Electric mitre saw for general bodger

[mattie_uk]

Hi all

After the roaring success of an hitachi drill recommended by forum members, I'd like to seek advice on an electric mitre saw.

I've previously begged use of friends' saws, some of which have been good and some of which have been bad - off-square cuts, difficulty in lining up etc.

I've got to the point where I've exhausted goodwill and need to get my own, does anyone have any recommendations? Its first use is just for some lengths of timber to support a light fitting, but will be applied to building a wood store and replacement skirting boards, so squareness and accuracy of cut would be a good thing to have! It's unlikely to be used a huge amount, so could maybe scrimp on the robustness. I'm also unlikely to be needing to cut anything of more than 30-40cm width, so not sure if I'd need a sliding saw. Would rather not go for a sliding if that would compromise quality too much, and not fussed by laser markers etc, mostly as they don't seem that accurate in the examples I've used.

If anyone's aware of any particularly good budget models I'd be most grateful for pointers.

Cheers!

[Chappy]

How much do you want to spend?
You're right about lasers - I honestly think you are better off lining the blade up with your pencil mark - much more accurate. You could go for a smaller saw to up the quality a bit.

[philprime]

This always has some very good reviews http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00DBZM ... eva_mobile

I agree with the laser they are never that good

[p4ult]

This has great reviews. I got one a few weeks back, not had chance to use it yet tho.

http://m.screwfix.com/p/evolution-rage3 ... 240v/60839

http://youtu.be/x1_di0CTrtM

[mattie_uk]

I was aiming at around £100, but can go a bit higher if there's nothing suitable at the lower price.

[wine~o]

I've got both of these http://www.screwfix.com/p/evolution-rag ... 230v/20332

The above was bought as an distress purchase whilst on a decking job, at the time it was on offer at £49.99.. no laser but does what it says on the tin, the mitre lock can be a bit fiddly..

I've since got http://www.screwfix.com/p/evolution-rag ... 240v/60839

Which needed a bit more care setting up/ calibrating but is far easier to use (No reaching over the fence to lock the mitre angle)

It also has the capability to trench cut.. which for the extra £20 is a bonus...

[mattie_uk]

Thanks all - looks like we might have a winner in the evolution rage (although the name concerns me a touch, hope it's not too literal!)

[mattie_uk]

Popped into Screwfix Bristol, and they had one of the smaller ones discounted as it was an unused return (80 down to 40) so went with that - might live to regret it, especially as the cut size is quite a bit smaller, but it's OK for current and predicted use and was a bit of a steal at the price. It was right by the till and I couldn't resist the bargain!

http://www.screwfix.com/p/evolution-rag ... 230v/20332

Ta all for inputs, much appreciated

[Rorschach]

I've got one of those, with a bit of adjusting you can get a good cut out of it. As you say only limitation is size really, when I can afford it I will getting one of the 255 sliding saws for bigger stuff.

[Job and Knock]

Regardless of what the saw is, don't skimp on blades. Bosch, deWalt and Makita blades in 210mm size can be had at very reaonable prices if you look around

[Rorschach]

I've just got one of the Rutlands SCMS, for the money it's actually not a bad bit of kit and very good cut capacity.