Best Mitre Saws | UK Reviews & Guide | 2023
A mitre saw is an essential addition to any DIY collection. A mitre saw allows the user to make cross cuts and angled cuts of 90 degrees thanks to a robust circular blade. Power mitre saws use this motorised blade to plunge down into the material you’re working with, making a quality good with minimal effort. The best mitre saws are incredibly versatile and allow you to undertake all manner of DIY jobs. They’re suitable for making cuts to delicate trims and cutting more hardy pieces of wood alike.
Types of Mitre Saw
There’s a few common variations on the mitre saw available. For starters, there’s the so-called basic power mitre saw option to consider. This type of mitre saw offer easy adjustments, allowing you to make angled cuts with ease. If you’re looking to make simple cuts with a classic 90-degree angle, this type of mitre saw is the way to go. Admittedly, a manual saw can be used for such applications, but a power mitre saw grants you a far quicker solution. The best power mitre saws will allow you to set commonly used angles, granting you the exact cuts you’re after.
Another key variant is the compound power mitre saw. This type of mitre saw offers adjustments for both bevel and mitre cuts. As such, they’re more versatile than basic mitre saw models. Generally speaking, compound power mitre saws allow the user to make bevel cuts in a single direction. However, some models provide you with a more flexible approach, giving you the freedom to make cuts in both directions. If you’re looking to make cuts to more delicate pieces of wood, such as intricate moldings, this is the kind of mitre saw you make want to take some time to consider.
The third major type is the sliding compound mitre saw. This is arguably the most versatile variant of mitre saw on the market. With this type of model, the blade and motor are both mounted atop an adjustable arm. This arm can be pivoted in a single direction in most cases, although more premium models do provide the user with a left and right motion.
What are Mitre Saws Made From?
In most instances, power mitre saws are manufactured from robust metals like steel. Lightweight metals like aluminium can also be expected. Not every component of a mitre saw will be metallic, however, with elements like blade guards often constructed from other materials like plastic. That being said, even these materials are of the more resilient variety, with heavy-duty choices as standard. Mitre saws are constructed with heavy-duty applications in mind, although there are a few things you can do to ensure your choice of model performs as best as it possibly can.
For starters, you may wish to invest in a stand for your mitre saw. This will ensure that lengthier pieces of material are better supported while you’re making cuts. When you combine your mitre saw with a stand, you’ll instantly notice that your work is altogether steadier and cuts are easier to make.
Blade Sizes and Mitre Saw Extras
Don’t overlook the importance of blade sizes when investing in a mitre saw. As a general rule, blades for mitre saws measure 8 to 12 inches. The larger the blade, the longer the cut you can make. If you’re keen to ensure the utmost in precision when working, you may also want to invest in extras like laser guides. These are particularly handy if you intend to work with expensive pieces of material or more delicate cuts of wood where mistakes can be costly. Another key extra to consider forking out for are brakes. Adding electric brakes into the mix will allow you to quickly halt the blade as you work. Not only will this help minimise mistakes as you work, it also enhances overall safety while working. Finally, you should certainly think about purchasing a dust collector for your mitre saw, or invest in a model that incorporates one as a standard feature. If you’re looking for a power mitre saw to undertake heavy-duty cutting and long sessions of operation, it’s pivotal you capture all that sawdust to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment.
Mains Power or Cordless?
As with almost any type of power tool, the question of cordless versus corded is a straightforward one. Cordless mitre saws are certainly worth considering if you’re expecting to work in spaces that don’t have access to mains power, or suffer from limited access, although this flexibility does have serious limitations. For one, putting your mitre saw through heavy use will very quickly sap your battery. Even after a full charge, a cordless mitre saw can quickly lose its juice. This problem can be overcome by stocking up on additional battery packs that can be readily swapped out, but doing this can be expensive. Whenever it is possible, go for mitre saws that can be run on mains power. You’ll be able to enjoy constant operation and never have to suffer from your equipment running below optimal performance levels.
Mitre Saw Reviews
Now we’ve looked at some of the most important things to consider when purchasing mitre saws, it’s time to see what’s currently available on the market. We’ve put together a first-rate line-up of premium machinery from some of the best manufacturers in the business, with models to accommodate all requirements and budgets.
Remember to check out our post on the best circular saws.
Einhell UK TC-MS 2112 1600 W Compound Mitre Saw with 5000 rpm Cutting Speed – Red
You’ve got everything you need right here to make precise angle cuts, with the rotating table allowing for accurate cuts ranging from -45 degrees to +45 degrees. You can also put this mitre saw to good use when carrying out impressive bevel cuts. This mitre saw allows you to enjoy secure and safe cutting, with work piece support and clamping functionality as standard. The table inlay also boasts a scale for ensuring utmost accuracy when cutting. You’ll also be able to work in a clean area free of dust thanks to the sawdust bag attached to the device. Need to move to another area? No problem. This mitre saw comes with a transport brace, making it an incredibly portable option. This mitre saw boasts powerful performance spec, with a 1600W motor that delivers cutting speeds of up to 5,000 rotations per minute. An easy choice if you’re looking to make crosscuts and mitre cuts with all manner of materials, including wood, laminated panel pieces and plastics.
Metabo KS 216 M 240 V Laser Compound Mitre Saw
If you’re after a more compact and low-profile choice of mitre saw, this model from Metabo is well worth looking into. Compact and lightweight in design, this mitre saw is a good bet for those working in tighter confines, while also being a very portable choice that can be carried around one-handedly. This is also a very worthwhile choice for those who are seeking something with bags of safety elements and features designed to make cutting easier and more precise. For a start, there’s a bright LED light to illuminate along the cutting line. If you’re working in darker environments, this is a crucially important feature. Additionally, there are high sliding rear fence profiles that encourage overall better levels of safety while sawing. Relatively affordable and incredibly sleek in design, it’s a solid choice for those with limited available space who require the powerful cutting ability and versatile functionality of a mitre saw.
Evolution Power Tools R210SMS+ Sliding Mitre Saw With Multi-Material Cutting, 45° Bevel, 50° Mitre, 230mm Slide, 1500 W, 230 V
If you’re after something more robust and able to carry out heavy-duty mitre cutting, this model from Evolution Power Tools demands your attention. The multi-material construction of this mitre saw means you can enjoy precise cutting of all manner of materials. With this in your arsenal, you’ll have no trouble making quick work of cutting tasks with all types of materials like wood, plastic and metals. A powerful 1500W motor has been optimised for increased performance and extended blade life, while also serving to handle cutting through all material types with ease. Accuracy is another standout element of the design of this mitre saw. Precision cutting can be counted on thanks to laser guidance and a trench cut facility. With this mitre saw, you can look forward to carrying out cuts at all commonly used angles.
WORX WX427 XL 710W WORXSAW Compact Circular Saw
This Worx compact circular saw is a versatile choice that won’t let you down. Robust and durable, despite its sleeker design, this mitre saw boasts an impressive 710W motor that can deliver cuts at a depth of up to 46mm. In addition to everyday wood lengths, you can look forward to cutting through more stubborn masonry, as well as tiles. Particularly appealing about this mitre saw is the ability to operate it one-handed. If you’re looking for a model of saw that can be utilised in smaller spaces, this is the way to go. Although this handheld model is corded, a generous flex of 2.5 metres means you can get around larger pieces of material with ease. With a hardy tool box and a selection of blades included, this mitre saw is a great value choice for those looking to stick to a budget.
Evolution Power Tools F210SMS Sliding Mitre Saw with Multi-Material Cutting, 45 Degree Bevel, 50 Degree Mitre, 230 mm Slide, 1200 W, 230 V
Impressive performance is what you’ll get with the F210SMS from Evolution Power Tools. The multi-material construction of this premium power tool means you’ll have no trouble cutting through all manner of material types, including steel, aluminium and wood alike. What’s more, this mitre saw will make quick work of potentially difficult pieces of masonry that might be riddled with embedded nails. A powerful 1200W motor delivers high levels of performance as standard, yet has been optimised for even higher levels of cutting efficiency. The optimised gearbox and blade system also ensures your blades enjoy a longer operational life. Precision and accuracy are also assured thanks to laser guidance and a trench cut facility, with settings to allow for easy cutting at all commonly used angles.
Nobex Champion Compound Mitre Saw
This compound mitre saw from Nobex has been designed with everyday, heavy-duty applications in mind. Standout features here include an 180mm cutting height at 90 degrees and a 125mm width at 45 degrees. You can also look forward to stepless locking at any angle. The robust 500mm aluminium base features both metric and imperial measuring scales, while there are two material clamps fitted to the body so you can lock down your workpieces securely. The saw frame can also be suspended, making the setting of workpieces even more straightforward. Particularly impressive here is the blade length of 630mm, making it a go-to choice for more extensive cutting tasks. Admittedly, this one lacks the perks of a power tool alternative, but its general robustness and hard-wearing nature should tick all the right boxes for the professional or DIY enthusiast who value the benefits of quality manual models.
Makita MLS100 240 V 255 mm Electric Saw
The Makita MLS100 will definitely catch the eye of any self-respecting DIY enthusiast looking for reliable performance and premium cutting ability. A compact and lightweight alternative to more cumbersome models, the MLS100 is great for home use. What’s more, its portability makes it a great option for the job site, with powerful specs to match. A 1,500W motor delivers speeds of up to 4,200 rotations per minute, while there’s plenty of adjustability when it comes to cutting angles. A transparent blade guard system provides you with ample visibility while working, ensuring clean an precise results, every time.
How To Choose A Mitre Saw In 3 Easy Steps
