[u]CHOP SAW WORRIES[/u]

[teecee1]

Hi everyone
First time subscriber, so thought i'd just kick off with this!
You may have experience or could give advice.
I purchased (from Screwfix) a Rexon 2 speed chop saw with what I consider one dangerous attribute - it has a hair trigger!
When lowering blade to line up with cut mark it is almost impossible not to trigger the power and on a few occassions have narrowly missed my fingers with the spinning blade. I took this up with manufacturers and their verdict was less than convincing 'you are the only person to have brought this to our attention'. Well that may be but it doesnt solve the problem, and in my opinion the problem is a serious one!
I suppose the obvious answer is never to switch on the wall socket before you're ready to cut, but seriously, does this really happen in a workshop?
Any comments guys!
Love the forums most useful!
Teecee

 

[Gordon T]

Welcome to the forum TeeCee.

I find it safest to line up the blade with your cutting line before going anywhere near the power switch, you can not be too careful where your digits are concerned! but my electra beckam does not have a hair trigger, and can be lined up without touching the on off button.

GT

 

[teecee1]

Thanks for your welcome and reply GT. You're right there is no rush, but you cannot line up without gripping the handle which incorporates the on off switch,and then lowering saw to timber and soon as you do it kicks off, some saws have the 2 button system and that would be fine, so I guess.
Thanks
Teecee

 

[wizer]

imho, bin it

 

[gidon]

One option would be to install a Laserkerf:
http://laserkerf.com/
A few of us on the forum have one fitted and they work pretty will will careful setup. My Bosch has a two stage start-up but I'm still happier lining up with the laser for most cuts. Plus it's a real boon for cutting to a marked angled line.
Cheers
Gidon

 

[lurker]

Invite Screwfix to collect it & refund your losses.
Not fit for purpose and in breach of CE markings

If they argue tell them you will involve trading standards

 

[teecee1]

Probably the best advice Lurker, I'll give it a try and see what happens! As there are 5 members of my team using it I think there is certainly a H&S issue here
Thanks
Teecee

 

[Gordon T]

I have a laser fitted to mine, but I dont like it and now never use it, I guess I am a bit old fashioned.

GT

 

[Streepips]

I agree Gordon.......... laser guides are just a gimmick and no practical value..If you think you need one to work with any accuracy then somethings wrong.

 

[Digit]

That is the normal reaction when you first talk to a large supplier. It never seems to occur to them that the parts they fit to assemble their machines might just be faulty.
I have personally never come across a switch that operated that quick, but when you consider how many switches are produced, and how few will be tested, I think perhaps they should try a little common sense.

Roy.

 

[steve tighe]

I agree Gordon.......... laser guides are just a gimmick and no practical value..If you think you need one to work with any accuracy then somethings wrong.

Laser guides do come in very handy sometimes,maybe not on chop-saws,& maybe not on home woodworking machines but to dismiss them as a gimmick is wrong.

This machine

is a wadkin PU straight line edger,possibly the best rip saw ever devised,underneath that housing is a sawblade that'll eat through 4" timber like a knife through butter,it's got tank tracks either side of the blade that pulls the timber through,& once the timber's in then that's it,the machine's in control,for a bit of perspective that bed's over 2m long.

If you're good on that machine then you can get away without a laser,but if you're good on that machine then you'll know that a laser will make it a better machine.

Laser's have their place,maybe not in the home market,but don't knock them as a gimmick.

 

[gidon]

I agree Gordon.......... laser guides are just a gimmick and no practical value..If you think you need one to work with any accuracy then somethings wrong.

Not sure if you've actually tried the Laserkerf or you're just referring to crappy laser guides on crappy chops saws from B&Q - but an accurate laser line on a good quality saw can be handy and is more than a gimmick - it negates the need to have to pull down the blade to the line which can be dangerous - see OP. Plus is can speed things up considerably. And lastly my previous point about making cuts to angled lines.

Still, think lurker's advice is prolly best - swap it for a saw you feel happier with first - I prefer the 2 stage action on my Bosch.

Cheers

Gidon

 

[lurker]

TC

I'd assumed you were a single user.
Certainly as an employer you must remove this from use immediatly, as you are committing a criminal offence; let alone risking having someone elses injury on your conscience.

Should Screwfix ( you have a contract with them, not rexon) get difficult the contents of this might help

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg271.htm

 

[chicken_house_man]

I use rexon chops saws although not that model and never had a problem. Screwfix are very good with faulty goods. (and i'm good at destruction testing) They never argue and the replacmnet arrives quickly. Obviously if the replacment was the same you'd want to change to a different model/make