4 Different Types of Mitre Saws Explained

By Tom Summerfield | Updated 11 February 2023

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Are you in the market for a new mitre saw but don't know which one will suit your needs best? Well, you've come to the right place. I'll be using my many years as a tradie to give you a  rundown on the different types of mitre saws and what they're best used for.

Different Types of Mitre Saws

There are four main types of mitre saws: the basic mitre saw, the compound mitre saw, the dual-bevel, and the slide compound saw. If you're looking for a recommendation, check out our best mitre saw guide.

Basic Mitre Saw

Basic Mitre Saw The basic mitre saw, also known as a chop saw, is a simple saw that cuts straight across a board. It's great for basic cuts like trimming skirting boards or cutting timber to length. This type of saw is perfect for the home handyman or DIY enthusiast who doesn't need to make complicated cuts. The basic mitre saw is also a good option for anyone on a budget as it is generally the most affordable option out of all the mitre saws.

Let's say you're working on a small home renovation project and need to trim the skirting boards in a few rooms. A basic mitre saw would be ideal for the job as you only need to make straight cuts. Simply mark the cut line on the board, set the saw to the correct angle, and make the cut. It's that easy!

Compound Mitre Saw

The compound mitre saw, also known as a drop saw, is a step up from the basic mitre saw. It can not only make straight cuts, but it can also tilt to make angled cuts, making it perfect for cutting things like crown molding and picture frames. The compound mitre saw is a must-have for any tradesperson who wants to take their woodworking to the next level.

Imagine you're working on a renovation project and need to install crown molding. With a compound mitre saw, you can easily make angled cuts on the molding to fit it perfectly in the corners of the room. The ability to tilt the saw makes it much easier to make precise cuts compared to a basic mitre saw.

Dual-bevel compound

The dual-bevel compound mitre saw is the top-of-the-line when it comes to mitre saws. This saw can not only tilt in two directions, but it can also bevel in two directions, allowing for incredibly complex cuts. If you're a professional carpenter or woodworker, the dual-bevel compound mitre saw is the one for you.

Let's say you're working on a custom furniture project and need to make a series of intricate cuts on a piece of wood. With a dual-bevel compound mitre saw, you can make both angled and beveled cuts, giving you complete control over the shape and angle of your cuts. This type of saw is perfect for anyone who needs to make complex cuts with precision and accuracy.

Slide Compound Mitre Saw 

The slide compound mitre saw is similar to the dual-bevel compound mitre saw, but with the added bonus of being able to slide the saw along a track. This makes it perfect for cutting larger pieces of wood, as you don't have to move the wood to make the cut. The slide compound mitre saw is ideal for anyone who needs to make precise cuts on larger pieces of wood.

Imagine you're working on a deck building project and need to cut several large pieces of timber to size. With a slide compound mitre saw, you can easily make precise cuts without having to move the piece of wood. This saves you time and makes the job much easier and more efficient.