What is the laser for?

So I'm sure you've seen commercials with the lasers on miter saws and circular saws. We carry many models now that have them as well. But the question is this: What are they really for?

Does it really help you cut straight to follow a line that the tool you're using creates? According to one circular saw manufacterer's ad, you can cut "Laser straight lines". Well, if you're capable of keeping it perfectly straight the whole way, then yes. Otherwise, you'll need to try to match up a laser line with a penciled line anyway. Besides which, the way many are mounted they're only 100% accurate for 90 degree cuts and can go out of adjustment pretty easily. It can also be a safety hazard since most require the blade be spinning to turn on. Well, if you have a mark and want to adjust the line, you're talking hazard for sure. Some miter saws even send the laser straight towards your eyes if you're looking below the saw at all.

The Makita LS1013L solves a few of these issues for a miter saw. There is an independent switch which turns the laser on without running the blade. It also has a selector for deciding to mark left or right side of the blade for the flush cut. There is no adjustment, just a selection. What an improvement. In fact, out Makita reps get rather testy if the word "adjustment" is used about this saw. That implies that you have to do something to get it right. This is a selection, not an adjustment.

The other issue this saw has worked out is the angle accuracy. By using a dual rail and dual linear ball bearings, which some of their competitors don't, combined with machined plates for the arm and base, the laser is accurate regardless of the angle used.

However, that still doesn't answer the real question: Why is it there?

Well, the answer is that one company put it on their saw as a gimmick, and it started selling because of that gimmick. Rather than educate people that it doesn't lead to more accurate cuts and the reasons why, the miter saw manufacturers are all adding them and trying to increase the accuracy of the beam. For the average homeowner, they're not bad but slightly less accurate than measuring twice and lining it up manually. For a skilled pro, they're a hinderance. Either way, people still want them.

Now that I've totally made a mockery of the technology, I will add that I still want one of the Irwin Miter Saw Laser Add-Ons for my Makita cordless miter. I'm a geek, so electronic toys just make me smile. Even electronic safety hazard toys make me smile. Besides, I'm usually only building stuff for myself so accuracy isn't as important for me. But I've still got to figure out if it'll work on a 7-1/2" blade or not. It lists many sizes, but that one isn't included. Where's a rep when you need him? ;-)