Mitre saw suggestions

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Mitre saw suggestions

st2

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#136223 19-Nov-2013 16:07

I have a small decking and fence project coming up and am finally tempted to buy myself a mitre/drop saw.
I already have a good quality bench saw for panel and joinery type work but feel the need to add to the tool collection...

It would only get occasional use and I was looking at a budget of $500 max.

Anybody have any suggestions ?

Thanks

1 | 2

1606 posts

Uber Geek

#937438 19-Nov-2013 17:17

This http://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/powertools/saws/black_decker_255mm_slide_compound_mitre_saw_2000_watt_189376/

or the Ozito model from Bunnings.

jpoc

1043 posts

Uber Geek

#937516 19-Nov-2013 20:26

I have the ryobi mitre saw.

It only gets light, occasional use but it works just fine.

Cost is a lot below your budget.

itxtme

2102 posts

Uber Geek

#937539 19-Nov-2013 20:36

+1 on the slider style. It means you can cut mitres on almost any width (within reason).

scuwp

3885 posts

Uber Geek

#937560 19-Nov-2013 21:13

Absolutely go with a slider. Especially for fencing. I have a Ryobi which has given me years of loyal service. Should find one well within your budget.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

richms

28187 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#937600 19-Nov-2013 22:23

Put a good blade on whatever you get. The cheap ryobi I got was rubbish till I put a proper blade on it.

Richard rich.ms

Batman

Mad Scientist
29766 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#937611 19-Nov-2013 22:52

Hi sorry I'm dumb but what is a slider? Should I buy one and use it on a bench or buy one that comes with legs?

Thanks

kiwitrc

4123 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#937646 20-Nov-2013 05:10

Slider means the saw slides on a couple of arms so you can pull it towards yourself and cut longer pieces of timber, rather than a simple drop saw. Example here

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#937661 20-Nov-2013 07:14

richms: Put a good blade on whatever you get. The cheap ryobi I got was rubbish till I put a proper blade on it.

This.

In my experience the cheaper tools aren't really any worse than the expensive ones for home projects. But they always come with crummy blades, bits, attachments, so invest more in getting good quality extras.

BTR

1527 posts

Uber Geek

#937677 20-Nov-2013 07:57

+1 on a sliding drop saw. The one U purchased wasn't and regret not getting a sliding one now, even cutting a standard fence paling on a non slider drop saw means flipping the paling over to get right through it. Also go with a quality brand rather than a "cheap" one as the build quality is better and you want your cuts to be accurate.

Batman

Mad Scientist
29766 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#937682 20-Nov-2013 08:04

I presume it's best to be used on a solid bench? Sorry noob diyer looking at saws since 2011

RunningMan

8956 posts

Uber Geek

#937683 20-Nov-2013 08:04

Make sure whatever saw you get is capable of cutting the biggest timber you need. Eg. a 10" blade (without slide) will normally get through 150x50 for your joists, but that is about the limit. Clearance around the motor housing usually determines the maximum cut depth you will get.

RunningMan

8956 posts

Uber Geek

#937684 20-Nov-2013 08:06

joker97: I presume it's best to be used on a solid bench? Sorry noob diyer looking at saws since 2011

the ideal is a solid bench or platform that is wide (long) enough to support the lengths of timber being cut. This could be a small bench or table then add temporary extensions or supports for longer timber.

ubergeeknz

3344 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Vocus

#937711 20-Nov-2013 09:31

Many times I have seen builders just use the drop saw on the ground. Then you have no worries with how long the bench is etc. It's just a bit more awkward (but you're not there for long generally)

callumb

83 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

Devoli

#937813 20-Nov-2013 11:53

DeWalt make an awesome mitre saw stand which packs down really small.

http://direct2trade.co.nz/dewalt-dwx723-xe-mitre-saw-stand

Also - dont buy a cheap one - its not worth it in the end. Buy a Hitachi, Makita or DeWalt and it will be the last one you buy.

st2

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#937922 20-Nov-2013 14:15

Thanks for the advise folks.
Will do the rounds of the tool stores this weekend.
Good advise re blades and slider.

1 | 2