{"id":1440,"date":"2021-01-01T22:34:47","date_gmt":"2021-01-01T22:34:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/?p=1440"},"modified":"2021-01-12T10:50:24","modified_gmt":"2021-01-12T10:50:24","slug":"best-mitre-saw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/best-mitre-saw\/","title":{"rendered":"How (And Where) To Find The Best Mitre Saw?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A mitre saw allows you to make different types of cuts easily, quickly and accurately.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easier to use than a circular saw<\/a> especially for a beginner. You can make angled cuts more accurately with a mitre saw.<\/p>\n

Whether you are just starting out in woodworking or are looking to add another tool to your workshop, a mitre saw is a great choice.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a bit more expensive than a circular saw but it will greatly improve the quality of your work and save you time cutting lumber.<\/p>\n

To help you find the best mitre saw for your needs, we extensively researched and compared dozens of models.<\/p>\n

We picked five that we believe are the best for different types of woodworkers in the UK, from hobbyists to pros.<\/p>\n

Here are the factors we considered when picking the top rated mitre saws. Keep them in mind when choosing the best mitre saw for your needs.<\/p>\n

Key Considerations When Choosing a Mitre Saw<\/h2>\n

a) Type of Mitre Saw<\/h3>\n

There are three types of mitre saws.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. A basic mitre saw <\/strong>can make two types of cuts: a straight cut or crosscut like a normal saw and a mitre cut. Most mitre saws can cut to an angle of up to 45 degrees.<\/li>\n
  2. A compound mitre saw <\/strong>can make four types of cuts: a crosscut, a mitre cut, a bevel cut and a compound mitre and bevel cut. This is the best type of mitre saw for most people.<\/li>\n
  3. A sliding mitre saw <\/strong>can slide along an arm to cut a wider piece of wood such as a floorboard. While they offer more versatility, sliding mitre saws are heavier and less portable.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    b) Blade<\/h3>\n

    The first thing to check regarding the blade is its size. Common blade sizes are 8\u201d, 10\u201d and 12\u201d.<\/p>\n

    Most mitre saws come with a 10\u201d blade that is adequate for most woodworking projects.<\/p>\n

    Also check what kind of materials the blade can cut. All blades can cut wood. Others can also cut through plastic, laminated panels and even metal.<\/p>\n

    Don\u2019t forget to check the blades cutting capacity in terms of maximum cutting angle and cutting width and depth.<\/p>\n

    c) Motor Power<\/h3>\n

    This is not that important for hobbyists and home projects. Any decent mitre saw will easily cut through any piece of wood.<\/p>\n

    More motor power translates into higher RPM, which in turn allows you to cut through lumber faster.<\/p>\n

    Motor power for mitre saws typically starts at 1,500 watts. That delivers about 4,200 rpm. A 1,600, 1,800 or 2,000 motor will often have higher rpm.<\/p>\n

    d) Weight<\/h3>\n

    A lighter tool is easier to handle. It\u2019s especially useful if you move the mitre saw around your workshop often or from one project site to another.<\/p>\n

    The heaviest mitre saws weigh around 17-20kg. Though harder to lift, they often provide more power and extra features.<\/p>\n

    The weight is not an issue if you are planning to set it up at a permanent station.<\/p>\n

    The lightest mitre saws weigh around 6-8kg but they often lack in power and extra features. These are great if you want something basic and portable.<\/p>\n

    e) Laser Guidance<\/h3>\n

    With a basic mitre saw, you have to align the blade with your cutting line before you cut. If you want more accuracy, get a mitre saw with a laser.<\/p>\n

    Laser guidance shows you exactly where on the wood the blade is going to cut. You can easily align the blade with the cut line without having to bring the blade down first.<\/p>\n

    f) Dust Collection\/Extraction<\/h3>\n

    Sawing generates a lot of dust. Check whether the saw has any sort of dust management system.<\/p>\n

    Cheaper mitre saws use a simply dust bag where dust collects as you work. Pricier saws have a more complicated dust extraction system that vacuums the dust away to keep the work area clean.<\/p>\n

    g) Extension Bars<\/h3>\n

    Check if the mitre saw comes with extension bars that work as a stand. They make it easier to cut long and heavy pieces of wood.<\/p>\n

    If the saw doesn\u2019t have extension bars, consider buying a mitre saw stand.<\/p>\n

    h) Corded vs. Cordless<\/h3>\n

    If you want added portability or your work area doesn\u2019t have an outlet, consider buying a cordless mitre saw.<\/p>\n

    But be warned; they gobble up battery charge fast since they use a lot of power. Get extra battery packs to extend your work time.<\/p>\n

    How to use a Mitre Saw<\/h2>\n

    The most important bit when using a mitre saw is safety. Put on a pair of safety glasses and hearing protection.<\/p>\n

    Get familiar with all the safety features of the saw including the locking mechanism, the finger trigger and the blade guard.<\/p>\n

    Before you start, make sure the mitre saw is on a sturdy surface. This can be the floor, a stable worktable or a mitre saw stand.<\/p>\n

    When using the saw, make sure your fingers stay at least 6\u201d away from the spinning blade. Hold the handle steadily as the blade cuts through wood and wait until the blade has stopped before lifting it back up.<\/p>\n

    Unplug the saw when it\u2019s not in use or when you want to change or clean the blade.<\/p>\n

    Making cuts<\/h3>\n

    Making cuts using a mitre saw is fairly easy though you\u2019ll need a bit of practice to get it right.<\/p>\n

    Use the mitre scale to set the angle of the cut. Set the scale to 0 if you want a crosscut.<\/p>\n

    If you want to make a bevel cut, set the bevel scale to the required angle and the mitre angle to 0. If it is a compound cut, set both the bevel and mitre scales to the required angles.<\/p>\n

    Lower the blade (while it\u2019s off) and align it slightly beyond your marked cut line on the waste side. This ensures you get the exact length of wood you want.<\/p>\n

    Lift the blade and get ready to cut.<\/p>\n

    Hold the piece of wood firmly or use a clamp to keep it from shifting.<\/p>\n

    Press the finger trigger and wait for the blade to get up to speed. The mitre saw may jerk as the blade starts up. Don\u2019t worry; that\u2019s normal.<\/p>\n

    When the blade is at maximum speed (you\u2019ll hear), lower it gently and cut through the wood.<\/p>\n

    The Best Mitre Saw Reviews<\/h2>\n

    1. Makita MLS100 240 V 255 mm Electric Saw<\/h3>\n<\/a>\n
    CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON -><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Makita mitre saw is an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists who are looking for something affordable, versatile and easy to use.<\/p>\n

    The mitre saw comes with a 255mm (10\u201d) diameter with a maximum mitre angle of 45 degrees on both sides.<\/p>\n

    It can also make a single bevel cut of up to 45 degrees.<\/p>\n

    That\u2019s enough flexibility for most home projects.<\/p>\n

    The see through blade guard makes it easier to see where you are cutting to ensure accuracy. It\u2019s not as good as a laser guidance system but it will do for most people\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n

    The 1,500W motor spins the blade at 4200 rpm, fast enough to cut through tough and thick pieces of wood.<\/p>\n

    If you are dealing with long pieces, extension wings on the side provide added support.<\/p>\n

    A dust bag keeps your workspace neat and improves visibility when you are cutting.<\/p>\n

    What I like about it:<\/h4>\n