Circular Saw Vs Mitre Saw – Which One Should You Get?

CHOP SAW
MITRE SAW

Chop Saw vs Mitre Saw — Which One Should

You Get?

If you're in the market for a new saw, you may be wondering whether a chop saw or

mitre saw is the right choice for you. Both types of saws have their own unique benefits,

so it's important to know what each one has to offer before making a purchase.

The colloquialism used in the construction and woodworking industry often mixes up
chop saws and mitre saws. While both types of chop saws are portable cutting tools,
they serve different purposes.

In this chop saw vs mitre saw comparison article, we'll break down the key differences
between these two types of saws so you can make an informed decision about which
one is right for your needs.

What Is a Chop Saw?

A chop saw is a portable cutting tool that is often used in the construction and

woodworking industries. It is similar to a mitre saw but has a different purpose. A chop

saw is used to cut long pieces of lumber or metal into smaller pieces.

The chop saw is typically powered by an electric motor, and it has a circular blade that
is mounted on an arm. The blade can be rotated to any angle, and this allows the chop
saw to be used to cut material at any angle.

The chop saw is a very versatile tool that can be used to make quick, accurate cuts. It is
also very portable, so it can be easily transported from job site to job site.

The abrasive disc chop saw is a type of chop saw that uses an abrasive disc instead of
a blade. These saws are often used to cut metal, and they can make very precise cuts.
The disc is made of grit and can quickly chop through metal.

While a chop saw can cut through virtually anything, its speed may not be suitable for
everyone. A chop saw can cut through wood, metal, plastic, and even stone, but it is not
as fast as a mitre saw or circular saw.

As you make more cuts with a chop saw, the blade will eventually become dull, whereas

its diameter will slowly get smaller. This will have an impact on the accuracy of your

cuts, so it is important to keep the blade sharp.

Some sites may require a hot works permit to use a chop saw since it can create
sparks. If you are going to use a chop saw in an area where there is a risk of fire, be
sure to check with your local authorities first.

Top 5 Chop Saw.

Number 1. PORTER-CABLE Chop Saw.

Number 2. DEWALT Chop Saw D28715 .

Number 3. Evolution S355CPSL – Heavy Duty 14 Inch Metal Cutting
Chop Saw.
Number 4. Evolution Power Tools RAGE4.

Number 5. Ironton 7 1/4in. Dry Cut Chop Saw.

What Is a Mitre Saw?

A mitre saw is a power tool that is used to make precise, angled cuts in wood or metal. It

is similar to a chop saw but is designed for making more accurate cuts.


This type of saw consists of a circular saw blade that is mounted on an arm. The blade
can be rotated to any angle, which allows the mitre saw to make angled cuts.

Mitre saws are often used in home improvement and carpentry projects. They can be

used to make simple crosscuts or more complex angled cuts. In order to make a mitre
cut, the saw is set at the desired angle, and the workpiece is placed against the fence.
The saw is then activated, and the blade swings down onto the workpiece, cutting it.

Mitre saws come in both standard and sliding varieties. A standard mitre saw has a
fixed arm, while a sliding mitre saw has an arm that slides out from the body of the saw.

This allows for longer cuts. Sliding mitre saws are typically more expensive than

standard mitre saws.

There are also single and double bevel mitre saws. A single bevel mitre saw can only
cut at one angle, while a double bevel mitre saw can cut at two angles. This allows for
more versatility when making cuts.
Mitre saws are available in a variety of sizes, from small handheld models to large
stationary models. The size of the saw you need will depend on the projects you plan to
use it for.

Top 5 Mitre Saw. 

Number 1. Ryobi 10 Amp 7 1/4 Sliding Mitre Saw.  

Number 2. Luckyzl Art Craft Mini Cut Off Machine Mitre Saw.  

Number 3. 12" 15 Amp Sliding Dual Compound Mitre Saw.  

Number 4. Silverline Mitre Box & Saw 300 x 90mm.  

Number 5. Draper 88192 550 mm Precision Mitre Saw.

Chop Saw vs Mitre Saw — How Do They Differ?

Now that we have a better understanding of what chop saws and mitre saws are, let's
take a look at chop saw vs mitre saw and how they differ.

1.Type of Cut

One of the biggest differences between chop saw vs mitre saw is the type of cut they

are designed to make.


As we mentioned earlier, chop saws are typically used to make long cuts in lumber or

metal. They can also be used to make crosscuts, but their primary purpose is to make
long cuts.

Mitre saws, on the other hand, are designed to make precision cuts. They are often

used to make mitre cuts, which are cuts that are made at an angle. Mitre saws can also

be used to make crosscuts, but their primary purpose is to make accurate, precise cuts.

2.Size and Portability

Another big difference between chop saws and mitre saws is their size. Chop saws are

typically much larger than mitre saws. They are also not as portable, which can be a big

consideration if you plan to use your saw on the job site.


Mitre saws, on the other hand, are smaller and more portable. This makes them a good
choice for projects that require more precision than a chop saw can provide.

Size and portability may or may not be a big consideration for you, depending on the
projects you plan to use your saw for.

If you plan to use your saw primarily in the shop, then size and portability may not be as

important. However, if you plan to take your saw on the job site or to different work
sites, then you may want to consider a mitre saw for its portability.

3.Cost

Chop saws and mitre saws also differ in terms of cost. Chop saws are typically less

expensive than mitre saws. This is due, in part, to their simpler design. Mitre saws, on

the other hand, tend to be more expensive because they are designed for precision

cuts.

If you are on a tight budget, then a chop saw may be the better choice. However, if cost
is not as big of a concern, then you may want to consider a mitre saw for its precision
cuts.

The actual price is not the only consideration when it comes to cost. You also need to
consider the price of blades. Mitre saw blades are typically more expensive than chop
saw blades. This is because they are designed for precision cuts.

4.Ease of Use

Chop saws and mitre saws are both easy to use, but chop saws are typically easier to

use than mitre saws. This is because chop saws only require one hand to operate,

whereas mitre saws require two hands.

Chop saws are also generally more forgiving than mitre saws. This means that if you
make a mistake while using a chop saw, it is less likely to result in damage to the
workpiece.

Mitre saws are still relatively easy to use, but they require more attention and care than
chop saws. This is because they are designed for making precision cuts. If you are not
careful while using a mitre saw, you can easily damage the workpiece.

5.Accuracy

Chop saws are generally less accurate than mitre saws. This is because chop saws are

designed for making long, straight cuts. Mitre saws, on the other hand, are designed for

making precision cuts.


If you need to make a precise cut, then a mitre saw is the better choice. However, if you

only need to make a long, straight cut, then a chop saw will suffice. In some cases, you
may need both a chop saw and a mitre saw to complete a project.

It all boils down to the type of project you are working on. If accuracy is important, then

you will need a mitre saw. If long, straight cuts are all you need, then a chop saw will do
the trick.

6.Versatility

Another big difference between chop saws and mitre saws is their versatility. Chop
saws are designed to make long, straight cuts. They can also be used to make

crosscuts, but they are not as versatile as mitre saws.

Mitre saws are a much better choice if you are looking for a versatile saw. They can be
used to make long, straight cuts, crosscuts, and mitre cuts. This makes them a good
choice for a wide variety of projects.

This also makes mitre saws a better investment if you plan to use your saw for a variety
of different projects.

7.Blade Life

Chop saw blades typically have a shorter lifespan than mitre saw blades. This is

because chop saw blades are designed for making rough cuts. Mitre saw blades, on the

other hand, are designed for making precision cuts.

If you plan to use your saw for a variety of different projects, then you will need to
replace the chop saw blades more often than the mitre saw blades. This can add to the
cost of using a chop saw.

Also, as we mentioned earlier, the circumference of a chop saw's blade gets smaller as
it wears down. This can make it more difficult to make precise cuts and ultimately
shorten the lifespan of the blade.

8.Dust Collection

Chop saws and mitre saws also differ in terms of dust collection. Chop saws typically

have better dust collection than mitre saws. This is because chop saws are designed to

make long, straight cuts. The longer the cut, the more time there is for the dust to be

collected.

Mitre saws, on the other hand, are designed for making precision cuts. This means that
they make shorter cuts, and the dust has less time to be collected.

If you are working in a dusty environment, then a chop saw is the better choice.
However, if you are working in a clean environment, then a mitre saw will suffice.

Chop Saw vs Mitre Saw — Is There a Middle Ground?

Now that we've looked at the chop saw vs mitre saw debate, you might be wondering if
there is a middle ground. After all, both chop saws and mitre saws have their
advantages and disadvantages, and in most cases, you'll need both to complete a
project.

The answer is yes, there is a middle ground. This middle ground is called a hybrid mitre
saw.

Hybrid mitre saws are a cross between chop saws and mitre saws. They are designed
for making long, straight cuts, but they also have the ability to make precision cuts.

One of the main reasons people go for a chop saw instead of mitre saw or vice versa is

the material it can effectively cut. Some may want to use the saw for cutting metals,

while others would use it for cutting woods.

Hybrid mitre saws are a good choice for those who need to cut both metals and wood.
They are also a good choice for those who need to make both long, straight cuts and
precision cuts.

In short, hybrid mitre saws are the best of both worlds. They are more versatile than
chop saws and mitre saws, and they can be used for a variety of different projects.

If you are torn between a chop saw and a mitre saw, then a hybrid mitre saw is the best
choice for you.