What to look for in a mitre saw?

[Sid71]

Hi

I'm not in the trade but I'm keen to get a bit of professional advice on buying a mitre saw (I'm embarking on a serious decking and woodwork project).

I'm going to need a mitre saw and although I've been to plenty of sites I'm a bit overwhelmed by the numbers of saws out there.

What are the top 5 things I need to think about? I'll be cutting a huge range of wood thicknesses and angles and I don't mind spending money on a good quality tool if it's going to save me time and last me a few years (£250??)

I'm guessing it's things like accuracy...double bevel...no. of settings...width/breadth of cut...leg stand...anything else

Basically, what will cause me most pain if I don't get the right saw??

Many thanks


Sid

 

[joinerjohn]

Things to look out for,,, Depth of cut, width of cut (both at 90° and 45°) Wattage of the motor, size of blades etc.

Probably for decking, a sliding mitre saw would be better, as you get a wider cut both at 90 and 45 degrees.

 

[r896neo]

Definately get a sliding one if you can stretch, and for 250 you definately will be able to. It's more versatile, very few times do you cut anything over 3 inch thick with it but more likely you'll want to cut something thin but wide.

 

[1john]

I would opt to have a better saw and only have a single bevel cut instead of getting a double bevel one. I have a bosch blue 10" sliding mitre saw and am very pleased with it, cannot remember what it retailed at although you could prob get a very good second hand tool off ebay or the like, perhaps from someone like yourself who has only had it for one or teo jobs. More bang for your buck.

A really nice blade is essential for finishing work IMO, sadly mine got ruined when I had to cut a load of laminate

 

[merlin50]

1john is right forget the double bevel, 10" blade is a must nothing smaller. its worth paying a bit more for the bosch blue, I now have one and its great. I started off with a £180.00 ish one that was rubbish and was pleased to see the back of it.

 

[iwaters]

Probably not so important for decking but if you get a sliding one get one that slides on two runners as you get less wobble I believe.

Also save some money for a decent blade as the ones you get with even mid priced saws are generally pants.

 

[Alcapone]

I have a lot of experience with these,
The double bevel is a nice feature, but the most important is the sliding type, I have had both and get the one with the slide. You wont regret it, also buy a mitre saw stand, they are great as well. Nothing smaller that 250mm blade, if you can find a good cheap 300mm blade this is the real business.

 

[mattylad]

Speaking from buying cheap ones......

Check that hey will go to 45 degrees both directions when the clamps are in.

 

[Sid71]

I'm going to spend a bit more time looking at specific machines then I might come back for a second opinion.

Cheers!