For tradies and serious DIYers, a mitre saw is the backbone of any workshop or job site. These tools deliver accurate crosscuts and angled cuts for everything, from bulky framing to fine trim work. Whether you're building a deck, fitting skirting boards, or tackling a complex carpentry project, the right mitre saw makes all the difference in achieving those professional-grade results.
At Tool Kit Depot, we've got a massive range of mitre saws to suit any job. Need to cut wide boards? A sliding mitre saw or a sliding compound mitre saw gives you that extra capacity. Want something more compact for quick cuts or heavy-duty for continuous work? We’ve got that covered, too.
You’ll find leading brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Festool and Makita mitre saws, ensuring you get a reliable saw that stands up to tough conditions.
Yes, you can make straight cuts with a mitre saw. While they're known for their angled cuts, the primary function of a mitre saw is to make precise crosscuts through timber, which are straight cuts across the width of the material. Just set the blade to 0 degrees for a perfect 90-degree straight cut.
This makes mitre saws ideal for tasks like cutting studs to length, sizing planks, or squaring off joists. Ensure your material is properly clamped and your saw's fence is set correctly for the cleanest straight cut every time.
Best uses for straight cuts with a mitre saw:
Cutting framing timber to length
Trimming decking boards or cladding
Sizing mouldings, skirting or architraves
Short, precise cuts on sheet goods
What's the difference between a regular mitre saw and a compound mitre saw?
A regular mitre saw makes angled cuts (mitres) on a flat plane by rotating the blade left or right. A compound mitre saw can also tilt the blade to make bevel cuts, allowing for compound cuts (angled cuts with a bevel). This is ideal for jobs like crown moulding, roof rafters, or any project where two angled surfaces meet. A dual-bevel compound mitre saw tilts both left and right, so you can cut complex angles without flipping the workpiece.
Key differences:
Regular mitre saw: Angled crosscuts only
Compound mitre saw: Angled crosscuts plus bevel cuts
Dual compound mitre saw:Bevels both left and right without flipping material
Can a mitre saw cut metal?
Yes, a mitre saw can cut certain metals with the right blade and safety precautions. Always check the saw and blade rating before use.
If you need to cut thin aluminium or other soft metals, you can fit your saw with a specialised non-ferrous metal cutting blade. These blades have more teeth and a specific tooth grind to handle metal safely. For serious metal work, a dedicated metal saw is usually the go.
What you can cut with a mitre saw:
Aluminium trim and profiles
Non-ferrous metals like copper or brass
Steel (only with appropriate cold-cut blade)
Avoid hardened steel unless using a specialist saw
