Traditionally a trade only tool, new affordable models have seen Mitre Saws fast becoming a standard addition in the home workshop. In recent years this has expanded to Slide Compound Mitre Saws

Mitre Saws will quickly crosscut long lengths of timber in single or multiple pieces with repeatable accuracy. Depending on the model, they are also capable of various other forms of cut and combinations. e.g. Mitre & Compound Mitre

The blade diameter generally determines the saw's size and capacities.

Though essentially designed for cutting timber, various other materials such as plastics and soft metals can also be cut by simply using an appropriate blade.

Slide Compound Saws have the additional advantage over the traditional mitre saw that it has a much greater cross cutting capacity; however this is associated with an increase in both size and weight

• Mitre Saws are commonly rated to by the following
• Power (in Watts)
• Blade Size (Diameter in mm)
• Cutting Action (Mitre / Compound Mitre)
• Non-Sliding or Sliding

POWER

This refers to the motor power which is typically rated between 850w to 2400w.

BLADE DIAMETER

These range from 190mm through to 305mm.

CUTTING ACTIONS

The ability for the saw to perform Cross, Mitre and Compound Mitre cuts and generally range 0 to 45

SLIDE OR NO SLIDE ACTION

Mitre Saws fitted with either single or dual slide rods

MOTOR POWER

Typically rated between 850w to 2400w. Generally larger motors are associated with larger diameter blades.

The greater the power, the greater range of denser timbers that can be cut without labouring the motor and therefore increasing motor life.

BLADE DIAMETER

These range from 190mm through to 305mm. Usually mitre saws are supplied with a general purpose cross cutting blade of around 24 to 40 teeth. The more teeth, the finer the cut.

CUTTING ACTIONS

The images below highlight the various cutting actions commonly required when using mitre saws

CUTTING CAPACITIES

The cutting capacity of a mitre saw is determined by both the blade diameter and sliding action if featured. Straight mitre saws rely completely on the blade size for the height and width capacities. Slide compound mitre saws have the added benefit of the slide action to increase the cutting widths dramatically. See below examples of this for a straight 90 cross cut.

250mm Mitre Saw " 140mm

250mm Slide Mitre Saw " 294mm

TO SLIDE OR NOT TO SLIDE

Slide compound mitre saws have the motor and blade assembly mounted to either a single or dual rod sliding arm which extends out from the base to perform greater cross cutting capacities.

Slide Compound Mitre saws have the distinct advantage over straight compound mitre saws as they have a far greater capacity for cross cutting materials. This is however at the sacrifice of size and weight.

ELECTRIC BRAKES

This feature almost instantly stops the blade when the trigger is released. It is achieved by reversing the flow of electricity to the motor when the trigger is released, reversing the current stops the blade's momentum quickly. Electric brakes can stop the blade in as little as two seconds, compared to up to twelve seconds for a saw without this feature.

This is a very handy feature when there are a lot of repetition cuts to be made as it allows for faster set up times in aligning the blade to the cut line.

LASER GUIDED

Laser guided saws allow for faster set up times between cuts and provide for additional safety to the user. GMC have lead the way in this new technology of fitting a Redeye Laser Guided system to Mitre Saws. The lasers are not hindered by saw dust which also increase set up times, especially with repetitious cutting.New Redeye models are fitted with dual lasers for either left or right of blade convenience MITRE TABLE STOPS

These are notches in the mitre table that allow for quick reference points to the most common angles used. Once located, the table is locked off into position ready for making the cut These angles are 15, 22.5, 30 & 0 both left and right of table centre.

TRENCHING

Found only on slide compound mitre saws, this feature allows for the depth of the blade to be controlled via an adjustable stop. When the blade is drawn across the timber it cuts a groove/trench at a constant depth.

SAW BLADES

There are many types of blades available for mitre saws. Primarily they are for timber cutting with varying number of teeth. The more teeth, the finer the cut.

Blades are made from special alloy spring steel with solid tungsten teeth (T.C.T.) braised (welded) on.

TCT Teeth can be re-sharpened and replaced.

Though there are blades to suit aluminium cutting, these require the use of variable speed saws that can run at the slower rpm suitable for such cutting and found only on selected professional models.

Blades are specified by their diameter, bore size & number of teeth.

Some blades simple have High Speed Steel (HSS) teeth which are cheaper than TCT, but produce a rougher finish and have a short life. TCT teeth can be re-sharpened and replaced.

APPLICATIONS

Mitre saws are designed to accurately cut a variety of material by DIYers and professionals. Some common application include . . .

• Cutting various timbers for construction framing
• Picture Frames
• Shelving (slide mitre saws)
• Cutting trenches/slots for draw bottoms
• Landscaping including pvc plumbing pipe

SAFETY TIPS

• Wear approved safety equipment e.g. Ear Muffs & Goggles/Glasses
• Use extension supports when cutting long lengths
• Keep bystanders clear of work area
• Keep work area clear and un-cluttered
• Check and clear dust port and blade guard
• Always clamp work where possible
• Disconnect the power before changing the blade
• Do not start the motor with the blade touching the work
• Use a Mitre Saws only for their intended use
• Use accessories designed for the product
• Never operate without a blade guard fitted
• Ensure the tool is operated on a stable surface
• Do not fit and operate metal cutting discs