Sliding Circular Saws

This is something of a catchall term, but one I find conven­ient to describe several differ­ent saws that are of related design. The classic Delta sawbuck belongs here, as do the new breed of chop boxes called sliding or "pull-through" miter saws.

The hinged blade assembly on a sliding saw swings down like a paper cutter. What distin­guishes it from the miter saw from which it evolved is that a pair of rods also allows it to be drawn toward the operator. This sliding action means you can cut wider stock than with a stand miter saw (some models will cut twelve-inch widths). Most models also tilt and turn, allowing miter and bevel cuts. Saws of the sawbuck school don't swing down, but do slide, tilt, and turn.

These tools are more versatile than the basic miter saw; on the other hand, they don't offer all the options of a radial-arm saw. But for those woodworkers who do a minimum of ripping and don't need to make moldings or do sanding jobs on the cut­off saw, a sliding circular saw may be an economical and portable option. These saws can be stored and moved easily and require a minimum of alignment.