If you are trying to assemble your very own workshop at home, then one of the tools that you are definitely going to want to invest in is the mitre saw. These saws are essential for woodwork projects both big and small. They are highly powerful and very efficient and a must have for any DIY enthusiast.
Of course, if this is your first mitre saw then it can be difficult to know what to look for. This is especially true because there are so many different models on the market right now. In order to save you some time, we have tested and reviewed some of our favourite models out there. Please read on below to find out our thoughts.
3. Ryobi EMS190DCL ONE+ Mitre Saw
Features: 18v – 190mm Blade Diameter – 4500rpm – 2 Lithium Ion Batteries – User Guide – Forward & Reverse – Overmould Handle – Spindle Lock Blade Change
Pros:
- Surprisingly powerful given it is only powered by 18v.
- Overmould handle is incredibly comfortable to use.
- User guide helps to make very precise cuts.
Cons:
- The saw is quite noisy when in use.
The Review
The first mitre saw that we are going to add to our list is this one from Ryobi. Having tested plenty of their tools in the past, we were pretty sure that we were going to be pleased with it and this was definitely the case. The first thing that we noticed was how easy it is to handle thanks to the overmould rubber handle.
Next, we were very impressed by the sheer amount of power that the saw offers. We were expecting it to be much less powerful given that it is only powered by 18v. One thing that we really liked with this saw is that it has a handy user guide which we found really useful and found that it made making very precise cuts no problem at all.
The only issue that we did have is that the saw itself can be quite noisy, depending on the material that you are cutting. However, with a pair of ear plugs this won’t be too much of an issue. Overall, we have to say that we were quite pleased with this saw.
2. Makita DLS714 Slide Compound Mitre Saw
Features: 36v – 5700rpm – Brushless Motor – LED Indicator Panel – Automatic Torque Drive Technology – Aluminium Base – Triangular Rule – Anti-Slip Elastomer Grip – Dust Extractor Bag
Pros:
- Very light and easy to carry to required destination.
- Saves space because it can be stored when not in use.
- Fast braking system good for extra safety.
- Blade is very high quality and able to cut very precisely
Cons:
- Fast braking system takes a little getting used to.
- The bevel is a little hard to read.
- The dust bag is good but some dust does still escape.
The Review
What really impressed us straight away is how lightweight this mitre saw is. It has an aluminium base so we were expecting it to be heavier, but the portability of this saw really does make a difference. Carrying it to and fro is no problem at all and the portability is great for space saving purposes because it can be removed from your work bench when it is not being used.
The fast braking system that is built into this mitre saw is great in terms of extra safety measures. However, it is important to note that it will take some getting used to if you haven’t used a similar tool before. The quality of the blade provided is superb and we were able to cut through most materials with ease.
One of the features that we really liked was the automatic torque drive technology. This automatically adjusts the speed and torque of the saw as per requirements and really takes a lot of work out of projects.
One of the things that we did notice when we were using the saw is that the bevel can be a little hard to read unless you are up close. As well as this, we felt that whilst the dust extractor bag was good, it was a shame that some dust does still escape. Despite these minor flaws, we were still really impressed with the quality of the build and would absolutely recommend this mitre saw.
1. DeWalt 230v Compound Slide Mitre Saw – The Best Choice
Features: 230v – 3800rpm – 305mm Blade Diameter – Die-Cast Aluminium Base – Spindle Lock – Electronic Brake – 5 Speed Control Settings
Pros:
- 5 speed control settings allow you to get the most precise cut possible.
- No calibrating the angle required during setup, it is ready straight out of the box.
- XPS shadow line cut indicator is incredibly helpful for precise angles.
- Cuts through tough materials like butter.
Cons:
- This mitre saw is quite expensive in comparison to some of the others.
- It can take a while to get your head around all of the different cuts and angles.
The Review
Number 1 on our list of the best mitre saws is this model from DeWalt. This brand has exceeded our expectations a number of times, so we weren’t surprised to find that we were very impressed with their mitre saw. To start off with, we loved the design. With a die-cast aluminium base, this saw is built to last a long time.
One thing that really surprised us during the setup process is that we didn’t need to calibrate the bevel. It was ready straight out of the box which was a really nice touch. In terms of features, one of the most impressive ones for us was the XPS shadow line cut indicator. We found that this allowed us to make incredibly precise cuts with no fuss.
The blade provided with this mitre saw cuts through the toughest of materials like a hot knife through butter, which was highly impressive. The only real issue that we had was that it took some time to get our head around all of the different cuts and angles. As well as this, this saw is quite expensive. However, you definitely get what you pay for.
We hope that now that you have read our reviews that you are able to make an informed decision on the right mitre saw for your needs.
