" but not "immovable".

BugBear

Many thanks!

Paul Kierstead


>The information gave me plenty to think about. To get something located in the US from eBay to my house takes a long time. You need to bid on some auctions, wait, bid, wait. To avoid ridiculous brokerage or shipment fees (brokerage kills you one ground, shipping on air..) on heavy items, by far the most sensible method of shipment is USPS. This takes even more time. I had a somewhat more immediate desire to dump the noisy POS. I also need a lot of vertical clearance.

I got the "Professional" from LV, which is indeed the Champion (wish LV would state brand and model more often, some kind of anti-price shopping thing I guess).

In terms of build, it has a lot of plasic and lighter metals, and seems a bit cheesy, with little spring things etc. It would not take the abuse of the typical local labourer that passes themselves off as a trim carpenter. But, that said, it holds togather remarkably well, and I have not intention of throwing it in the back of a truck. I don't baby my tools, but don't abuse them either. I think it will hold up fine. It cuts extremely well, quickly with the 10 tpi blade and very finely with the 18 tpi. One of its first real tasks was to miter some 3/8"x3/4" hardwood edging. It was a truly great pleasure on such small stock over the powered version; I was impressed. The accuracy is extremly good. I will say the finish from the 18 tpi still is a bit rough for something like picture framing; either a shot with a plane or a finer blade will probably come into the picture.