CPSC announces miter saw, firepit recalls

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on November 27, 2007, announced the recall of about 7,100 10-inch sliding miter saws and about 6,000 wood-burning metal firepits.

The Performax (shown) and Wilton 10-inch miter saws, made in China by WMH Tool Group Inc. of Elgin, Illinois, were recalled because of a laceration hazard. The switch on the saw handle can fail, causing the tool to smoke, spark, and trip circuit breakers, which might disable its safety brake. What's more, the saw could keep operating unless the user unplugs it.

The saws ($150 to $250) were sold at home centers and hardware retailers nationwide from August 2006 through March 2007. Recalled saws include the Performax model 90206 and Wilton number 34570 with date code/serial numbers ranging from W062505 to W070405.

If you own a recalled saw, stop using it and contact WMH to get a replacement or a full refund. For more information, call the manufacturer (800-689-9928) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or go to the company's Web site.

The Grand Gourmet Firepit (shown), made in Taiwan for Meijer Inc. of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was recalled because of a fire hazard. The legs of the firepit can bend or snap off, causing it to tip over and, if the pit is in use, a burning log or other item to escape.

The four-leg firepit, model FSQ279, measures 27 inches wide x 27 inches deep x 25.5 inches high. The unit ($60) was sold at Meijer retail stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio from September 2004 through August 2007.

If you own a recalled firepit, stop using it and return it to a Meijer store for a full refund. For more information, call Meijer (866-280-8419) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET or go to the company's Web site.