When it comes to woodworking, construction, or metalworking projects, having a reliable and precise tool is crucial. That’s where the Best Mitre Saw comes into play. This powerful tool is designed to provide accurate and repeatable cuts quickly and efficiently.
Whether you’re building furniture, creating picture frames, or installing baseboards, the Best Mitre Saw offers the versatility to cut at various angles, ensuring that your projects are executed with the utmost precision.
In this blog post, we will explore the top-notch mitre saw options available in Australia, helping you make an informed decision and elevate your woodworking and construction game to new heights.
How to Choose the Best Mitre Saw for you
Choosing the best mitre saw for your needs involves several considerations, from the types of projects you’ll be tackling to the features that will make your work more efficient and accurate. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you select the mitre saw that will serve you best:
Understand the Types of Mitre Saws:
Standard Mitre Saws: These saws pivot from one side to the other to make mitre cuts but do not tilt for bevel cuts. They’re generally more affordable and suitable for simple projects involving straight cross cuts and mitre cuts.
Compound Mitre Saws: Compound mitre saws can pivot for mitre cuts and tilt for bevel cuts. They are ideal for cutting crown moulding, picture frames, and any project that requires angled cuts in two planes.
Sliding Compound Mitre Saws: These saws offer all the features of compound mitre saws with the added benefit of sliding arms for cutting wide boards. This type is perfect for larger projects involving wide workpieces.
Consider Blade Size:
The most common blade sizes are 8, 10, and 12 inches. Larger blades can cut through wider and thicker materials. Your choice should be dictated by the size of the materials you typically work with. For example, a 10-inch saw might be sufficient for most trim and framing work, while a 12-inch may be necessary for larger, professional-grade projects.
Assess Power and Speed:
Mitre saws are available in various motor strengths, typically ranging from 10 to 15 amps. More powerful motors can handle tougher materials and longer use without overheating.
Blade speed is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). Higher RPMs can provide smoother cuts and are better for cutting harder materials.
Decide on a Corded or Cordless Model:
Corded Saws: Offer consistent power without the need to charge batteries, best for work where portability isn’t an issue.
Cordless Saws: Provide portability and convenience, especially when working in areas without easy access to power. Be aware that they may have less power than corded models and require battery management.
Cutting Capacity and Bevel Ability:
Evaluate the cutting capacity of the jigsaw for both wood and metal, which indicates the maximum depth it can cut through. Also, consider a jigsaw that has an adjustable base for making bevel cuts, which are angled cuts up to 45 degrees or more. A good jigsaw will have easy-to-use bevel adjustment capability with positive stops at common angles like 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees.
Consider Workflow and Space:
Evaluate your workspace. If you’re limited on room, a sliding compound mitre saw may not be feasible. Conversely, if your work involves large-scale projects, a small non-sliding mitre saw may not be sufficient.
Look for Key Features:
Laser Guide Systems: These project a beam onto the workpiece for more accurate cutting.
Dust Collection Systems: Effective dust collection can keep your workspace clean and enhance visibility.
Positive Stops: These preset notches on the mitre and bevel scales allow for quick adjustments to common angles, improving speed and accuracy.
Depth Stops: Allow you to adjust the height of the blade, enabling you to make partial cuts in materials.
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The Best Mitre Saws Australia
1. Milwaukee M18FMS305-0
The Milwaukee mitre saw ensures precise cuts with its large sliding fences, providing unwavering support for materials. This creates stability that is essential for accuracy in each cut. For those crafting notches or channels, the saw’s trenching stop with depth adjustment is particularly beneficial.
Security and management of this tool are streamlined with the one key system, offering both tool tracking and theft prevention through a sophisticated cloud-based platform. Additionally, the saw’s portability is facilitated by the integrated carry handle, making transitions smooth across various job sites.
Designed for consistent performance, the steel detent plate allows for quick, accurate setting of common cut angles, enhancing repeated accuracy. An integrated LED light enhances visibility, ensuring precise alignment even in dim conditions. This saw excels in endurance too, boasting the ability to make up to 330 cuts in 82mm baseboard on a single charge of its 12.0AH battery.
2. Festool KSC 60 EB-Kit
The Festool KSC 60 EB-Kit stands out for its mobility and compact design. With ergonomically placed handles and a practical immobiliser, this saw is easily transported and stored. Light in weight and with flush-mounted guide rods, it offers convenience without compromising functionality.
This saw equates to power with stamina, thanks to its brushless EC-TEC motor and dual battery system. It delivers the consistent power of a corded tool, while maintaining the freedom that cordless operation provides. Precision is also a hallmark of this tool, with dual ball-bearing mounting ensuring smooth, accurate cuts without deviation.
A broad application range is a key feature of this tool, offering mitre angles up to 60 degrees on both sides and bevel angles up to 47 or 46 degrees. The LED shadow line and trenching function add versatility, while the smart bevel aids in accurate angle transfers. The addition of feet for an extended work surface further enhances its wide-ranging capabilities.
3. Makita DLS714Z
The Makita DLS714Z brings a dual bevel capacity to the table, allowing for 45 degrees to the left and 5 degrees to the right, which presents flexibility for a variety of cuts. The 190mm blade diameter is optimal for the saw’s size, ensuring efficient handling of cuts up to 52x300mm. With a relatively lightweight design at 12.1kg, this mitre saw is manageable for transportation and setup.
Equipped with a swift no-load speed of 5,700 rpm, the DLS714Z ensures quick and clean cuts for busy professionals and hobbyists alike. Its electric brake enhances operational safety by rapidly stopping blade motion upon trigger release, adding to the user’s peace of mind. Additionally, the double sliding mechanism expands cutting capacity while maintaining a compact form factor.
The saw’s Automatic Torque Drive technology is a standout, automatically adjusting the cutting speed under load for optimum operation. This feature ensures that this Makita tool delivers consistent performance and precision, making it a valuable asset for anyone requiring reliable and precise cutting capability in their power tool arsenal.
4. Dewalt DWS780-XE
The Dewalt DWS780-XE showcases exemplary cutting capabilities, efficiently handling both petite profiles and substantial construction beams up to 110 x 303 mm. What particularly stands out is the XPS Shadow line cut indicator, which not only ensures precise blade alignment but also brightens the workpiece to bolster productivity without needing any adjustments.
Built for longevity, this robust tool offers a comprehensive adjustment system to maintain accuracy throughout its lifespan. The introduction of a quick-release bevel stop is noteworthy, enabling swift and precise settings of bevel angles up to 49° on both sides. Its user-friendly features extend to the mitre and bevel controls, streamlining setup alterations between tasks.
Precision is a distinctive quality of the DWS780-XE, with its large dual sliding fence ensuring solid support for large-scale cuts at any angle. The use of bronze guides on the linear horizontal rails signifies a dedication to accuracy when working with materials up to 345 mm wide. Despite its formidable capacity, the saw’s compact and lightweight design assures easy transportation across the jobsite. Topping off its impressive features are excellent dust management, adaptable electronic speed control for various materials, and an innovative grooving stop for controlled cut depth during grooving and rebating operations.
5. HiKOKI C3610DRA(H4Z)
The HiKOKI C3610DRA(H4Z) is a mitre saw designed with portability in mind, showcasing a lightweight build that simplifies transportation to and from the jobsite. It’s a great choice for professionals who frequently move between locations or require a saw that is easy to manoeuvre around the workshop.
Precision in cutting is achieved effortlessly with the aid of an integrated laser line. This feature ensures that each cut is both accurate and easy to align, saving time and reducing waste. In addition to this, the saw comes equipped with an LED light, enhancing visibility of the workpiece even in suboptimal lighting conditions.
User safety and comfort are key considerations for HiKOKI; the soft start function mitigates the recoil force typically experienced during motor startup, thereby enhancing overall safety. The saw also comes with positive mitre stops, facilitating quick and hassle-free angle adjustments. With a no-load speed of 4,000 RPM, a blade diameter of 255mm, and a bore of 25.4mm, the HiKOKI C3610DRA(H4Z) is positioned as a reliable option for a broad range of cutting tasks.
FAQ’s
Should I buy a 10 or 12 mitre saw?
The choice between a 10-inch or 12-inch mitre saw depends on your needs. For most DIY projects and basic cuts, a 10-inch saw is sufficient, lighter, and usually more affordable. A 12-inch saw can handle larger, thicker materials, providing wider cuts but at a higher cost and with more significant weight.
What is the best mitre saw for finishing carpentry?
The best mitre saw for finish carpentry typically offers precision, power, and reliability. A popular choice is the DEWALT DWS780 12-inch double bevel sliding compound mitre saw, known for its precise cutting angles, durable design, and integrated cutline blade positioning system for adjustment-free cut line indication.
What should you never cut with a mitre saw?
Never cut metal, stone, or masonry with a standard mitre saw; it’s designed for wood or similar materials. Using it on inappropriate materials can damage the blade, the saw, or cause injury from flying debris. Always use a saw and blade type appropriate for the material you’re cutting.
