Have we finally reached the end of the tape measure? With laser distance measures and all manner of future technology, why not a solution that eliminates the measuring and marking of wood for cutting on a miter saw? Why not indeed. SawGear came to market in late 2009 with a tool that has since been seemingly perfected—at least from what we’ve seen in video demonstrations. In any case, we’re looking forward to getting a better look at the SawGear Automated Miter Saw Measuring System first hand at this year’s IBS Expo in Orlando.
Editor’s note: Check out our full TigerStop SawGear review
SawGear delivers automation technology at an “affordable” price for framing, forming, finish carpentry, cabinetry, installation jobs, tube and pipe cutting, extrusion cutting, or any job that requires precise measuring. We put affordable in quotes because the tool actually comes in around $2500 for the 12-foot model (and $2200 for the 8-foot version). Considering it is a sophisticated calculator, some gears and an allotment of extruded aluminum – that’s a hefty markup. What the company is banking on, however, is the simple principle that time=money. And honestly, it does. If you’re measuring and cutting tons of material, a tool like this could conceivably take days off a framing or trim job. It also has the added benefit of reining in material costs (less waste), and improving quality (the system is accurate to 1/128th of an inch!) Once it’s paid off, you might even be able to lower your bids – something that is very desirable in this economic climate.
The patented SawGear seems rugged – especially given the tests we saw to-date where they slammed some sizable lumber into the stop plate. Whether the aluminum rail or the program unit can take a hit is anyone’s guess. The system is surprisingly portable and gives the professional unparalleled accuracy with each and every cut. It was developed over three years by some experts in motion control. Previously, you’d only see a product like this in a high-end cabinet shop or factory. To be able to conceive of bringing it on the jobsite is am incredible advantageous leap forward.
Easy-to-use, SawGear clamps easily to an existing miter saw stand (required) and takes just minutes to learn. You simply enter in a dimension (using either fractional or decimal measurements), slap the board against the stop, and make the cut. There’s no measuring, and no marking of the wood. They even have some videos on the site showing a build time between using the tool and using traditional methods on a small shed project.
You can purchase optional accessories for the SawGear system, including a crown molding foot, bench mount bracket set, material support lip, support leg, and miter saw bracket set.
“It’s the ultimate chop saw accessory. If you’re building custom homes or high end interiors, then you just aren’t going to compete in the future without SawGear. It’s a game changer! We get the job done faster so I can get home in time for dinner with my family. I won’t do another job without one.”
– Brandon Vaughn, Cutting Edge Interiors LLC
