FOX F36-259DB-1


10


12” Double Bevel Slide Compound Mitre Saw 110V and Laser Guides Too!


Independent Review by Peter Brett


In and out of the workshop, mitre saws are invaluable tools, in my view. When theyare carefully and accurately set up, they allow spot-on crosscutting, mitre cutting and some can do double bevel cutting as well. Some of the bigger ones have enough capacity to be used for cutting roof trusses and even larger pieces used in shopfitting and finishing. I have used one for years and without it I would be seriously hampered in my woodworking jobs. In recent years the quality of manufacture from the Far East has improved so


much that even German companies have been producing mitre saws there, and of course that also means that prices have been pretty competitive too. But it does make for a competitive consumer market, and mitre saws have to be good to compete. The new FOX 12 inch Double Bevel Slide Compound Mitre Saw has several new features to add to the mix and so should be a serious contender. First impressions of the FOX Mitre Saw are that it must be a monster – it is


packedin a box that measures roughly 90cm long, 53cm high and 59cm wide – almost too large to fit into my small hatchback! Unlike some, the packaging surrounding the FOX Mitre Saw not only protects it completely in transit, it also had a label detailing that it had been QC checked and had its own individual serial number logged before dispatch, so that any single saw can be identified should any quality control or guarantee issues occur. Inside the box a massive polystyrene moulding holds the saw and the few accessories needed – and it only takes a few minutes to unpack. Once unpacked and the instruction booklet is read and understood, it takes


very little to get the saw operative. I really liked the fact that the retractable extension workpiece supports are attached and only need to have the lockscrews unscrewed to operate them. Similarly the fence extenders and rear support extension are all integral and easy to operate. These are all useful and add to the safety of the machine in use, so the less hassle involved in using them, the more likely they are to be used. There are two methods of workpiece holding included – the horizontal and


vertical vice assemblies. These simply fit into holes provided behind the fences and work by simply screwing down the holders onto the workpiece. The horizontal vice has a quick release thread guide so it is really quick to adjust. There is a decent sized dust bag that clips onto a nozzle above the motor. Collecting dust from mitre saws is notoriously difficult, and as expected, this


bag does not collect a lot of dust. Dust collection improves markedly when a vacuum extractor is fitted to the nozzle, such as the FOX F50-800 Wet/Dry Vacuum, but the best way to protect yourself is to follow the instructions and use a dust mask, safety goggles and ear defenders. Another good feature is the depth of cut stop just below the dust nozzle.


This allows the valuable function of trenching to be set and is great for doing housing joints accurately. The 1500w (2hp) motor is mounted on a twin slide system that should


ensure smooth and accurate cutting for the working life of the saw. I found that the slide system had no play in it and was set up accurately from the factory, so I did not have to use any of the adjustment settings that are absolutely necessary to ensure that the saw can be accurately reset should it sustain a bump. Mitre saws are sensitive to being moved, so need to be regularly checked for accuracy. Using the twin lasers integral to the saw is also a great help in ensuring accurate cuts. Site workers will be pleased to note that the saw I tested had a 110V motor


with the standard 110V plug and is


therefore approved for building sites. The motor drives the blade via a belt and is therefore safer and more likely to be protected from jamming and overloads. I was also pleased to see that the motor head has to be consciously unlocked by pulling out the locking pin and rotating it. The locking pin is therefore very unlikely to be accidentally released and the saw blade and motor springing up into the “use” position. A big horizontal handle and trigger assembly are easy to grasp, and the safety release lever (allowing the blade to be lowered and the blade guard to slide upwards) work very smoothly and safely, and would therefore minimise risk for the user. Moving the saw proved to be a lot easier than I first thought it would be as there is a big loop handle on top of the saw


head. This is positioned in almost the centre of gravity so it is possible to lift the machine in one hand. When I moved it through a few narrow doorways I found that the workpiece extension wings were ideal for holding and carrying – you just have to remember to lock them into place before lifting. I tried very hard to subject this saw to the kind of work that it would be likely to face on a building site by cutting up


some elm planks and doing various double bevels in discarded scaffolding planks. Although the motor was a bit noisy (but by no means beyond acceptable limits) it was smooth and powerful enough to cut anything I tried. The 60 tooth TCT general purpose blade was good enough for a smooth finish on softwood, but my guess is that a name brand replacement blade would make this saw even better. (Blade replacement is easy because there is an effective arbor lock). All the click- stopped mitre positions were positive and easy to lock into place for accurate repeat cuts. Overall, I was impressed with the build quality, capacities and power of this FOX machine. It would not be out of place


on site and would be capable of hard work day in and day out. I certainly still have a few jobs for it to do before I am finished with it, and I have seen my neighbour casting a jealous eye over it too! Serracon are the UK distributors of the FOX machinery in the UK. Take a look at their website – www.serracon.co.uk – you will discover that these Mitre Saws are available in 10” or 12” in both 240V and 110V.


Reply No. 210 14 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE www.toolbusiness.co.uk


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