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The Best Mitre Saws
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Best value mitre saw - Evolution R210CMS Compound Mitre Saw[ CHECK PRICE ]
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Best professional mitre saw - Bosch GCM8SJL Sliding Mitre Saw[ SAVE 30% ]
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Best for DIYers - Dewalt DWS774 Compound Sliding Mitre Saw[ CHECK PRICE ]
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Best cheap mitre saw - Einhell TC-MS 2112 Compound Mitre Saw[ SAVE 20% ]
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Best mitre saw for beginners - Metabo KGS216M Compound Sliding Mitre Saw[ CHECK PRICE ]
Mitre Saw Reviews
1. Evolution R210CMS Compound Mitre Saw
Best value mitre saw
- The compact size of this mitre saw makes it an ideal choice for anyone with a tiny workshop. If bench space is at a premium, this is a better choice compared with the Metabo KGS216M.
- Evolution have built their good reputation on their excellent tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) multi-material blades. You don’t need to worry if there are screws lurking in your timber.
- Even though this is a budget level mitre saw, it certainly doesn’t feel flimsy. You get a fully metal blade guard, which is a welcome addition and should last for a long time.
- If you’re looking for a job site saw that you can take with you to the job, this is the best portable mitre saw on my list. Weighing just 5.8 kg, it’s quite marvellous.
- Whether it’s just the mitre saw that I tested out or not, there’s a little slop in the mitre angle even when “locked” in place.
- Compared with the DeWalt DWS774, there should be some onboard storage for the 6 mm hex key. It’s a vital piece of kit for changing blades, but I know I’ll lose it.
- Something that a lot of mitre saw users like and use a lot are cutting guides. Whether you like a laser or not, I still think a work light would be an incredibly useful add on to have.
- The TCT blade is certainly capable, but it leaves a wider kerf compared with some more expensive mitre saws. This leads to more wastage over time.
- Single/Double Bevel
- Single
- Power
- Mains - 1,200W
- Blade Speed
- 3,750rpm
- Blade Diameter
- 210mm
- Max Straight Cut
- 125 x 55mm
- Max Bevel Cut
- 125 x 35mm
- Max Mitre Cut
- 85 x 45mm
- Max Compnd Cut
- 85 x 35mm
- Weight
- 5.8kg
- Design
- 4
- Performance
- 4
- Power
- 4
- Noise
- 4
- Safety
- 5
- Value for Money
- 5
One of the bigger names in home DIY kit, Evolution are famous for their blades and loved for their honest wallet-friendly prices. The Evolution R210CMS is right down there in terms of price, as it costs just a fraction of the big Bosch GCM8SJL, but still provides decent cutting ability for a budget chop saw.
I’m a big fan of how small and light this little saw is. Weighing less than 6 kg, this little machine could almost fit in your pocket. It doesn’t have a huge cutting capacity, but if you’re tackling standard bits of timber then it’ll get the job done. And thanks to the amazing TCT multi-material blade, you’re not limited to cutting wood either. You can get stuck into plastics, aluminium and even steel if you need to!
This budget saw doesn’t come without its drawbacks though. It suffers from a clunky mitre table that struggles to lock into place, and for the money, you don’t get a work light to keep things illuminated. Nevertheless, this is a solid and honest little saw that will get the job done.
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2. Bosch GCM8SJL Sliding Mitre Saw[ SAVE 30% ]
Best professional mitre saw
- You can expect the best from Bosch’s “blue” line of professional quality power tools. Favoured by tradespeople around the world, this is a robust and well-made bit of kit.
- The depth stop function is brilliant for making trench cuts in timber, something you can’t do with a lot of the mitre saws on my list.
- With two extraction ports situated next to the blade, it does an amazing job at keeping the dust levels down when paired up with a shop vac.
- With the flick of a red lever, you can extend the width of the table easily- longer workpieces can be supported without having to buy extra extenders.
- Adjusting the laser guide is ridiculously easy compared to some other mitre saws- a single screw pans it left to right.
- Even though this is a very capable and heavy-duty mitre saw, it cuts 30 mm less at 90° in comparison to similar saws.
- Weighing nearly 16 kg, I’d rather not lug this around compared to some of the true portable mitre saws I’ve reviewed.
- As you might expect from a Bosch Professional mitre saw, you’re going to pay Bosch Professional prices. This sort of quality never comes cheap.
- In comparison with smaller, ultra-portable mitre saw options, this is a big beast that you’ll struggle to hide away in a little workshop.
- Single/Double Bevel
- Single
- Power
- Mains - 1,650W
- Blade Speed
- 5,500rpm
- Blade Diameter
- 216mm
- Max Straight Cut
- 270 x 70mm
- Max Bevel Cut
- 270 x 48mm
- Max Mitre Cut
- 190 x 70mm
- Max Compnd Cut
- 190 x 48mm
- Weight
- 17.3kg
- Design
- 4
- Performance
- 4.5
- Power
- 5
- Noise
- 3.5
- Safety
- 5
- Value for Money
- 4
The success of this saw depends on what you want to do with it though. Even though it’s got a handle on top, it weighs more than 17 kg so it’s not that portable. I wouldn’t want to carry it up flights of stairs every day, so I think this is more of a workshop saw than a job site one.
If, like me, you haven’t got tons of space for all your woodworking gear then the overall footprint of this tool is a bit too big. The sliding section and mitre table control arm stick out too much for it to sit on anything other than my folding Workmate, which isn’t as solid as a proper bench.
I can’t fault this mitre saw for power, capacity, or ruggedness. It’s extremely capable and would be an asset to any professional joiner or fitter. But, for me, I don’t need most of the features and prefer a saw that is lighter to carry and takes up less space when not in use.
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3. Dewalt DWS774 Compound Sliding Mitre Saw
Best for DIYers
- Combining light weight with ferocious power, the DWS774 punches way above its weight and is easy enough to carry around when you need to.
- The XPS positioning system is simply the best marking system on the market if you ask me. The shadow cast by the blade is the more accurate than any laser guide and will change with the blade width.
- Build quality is what you’d expect from the best mitre saw brand out there- the cast aluminium base, chunky motor housing and all controls are chunky and built to last.
- DeWalt make some of the most respected mitre saw blades available, and the TCT tooth one included won’t need replacing to get the most out of this power tool.
- The maximum cutting size on the DeWalt isn’t as big as it could be.
- It’s also not the lightest saw on my list. If portability is the most important thing to you, go for something like the Einhell TC-MS 2112.
- Don’t forget that this is a professional level mitre saw made for tradespeople and serious DIYers. This is reflected in the price, so if you’re after a bargain try something cheaper!
- Some users have reported problems with the trigger mechanism pinching the webbing between thumb and forefinger. You could wear gloves, but it’s not always ideal.
- Single/Double Bevel
- Single
- Power
- Mains - 1,400W
- Blade Speed
- 4,500rpm
- Blade Diameter
- 216mm
- Max Straight Cut
- 250 x 62mm
- Max Bevel Cut
- 265 x 48mm
- Max Mitre Cut
- 177 x 62mm
- Max Compnd Cut
- 190 x 48mm
- Weight
- 12.0kg
- Design
- 4.5
- Performance
- 5
- Power
- 4.5
- Noise
- 5
- Safety
- 3.5
- Value for Money
- 4
I’m well aware of DeWalt’s pedigree when it comes to powered saws, but even I was blown away by the telescopic slide-out function. Initially thinking it was a basic up-and-down chop saw due to its small footprint, I almost couldn’t believe that it can cut timbers up to 250 x 60 mm! And because the slide telescopes out, you don’t need acres of room behind the saw, making it ideal for the tiny workshop.
I need to take some marks off for the slightly uncomfortable handle and lack of a left-handed safety button, but that’s about all I don’t like about this saw. I can pick it up and carry it around by the two large handles without breaking a sweat, then put it down and cut accurately thanks to the phenomenal XPS shadow line technology. This saw is a cut above the rest.
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4. Einhell TC-MS 2112 Compound Mitre Saw[ SAVE 20% ]
Best cheap mitre saw
- If you’re looking for a mighty power to weight ratio, this is one of the best performing mitre saws I’ve checked out. You get 1,600 Watts of power and there’s only 7.1 kg of weight to lug around.
- It’s not just a lightweight saw, but the footprint is small as well. This means it’ll take up comparatively less bench space than a traditional full-size mitre saw, which is handy for anyone with only a small space to work in.
- The ruler marked into the swivel base comes in handy for quick width measurements on the fly.
- The included saw blade is of a good quality. You get 48 carbide-tipped teeth for making short work of cutting materials up to 55 mm deep.
- I like the cast aluminium base- it’s rigid and strong without adding too much extra weight to the saw.
- There aren’t any positive stops on the saw table at useful mitre angles such as 45° or even 90°. Setting it to make straight cuts takes more fiddling than should be necessary.
- Locking off the mitre angle isn’t easy compared to the best mitre saws on the market. Instead of locking off the angle on the end of the degree indicator you need to tighten a screw behind the fence instead. It’s fiddly and gets in the way.
- It’s impossible to use the left clamp if you tilt the saw any more than a few degrees in that direction.
- The included dust bag is pretty much useless- it’s nice to have one but without vacuum pressure it barely collects any dust at all.
- There’s no laser guide or shadow line system set up for quickly referencing where the saw blade is going to touch the workpiece.
- Single/Double Bevel
- Single
- Power
- Mains - 1,600W
- Blade Speed
- 4,900rpm
- Blade Diameter
- 210mm
- Max Straight Cut
- 120 x 55mm
- Max Bevel Cut
- 120 x 32mm
- Max Mitre Cut
- 80 x 55mm
- Max Compnd Cut
- 80 x 32mm
- Weight
- 11.0kg
- Design
- 3.5
- Performance
- 4
- Power
- 5
- Noise
- 3
- Safety
- 3.5
- Value for Money
- 4
It’s perfectly suited to a casual DIYer that wants to cut timber at angles but doesn’t want to splash out on extra features they might never use. You don’t get a laser guide or work light to help you out, but it’s perfectly fine for basic woodworking.
It’s the build quality that lets this saw down for me. The plastic parts, especially the safety lever, feel a bit too sharp and flexible for a saw that’s spinning around at 5,000 rpm. It doesn’t fill me full of confidence to be brutally honest. It’s an honest saw but I don’t know if it’s built to last.
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5. Metabo KGS216M Compound Sliding Mitre Saw
Best mitre saw for beginners
- Own a surprisingly affordable power mitre saw from one of the best names in the business.
- You can mitre the saw up to 47° in both directions, making it ideal for fiddly skirting boards when 45° isn’t quite enough.
- When tilting this compound saw, you can override the 45° to a useful 47°, and even tilt the other direction to -2°.
- The large size carry handle reminds you that this is a truly portable mitre saw- it’s comfortable to hold on to and big enough for the largest hands wearing gloves.
- There are two powerful LED work lights as well as a laser guide for accuracy. They’re controlled by separate switches as well, which is a nice touch.
- Some users have complained about the included saw blade and have swapped it out for a higher quality one for the best results.
- The extending arms are pretty flimsy in comparison with some of the best mitre saws I’ve tested out.
- Making fine adjustments to the blade angle is a bit of a nightmare, according to some users.
- Setting the power saw up for its first use isn’t helped by the incredibly basic manual. If you’re new to DIY it might put you off for a while!
- It’s a light mitre saw, but the large sliding capacity means it takes up quite a lot of room. It’s not an ideal saw for small workshops.
- Single/Double Bevel
- Single
- Power
- Mains - 1,500W
- Blade Speed
- 5,000rpm
- Blade Diameter
- 216mm
- Max Straight Cut
- 305 x 65mm
- Max Bevel Cut
- 305 x 36mm
- Max Mitre Cut
- 205 x 65mm
- Max Compnd Cut
- 205 x 36mm
- Weight
- 13.5kg
- Design
- 3.5
- Performance
- 4
- Power
- 4
- Noise
- 3
- Safety
- 4
- Value for Money
- 4
It does suffer from the same problem as the Bosch, unfortunately. For me, one of the things I look for in a “small” mitre saw is portability and a small footprint for storage. I don’t use a mitre saw every day, so it’s difficult to justify giving over a huge section of my shed to this big beast.
However, if you’re a DIYer that struggles with large bits of wood and needs the extra capacity, it’s ideal. It might not be quite as solid as the Bosch, with a slightly flimsy fence and bendy plastic control knobs, but it’s a lot less expensive as well! This is a decent saw from one of the better German tool brands, that makes sense if cut capacity is your number one priority.
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Product Tester
Selecting the ideal mitre saw involves a comprehensive evaluation of several key aspects, including design and build quality, cutting capability, power and motor performance, noise levels, safety features, weight and value for money. Here’s how I assessed each:
- Design and Build Quality: I began my assessment by closely examining each mitre saw’s design and build quality. I considered the construction materials, ergonomics, and overall durability. Well-designed saws made from high-quality materials (such as a TCT multi-material blade that could cut plastic, steel, and wood) were rated higher than those with cheap plastic parts. I was also looking for features like a sliding arm and bevel and angle adjustments. Saws with more cutting options were rated higher due to their versatility of cutting options.
- Cutting Quality: I rigorously tested each saw’s ability to produce different types of cuts, including angled, bevelled, straight, and compound cuts. I also considered the rotational speed of the blade, with the best mitre saws boasting blades that can spin up to 5,000 RPM for highly efficient and precise cutting. Mitre saws that offered cutting guides were rated higher as this feature made them easier to use for the average gardener.
- Power and Motor Performance: I evaluated the saws’ motor capacity, including wattage and amperage, to determine their ability to handle various cutting tasks. I also considered whether the saws were cordless or corded. If they were cordless, those with brushless motors and long battery lives were rated the highest. For corded versions, I ensured the cord was long enough (over 2 metres).
- Noise Levels: As we shouldn’t be exposed to noise levels of about 85 dB for long periods of time, mitre saws that were excessively noisy (90 dB or more) were rated down.
- Safety Features: I assessed the presence of crucial safety features, such as blade guards, anti-kickback mechanisms, safety switches, and the practicality of dust extraction systems, when identifying how safe a mitre saw was to use. Cordless models were also rated higher in terms of safety, as cords can be a tripping hazard.
- Weight: I factored the weight of each mitre saw into my review, too, as this is a big determiner of the tool’s versatility and practicality in your home. Those with lightweight and compact designs of around 6 kg or less and measuring 20 x 15 x 15 cm or less were rated higher, as these were more suitable for storing in sheds and garages.
- Value for Money: I considered the overall value for money on each of the mitre saws I tested, analysing their performance, power, and efficiency against their price point. Those that I deemed good value for money for the average gardener were rated the highest in terms of cost.
Harry's Smart Buying Tips
How to Choose The Best Mitre Saw
Anyone who’s ever tried to make a series of angled cuts in wood or plastic with a hand saw knows how difficult, time-consuming and tiring it can be. In steps the compound mitre saw, a versatile circular saw with a powerful blade that spins up to 5,000 rpm. It can make straight, angled and bevel cuts repeatedly with little effort.
Blade Size and Type Make a Big Difference
It’s important to pick the blade size that’s right for the job in hand. Even though you can get mitre saws with circular blades up to 300 mm, if you’re only cutting smaller pieces of wood, metal or plastic then you don’t need the extra weight and cost that comes with a bigger power tool.
And when it comes to cutting different materials, it’s vital you know what your mitre saw is designed to work on. Most mitre saws are for cutting wood and soft materials only – trying to cut through metal or brick could break your saw or at least destroy your saw blade. If you need to cut metal, make sure you buy the best multi-material mitre saw you can afford.
Sliding Saw Arm for Wider Cuts
In order to increase the maximum width you can cut with a mitre saw, some tools feature a sliding arm that allows you to drag the blade across the workpiece. These are sliding mitre saws. Do consider what you’re buying your saw for and how much space you’ve got to work with though. An extra sliding mechanism means more weight, and the sliding mechanism can take up a lot of room behind the saw itself, which isn’t great if you’re in a tight workshop or your workbench isn’t very deep.
You can get around the disadvantage of not having a sliding mitre saw by simply flipping the workpiece over and cutting from the other end. It’s one more step to perform, but it’ll save you money and weight if that’s what’s important to you.
Tilts, Angles and Bevels for Versatility
The clever trick that mitre saws can play is all in the angles – you can lock the saw blade in place to make perfectly straight cuts across the workpiece or adjust the fence and saw arm to make complex angled cuts in wood, metal or plastic. The best mitre saws are double-bevelled, which means they can tilt to the left and right, as well as swing to any angle from 0 – 180° in pretty much any direction. If you need to create mitre angles for crown mouldings, skirting boards or picture frames, a mitre saw will make short work of it.
In the Trenches
Cutting rabbets or trenches in workpieces is an essential part of any type of joinery. It used to take a very sharp chisel and the patience of a saint to make them accurately, but with a depth stop on a mitre saw you can do it in mere seconds. Check the user manual on your mitre saw, but once you’ve got the hang of a depth stop it’ll become one of your best friends.
Benefits of a Mitre Saw Stand
If you’re planning on using a mitre saw on-site for your DIY projects, or anywhere that isn’t on your workbench, you should consider investing in a mitre saw stand or leg stand as they’re sometimes called. Lightweight and rigid, the mitre saw clamps securely in the middle and can be raised to a comfortable working height.
Extendable arms slide out from either side to accommodate long materials, and most feature extra clamps and stops to hold everything in place so you can gang up your work and save yourself from taking the same measurement a hundred times.
Prepare for Dusty Work
There are no two ways about it, the saw blade on even the best mitre saw creates a lot of dust that you don’t want on the floor or in your lungs. Most mitre saws have a dust port in the back that will empty into a dust bag or, even better, a dust extraction system that hooks up to a vacuum to suck most of the dust away from the workpiece.
Staying Safe with your Mitre Saw
Mitre saws are one of the safest power tools you can own, as long as you keep your hands out of the way of the blade. Ensure all the guards are in place and you use clamps to hold down the workpiece. Always wear eye and ear protection when operating a mitre saw.
Mitre Saw FAQs
Check the manual that came with your mitre saw as well as the blade that’s attached. Most mitre saws are designed to cut wood and other soft materials like particle board or plastic. Look out for “multi-material” blades and mitre saws that are designed for cutting metal and bricks as well.
Mitre saws are designed for accurate cutting in straight lines, angles and bevels. There will be cutting angles etched or printed onto the saw table, and an indicator or arrow that points to the precise angle you’re set to. Check and double-check that the angle you want is dialled in, because as they say – measure twice, and cut once.
The best mitre saws come with laser or shadow guides that show you exactly where the blade is going to touch the workpiece. Make use of these features because they’ll speed up your work once you’re comfortable with them.
If your cuts aren’t coming out straight, but your blade is set to 90°, check the angle with a trusted set square. You’ll be able to fine-tune the saw blade angle or pitch with a bolt in the saw housing to get totally accurate results.
Compare Product Features
Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.
Evolution R210CMS Compound Mitre Saw
- 4.3
- Single
- Mains - 1,200W
- 3,750rpm
- 210mm
- 125 x 55mm
- 125 x 35mm
- 85 x 45mm
- 85 x 35mm
- 5.8kg
Bosch GCM8SJL Sliding Mitre Saw
- 4.3
- Single
- Mains - 1,650W
- 5,500rpm
- 216mm
- 270 x 70mm
- 270 x 48mm
- 190 x 70mm
- 190 x 48mm
- 17.3kg
Dewalt DWS774 Compound Sliding Mitre Saw
- 4.4
- Single
- Mains - 1,400W
- 4,500rpm
- 216mm
- 250 x 62mm
- 265 x 48mm
- 177 x 62mm
- 190 x 48mm
- 12.0kg
Einhell TC-MS 2112 Compound Mitre Saw
- 3.8
- Single
- Mains - 1,600W
- 4,900rpm
- 210mm
- 120 x 55mm
- 120 x 32mm
- 80 x 55mm
- 80 x 32mm
- 11.0kg
Metabo KGS216M Compound Sliding Mitre Saw
- 3.8
- Single
- Mains - 1,500W
- 5,000rpm
- 216mm
- 305 x 65mm
- 305 x 36mm
- 205 x 65mm
- 205 x 36mm
- 13.5kg
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