I think I want a compound mitre saw – or do I?
Discussion
I do a bit of general woodwork and I'm also intending to fit an engineered wood floor in the near future. I'm thinking of using this as an excuse to buy a (half) decent power saw of some sort as I currently have only hand saws (and a jigsaw, but that's not terribly useful...).
I don't have space for a permanent table saw type setup or anything, so this needs to be something I can practically store away.
I *think* a sliding compound mitre saw is likely to be the most useful all-rounder. As I see it the will do a good variety of cuts on decent sized timber. The downside as I understand is that you can't rip cut planks, for example, although I guess I could use the jigsaw for thinner ones? (Like that flooring.)
Something like this £200 Dewalt DWS773 from Screwfix looks about right: https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dws773-gb-216mm-...
Thoughts? Is there a type of saw I'm overlooking?
I don't have space for a permanent table saw type setup or anything, so this needs to be something I can practically store away.
I *think* a sliding compound mitre saw is likely to be the most useful all-rounder. As I see it the will do a good variety of cuts on decent sized timber. The downside as I understand is that you can't rip cut planks, for example, although I guess I could use the jigsaw for thinner ones? (Like that flooring.)
Something like this £200 Dewalt DWS773 from Screwfix looks about right: https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dws773-gb-216mm-...
Thoughts? Is there a type of saw I'm overlooking?
clockworks said:
Evolution sliding compound mitre saws are pretty good, and a fair bit cheaper than DeWalt.
I agree- I'm (aw)fully invested in the DeWalt stuff but I wouldn't change my Evolution mitre saw for a more expensive DeWalt one: it's easily good enough for what I need, i.e. general framing, garage roofing, shed building, board cutting and I even knocked up some acceptable lap joints as part of one project. A circular saw or track saw (circular saw with a straight track) - might be a little bit more versatile as its not fixed down like a mitre saw and can do the long straight cuts and can also do things like laminate
But my mitre saw has been use useful so doing simple straightforward cuts on things like floorboards etc
But my mitre saw has been use useful so doing simple straightforward cuts on things like floorboards etc
I did an engineered oak floor project a bit over a year ago. I think I started a similar thread as it happens! I bought the dewalt and have no complaints. I waited for an offer at around £150 if I recall correctly. Screwfix had an evolution / rage on display and the feedback here is pretty good; that said the dewalt feels a bit nicer. Probably down to personal preference and whether you think the extra few quid is worth it or not.
I supplemented the compound mitre with a circular saw for ripping lengths. Again I went one step up from the evolution and got an entry level makita. Some will say that a track saw is better, they're probably right but it's more money again typically.
Hope that helps.
I supplemented the compound mitre with a circular saw for ripping lengths. Again I went one step up from the evolution and got an entry level makita. Some will say that a track saw is better, they're probably right but it's more money again typically.
Hope that helps.
Unless you want to cut wide planks you might find a table/mitre saw more handy (I do). This one is a fair price but you can get more 'pro' versions from Bosch and Makita.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ryobi-RTMS1800-G-Kapp-Geh...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ryobi-RTMS1800-G-Kapp-Geh...
Many of these tools are the sort where once you've got them you use them all the time so I'd recommend investing in them. My mitre saw and track saw are definitely my #1 and 2 tools and wouldn't be without them. They've each got their strengths and have a bit of overlap.
Starting from neither and going for only one for the flooring job I'd suggest the track saw purely because it can do all the tasks you'll require (even if a mitre saw would do some of them better).
Incidentally, whilst I've also got a circular saw and (homemade) guide it's not seen the light of day since getting the track saw.
Starting from neither and going for only one for the flooring job I'd suggest the track saw purely because it can do all the tasks you'll require (even if a mitre saw would do some of them better).
Incidentally, whilst I've also got a circular saw and (homemade) guide it's not seen the light of day since getting the track saw.
Edited by MJNewton on Friday 2nd October 19:26
MJNewton said:
Howcome? I used to use a circular saw for them without issue. I'd use a mitre saw now though.
You would need to hold the track on to the width of the laminate. Say 800mm track on a 150mm piece of laminate, makes it a pain to do. Trying to use a track saw without the track, I wouldn’t attempt it.
I use one of these, but it’s a bit expensive for a the occasional diy
https://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/sn/MAFKSS40...
https://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/sn/MAFKSS40...
neth27 said:
You would need to hold the track on to the width of the laminate. Say 800mm track on a 150mm piece of laminate, makes it a pain to do. Trying to use a track saw without the track, I wouldn’t attempt it.
I can see why might expect it to be unwieldy but it's perfectly doable. I've used the track saw for similar sized pieces (eg kitchen plinths) where it hasn't been worth getting the mitre saw out as well. It's probably a combination of the track grip and ease of saw movement that works. At this time of year the near-dustfree operation can mean its a viable indoor-only job too. Edited by MJNewton on Friday 2nd October 19:36
MJNewton said:
I can see why might expect it to be unwieldy but it's perfectly doable. I've used the track saw for similar sized pieces (eg kitchen plinths) where it hasn't been worth getting the mitre saw out as well.
But your circular saw and a roofing square would be a lot easier and quicker Thanks, some good thoughts from all.
I'm happy to pay Dewalt money over Evolution as everyone seems to rate them. I did look at Makita too but you have to spend A LOT more to get equivalent specs, so I think that's a no go.
I'm happy to pay Dewalt money over Evolution as everyone seems to rate them. I did look at Makita too but you have to spend A LOT more to get equivalent specs, so I think that's a no go.
Simpo Two said:
Unless you want to cut wide planks you might find a table/mitre saw more handy (I do). This one is a fair price but you can get more 'pro' versions from Bosch and Makita.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ryobi-RTMS1800-G-Kapp-Geh...
Interesting! Hadn't realised these were an option. I'm wondering how real-world useful they are...https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ryobi-RTMS1800-G-Kapp-Geh...
neth27 said:
But your circular saw and a roofing square would be a lot easier and quicker
I've just gone off the circular saw now and wouldn't recommended one over a track saw. Obviously just personal preference though and differences in how we weight the pros and cons of each. Edited by MJNewton on Friday 2nd October 19:41
MJNewton said:
I've just gone off the circular saw now and wouldn't recommended one over a track saw. Obviously just personal preference though and differences in how we weight the pros and cons of each.
My track saw hardly comes out of the van, kitchen fitting and cutting veneered doors down and that’s about it. Edited by MJNewton on Friday 2nd October 19:41
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