If you are thinking about buying a mitre saw and live in the UK, then I will help you to decide which is the best mitre saw for your needs. They allow you to make accurate and precise cuts at various angles, and are really helpful for trim work, framing, and other woodworking projects.
They can significantly speed up the cutting process compared to using any type of manual saw. In addition they can be used on various materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and more (depending on the blade).
They take a little practise to master but after a short time allow you to make consistent and repeatable cuts, and that greatly reduces the time and effort, making your life easier. Depending on the model you buy, you will be able to do a variety of cuts, including crosscuts, bevel cuts, compound cuts, and more.
The clean and precise cuts made by a mitre saw contribute to a professional looking finish in wood. Let's help you understand what is available on the UK market, and which one is best for you.
Key Decisions Before Buying
When buying a mitre saw you should give it a lot of consideration. You want to be sure that you choose the right saw for your needs. Here are the important key factors to keep in mind.
Types of Cuts Explained
- Common cuts - Every type of mitre saw can make straight 90 degree vertical cuts. They can also make various angled mitre cuts. Those come as standard on any mitre saw, irrespective of which model you buy.
- Bevel cuts - A mitre cut is an angled cut across the width of the material. A bevel cut is an angled cut made through the thickness of the material. They are mainly used by woodworkers to create angled edges or chamfers on wood, such as decorative edges or designs on furniture or trim. Some joiners uses bevels to create joints that fit together at specific angles. Some mitre saws can do single bevels and others can do double bevels. In reality most users will never need to make this type of cut.
- Wider Cuts - Sliding mitre saws let the saw blade move forward and backward on a set of rails. That significantly increases the cutting capacity and you can cut wider boards or materials than a standard compound saw can.
Most users will only need straight and mitre cuts for jobs like skirting boards, trim, coving and general purpose cutting. More experienced DIY people, joiners and woodworkers may use bevel cuts for jobs like table tops and cupboards. I think it is worth thinking those options through and then make sure the one you buy allows you to complete jobs now and any projects you may have in the future.
Electric or Cordless
All power tools now have a cordless option. Two big advantages with cordless are:
- Highly portable and can be used anywhere without having to worry about having an electric power outlet
- No trailing lead to worry about
The disadvantages of cordless are:
- Usually more expensive to purchase as you also have to buy batteries and a charger
- Batteries do run out and need to be recharged which can get irritating
- The saw can be heavier as you have the additional weight of the battery
- They don't have the full constant power of an electric mitre saw
Mitre saws come with both options and the choice is really a personal one. Home owners tend to be better off with an electric one and contractors and professionals prefer the option of portability. If you already own other cordless tools then if you buy the same brand, it is likely you can use the existing battery and charger. That will save you money as you just need to buy the mitre saw.
Which Type of Mitre Saw Do YOU Need?
Before you spend a single penny on a mitre saw, it is really important to understand why you are considering making a purchase. Many people get this wrong and end up buying a mitre saw that is not fit for their purpose. We have explained below exactly what to look for and hopefully avoid you making any costly mistakes like that.
Mitre saws come in two main types, compound and sliding compound.
The saw that you buy needs to be able to do the specific task you want to achieve. For example if you want to cut wider pieces of wood, then you would need a sliding compound saw. On the other hand for simple and basic mitre cuts, an ordinary compound mitre saw will do the job nicely.
Compound mitre saws cost around £75-150 and sliding compound mitre saws around £150-500.
Compound Mitre Saw
- Good for basic DIY enthusiast.
- Can make straight cuts and also cut bevels
- Usually have mitre stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 30 and 45 degrees.
- Can be either single or double bevel or in simple terms will cut both to the left and to the right.
- Typical uses are for cutting skirting, floorboards, laminates and architrave
- Blade sizes vary from 210 mm (8.25") to 255 mm (10")
Sliding Compound Mitre Saw
- Will do all the things that a compound can do.
- The blade also slides along a rail and that allows you to cut wider pieces of material.
- As an example a 255 mm (10") blade that can slide will be able to cut widths of 300 mm (11.8") whereas a standard compound could only cut 127mm (5") wide material.
- They usually have depth stops that allow for grooving
- They also have crown moulding settings of 31.6 mitre and 33.9 bevel
Mitre Saw Sizes
The sizes of compound mitre saws refer to the diameter of the saw blade. That determines the maximum width and depth of the material it can cut. The most common sizes for compound mitre saws include:
Size | Average Cutting Depth | Cutting Width Compound | Cutting Width Sliding | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
185mm (7.25") | 38-50mm (1.5-2") | 101-152mm (4-6") | 101-203mm (4-8") | These models have a smaller blade size and are suitable for light-duty tasks, such as smaller woodworking projects or trim work. |
205mm (8") | 50-64mm (2-2.5") | 127-203mm (5-8") | 152-254mm (6-10") | These offer slightly larger cutting capacities than the 7¼-inch models, making them versatile for various DIY projects and woodworking tasks. |
255mm (10") | 76-104mm (3-4") | 152-304mm (6-12") | 254-355mm (10-14") | This size is one of the most popular and widely used for both DIYers and professionals. A 10-inch blade provides a good balance between cutting capacity and portability, allowing for a range of cuts on different materials. |
305mm (12") | 89-152mm (3.5-6") | 203-355mm (8-14") | 254-406mm (10-16") | These larger saws with 12-inch blades offer increased cutting capacity, making them suitable for larger and thicker materials. They are preferred by professionals and those working on larger woodworking or construction projects. |
The primary difference between a compound mitre saw and a sliding compound mitre saw in terms of cutting widths lies in the sliding functionality. Both types of saws can perform similar cuts (mitre, bevel, and compound cuts), but a sliding compound mitre saw has rails that allows the blade to slide forward and backward, significantly increasing its cutting capacity.
Brushless Motors
Almost all good tool manufacturers have now adopted the use of brushless motors. This type of motor optimises battery power and helps reduce wear and tear on mechanical components. That in turn will help increase the lifetime of the saw. Saws with this type of motor tend to be more expensive.
The vast majority of mitre saws still use a brushed motor. Over time the brushes on the motor will suffer from wear and tear. They can be replaced quite cheaply if you know how to do that. Most good manufacturers hold these as spares. For the home owner it is unlikely to be an issue as the brushes last a long time.
Contractors, professionals and serious DIYers are more likely to go for a brushless motor as they consider that to be a better long term investment.
Our Top 10 Mitre Saw Picks for UK Buyers
They are made by a number of the leading tool brands like Evolution, Einhell, Makita, VonHaus, Silverline, Bosch, Metabo, Pingtek and Dewalt. Just below we have compiled a top 10 list of the best mitre saws, that are currently available in the UK.
At the bottom of this page we have a full buying guide which is helpful if you need more advice on what to look for when buying a mitre saw for your garage, shed or workshop.
- Best Seller UK - Einhell Dual Drag Crosscut and Mitre Saw TC-SM 2131/1
- Best Mitre Saw for DIY - Einhell TC-MS 2112 Compound Mitre Saw
- Best Mitre Saw for Beginners - Evolution Power Tools 046-0001A R210CMS Compound Saw
- Best Mitre Saw for Skirting Boards - Einhell TC-SM 2131/1 Dual Bevel Sliding Mitre Saw
- Best Cordless Mitre Saw - Evolution Power Tools R185CMS-Li Cordless Compound Mitre Saw
- Best Double Bevel Mitre Saw - Evolution Power Tools R255SMS-DB+ Double Bevel Mitre Saw
- Best Compound Mitre Saw - Einhell TC-MS 2112 Compound Mitre Saw
- Best Sliding Mitre Saw under £200 - Our Recommendation - Evolution Power Tools R210SMS+ Sliding Mitre Saw
- Highest Rated Mitre Saw - Dewalt DWS774-GB 216-mm 230V Slide Mitre Saw
- Best Cordless sliding Mitre Saw - Bosch Professional BITURBO GCM 18V-216
1. Einhell Dual Drag, Crosscut and Mitre Saw
This is the biggest selling mitre saw on the UK market. It is suitable for cutting wood, laminated panels and plastic. The drag, crosscut and mitre saw allows clean mitre cuts and precise crosscutting to length.
- The integrated drag function enables you to cut particularly wide workpieces.
- It has a clamping device for reliable securing of the workpiece and a workpiece stop with rails that adjust to the left and right enable safe, precise operation.
- The table insert is equipped with a practical scale for reading off the workpiece width.
- An integrated, mains-powered laser marks the cutting line, enabling the workpiece to be positioned quickly and exactly.
Key Specifications: - Blade Size 310mm; Weight 11 kg; Bevel Capacity Dual; No load speed 5,000rpm.
PROS
- 70 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- One of the cheapest double bevel mitre saws on the UK market
- It does have a strong motor and it does cut really well
- Pretty easy to assemble out of the box
- Good for a variety of common DIY sawing jobs like floorboards, posts and general timber work
CONS
- 5 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Some buyers say the blade cover can jam
- Some buyers say it is not accurate
Check Amazon UK. Average Price: £108. 88% buyer satisfaction based on 4,000+ buyer reviews
Our Opinion: There are better quality mitre saws on the UK market but they will cost double and triple the price. This Einhell model is one of the cheapest on the UK market and overall does a good job.
I found it is easy to setup, but like any mitre saw that you buy, you do need to check the accuracy and adjust. That's because the blades and bases get moved about during transport. If you follow the instructions carefully this is easy enough to do. It can cut 3x3" posts but not deep enough for 4x4" posts though you can still turn the post to get it cut.
2. Einhell TC-MS 2112 Compound Mitre Saw
This is the best mitre saw for DIY. That is because it is a good quality saw with really useful features for those who enjoy DIY.
- The features include a 210mm blade (48TPI) that has been carbide tipped for accurate fast cutting and lasts for ages.
- It also has a die-cast aluminium turntable with precise angle adjustment from +45 to -45 degrees, which can be set to different positions with one hand.
- You can changes the blade quickly by just using a button - no need for wrenches or struggling.
- It has workpiece supports on both sides and a clamping device making this saw a very useful all rounder for DIY.
Key Specifications: - Blade Size 210 mm; Weight 7.1kg; Bevel Capacity -45 to 45 degrees; No load speed 5,000rpm.
WE LIKE
- 68 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- Lots of useful features for anyone who likes doing DIY
- Although feature packed this saw remains easy to use
WE DON'T LIKE
- 4 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Some buyers say the motor can cut out if over worked
- Some buyers say it can cut slightly off centre
Check Amazon UK. Average Price: £70. 90% buyer satisfaction based on 5,000+ buyer reviews
Our Opinion: I like this one for general purpose DIY as it is compact, easy to set up and has lots of useful features that DIYers will find really useful. It is also a really good price compared to others on the UK market.
3. Evolution Power Tools 046-0001A R210CMS Compound Saw
This is the mitre saw we would recommend for beginners. The main reason for that is that it is the easiest mitre saw to use and also to setup. For most tasks around the home the cutting depth of up to 50mm and cutting width of up to 120mm is enough for many basic tasks.
This is an electric corded mitre saw that is light enough to move around, comes with a 20 TPI blade suitable for cutting multi-materials, and also has a dust bag.
If purchased in the UK, it has a solid 3 year warranty.
- Maximum cross cut - 125 x 55mm
- Maximum mitre cut - 85 x 55mm
- Maximum bevel cut - 125 x 35 mm
- Maximum Compound cut - 85 x 35mm
Key Specifications: - Blade Size 210mm; Weight 5.8 kg; Bevel Capacity 0-45 degrees; No load speed 1,900rpm.
WE LIKE
- 74 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- One of the easiest to use bevel compound mitre saws on the UK market
- Ideal for a hobbyist or DIY person
- Pretty easy to assemble out of the box
- Cuts anything with considerable ease
WE DON'T LIKE
- 3 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Not good for wider cuts
Check Amazon UK. Average Price: £70. 92% buyer satisfaction based on 3,200+ buyer reviews
Our Opinion: This is an ideal choice for a beginner. It is ready to go straight out of the box. It is also easy to clamp down if you need to do that as well. It is accurate, powerful and excellent vale for money.
4. Einhell TC-SM 2131/1 Dual Bevel Sliding Mitre Saw
This is the mitre saw we would recommend for cutting skirting boards is the Einhell TC-SM 2131/1 Dual Bevel Sliding mitre saw.
The average height for skirting boards in the UK is 145mm (6"). The most popular sizes range from 120mm (5") up to 220mm (9").
So just be sure that your mitre saws can cut that height. We recommend a sliding mitre saw as that will easily handle the widest of skirting boards.
Key Specifications: - Blade Size 310mm; Weight 11 kg; Bevel Capacity Dual; No load speed 4,500rpm.
WE LIKE
- 71 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- One of the easiest to use bevel sliding compound mitre saws on the UK market
- Ideal for cutting all heights of skirting boards made in the UK
- One of the best saws at collecting sawdust which speeds clean up time
- Cuts skirtings with considerable ease
WE DON'T LIKE
- 6 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Release controls are flimsy
Check Amazon UK. Average Price: £70. 88% buyer satisfaction based on 4,000+ buyer reviews
Our Opinion: This is an ideal choice for anyone wanting to be able to cut skirting boards. Dual bevel sliding mitre saws are expensive, but this model is very good value for money. It does make cutting any type of skirting board a very straightforward task.
5. Evolution Power Tools R185CMS-Li Cordless Compound Mitre Saw
Cordless mitre saws are expensive and this model from the Evolution brand is the best value for money as it comes with the saw, 4.0 Ah battery and charger. (50 minute charge time)
The beauty of cordless is that it makes the saw portable and as such can be used anywhere, also ideal if a power supply is not available.
It also has a very good 3 year warranty and comes with a TCT mitre saw blade which is multi-purpose
92% buyer satisfaction based on 3,000+ online buyer reviews
Key Specifications: - Blade Size 185mm; Weight 7.5 kg; Bevel Capacity 0-45 degrees; No load speed 4500rpm.
WE LIKE
- 74 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- One of the easiest to use bevel compound mitre saws on the UK market
- Ideal for a hobbyist or DIY person
- Pretty easy to assemble out of the box
- Cuts anything with considerable ease
WE DON'T LIKE
- 2 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Not good for wider cuts as this is a compound saw
Our Opinion: This is an ideal choice for a beginner. It is ready to go straight out of the box. It is also easy to clamp down if you need to do that as well. It is accurate, powerful and excellent value for money.
Check Amazon UK. Average Price: £199. 94% buyer satisfaction based on 100+ buyer reviews
6. Evolution Power Tools R255SMS-DB+ Double Bevel Mitre Saw
Double bevel mitre saws are not cheap and we think this one offers the best value for money.
It has a large cutting capacity 300 x 80mm and is dual bevel 0-45 degrees 50 degree mitre settings and can also easily handle trench cuts.
This saw comes with the Evolution Pro Pack which includes one wood blade (255mm), a multi-material blade (255mm), a top clamp, a front clamp, a dust bag, and 3 years warranty (UK only)
It is an electric saw with a long 3 metre lead.
94% buyer satisfaction based on 400+ online buyer reviews
Key Specifications: - Blade Size 255mm; Weight 18.24 kg; Bevel Capacity Dual; No load speed 1900rpm.
WE LIKE
- 82 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- One of the more affordable dual bevel sliding compound mitre saws
- Ideal for cutting bevels in either direction
- Good cutting depth of 90 mm
WE DON'T LIKE
- 4 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- A few buyers said it needed to be setup
Our Opinion: This is an ideal choice for a beginner. It is ready to go straight out of the box. It is also easy to clamp down if you need to do that as well. It is accurate, powerful and excellent value for money.
Check Amazon UK. Average Price: £360. 94% buyer satisfaction based on 350+ buyer reviews
7. Einhell TC-MS 2112 Compound Mitre Saw
This is the biggest selling compound mitre saw on the UK market and as you can see it has over 3,500 online buyer reviews.
Please be aware that this is a compound saw and doesn't slide so the width of cut is greatly reduced - that explains why it is cheaper than many others
It can cut wood up to 6" side and 4" deep
This is a good choice for someone who wants a basic mitre saw that can cut wood such as 2 x 2 or 2 x 4.
It is powerful enough and does all the basics really well including mitres and bevels
90% buyer satisfaction based on 3,500+ online buyer reviews
Key Specifications: - Blade Size mm; Weight kg; Bevel Capacity 0-45 degrees; No load speed 5,000rpm.
WE LIKE
- 71 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- A good basic compound saw for most DIY work
- The price point is very good and hard to find another model close to this price point
- Pretty easy to assemble out of the box and also easy to adjust
- Good for a variety of common DIY sawing jobs like floorboards, posts and general timber work
WE DON'T LIKE
- 4 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Some buyers say the trigger is sensitive
- Some buyers say the cuts are not as straight as they would like
Our Opinion: This is a good choice if you want something to do a lot of cutting such as floorboards, skirting, fences or deck boards. It doesn't slide so the width you can cut is limited but will be ok for the most common DIY jobs. For us this one is all about the price. It is very good and although you won't own a Rolls Royce you can still get from A to B.
Check Amazon UK. Average Price: £90. 90% buyer satisfaction based on 5,000+ buyer reviews
8. Evolution Power Tools R210SMS 300 mm Sliding Mitre Saw
This is the mitre saw that we would recommend to anyone. The price is very good and it gets very high reviews from many satisfied UK buyers
This can easily cut through wood, wood with nails stuck in it and metals such as aluminium and thin steel, so it is very powerful with a really tough blade
It has a powerful 1500 watt motor with a tough gearbox and those with a good quality blade really does make cutting fast and easy
It also comes with a 3 year warranty which is probably the best that you will find in the UK
It can do straight cuts, 0 - 45 degrees bevel and 50 - 50 degrees mitre settings which covers all common cutting angles
Key Specifications: - Blade Size mm; Weight kg; Bevel Capacity 0-45 degrees; No load speed 5,000rpm.
WE LIKE
- 88 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- A good sliding compound saw for most DIY work
- The price point is very good and hard to find another sliding model close to this price point
- Easy to assemble out of the box and also easy to adjust
- Good for a variety of common DIY sawing jobs like floorboards, posts and general timber work
- Has great features like a laser guide, slide rail protector, dust bag and a good long 3 metre cord
WE DON'T LIKE
- 2 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Some buyers say the laser is not accurate
- Some buyers say you need to adjust the fence
Our Opinion: if you are not sure which mitre saw to buy, then our advice is to buy this one. Evolution are a British brand with good UK customer service. They make a few models of mitre saw, but in our opinion, this one is the best value for money and will allow you to almost any saw cutting job around the home.
It is also easy to buy blade for Evolution saws as almost all DIY stores in the UK stock these. The blade that you get with it is great for general cutting but we would recommend getting their finer blade for cutting laminate flooring.
Check Amazon UK. Average Price: £90. 94% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ buyer reviews
9. Dewalt DWS774-GB 216-mm 230V Slide Mitre Saw
This is a corded mitre saw from the high end Dewalt brand. It has a 216 mm slide capacity.
The base and fence have been machined to meet the accuracy requirements of the most demanding applications.
This mitre saw has a 1400 watt motor providing up to 6300 blade rpm.
It also uses an XPS cross cut alignment system featuring an ultra-bright LED light. This unique alignment system requires no recalibration over time or after changing blades.
Key Specifications: - Blade Size 216mm; Weight 12kg; Bevel Capacity 0-45 degrees; No load speed 4,500rpm.
WE LIKE
- 81 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- A good sliding compound saw for most DIY work
- The price point is very good and hard to find another sliding model close to this price point
- Easy to assemble out of the box and also easy to adjust
- Good for a variety of common DIY sawing jobs like floorboards, posts and general timber work
- Has great features like a laser guide, slide rail protector, dust bag and a good long 3 metre cord
WE DON'T LIKE
- 2 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Some buyers say the laser is not accurate
- Some buyers say you need to adjust the fence
Check Amazon UK. Average Price: £435. 94% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ buyer reviews
Our Opinion: If you buy Dewalt you buy quality. The issue is that quality costs money and Dewalt tools are never cheap but they will last you for years. That is why trades people mainly buy Dewalt tools. This is one of the Dewalt models available on the market and their best selling mitre saw in the UK.
10. Bosch Professional BITURBO GCM 18V-216
Like many power tools, mitre saws are now made as cordless options but from our research they come with a hefty price tag
- Most of the top brands have a cordless mitre saw, but this model from Bosch is getting excellent reviews from UK buyers
- We picked this model as it comes with the batteries and charger so it is good to use when you get it
- You can also buy these as tool only if you happen to own a compatible brand battery so check those as well.
- This model is a sliding 216mm mitre saw with a brushless motor, laser and is easy to use, very accurate and overall good value for money
Key Specifications: - Blade Size 216mm; Weight 14.7kg; Bevel Capacity 0-45 degrees; No load speed 4,700rpm.
WE LIKE
- 91 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- Great choice where no main's power is available
- Lots of power and very accurate cuts time after time
- It is light enough to easily move around and that makes a big difference
- Used by quite a lot of professionals for daily work in building sites where power is limited
WE DON'T LIKE
- 1 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Singe bevel (not dual)
- Some buyers say you need to adjust the fence
Check Amazon UK. Average Price: £435. 94% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ buyer reviews
Our Opinion: We know that Bosch make very good tools and this mitre saw is no exception. The big complaint with any cordless tool is usually the lifetime of the battery and the reduction in power. Those are of course both issues, but compared to other cordless mitre saws, this one performs extremely well. You won't get main's cutting power but it is still very good. The laser is accurate and the cutting is accurate and fast. The downside is the price, but most brands area similar price or even more expensive.
Location & Storage
Mitre saws are quite large, heavy and bulky. Even a small compound mitre saw can take up quite a bit of space in your garage, shed or workshop. If you are going to use it in various places then seriously consider buying a stand. If you are going to keep it in your garage of shed, then it should be mounted to a bench to make the saw more stable. Remember if it is a sliding mitre saw, you will need a lot more room.
It's also important to consider the length of the material you will be cutting and make sure you have enough room to cater for that as well.
If you plan on attaching a vacuum cleaner to help control the dust, that also takes up room so plan your working space well.
Laser Guides
Many mitre saws come with a laser line which can be really helpful when cutting. Some manufacturers will refer to this as a shadow line.
That line can act as a very good guide when doing any type of cut. This will help improve the accuracy of your cut.
Initially you may need to tweak this to make sure it is accurate as parts of the saw tend to get knocked out of kilter during transportation, especially if they handled roughly.
It is still good practise to mark and scribe a line before cutting anything.
Mitre Saw FAQ
The best brand for home use mitre saws is the Evolution brand. That is because they are affordable and use multi-material blades and also offer a very good guarantee. The best brand of mitre saw for professionals and trades is either Dewalt of Makita as those saws are designed for day to day use.
Mitre saws are designed to cut wood. They can also cut plastic such as plastic conduit or pipes. You shouldn't use a mitre saw to cut either masonry or metal.
The type of mitre saw you pick should be based on need. Standard compound saws are ideal if you are only cutting small pieces of wood such as that used for picture framing, or wood used for stud walls. If you need to cut larger workpieces such as wide skirting or posts then you will need a sliding mitre saw.
Compound mitre saws cost around £75-150 and sliding compound mitre saws around £150-500. We would recommend taking into account warranties and customer service when considering the price.
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