Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a mitre saw?
A mitre saw provides you with precise and accurate cuts. Its design allows you to set specific angles for both mitre and bevel cuts, ensuring that your cuts are perfect every time. This accuracy is crucial when working on projects like framing, trim work, or crown moulding, where precise measurements are essential for a professional finish.
With a mitre saw, you can quickly make repetitive cuts with consistent results. This efficiency saves you time and effort, increasing your productivity and allowing you to complete projects faster. The saw's blade is safely enclosed, reducing the risk of accidents and protecting your hands from coming into direct contact with the blade. Additionally, mitre saws often come with blade guards that retract as you lower the saw, further adding to their safety features. Many models also have a built-in laser guide, which helps you visualise the cutting line and reduces the chances of making mistakes. While it excels at cutting wood, it can also handle materials like plastic and aluminium, making it a versatile tool for various applications.
What are the three types of mitre saw?
Traditional mitre saws are the most straightforward and commonly used. It has a fixed arm that allows you to make straight cuts at various angles, typically up to 45 degrees on both sides (left and right). Basic mitre saws are ideal for making simple crosscuts, mitre cuts, and bevel cuts. They are suitable for general woodworking tasks, DIY projects, and home repairs.
Compound mitre saws offer the capability of making both mitre and bevel cuts simultaneously. In addition to the basic mitre features, the head of the saw can be tilted to one side, allowing you to make bevel cuts at various angles. This versatility is valuable for projects that involve cutting crown moulding, trim work, or other tasks that require angled cuts in multiple planes.
Sliding mitre saws are the most advanced and versatile type. They combine the features of a compound mitre saw with the ability to slide the cutting head along a horizontal rail. This sliding action extends the cutting capacity, allowing you to cut wider boards and materials. Sliding compound mitre saws are ideal for handling larger projects and demanding woodworking tasks that require both precision and flexibility in cutting.
What is the difference between a mitre saw and a circular saw?
A mitre saw is a specialised tool designed primarily for making precise angled cuts, commonly known as mitre cuts and bevel cuts. It features a fixed arm that allows you to set the cutting angle and make accurate cuts at specific degrees. A mitre saw is ideal for projects that require angled cuts, such as crown mouldings, trim work, and picture frames.
A circular saw is a more versatile cutting tool designed for making straight cuts through various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Unlike a mitre saw, a circular saw doesn't have a fixed arm or the ability to make angled cuts. Instead, it has a circular blade that rotates to cut through the material in a straight line. Circular saws are widely used in construction, carpentry, and DIY projects for tasks like cutting boards, sheets of plywood, and other materials. A circular saw is typically handheld, which means you can move it freely across the workpiece, allowing for greater flexibility in cutting. This portability makes it suitable for on-the-go tasks and for cutting materials that may not be easy to transport to a stationary mitre saw.
