As you may have seen on the laser accuracy page you can cut
any angle with the same accuracy on either side of the blade. Because the
laser is on without operating the saw the material and the saw can be completely
aligned using both hands before power to the saw is turned on.
Example: Laserkerf
You scribe an angled line on the wood from a project piece. You take the
material to your saw and with one hand you move the wood in alignment
with the beam while the other hand rotates the table to match the angle.
You can clamp the material at this point if you desire or just make the
cut.
Example: Blade mount
If you were to use a blade mounted laser guide you would first turn the
power on with one hand. Then with the other hand you rotate the table.
Rotating the table moves the wood so you reposition it but then the angle
is not correct yet so you move the table which moves the wood. You continue
to do this until you match the angle or figure that you are close enough
and cut the wood.
Example: Eyeball method
You place the wood on the table and bring the saw down to the wood. You
try to look across the blade and move the table and wood, as in the previous
example, until you think you have it. But in the back of your mind you
know that you are probably off just a little so you slide the wood over
and cut. If the angle looks correct you nibble your way over to the line
and make your final cut.
I used the "Eyeball" method for years with accuracy but also
with frustration. I used the "Blade mount " method with the
same accuracy and frustration but now add in safety issues of having the
blade spinning. The "Laserkerf" method is so much easier, more
accurate, faster and safer.
