7,100 Wilton and Performax Miter Saws Recalled

Illinois-based WMH Tool Group Inc. has recalled approximately 7,100 miter saws that have defects which can cause them to malfunction and potentially harm users. The manufacturer is offering a full refund or replacement if customers return the affected saws.

According to a press release issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Tuesday, the saws have a switch on the handle which may fail. This can cause the miter saw to produce smoke and/or sparks, and could also trip circuit breakers or cause the safety brake to be disabled. Additionally, the saw can continue to operate whenever it is not unplugged; the press release indicates that this could potentially cause lacerations. Six incidents involving these saws have been reported. Fortunately, no injuries are known to have occurred at present.

Two different (but similar) ten-inch sliding miter saw models have been recalled, including the Wilton 34570 and the Performax 90206. The recalled saws have serial/date-code numbers from W062505 to W070405, according to the CPSC press release. These numbers can be found on a black label located on the saw's motor housing. See the two photos (on the left) to help in identifying them. Retailers sold the saws for $150-250 dollars starting in the month of August, 2006 and lasting through March, 2007. The recalled miter saw models were manufactured in China and sold at hardware stores and home centers.

Customers are called upon to stop using the recalled miter saws without delay and contact WMH Tool Group to request a replacement saw or full refund. WMH can be contacted by telephone at (800) 689-9928 from 8:00AM-6:00PM Eastern during weekdays. They also have a web site at wmhtoolgroup.com.

According to wikipedia.org's entry on miter saws, they are most often used to cut wood, but can also cut some types of plastic or light metal. Blade sizes are generally eight to twelve inches. They are capable of cutting precisely and quickly. Features included on some saws of this type include a laser guide, a safety clamp, a blade guard, or a sawdust collection bag. Both manual and motorized miter saw types exist, although motorized units have become more common.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission's web site indicates that the Commission has jurisdiction over 15,000+ product types and works to protect people from unsafe consumer products which are capable of producing injury, electrical, chemical, mechanical, or fire hazards.

Sources:
1. Consumer Product Safety Commission, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08100.html
2. Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miter_saw
3. CPSC, http://www.cpsc.gov/about/about.html