Mitre Saws

As there are a number of mitre saw variations with different cutting functions, it helps to break the machine down to its most basic components. A machine is made up of the base, which is where the material to be cut is placed, the arm, which originates at the back of the machine and allows the motor to be mounted onto it, and the blade, which is connected to the motor and cuts the material.

There are usually 3 types of mitre saw with each version expanding on the cutting options:

A basic mitre saw where the base can turn clockwise or anticlockwise – the ‘lock off handle’ usually rotating between 8 o’ clock and 4 o’ clock.

A compound mitre saw which still allows the base to turn but also enables the blade to tilt from a vertical 90deg to 45 deg -this is classed as a bevel. When a mitre and a bevel are combined this is known as a compound mitre.

Finally, a sliding compound mitre saw which, using telescopic rods, allows the arm to extend towards the user giving a greater width of cut without having to increase the size of the blade. Some sliding compound mitre saws can bevel to the left or right making the machine more flexible as the operator can apply a bevel from both sides of the workpiece.

Mitre saws are available with different sized blades which normally increase the capacity of cut. A larger diameter blade increases the height of the cut because of the greater distance from the edge of the blade to the clamping nut in the middle; once the material hits this point no further cut depth can be achieved. A larger diameter blade does not always guarantee a greater width of cut. Mitre saws equipped with a sliding arm and smaller blade can exceed the cutting width of a large blade, fixed arm machine.

The trade you are in will likely influence the size of machine required; for example, a kitchen fitter is unlikely to cut the same sized timbers as a roofer or general builder. Mitre saws are usually associated with cutting wood and wood-based materials, but they can cut plastics, composites and non-ferrous metals with the right blade, set at the correct speed.

Mitre saws create lots of dust, so choosing a machine with dust extraction is important. Why not combine your next mitre saw with a suitable dust extractor from Protrade?