Best Mitre Saw Australia: 5 Saws To Cut Wood Exactly

By Tom Summerfield | Updated 5 February 2023

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If you need to make clean cuts at exact angles at speed, then a mitre saw is the tool you need. Whether you're a tradie or an Aussie DIY enthusiast, having a mitre saw will help complete your woodwork projects with ease. But what mitre saw is right for you? In this post we're going to be exploring the best mitre saw in Australia for trades and home users.

Best for most

The Makita saw is easy to use, well built, and cuts cleanly with a laser guide with 60 degree range. It also hits that "sweet spot" between price and build quality. It's a great option for both home users and tradies.

OUR
PICK

Budget option

If you're on a budget and are looking for a saw for home use, the Rockwell is a good option. It is the cheapest electric saw on this list and great value. It's ideal for building decks or home work.

Manual mitre saw

If you're the type of person who likes to do things manually or need a light saw to bring to jobs (plug in ones are heavy!), then consider grabbing a manual mitre saw. It's also much cheaper. 

How We Decided

Deciding on the best mitre saw in Australia involved a bit of research. We started off my looking at what tools were available on the market, then cross referenced them with trade forums and reddit threads to see what the general public thought. We also drew upon our own personal experience with mitre saws, before narrowing down this list to give options that suite the needs of most Aussie users.


Best Mitre Saw Australia


Best for most

What we like 

For professional and home use

Laser guide

Large angle range to 60 degrees

Well built and great value

Specifications

Blade lengh: 216mm
Speed: 5000RMP
Dimension: 31.89 x 21.26 x 14.96 cm
Max mitre range: 50 - 60 degrees

OUR
PICK

The Makita is what we call value for money. That's why it takes our top pick in this mitre saw guide. This is because it is a very built tool with a lot of features other saws lack.

The best feature of this tool is that is has a large mitre range up to 60 degrees, where most cap out at 45 degrees. Yes, you can make the angles you want with 45 degrees, however it's easier to it with less fuss.

Other great features are its laser guide, large blade length, and fast RPM. This mitre saw makes cutting wood an ease and it will allow you to get your project done faster, safer, and more accurately.


Budget pick

What we like 

Low cost
Suitable for home DIY or light trade

Specifications

Blade lengh: 255mm
Speed: 5000RMP
Dimension: 20.5 x 26.5 x 11.5 cm
Max mitre range: 45 degrees

Rockwell is an American brand that started in in 1944. They have been around for a while and know how to build value for money tools. The Rockwell 2000W is no different as you can grab it for a very good price at most retailers.

It has most of the features of our top pick, the only difference is that it is uses a bit more plastic to help keep the costs down, lowever mitre range, and no laser. However, this is still a great tool for DIY home use or light trade use. It also comes with a 5 year warranty for peace of mind. 


Manual mitre saw

What we like 

Manual
Easy to bring to client homes
Good value

Specifications

Blade lengh: Manual saw
Speed: muscle power
Dimension: 60.96 x 22.86 x 10.67 cm
Max mitre range: 45 degrees

Sometimes you don't need the newest and latest electric tool when a manual solution will work just as well for a fraction of the price.

The Craftsman mitre saw fits this gap in the market as a manual mitre saw. It is perfect for several people, for example, if you are doing a home DIY and are happy to take your time. Or perhaps you are a tradie and need a light saw to carry around with you to make accurate cuts.

The Craftsman is a popular mitre saw that is very well recommended as it does everything it is expected to do.


Also good

What we like 

Great for professional and home use

Well built

Specifications

Blade lengh: ‎16mm
Speed: 3750RPM
Dimension: 33 x 10.1 x 20.32 cm
Max mitre range: 48 degrees

Dewalt is another popular American brand of power tools that makes a range of products since 1922. This is a heavy-duty machine suited for professional use as well as for big DIY projects.

There are no corners cut (pun intended) with this tool, and is a tool that just works and makes nice, clean, and accurate cuts in wood.

It is however a bit more expensive than our top pick even though it has a bit less features. This is why it didn't take are top spot, but is still deserving of a worthwhile mention.


Industrial

What we like 

Perfect for personal use

Designed for cutting aluminium, copper, brass etc.

Specifications

Blade lengh: 400mm
Speed: 3000RMP
Max mitre range: 90 degrees

This mitre saw is not for home use. Heck, even most tradies won't need a saw as beastly as this one. This mitre saw is an industrial tool suitable not just for wood, but designed for cutting metals such as aluminium, copper, brass.

If your trade or work requires you to cut these types of metals, then you need to get a saw that is capable of cutting them at accurate angles, safety, and with speed. The MACC is an Italian made mitre saw that does just this.


Mitre Saw Buying Guide

Now that we've reached the end of our mitre saw reviews, we hope you've found a saw that will meet your needs. If you're still undecided, we've created the below buyer's guide that outlines the key features you should look out for when buying a portable air con.


What are Mitre Saws?

Mitre saws, also known as chop saws, are power tools that are designed for making precise angled cuts on various types of materials. They consist of a circular saw blade that rotates around a pivot, which allows the user to make angled cuts at different degrees. Mitre saws are commonly used in woodworking, carpentry, and other DIY projects where accuracy and precision are important.


Different types of mitre saws

There are several different types of mitre saws, each with its own specific uses and advantages. Some of the most common types of mitre saws include:

Sliding Mitre Saw: This type of mitre saw has a sliding mechanism that allows the user to make longer cuts. It is ideal for large-scale projects and materials that are too wide for a regular mitre saw.

Compound Mitre Saw: This type of mitre saw can make both angled and bevel cuts, making it ideal for complex projects that require multiple types of cuts.

Dual-Bevel Mitre Saw: This type of mitre saw has two blades that can rotate in opposite directions, allowing the user to make bevel cuts in both directions without having to flip the material.

Each type of mitre saw has its own specific uses and advantages, and choosing the right one for your needs will depend on the type of projects you plan to tackle.


mitre saw being used at work

Why You Need a Mitre Saw

Mitre saws offer several advantages and benefits to woodworkers and carpenters, making them an essential tool for any workshop or job site. Some of the main benefits of using a mitre saw include:

Precision

Mitre saws are designed for making precise cuts at different angles, ensuring that your projects look professional and accurate.

Precision is the key to any successful woodworking or carpentry project, and a mitre saw delivers just that. With the ability to make precise cuts at different angles, you can ensure that your projects look professional and accurate every time.

Versatility

Mitre saws are versatile tools that can be used for a wide range of materials and projects, making them a valuable investment for any woodworker or carpenter.

Mitre saws are also incredibly versatile, making them a valuable investment for any woodworker or carpenter. Whether you're working with wood, metal, or plastic, a mitre saw has you covered.

Ease of Use

Mitre saws are easy to use, even for those who are new to woodworking. They are also equipped with safety features, such as blade guards and laser guides, that make them safe to use and help prevent accidents.

With features such as blade guards and laser guides, even those who are new to woodworking can use a mitre saw with confidence. So if you're looking for a tool that delivers precision, versatility, and ease of use, a mitre saw is the tool for you.


Types of Mitre Saws

Mitre saws come in a variety of different types, each with its own specific uses and advantages. Some of the most common types of mitre saws include sliding mitre saws, compound mitre saws, and dual-bevel mitre saws.

Sliding Mitre Saw: This type of mitre saw is ideal for making longer cuts, thanks to its sliding mechanism. It is a great option for large-scale projects and materials that are too wide for a regular mitre saw.

Compound Mitre Saw: This type of mitre saw is ideal for making both angled and bevel cuts, making it a great option for complex projects that require multiple types of cuts.

Dual-Bevel Mitre Saw: This type of mitre saw is ideal for making bevel cuts in both directions without having to flip the material, thanks to its two blades that can rotate in opposite directions.

When choosing a mitre saw, it's important to consider the type of projects you plan to tackle and your specific needs, in order to choose the right tool for your needs.


How to Use a Mitre Saw

1. Setting up the mitre saw
Before you start using your mitre saw, it's important to make sure that it's set up properly. This includes checking the blade for tightness, adjusting the bevel and mitre angles, and ensuring that the laser guide is aligned with the blade.

2. Making cuts
To make a cut with a mitre saw, simply place the material against the fence, align the blade with your mark, and make the cut. It's important to use a steady, controlled motion and to keep your hands clear of the blade at all times.

3. Adjusting the settings:
To adjust the settings of your mitre saw, simply loosen the bevel or mitre lock and adjust the saw to your desired angle. Then, re-tighten the lock to secure the saw in place.

Explanation of the proper techniques and safety precautions to be taken when using a mitre saw When using a mitre saw, it's important to follow proper techniques and safety precautions to ensure that you stay safe and that your cuts are accurate. Some of the key safety precautions to keep in mind include:

  • Wear eye protection: Always wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from sawdust and other debris.
  • Keep your hands clear of the blade: Always keep your hands clear of the blade at all times to avoid injury.
  • Use the safety guard: Always make sure that the safety guard is in place and functioning properly before using the saw.
  • Use a steady, controlled motion: When making cuts, use a steady, controlled motion to avoid kickback and to ensure that your cuts are accurate.

By following these guidelines and taking proper precautions, you can use your mitre saw safely and effectively to tackle a variety of projects and materials.


Different Mitre Saw Cuts

There are several types of cuts you can make with a mitre saw, some common ones are:

Cross cuts: Cross cuts are straight cuts made across the width of a piece of material. These cuts are typically made at a 90-degree angle to the material. Cross cuts are useful for cutting pieces of material to length and for trimming off the ends of pieces.

Bevel cuts: Bevel cuts are angled cuts made along the length of a piece of material. They can be made at any angle up to the maximum bevel capacity of the saw. Bevel cuts are useful for making angled cuts along the length of a piece of material, such as when making a miter joint or a angled trim piece.

Compound cuts: Compound cuts are a combination of cross cuts and bevel cuts made on the same piece of material. These cuts allow you to make angled cuts along the length and width of the material simultaneously. Compound cuts are useful for making angled cuts along both the length and width of a piece of material, such as when making a picture frame or a crown molding.

To make these different types of cuts, you may need to adjust the settings on your mitre saw, such as the bevel angle, or use different techniques, such as aligning the blade with your marks and using a steady, controlled motion. By understanding the different types of cuts you can make with a mitre saw, you can expand your woodworking and carpentry capabilities and tackle a wider range of projects.


Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions people ask about mitre saws. If you have a question you want to ask, please get in touch with us and we will add it onto our list. 

What are the 3 types of miter saws?

The 3 types of miter saws are: 1. Standard/Basic Miter Saw, 2. Compound Miter Saw, and 3. Sliding Compound Miter Saw.

Which is better compound or sliding miter saw?

A compound miter saw is a compact and affordable option that is ideal for making angled cuts and miter cuts. It's suitable for smaller projects and when space is limited. A sliding compound miter saw, on the other hand, offers greater versatility and capacity, as the saw head slides along a rail, allowing for longer cuts to be made. It is a better choice for larger projects, professional woodworkers, and those who require more precision and versatility in their cuts.  So it depends on the job, but overall, a sliding mitre saw is better.

Which is better compound or sliding miter saw?

The 3 main miter saw cuts are: cross cut, miter cut, and bevel cut.


Sources

1. https://www.woodworkforums.com/f13/sliding-drop-ryobi-double-price-ozito-203465

2. https://www.reddit.com/r/Tools/comments/lhzm65/miter_saw_recommendations/

3. https://www.sawinery.net/mitre-saw-vs-compound-mitre-saw/