What is a Mitre Saw Used for?
A mitre saw is an essential power tool for any serious DIY enthusiast or professional tradesperson. Designed to make precise cuts at various angles, they excel in tasks requiring accuracy and efficiency. In this guide, we’ll explore the features, types, and uses of mitre saws to help you determine if you need one in your toolkit.
Introduction to Mitre Saws
A mitre saw, often stationary, is engineered to deliver precision cuts by pulling the blade down onto the material, unlike a circular saw, which pushes through the material. Its main advantage lies in its ability to make quick and accurate cuts, making it ideal for tasks like cutting longer boards, creating picture frames, or making cross cuts for moulding.
Types of Cuts
Mitre saws are capable of various cuts:
Cross Cuts: Straight cuts across the grain of the wood
Mitre Cuts: Angled cuts across the face of the wood, typically used for frames
Bevel Cuts: Angled cuts through the thickness of the wood
Compound Cuts: A combination of mitre and bevel cuts
For more detailed explanations, refer to our bevel, mitre, and cross cuts guide.
Types of Mitre Saws and Their Uses
Mitre saws come in several types, each suited to different tasks:
Single Bevel Mitre Saw: Can make mitre and bevel cuts in one direction. Ideal for simpler projects requiring fewer angled cuts
Double Bevel Mitre Saw: Can make bevel cuts in both directions without flipping the material, saving time on complex projects
Compound Mitre Saw: Allows for compound cuts, combining mitre and bevel cuts simultaneously, perfect for intricate woodworking tasks
Sliding Mitre Saw: Features a sliding arm to extend the blade’s reach, making it suitable for cutting wider boards
Choosing the Right Mitre Saw
When selecting a mitre saw, consider the following factors:
Blade Size: Determines the cutting capacity. Common sizes include 165mm, 190mm, 230mm, and 260mm
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded saws offer unlimited power, while cordless saws provide portability. Refer to our guide on the pros and cons of corded and cordless power tools for more insights
Explore our range of corded mitre saws and cordless mitre saws to find the best fit for your needs.
Mitre Saw Vs Circular Saw
Deciding between a mitre saw and a circular saw depends on your specific needs:
Mitre Saw:
Stationary; ideal for longer boards
Offers high precision and safety
Limited to cutting up to about 6″ wide, or 13″ with sliding models
Suitable for making precise angle cuts
Circular Saw:
Portable; can be taken to the material
Versatile for various cuts, including ripping sheets of material
Generally less expensive
Less precise but more flexible in use
Many tradespeople find it useful to have both tools in their arsenal, but for specific tasks requiring precision, a mitre saw is indispensable.