A miter saw is a versatile tool that can be used for various projects at home or in the workplace. It has been popularized through television shows by professionals who use it to complete projects easily and quickly.
Throughout history, carpentry and construction tools have evolved over time to help us create innovative structures while making our lives easier. The miter saw is no exception – this practical tool has enabled carpenters and DIY enthusiasts alike to make precise angled cuts with a just a few simple motions. But who invented the miter saw and when did it come about? In this blog post, we explore the history of the miter saw and trace its origins all the way back to its first incarnation. Read on for an interesting take on one of woodworking’s most iconic tools!
Miter saws are powered tools that make use of circular blades to cut different types of hard materials like wood, plastic, aluminum, and steel. The history of who invented the miter saw is largely unknown; however, there are several claims as to where the first one was made and who created it. who invented the miter saw ?
Who Invented the Miter Saw?
Early Popularity
The earliest form of the miter saw (also known as chop boxes) was invented somewhere between 1850-1870 by Finnish carpenter Hisko Heikki Ali Wilho Haakanainen. The first documented evidence of the miter saw appears in an 1877 patent by Samuel J. Bens of Philadelphia. His invention used a knife-type cutting blade on its table, which is still seen on most modern-day miter saws.
The first person to give it a commercial success was Arthur Dremel of Racine, Wisconsin. This occurred when he began marketing his “Multimortar” with the help of the Shaper Manufacturing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin around 1902.
Modern Day Miter Saws
A company named Radial Arm Saw Co., or more commonly as RASCO started production of a miter saw that was powered by electricity in the 1920s. They introduced their first motorized saw in 1938. These early models were difficult to use and adjust for accuracy.
Individuals who have been credited with inventing the modern-day compound miter saw include Joseph W. Goodman, Paul L. Taylor, and Herman Spietschka. Goodman invented a motor-driven sliding table that could cut the wider stock from 1940–1949 while Taylor made significant improvements on it from 1949-1956 before discontinuing production because of high cost. In 1959 Spietschka refined Taylor’s design into what is currently seen as the standard compound mitre layout used today by other manufacturers.
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Today
There are dozens of manufacturers who have added their own variations to the compound miter saw. It is still popular today because it allows people to perform outside cuts without having to do much setup or clean up afterward. The blade on a miter saw is not exposed, which eliminates the need for safety goggles and gloves that may get in the way of using it properly. Today’s models are safe to use by professionals as well as beginners because they are easy to operate with various cutting applications.
Miter Saw Blade History
The first blade used for this purpose was called a warding-off blade, which was invented by Jules De Mornay around 1820. This metal blade is placed over the cut and provides enough weight to push the material through the saw without having to exert too much force.
The first circular saw with a blade designed specifically for cutting wood was invented by Edward Amet in 1826. His design had teeth that ran along the entire circumference of the blade instead of just at one end like warding-off blades. The circular saw became popular because it gave carpenters and furniture makers more control over their cuts and allowed them to make finer pieces.
Early inventors tried to use bandsaw blades on miter saws, but they weren’t strong enough or durable enough to keep up with industrial production demands. In 1955, John Agger developed a new type of miter saw blade that was called the “Super blade.” This new design contained alternating top bevel teeth and flat-bottomed gullets.
The Agger Super Blade miter saws became popular after their release but were later on replaced by lighter, thinner blades with high-speed steel teeth in the late 1970s. There are companies like Compound Mitre Saw Ltd that still produce Agger Super Blades because they are still considered durable and accurate tools for cutting materials.
The miter saw has made it possible to do outside cuts without machinery taking up space on construction sites, which makes it easier for builders to get their jobs completed faster than using traditional methods. We may never know who invented the compound miter saw, but we know for sure that this simple tool has made a major impact on how builders perform cuts in their work.
INTERESTING MITER SAW FACTS
One of the most often used instruments nowadays is the miter saw. These tools may not seem like much, but they have a long history of innovation, design, and craftsmanship. Every day, miter saws, which have been around for decades, make the lives of thousands of contractors simpler. A miter saw’s forerunner existed hundreds of years ago. In actuality, there is a ton to discover about these typical instruments.
A Miter Is a Type of Cut
The word “miter saw” refers to the cuts that can be made with a miter saw. Any cut that is not at a 90-degree angle is called a miter. A crosscut, which is a straightforward 90-degree cut that takes something and splits it along a straight line, is the most typical kind of cut. To create two parts that fit together to produce a 90-degree angle, miter cuts are often made at a 45-degree angle. When two pieces of wood need to be connected to form a 90-degree angle, miter cuts are frequently used to produce corners for trim, picture frames, and other similar items.
Miter Saws Come In Three Common Sizes
Three standard sizes are available for contemporary miter saws. 8″, 10″, and 12″ miter saws are the most popular sizes. Anything bigger is typically handled by a table saw or band saw, while anything smaller is often left to a circular saw. Half the blade’s diameter of material can be readily cut with a miter saw. A 10″ miter saw, for instance, ought to be able to cut through a 5″ piece of material.
15” Miter Saws Are The Biggest On The Market
The biggest miter saws that can be bought are 15″. These saws are enormous, for sure. Large pieces of wood like 6x6s, 4x8s, and other beams are mostly cut using them. Since 15″ miters are the biggest ones now on the market, finding them and the parts for them might occasionally be difficult. The 15″ versions are best, though, if you need a saw that can cut through thick timbers.
Before Powered Miter Saws, Miter Saws Were Manual
Although most people associate miter saws with power equipment, the early models were manual. Hand saw guides were made from miter boxes. A carpenter would install the saw after adjusting the miter box’s angle. The saw would follow the box and repeatedly make the same cut, but the actual cutting was still done entirely by hand. 45-degree and 90-degree miter angles continued to be the most popular.
Carpenters and craftsmen who needed to make the same cut repeatedly used a miter box and a lot of sweat to do the task.
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The Precursor To The Powered Miter Saw Was The Radial Arm Saw
The radial arm saw was the preferred power instrument prior to the development of the power miter saw. The blade of this vintage saw was attached to a radial arm that was driven by a little motor. When the radial arm saw was created in 1922, it became popular right away. They were excellent at ripping wood and doing cross cuts, but they were still not very good at performing accurate miter cuts. The radial arm saw, which was extremely reminiscent of the present miter saw, set the standard for all of today’s power saws.
Despite its antiquity, craftspeople all over the world continue to utilize radial arm saws today.
FAQs about Who invented the miter saw
Where does the miter saw get its name?
The word “miter saw” refers to the cuts that can be made with a miter saw. Any cut that is not at a 90-degree angle is called a miter. A crosscut, which is a straightforward 90-degree cut that takes something and splits it along a straight line, is the most typical kind of cut.
When was the Mitre box invented?
The miter box’s fundamental design has been known for a very long time, but Leander Langdon created the adjustable cast-iron variant in the middle of the 19th century.
What is the difference between a miter saw and a chopsaw?
The type of material that a chop saw and a mitre saw are intended to cut is an incredibly basic distinction between them. This material, in the case of the chop saw, is metal, mostly steel. Usually used for cutting wood, mitre saws may also be used on plastic and non-ferrous metals.
Bottom lines
The miter saw is a handy tool that has been around for centuries. It’s basic design has remained relatively unchanged, though there have been some modifications over the years. Though we don’t know who invented the first miter saw, we are grateful for its invention! This versatile tool allows us to make all sorts of cuts, both inside and outside corners, with ease.
The miter saw is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of projects. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular choice among DIYers and professional contractors alike. But have you ever wondered who invented the miter saw? We did some digging and found out that it was patented by Raymond DeWalt in 1932. So next time you’re using your miter saw, take a moment to think about the man who invented it and how his invention has made your project easier.
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