Last updated on September 5th, 2022
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By far one of the best electric saws is the versatile mitre saw, we compared 8 top models to see how they stack up
A mitre saw is an extremely handy tool for anyone looking to make precise cuts over and over. The challenge (as always) is finding the best mitre saw for your money since there are many brands in the market and every other model claims to be the best mitre saw. There is so much information on the web about mitre saws but we have narrowed down and summarised everything to lead you to the correct machine for your needs.
We have prepared a straightforward guide to help you understand the important things that you must consider before purchasing a mitre saw. We have additionally highlighted the crucial features to look for in the best tool. Our mitre saw reviews will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about which model to purchase. Of course, you also need to keep in mind the limitations of the tools as every other one has its own flaws.
BEST PICK
The top 8 best mitre saws for the DIY enthusiast and professionals to buy
- Evolution Power Tools R255SMS+ Compound Saw – BEST PICK
- DeWalt 305mm Compound Slide Mitre Saw with XPS – BEST PROFESSIONAL PICK
- VonHaus 1500W 210mm Sliding Mitre Saw – BEST BUDGET PICK
- Makita MLS100 255mm Mitre Saw
- Evolution Rage 3-DB Double Bevel Multi-Purpose Sliding Mitre Saw
- Makita LS0815FL-240 V Slide Compound Mitre Saw
- Lumberjack SCMS254DB 10″ Double Bevel Mitre Saw
- Metabo KGS216M Mitre Saw
BEST PROFESSIONAL PICK
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BEST BUDGET PICK
The Top 8 Compound Mitre Saw Reviews
1. Evolution Power Tools R255SMS+ Compound Saw
BEST PICK
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Using only a single blade, the Evolution Power Tools R255SMS+ Compound Saw cuts through the wood (even wood with nails), plastic, steel and aluminium with ease. This is possible with the help of the integrated RAGE technology. It makes fast, clean and accurate cuts, and leaves no sparks or burr when cutting steel. The material also stays cold to the touch, unlike ordinary saws that make the surface hot when cutting.
The mitre saw comes with a powerful 2000W motor plus a hi-torque gearbox to handle the most demanding applications. The outer casing is robust and hard-wearing for durability. An in-line handle and switches enable either right or left-handed use while blade changing is quick and easy.
With a compound tilt and slide mechanism, this Evolution model is capable of making 300mm width cuts from 0-45 degree bevel, with stops of 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 30 degrees and 45 degrees. You can also make negative stops in the same degree levels. For crown moulding, set the mitre at 31.6 degrees while beveling at 33.9 degrees. The saw cuts 75mm deep by 300mm wide while laser guidance additionally allows you to make precise cuts.
Some other useful features with this tool include a dust bag for collecting debris, an end stop and a box spanner to help with blade changing. The box also contains a manual with simple and straightforward instructions. It does come with a warranty of 3 years but it only applies if the tool is purchased in the UK only.
Pros
- It makes accurate cuts due to the laser guidance system.
- It offers cutting security thanks to the supplied top clamp.
- It cuts in many angles due to the bevel and side mechanism.
- It cuts a wide range of materials using only one blade.
- Quick and easy blade changing thanks to the supplied accessories.
- It can be used either right or left-handedly.
- Powerful and durable mitre saw that copes with the most demanding tasks
- 3-year warranty for full peace of mind.
Cons
- It is quite big in dimension so will take up a lot of space in your store.
- The base is thin and feels fragile.
Our recommendation
The Evolution Power Tools R255SMS+ Compound Saw is a good quality tool that has been made well and is quite powerful.
The clamp is a good feature for stability whilst cutting and the laser guide on this tool will also ensure you don’t miss on precision. You will as well appreciate the supplied accessories such as a dust bag, end stop and box spanner.
On the downside, we find it a huge beast for storage so we advise anyone who likes the tool to bear in mind its dimensions before purchasing.
Overall, it works very well, cuts pretty cleanly, easy to set up and use, and it’s a good quality for its price. It does a cracking job across various materials and it can be a great pick for anyone looking for a powerful and affordable mitre saw. An impressive machine with a decent 3-year warranty.
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2. DeWalt 305mm Compound Slide Mitre Saw with XPS
BEST PROFESSIONAL PICK
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No products found.The DeWalt 230V 305mm Compound Slide Mitre Saw with XPS is sturdy, innovative and provides impressive size capacity, not only due to its 305mm blade but also because it slides. This model tackles up to 16-inch baseboard or lumber lying flat and angles up to 60 degrees on the right and 50 degrees on the left for incredible versatility.
This model is double-bevelled meaning you can work with extra efficiency and ease since you can make bevel cuts from either direction. This allows you to handle up to 345mm crown moulding lying flat. It has remarkable cutting performance in both small and large timbers up to 110 x 303mm. DeWalt made sure to include an XPS shadow line cut indicator for quick, accurate blade alignment while illuminating the workpiece for improved productivity with no adjustment required.
A quick-release bevel stop setting allows easy and precise setting of the bevel angles up to 49 degrees left or right. It is even easy to use the bevel and mitre controls which make the machine quick and simple to adjust from one setup to another. A cam-action mitre lock function additionally makes mitre setting fast and easy, allowing you to quickly change angles between 0 – 50 degrees left and 0 – 60 degrees right.
The machine has a large dual sliding fence for maximum support when cutting large materials at an angle or even combo angles. Straight horizontal rails use bronze guides to offer maximum accuracy when cutting materials up to 13 1/2 inches wide.
With a compact and portable design, the saw is easy to move within the job site while its dust control ensures you work in a clean and healthy environment. The blade has a variable cutting speed ranging from 1900 – 3800 rpm and its control is strategically placed for easy reach. Variable speed control is useful when cutting materials other than wood.
There is a dust bag for debris collection and a blade spanner for easy changing of blades. Like other DeWalt power tools, this machine comes with a 1-year warranty which can be extended to 3 years.
Pros
- Heavy-duty durability due to its robust construction.
- It offers great support when cutting large workpieces thanks to its dual sliding fence.
- It comes with variable speed control for ideal speed selection on various materials.
- It is easy to move around the workplace due to its compact and lightweight design.
- It is easy to adjust the cutting angles either left or right.
- It gives a simple and accurate setting of bevel angles in both directions.
- Includes a dust bag for mess-free working.
- 3-year warranty for full peace of mind.
Cons
- Very expensive.
Our recommendation
The DeWalt 230V 305mm Compound Slide Mitre Saw with XPS is an outstanding mitre saw with a brighter XPS system, good dust extraction and increased portability.
The cutting performance is top-notch for both small and large materials. Since it has variable speed, you will find it perfect for cutting a wide range of materials. Easy controls including mitre and bevel controls make it very convenient to use.
This product comes with awesome features without any doubt. It is also strong and will last for many years. However, with all its goodies it comes with a hefty price.
It is actually the most expensive product on our list but its performance is unmatched. If you want a full-featured mitre saw for quality work, pick the DeWalt 230V 305mm Compound Slide Mitre Saw with XPS anytime. A fantastic model if you are after the best you won’t find better.
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3. Makita MLS100 255mm Electric Mitre Saw
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Makita is one of the major brands when it comes to power tools and this time they have given us the Makita MLS100 255 mm Electric Saw which is perfect for DIY cutting tasks. This electric saw is powered by a powerful 1500w, 230V motor that provides plenty of power to glide through tough pieces of timber and other materials, with speeds of 4,200rpm. Many mitre saws die when they are pushed to the limit but Makita has made sure that this tool has tons of power to back it up, to ensure it is not overworked when cutting hard materials.
Hard use might just be too much for budget saws regardless of the possibility that they look like great value. So in the event that you need a saw that you will be using regularly, it is worth considering one with great power.
Speaking of the cut, it is very impressive and will handle pretty large pieces of timber. The max cutting depth is 95mm while the max cut width is 90.5mm, which is great for most tasks in light construction projects, indoor finishing and outdoor woodworking. It cuts either side of the material with cutting angles from 45 degrees to 90 degrees. The quick mitre stops for common angles include 0, 15, 22.5, 30, and 45 degrees while the bevel action can be set at 45 degrees to the left, giving many angles that will suit many complicated angled cuts.
The design features a classic pull-down style compound mitre saw. It is quite easy to set up since there are no complicated moving parts that need so much time to set up or probably go wrong.
Weighing about 14kg, the MLS100 is lightweight, easy to carry around and transport. Its compact shape means you don’t need a lot of storage space in the shed or garage for it. Its Die-Cast aluminium base robust ensure there is no movement whilst the saw is in action. Any movement may result in a slight change of cutting angle and compromise on accuracy so this tool is perfectly engineered to ensure there is no mess.
There is a removable dust bag that collects debris and it has enough capacity not to be emptied every few minutes. Keeping the dust down not only gives you better visibility but also important health-wise when you are working in an enclosed space for an extended period of time with tools like this.
To put your mind at ease whilst investing your money, the Makita MLS100 255 mm Electric Saw comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty. While this tool is not on the expensive side, you still want it to last through tough projects. Makita has a good network of distributors and repair centres in the UK to ensure that any problems can be dealt with quickly and replacements are readily available.
Pros
- Easy to set up due to its simple, classic design with no complicated parts to fix.
- It has plenty of power and high speeds to tackle most tough jobs.
- It covers all angles with bevel and compound cuts all possible.
- Its Die-Cast aluminium base provides great stability when cutting.
- Light, easy to store and transport.
- It is inexpensive.
- Dust extraction is possible thanks to the included dust bag.
- 3-year warranty for full peace of mind.
Cons
- No laser guidance system.
Our recommendation
The Makita MLS100 Electric Saw is a marvellous piece of kit for various cutting tasks. Its robust design makes it ideal for site or workshop use while its 255mm (10inch) diameter blade gives clean, precise cuts. We love its powerful motor and high-speed action along with the ability to cut in various angles. The ease of set up, moderate weight and dust bag make it very convenient for tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts in several situations.
One downside is that the power cable is a bit short for most applications; a longer cable would be perfect.
If you are looking for a classic mitre saw with useful features and a great price, the Makita MLS100 255 mm Electric Saw is a great pick. It is a favourite for most UK customers and in our opinion, it is the best mitre saw in the UK for both amateur DIY user and professionals alike. Overall a great saw at an even better price and with 3 years warranty is easy to see why is also a very popular model on Amazon.
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4. Evolution Power Tools Rage 3-DB Double Bevel Multi-Purpose Sliding Mitre Saw
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The Evolution Power Tools Rage 3-DB Double Bevel Multi-Purpose Sliding Mitre Saw is a tool that’ll handle virtually anything you throw at it, from cutting wood, steel, aluminium and plastic. It comes with a 255mm continuous rim blade that utilises Evolution’s multi-purpose technology to saw easily through a range of materials, even wood with nails or screws inside it.
The tungsten carbide blade is made of premium quality steel for great performance and durability. When cutting steel, it leaves a clean finish and produces no heat, sparks or burrs. This means the metal remains cool and can be handled immediately instead of having to wait for it to cool down, as is usually the case with abrasives. Another good thing about the Evolution blades is that they can also tackle natural stone, paving slabs, concrete, and unglazed ceramics. It’s no wonder the manufacturer claims that this mitre saw outperforms other normal saws.
While you could think that the RAGE 3-DB is a one-trick pony relying on cutting technology, this high-quality saw is backed by a high-torque gearbox that minimises stress on the motor, which actually spins the blade at 2,500 rpm. There’s also a large 320mm slide mechanism that makes it easy to make long angled cuts. And when you’ve got the double bevel function angling up to 45o on either side, there will be no need for readjusting your workpiece at all. Then there’s a built-in laser guide for maximum accuracy each and every time.
Another important feature is the outer casing, which is pretty robust for enhanced durability even on heavy-duty metallic applications. What’s more? This tool comes with a variety of useful accessories including a dust collection bag, blade change wrench, dust cap cover, dust extraction adaptor, extension support bar, top clamp, and end stop. These are supplied with convenience in mind. The tool itself is covered by a 3-year warranty but only applies if purchased in the UK.
Pros
- Cuts all sorts of material, thanks to Evolution’s multi-purpose technology.
- Large 320 slide mechanism allows cutting of longer materials.
- A double bevel facility eliminates the need to readjust the workpiece when angle cutting.
- Includes laser guide for precision.
- A robust outer case for maximum durability even on demanding metallic jobs.
- Leaves a workable finish on metals.
- Covered by a 3-year warranty.
Cons
- Ineffective dust extractor – wood chips will still blow around.
- No adjustable speeds.
- Its cord is on the shorter side.
Our recommendation
Certainly yes! Especially the fact that it’s a versatile cutting tool. It even cuts at various angles with a little adjustment of the bevel function. You can also expect very accurate cuts owing to the integrated laser guide. Also, its slide mechanism enables the cutting of longer materials.
The build quality is fantastic, blade changing is relatively simple, and the speeds are incredible. The supplied accessories are all handy and it’s surprising to get all that at a price that seems a serious bargain. There are a few gripes, though. Some people wish its cord could have been a bit longer, whilst a few others are not happy with dust extraction performance.
Blade speed could have also been better if it was adjustable, but it’s still very effective. All in all, this Evolution Power Tools Rage 3-DB is perfect for any handyman who needs to cut wood, metal, and plastic and also benefit from the functionality and stability of a sliding mitre saw.
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5. Makita LS0815FL Slide Compound Mitre Saw
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The Makita LS0815FL-240 V Slide Compound Mitre Saw is a complete compound mitre saw kit that is perfect for first and second fix carpentry applications. It can cut through material 305mm at 90 degrees and that’s very impressive for a mitre saw of this size. Actually, it mitres up to 50 degrees to the left and up to 60 degrees to the right, with positive stops 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, 45 and 50 degrees on both sides. There’s also a dual bevel lock that adjusts 0 – 48o left and 0 – 5o right with positive stops at 0 and 45o, making this tool extremely useful for angled cuts.
A direct motor provides 1400 watts of power to spin the blade up to 5,000 rpm to easily slice through thicker material. The blade type is TCT with 48 teeth that cuts fast and accurate due to a built-in laser guide and trench cutting facility. This blade is reliable for projects that require fine finishes, such as framing and cabinetry. This Makita has several safety features that are worth noting. One of them is a blade guard, which prevents the blade from getting your fingers. Another one is a lock-off button designed to prevent the tool from any unintentional starts.
The motor itself features a soft start that slowly accelerates the tool to its maximum speed instead of jumping into full blast. It also includes an electric brake that automatically engages the moment the trigger is released to stop the blade from rotating. Ensuring that your workpiece is held securely is essential as it can significantly impact safety if it hasn’t been. Luckily, this tool comes with a clamp plus extension arms to support even longer materials.
Additionally, its sturdy base reduces the movement that can affect precision. A lovely feature of this compound mitre saw is a linear ball bearing system that allows users to make dead-on cuts. Other features include a spindle lock for safe blade changing, a built-in LED to illuminate the line of cut, and a dust extraction facility for mess-free operation. This tool has a lightweight design combined with a carry handle for ease of transport from job to job.
Pros
- Powerful 1400W motor with soft start function.
- Comes with side extensions to enable the holding of large pieces.
- Includes many safety features for such as blade guard, electric brake, and lock-off function.
- Has a dust extraction facility that connects to a vacuum cleaner to ensure a clean work area.
- Incorporated LED light illuminates the workpiece for increased accuracy.
- Has a soft-grip handle for ease of transportation.
- High cutting capacity with wide mitre range both left and right.
Cons
- Badly designed switch with an over-complicated operation.
Our recommendation
We find the Makita LS0815FL-240 V Slide Compound Mitre Saw to be unique among comparable mitre saws. It boasts a large cutting capacity and comes with a high-quality blade. This has the convenient positive stops you’d expect to find on a top-quality tool along with a powerful soft-start motor that should make for fast and accurate cuts.
You will also appreciate the safety features of this model and other additions like the LED light, spindle lock, and dust extraction port. This mitre saw should be comfortable to transport as well. Yes, the switch design is terrible, but it’s something you can learn to work around.
Apart from that, this mitre saw has the quality that we’ve come to expect of Makita and will be suitable for fitting wooden floors, skirting boards, decking, making shelves, and other home DIY projects.
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6. Lumberjack SCMS254DB 10″ Double Bevel Mitre Saw
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The Lumberjack SCMS254DB 10″ Double Bevel Mitre Saw is a sliding mitre saw that offers huge value for money. For the price, it’s easy to imagine that some features have been compromised in some way but that’s totally not the case.
This is actually a very powerful saw, housing a 2000W motor that delivers a no-load speed of 4,500 rpm, which is more than enough for most wood cutting applications. The blade measures 10 inches in diameter and it’s capable of making 305mm cuts at 90 degrees, 305mm bevel cuts, 216mm mitre cuts, and 216mm compound cuts.
A double bevel sawing arm with the ability to tilt left and right saves you from having to adjust your workpiece, whilst laser guidance ensures accurate cuts every time. The cutting depth is also adjustable for both trench and groove cutting. The build quality is superb with a durable casing and a solid aluminium base that adds strength to the mitre saw. At 16.5kg, this is also among the lightweight mitre saws and should be relatively easy to move between jobs.
Pros
- Exceptional value for money.
- Comes with a very powerful 2000W motor.
- A double bevelled sawing arm eliminates the need for adjusting the workpiece when making angled cuts.
- Incredible cutting speeds – 4500 rpm – for the fast cutting action.
- Possible to make angle and depth adjustment.
- Lightweight design for portability.
Cons
- Assembly and blade change instructions could be improved.
Our recommendation
For the price, this is a very good mitre saw. It has one of the most powerful mitre saw motors along with very high speeds. Its double bevel system ensures that angled cuts can be made easily without you tampering with the position of the workpiece. This compound saw with a sliding function can handle a whole lot in terms of cutting depth and width. The blade is fairly decent and the solid base offers the much-needed support when cutting material.
The only small issue is that the given instructions are not that much of help, but it shouldn’t be a problem for experienced carpenters. For serious DIYer, the Lumberjack SCMS254DB 10″ Double Bevel Mitre Saw is worth considering. We bet you won’t be disappointed.
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7. VonHaus 1500W 8” (210mm) Sliding Mitre Saw
BEST BUDGET PICK
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This is one of the cheapest models available on the market and it has proven to offer great value. The VonHaus 1500W 8” (210mm) Sliding Mitre Saw generates 1500W of power which allows it to easily cut through a range of materials including wood, plastics, steel and aluminium. The machine is perfectly cut out to tackle a variety of DIY projects featuring sturdy steel and plastic construction. A 210mm blade makes easy work of cutting through anything thrown its way.
The mitre saw is fast, clean and accurate, thus capable of making precision cuts by adjusting the height and angle of the blade 45 degrees in either direction. For the ultra-straight cuts and bevel edges, the mitre saw cuts to a maximum depth of 70mm while its combination of tilt and slide mechanism provides an ultimate solution to most applications. It features a laser guidance system that ensures you make accurate cuts every time. The inclusive wood clamp ensures your workpiece stays steady and secure when in use.
When dealing with larger workpieces, the side support bars help to handle their weight so you can cut with little effort. The mitre saw’s rotating table plus a 2m cord ensures unrestricted movement. There is also an integrated dust bag for mess-free cuts. If all that not impressive enough it comes with a 2-year warranty but you must register it with VonHaus online.
Other specifications:
- Voltage – 220 – 240V
- No load speed – 4500rpm
- Blade Arbour diameter – 30mm
- Straight cut capacity – 220*70mm
- Mitre cut – 45 degrees left: 155*70mm
- Accessories: 1 Allen wrench, 2 extension bars
Pros
- Powerful mitre saw featuring 1500W motor.
- It makes light work of cutting through various materials thanks to its 210mm blade.
- It is capable of making accurate cuts by adjusting to 45 degrees in either direction, also thanks to its laser guidance system.
- It has a good cutting depth for straight cuts – 70mm.
- The included wood clamp keeps workpieces firm and secure during cutting.
- It offers a broad working area due to its 2m long cable and a rotating mitre table.
- It is possible to collect debris because it comes with a dust bag.
Cons
- Construction feels a little cheap and some components feel a little fragile. However for the price its still a very good saw.
Our recommendation
The VonHaus 1500W 8” (210mm) Sliding Mitre Saw is a cheap tool that will make those straight cuts through a variety of materials. It is not of the same quality as reputable brands such as DeWalt or Makita but it offers value for the money.
We acknowledge the powerful motor fitted in this tool and its ability to cut left or right at 45 degrees thanks to the rotating mitre table. The fact that the blade cuts to a max depth of 70mm is great and the laser guidance helps in making precise cuts which is a nice feature you don’t often see on cheaper models.
However, the overall build of this tool is just average with some parts found to be flimsy. That means durability is questionable yet the 2-year warranty seems to offer solace in case anything breaks during the period.
If you are looking for a powerful mitre saw for light cutting tasks, the VonHaus 1500W 8” (210mm) Sliding Mitre Saw is a good place to start and is perfect for diy enthusiast but professionals would be better investing a little more.
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8. Metabo KGS216M Crosscut and Mitre Saw
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This is the latest model of the popular KGS216M mitre saw from Metabo with improved standards when it comes to precision, mobility and performance. The Metabo KGS216M Crosscut and Mitre Saw comes with a die-cast aluminium workbench and together with its sliding function, it cuts through large workpieces with ease. On top of that, the machine has an adjustable and extendable table width on both sides with a practical support area as well as an integrated crosscut fence. This extension is removable so as to allow long panels and slabs underneath.
Talking of the cut, the maximum cutting width is 305mm at 90 degrees and 205mm at 45 degrees, while the cutting depth is 65mm at 90 degrees and 36mm at 45 degrees. The cutting capacity at 90 degrees is 305 x 205mm and 205 x 36mm at 45 degrees. The saw blade diameter is 216mm and the bore is 30mm. The cutting speed is 5,000rpm (No-Load Speed). With such incredible figures, the Metabo KGS216M Crosscut and Mitre Saw cuts efficiently through wood, plastics and coated panels.
Its handle features a non-slip rubber surface including the upper carry handle and lateral handles to ensure excellent grip. It additionally has a compact and lightweight design which according to Metabo, it makes it suitable for one-handed transport. A saw head lock feature ensures the machine cannot turn on accidentally when being transported. There is also a cable winder for keeping the cable in place when the machine is not in use.
For working in poorly lit rooms, the mitre saw comes with an integrated job light. A bright LED will illuminate the cutting lines to ensure that precision is still achieved even in adverse conditions. A laser is a plus feature on this machine for the exact display of the cut and the scales are visible from your working position. Furthermore, they can be operated intuitively. Moreover, it comes with a turntable which allows accurate angle adjustments plus it has an integrated cutting depth control.
Blade changing is easy with the included spindle lock; there is no need to dismantle the pendulum protective cover. There is a material clamp for secure fixing of the workpiece from the top or front and ensure no movement. Also supplied with this tool is a dust extraction adaptor and chip collection bags to ensure clean air at the job site.
Metabo offers a 1-year warranty on this machine from the date of purchase. You still have an option of enjoying an extended 3-year warranty upon registering your model with the company.
Pros
- It is relatively lightweight and compact.
- It has a good cutting capacity in terms of depth and width.
- The supplied clamp can be used in various positions.
- It is easy to use and well designed with sliding supports and adjustable stops.
- Easy saw blade change with the help of the spindle lock.
- Effective dust management with the included dust extraction adaptor and chip collection bags.
- The featured LED work light and laser encourage high precision cutting.
Cons
- The laser guide gets clogged with sawdust quickly so it’s ineffective sometimes.
- It does not cut other acute angles other than 45 degrees.
- The angle control device is dreadful and might mislead cuts.
Our recommendation
The Metabo KGS216M Crosscut and Mitre Saw is an affordable good quality machine for DIY applications. It feels sturdy, well built and gives the impression that thought has gone into its design and manufacturing. It would be great to cut a range of different wood types and plastics. Its cutting depths and widths are good as well as the cutting capacities. You will love its compact and light design plus the kind of support it offers. Its job light will ensure there are no limits as to where you can work while dust control is also possible.
On the downside, you will find the laser less effective due to sawdust clogging and some angle cuts will be hard to achieve too. Even so, these should not be show stoppers for you and the tasks you need to handle.
Overall, the Metabo KGS216M Crosscut and Mitre Saw is a good mitre saw with many great features but with some limitations. Some of it issues can actually be resolved as you learn to use the tool. In any case, you get what you pay for.
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Mitre Saw Buyer’s Guide
There are many online DIY stores that sell a wide range of mitre saws, but which one is suitable for you? That’s where this guide comes in and take you through the process of finding the best tool, especially for beginners.
Why buy a mitre saw?
Most people try DIY jobs without the insight of the right tools that they need to make the task smooth and fast. How many times have you attempted a job that you thought was easy then ended up with a terrible finished product? You are not the only one. Once you get online to research the project with our mitre saw reviews, you will soon realise that a good tool such as a mitre saw will complete the job quickly and deliver the desired finish.
Studying our mitre saw reviews will without a doubt give you more interesting ideas about the applications of the particular tool. If you want to cut various materials including wood and plastics at different angles, then a mitre saw is a must. As a matter of fact, it is a good idea to have a mitre saw at home even if you are not into construction.
Many home repairs and maintenance jobs will require the use of pipes, planks and other materials that you will need to cut at specific angles. For that reason, having a mitre saw can save you money eventually since you will be able to do the jobs with your DIY skills. The most common projects that require the services of a mitre saw include furniture building, crown moulding, small building construction, remodelling and home improvements.
Assessing the mitre saw that you need
There are a number of factors that you need to consider before buying a mitre saw. Let’s look at the most important factors below:
Type of cuts you will work with
Knowing the cut types you will be making will determine the type of mitre saw that is suitable for you.
- Cross cuts: the ordinary cut which involves cutting the workpiece to length as you would do with a regular saw.
- Mitre cut: it is angled across the width of the workpiece you are dealing with.
- Bevel cut: an angle cut that goes through the breadth of the material.
- Compound cut: a combination of the mitre and bevel cuts. It’s angled across both the width and the thickness of the material, simultaneously.
Type of mitre saw to buy
There are 4 types of mitre saws and your specifications will also determine the right one for you.
- Standard mitre saw: it comes with a blade with an attached pivot. This mitre saw stays vertical throughout except when you angle the table in a horizontal position.
- Compound mitre saw: this saw allows you to vertically rotate the pivot to one side, which in addition to the horizontal rotation of the table, allows cutting in both vertical and horizontal planes.
- Sliding mitre saw: it works similar to the compound mitre saw but it comes with additional arms for the cutter head to slide horizontally and make easy cuts in wide workpieces.
- Dual compound mitre saw: it is similar to the sliding mitre saw, however, the blade can be tilted either left or right. It is always the obvious choice for complex projects that require cutting materials from different angles.
Cutting capacity
Different mitre saws have different cutting capacities. Make sure that whichever you choose is enough for the type of work you want to tackle. The cutting capacity is determined by the blade’s diameter and its sliding capability.
Most blade diameters these days come in 8, 10 or 12 inches. If you will be working with small projects such as small house models or cutting wooden frames, a 10’’ blade might offer just enough capacity. You can go lower for lighter jobs and pick an 8’’ model. We don’t really recommend going lower as you will most likely find your projects expanding soon enough. However, if you are constantly dealing with larger projects such as pillars, roofing elements and such, then you will benefit greatly from using a 12’’ diameter blade.
Important features to look out for
In order to be certain that you are buying the right tool, you will have to take into account all of its features in detail. Knowing the features of different products will help choose your ideal machine from the wide range of tools on the market.
Here are the critical features to look for:
- Motor power: mitre saws have varying powers. You don’t always have to go for the most powerful mitre saw as these tools are efficient by default. But if you plan to use the tool on a regular basis, then you can go for the highest power. Generally, larger mitre saws will usually have more powerful motors than smaller saws.
- Comfortable handle: in the most favourable situations, you should hold the mitre saw for a couple of minutes to know how it feels in your hand. However, you will have no room to examine if you are ordering online, so reading reviews can help a lot. Keep in mind that the best tool should be easy to handle and also absorb vibration.
- Electric brake: you may not find this feature in every other model but its usefulness cannot be overlooked. An electric brake slows down the blade quickly after making the cut. Machines without an electric blade will take a while longer to lose momentum and this can potentially mess up your work or even cause injury. With an electric brake, the risk of injuries is reduced greatly and it generally makes the tool easier to use.
- Dust collection: this is a very important feature in any woodworking environment. It not only keeps your workplace clean but also protects the machine itself from sawdust that may get into the tool. Some tools come with dust bags while others have extraction ports for attaching a vacuum.
- Work stand: keep in mind that stands vary to a large extent and you will have to consider which will work best at your workstation in order to buy the ideal tool. You also have to take into account the approximate lengths of the material you will be working with since some stands come with specialized extensions to hold long pieces. If you already have a work stand, then you just need to find a mitre saw that can fit in.
- Laser guide: this is not a must feature but it can help you in making more precise cuts. You will have to read through mitre saw reviews to find which laser guide works best as some are not that good.
- Easy blade change: if you are going to work with different materials, then you will have to change the blades at some point. This process should be fast and easy so you need to look for a mitre saw that offers an easy blade changing feature. A spindle lock is the most common accessory for such an operation.
- Positive stops: these are used to set the angle of the bevel adjustments quickly. They increase the speed and productivity of your work with the saw. The more varied the positive stops, the easier it is to use the tool. Make sure the saw also allows you to make practical incremental adjustments.
An important thing to note is that when searching online, you might land on models intended for the US market. UK customers should not buy American models due to the differences in power supply including the physical plug connections. In terms of power, the best mitre saw the UK is rated 240V so you will simply need to plug it into a power source.
The simplest way to tell whether a model is a UK or US is by checking the spelling. While we use “mitre saw” in the UK, it is called “miter saw” in the US. Of course, the currency in online stores will also tell you the difference. US models also so not have 3 pin plugs attached as they use 2 pin types. The only reason we point this out is we did see US models available during our research,
All things considered, below are reviews of our top eight mitre saws on the market today.
Final conclusion
A mitre saw is one of those tools you should have at home as you can never be sure when a job comes up where it will be needed. There is a wide range of these tools on the market and they differ greatly yet the goal remains the same.
Always consider your job requirements and the quality of the machine before the price. Each mitre saw offers particular benefits for different applications so it is important to think about how exactly you intend to use the tool before you buy.
BEST PICK
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
