Tips for Finding the Best Mitre Saw for You

When it comes to buying power tools, you’d think that the sheer volume of options would make the process easier, but it doesn’t! In fact, it makes it much harder to decide on which ones are actually best suited to your requirements and preferred handling style.

Take the Mitre saw as an example: this is a must-have tool for anyone looking to make flawless and precise cuts quickly and effectively, but there are many different features to choose from. So, in order to best understand which Mitre saw is best for you, first, we need to get a better understanding of the different features that are available. That way you’ll know which features and addons will compliment your style and those which you may find unnecessary. But, before we do that, what is a Mitre saw and what are they used for?

What does a Mitre saw do?

Mitre saws are handy power toolswhich are used for their precision when it comes to cutting through various materials (typically wood). They have a large circular saw, on a base or table which is then pressed down towards the material underneath for accurate cutting.

What about a Compound Mitre Saw?

Other variations of the Mitre saw, is the compound mitre saw. This saw is a specialist power tool that is designed to allow you to make cuts at various angles and bevels. You can mount a compound saw on a bench, table or leg stand, then cut through various materials of different thicknesses and sizes, depending on your chosen blade size. They’re designed to give you that extra bit of flexibility. Compound mitre saws don’t just cut through the wood—in fact, they can slice through plastics & non-ferrous metals as well. When it comes to manoeuvrability, some mitre saws will bevel (swing the blade to one side, or both sides). Others have a rail function installed which allows you to draw the blade out and down offering even more flexibility. In addition to that, the majority of mitre saws will have a blade guard, exposing the blade only when it’s being pushed down towards the material being sliced. Other safety features include safety switches which were intentionally positioned out of the way so that you can keep your hands well clear of the razor-sharp blades that move and incredibly high speeds.

Important features of the mitre saw

Blades

When it comes to the blade, you can choose a variety of different sizes, which each determine the depth of the cut through your material. These typically come in 8,10 & 12 inches. In addition to that, they come in a variety of styles depending on the materials that you are having to cut through. You can choose from wood cutting blades, aluminium, mild steel and more. Then, of course, you have the number of teeth on a blade, which affect how fine the cut is. Upon purchase, you’ll find that a standard mitre saw will come with a middle range, wood cutting blade. So, if that’s what you’re going to be cutting, you won’t need to make any additional purchases at this time.

Mitre

You can also adjust the mitre of your saw (the degree at which your saw will cut). So, just to give you an example: typically, two pieces of wood fused together to make a 90º right angle joint—such as with a picture frame—will be cut at 45º each. Certain saws can only mitre to one side, whereas more advances saws can angle both left and right, giving you that extra bit of flexibility.

Slide

When you cut on a sliding action, you’re able to slice through wood that has widths greater than the blade that you are using. Of course, determining as to whether or not you will need a sliding function on your saw will largely depend on the type of work that you do. Honestly, we think it’s always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Bevel & Compound

Again, this means the saw head being able to tilt to one side, whilst also having the capacity to rotate on the saw table as well. You can either have a single bevel (one side only) or double (both). Having a double bevel will mean that you will never have to reposition the wood when cutting angles, simply adjust the side of the blade—perfect for making furniture and other intricate pieces with plenty of complex angle-work involved. Remember, that a sliding saw with double bevel will increase the risk of things going wrong when using the saw. This is why you need to ensure that you go for the best brandswhen having so much manoeuvrability on the saw—there’s no good skimping when it comes to such a dangerous piece of kit.

Lasers

That’s right! As if the mitre saw could get any cooler, some have a laser option as well! This is ideal if you’re working in relatively poor lighting conditions, showing a red line across the wood and guiding your cut.

Clamps & Extension arms

Another handy feature, are the clamps and extension arms which are used for holding your material in place, leaving your hands free to focus on guiding the blade properly, with your hand free of the danger zone.

Leg-stands

Leg stands are adjustable tables which give you the freedom to work at the perfect height for you, whilst offering ample stability. Of course, you must always opt for respected brands so that you can rely on the stability and security of the leg stand, otherwise, this is a very handy piece of kit.

Other notes

Mitre saws create an awful lot of sawdust, and whilst most modern saws are very good with dust management and keeping levels to a minimum, if you’re working in a tight space, you may need additional solutions. As such, you might wish to try a dust extractoror standard hoover which can easily be attached to your mitre saw to help with sawdust management. It’s little features like this which really go a long way towards making your life easier and the whole process more effective.

Conclusion

All in all, the mitre saw is an essential bit of kit for those who regularly have to cut through wood and other materials, making fine and precise angles. That, and with so many different adjustable features, you’ll be certain to find the perfect optimisation to suit your style. If you’d like to learn more about the various mitre saws that we have available, then please do not hesitate to contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction!