Craftsman MiterMate 21226
10-inch compound miter saw
- Makes accurate angles foolproof
- Good value
- Easy to use
- Includes basic accessories
- Boards need space, support
- Could be sturdier
- Warranty only one year
Reviewers recommend the Craftsman MiterMate 21226 10-inch compound miter saw for inexperienced users and for anyone cutting molding to fit an older house where few places are square, parallel or plumb. Reviews say the Craftsman miter saw is basically foolproof because it includes an angle finder that transfers the correct miter settings to the saw automatically by moving the fences rather than the blade. Testers judge the saw a good value, especially since it comes with all the basic accessories needed. Cutting long boards can require more space than with a traditional miter saw, plus the use of a portable roller stand to support one end. If workshop space is limited, consider the well-reviewed DeWalt DW713 (*Est. $220), though accessories cost extra for that saw.
We found the best review of the Craftsman MiterMate 21226 saw at Popular Mechanics, where it's compared in detail with the DeWalt DW713. Wood magazine names the MiterMate one of the top tools for 2010, and job-site tests at ToolSnob.com cover pros and cons well. The single-product review at ToolGuyd.com contains useful close-up photos and explanations, and at ToolboxHero.com, reviewer Paul Sikkema includes a link to his solution for cutting long boards with the MiterMate. A handful of owners review the MiterMate at Sears.com.
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Our Sources
1. PopularMechanics.com
Popular Mechanics compares the Craftsman MiterMate saw against the DeWalt DW713, finding that both perform well. The DeWalt edges out the MiterMate for build quality and professional use, but the MiterMate is judged an excellent buy for homeowners because of its ease of use and included accessories.
Review: Can Craftsman's New Mitermate Take on a Traditional Miter Saw, Stuart Deutsch, April 27, 2010
2. Wood Magazine
Editors name the Craftsman MiterMate saw one of the top new tools for 2010 because of its innovative design that makes it easy to cut wood at the right miter angle.
Review: Top New Tools for 2010, Editors of Wood Magazine, Dec. 31, 2009
3. Toolsnob.com
After testing the 10-inch Craftsman MiterMate on about a dozen corner angles -- none exactly 45 degrees -- editors conclude that the design really is foolproof. The drawback is that cutting boards 8 feet or longer requires extra space plus an outfeed stand -- and some people would just rather learn to calculate angles the traditional way.
Review: Craftsman 10 Inch MiterMate -- Review, Editors of ToolSnob.com, Feb. 17, 2010
4. ToolGuyd.com
This single-product review is very useful thanks to a large number of close-up photos showing exactly how the Craftsman MiterMate works. The evaluations are also useful. For example: "The laser's accuracy isn't worth writing home about, but at the same time it's decent enough that you won't hear us complaining too much about it either." You may need a portable roller stand.
Review: Hands-On Review of the Craftsman MiterMate Miter Saw, "Brian", Jan. 26, 2010
5. ToolBoxHero.com
Experienced tool reviewer Paul Sikkema is enthusiastic about the Craftsman MiterMate, saying he thinks this design will become standard for miter saws in the future. He even provides a link to his solution for cutting long boards: building a swivel stand for the saw, so the boards stay supported on the workbench.
Review: Craftsman MiterMate -- Model 21226 Review, Paul Sikkema, Jan. 21, 2010
6. Sears.com
The handful of owners reviewing the Craftsman MiterMate saw here give it mostly positive reviews, saying it's easy to use. The main drawback is that if you're cutting long boards, you'll need plenty of space around the saw plus a portable stand to support the board.
Review: Craftsman 15 amp 10 Inch MiterMate Miter Saw (21226), Contributors to Sears.com
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- 10-inch compound miter saw Craftsman MiterMate 21226 *Est. $250
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