A mitre saw, which is also called a chop saw or a power mitre box, is one of the most useful of the power tools. Basically, it is a circular saw that is made for cutting wood at many angles. The mitre blade is made up of a blade, a fence and a round able placed on a stand. The table turns with the blade so different angles can be cut. The blade is lowered by a handle to cut though the wood that’s been clamped to the round table, and the saw can cut any angle between 45 and 90 degrees. Some of the saws have laser guides for precision cutting. A dust exhaust collects sawdust and empties it into a bag that can be cleaned out after the job is finished. The chop saw shouldn’t be used on metal, though some saws with double bevel sliding can be used on steel and aluminium and even on pieces of wood with nails still in them.

The chop saw is an excellent power tool if the woodworker wants to make angled cuts for mitre joints in door frames, mouldings, picture frames and other projects. Many of mitre saws come with a combination blade that can handle most carpentry jobs. If the woodworker is looking for a very smooth cut, they might buy a saw with a planer blade or a blade tipped with extra strong carbide. Chop saws can range in price from around £40 to £700 and up. The more expensive versions come with their own table, which might be useful to the woodworker if they do not have a usual workbench or table to which the saw can be securely bolted or clamped.

Before buying a mitre saw, the woodworker should know how to use one. It may be possible to take a quick course in the operation and maintenance of power tools. The woodworker should be sure that they need this saw, as a regular circular saw can do many of the same things that a chop saw can. They should also know what they plan to use the saw for, as they come in various sizes. The woodworker should also know if they plan to do many of these projects over a long period. If the project is only going to be done once or twice, they might think of renting the saw as opposed to buying one.

Besides what it is going to be used for, other things the woodworker should know before buying their saw is if the outlet the tool is going to be connected to is properly grounded. They should know if they have a working fire extinguisher and an up to date first aid kit in the work space. They should also know that they should precisely follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the tool and how to keep it clean. They should write down the name or names of people they would tell when they are using the saw and who will be nearby in case of emergency.

Company Profile:

Screwfix is the UK’s largest direct and online supplier of trade tools, accessories and hardware products. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, we despatch tens of thousands of parcels every week for next day and weekend delivery to tradesmen, handymen and serious DIY enthusiasts all over the UK.

To view the full range of mitre saws from Screwfix customers can visit the website here –www.screwfix.com/c/tools/mitre-saw/cat830858.