For a seasoned Pro, finding and cutting complex angles is not a problem, but the Craftsman MiterMate 21226 Compound Miter Saw aims to take all the guess work out of angle cuts for both the DIYer or the professional carpenter. The saw has a unique angle-finding system that more or less automates the process of making mitered cuts for crown and trim.
Rather than pivoting the saw in relation to the fence like all other compound miter saws, the Craftsman MiterMate 21226 miter saw lets you pivot the cutting fences. There are two easy to use levers that lock in the fence positions located on the base. In order to help you get the right angle on the first try, you use the included angle finder that conveniently stores on the top of the saw. The angle finder has a locking function so that once the angle is found, either open or closed, set the button and then take the angle finder back to the saw and align it with the groove in the table of the saw. You then simply position and lock the fences against the angle finder’s edges. Just like that, you are able to cut complex angles without even having to measure. From the demonstration we received, it seemed to work fairly well, regardless of whether the angle was greater or less than 90 degrees.
This new Craftsman MiterMate 21226 was on demonstration at the 2009 International Builders Show in Las Vegas at the Craftsman booth. The concept looked easy enough and it appeared to work pretty smoothly for the fellow that was showing us how it worked. The target price for the 10″ compound Miter Mate saw, with the angle finding tool should be around $200 when it comes out in August 2009.
