The radial miter saw is perfect for cutting baseboards, wainscoting and other cleats. Whether you're a construction professional, a cabinetmaker or a DIY enthusiast, you'll find it a great tool for cutting angles from 45° to 90°. For this year, we have selected 4 models that stand out for their performance and handling.
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Our selection
"Faithful to its reputation, Bosch offers us a saw combining practicality, quality and an excellent 216 mm diameter blade. If you have large pieces to…"
"The Einhell TC-SM 216 is very easy to handle due to its ergonomics and reasonable weight. The laser and the 216 mm blade allow a…"
"The Bosch GCM 12 GDL has an incredibly flexible articulating arm with the ability to adjust the hardness of the slide. Heavy and bulky, this…"
"The Metabo KS 216 M Lasercut will delight occasional handymen and small budgets. Be careful to read the cutting capacity. For panelling, cleats and parquet,…"
Faithful to its reputation, Bosch offers us a saw combining practicality, quality and an excellent 216 mm diameter blade. If you have large pieces to cut, don't hesitate.
300 £ on AmazonThis Bosch radial miter saw allows a 47° tilt to the left and right. The motor develops 1,600 W and the 216 mm diameter blade can reach a speed of 5,500 rpm. This makes this radial miter saw perfect for cutting large pieces, such as laminate, parquet or deck boards, furniture parts or cable ducts.
The radial miter saw is easy to handle and effortless to operate. It offers several safety features such as electronic soft start, laser guidance and two-point sawdust extraction. Its horizontal cutting capacity (0° angle) is 312 mm.
The Einhell TC-SM 216 is very easy to handle due to its ergonomics and reasonable weight. The laser and the 216 mm blade allow a precise cut.
125 £ on AmazonThe Einhell TC-SM 216 makes it easy to make angled cuts with the rotary table and angle stops. The cutting width is up to 305 mm for a 90° cutting angle. It remains quite high, 210 mm for a 45 ° cutting angle. The laser is also very practical for a precise and easy cutting.
Extensions are provided on the left and right sides for longer pieces and a clamping device secures them. For the quality of cut, nothing to worry about. The tungsten carbide blade takes care of business! It's a pity that the graduations lack precision. There is between 0.5 and 1° of difference. It is better to adjust the angles with a square or a protractor.
The Bosch GCM 12 GDL has an incredibly flexible articulating arm with the ability to adjust the hardness of the slide. Heavy and bulky, this radial miter saw is suitable for heavy-duty use.
682 £ on AmazonThe Bosch GCM 12 GDL radial miter saw is designed for professionals. Its frictionless radial mechanism allows for effortless operation. In addition, the flexible, yet sturdy guide arm is a marvel, with the option of adjusting the sliding hardness. And the dual line laser ensures clean, precise and quality cuts even under heavy use.
For once, the sawdust extraction is optimized and efficient. The 2,000 W motor makes it possible to saw through thick pieces of wood. The 72-tooth saw blade has a diameter of 305 mm. The cutting capacity is 104 x 240 mm at 45° for mitering and 51 x 341 mm at 45° for beveling. Do not rely on the factory settings for the first use.
The Metabo KS 216 M Lasercut will delight occasional handymen and small budgets. Be careful to read the cutting capacity. For panelling, cleats and parquet, it will be perfect. A little less for bastaing.
172 £ on AmazonThe Metabo KS 216 M Lasercut stands out above all for its price and compactness. But at this price, the cutting width (120 mm at 90° and 80 mm at 45°) as well as the cutting depth (60 mm at 90° and 45 mm at 45°) are quickly exceeded. However, this radial miter saw offers a left/right turntable adjustment of 47 °/47 ° and a left/right blade tilt of 47 °/0 °.
For cutting, the laser guidance, lighting and 40-tooth 216 mm carbide saw blade make it easy. In addition, the tool has a weight of only 9.4 kg. In addition, 2 table side extensions and cut-off stops are available. The Metabo KS 216 M Lasercut should be sufficient for occasional cutting of paneling, parquet and cleats. For bastaing, it turns the wood over to finish the other side.
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The best radial miter saw in 2021
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TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | VERY GOOD | |
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OUR SELECTION |
Bosch 0601B19100 GCM 8 SJL
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Einhell TC-SM 216
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Bosch GCM 12 GDL
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Metabo KGS216 M
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Faithful to its reputation, Bosch offers us a saw combining practicality, quality and an excellent 216 mm diameter blade. If you have large pieces to cut, don't hesitate.
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The Einhell TC-SM 216 is very easy to handle due to its ergonomics and reasonable weight. The laser and the 216 mm blade allow a precise cut.
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The Bosch GCM 12 GDL has an incredibly flexible articulating arm with the ability to adjust the hardness of the slide. Heavy and bulky, this radial miter saw is suitable for heavy-duty use.
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The Metabo KS 216 M Lasercut will delight occasional handymen and small budgets. Be careful to read the cutting capacity. For panelling, cleats and parquet, it will be perfect. A little less for bastaing.
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Power
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1,600 W
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1,500 W
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2,000 W
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1,500 W
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Saw blade diameter
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210 mm
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216 mm
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305 mm
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216 mm
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Speed
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5,500 rpm
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4,900 rpm
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3,800 rpm (no load)
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5,000 rpm
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0° cutting capacity: 70 x 312 mm; 45° miter cutting capacity: 70 x 214 mm; 45° tilt cutting capacity: 48 x 312 mm
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Cutting capacity 90° x 90°: 305 mm x 65 mm; Cutting capacity 90° x 45°: 215 mm x 65 mm; Cutting capacity 45° x 90°: 305 mm x 35 mmCutting capacity 45° x 45°: 215 mm x 35 mm
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0° cutting capacity: 104 x 341 mm; 45° miter cutting capacity: 104 x 240 mm; 45° tilt cutting capacity: 51 x 341 mm
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Cutting capacity 90°/90°305 x 65 mm; Cutting capacity 45°/45°205 x 36 mm
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A large blade will cut thicker and wider pieces of wood than a smaller blade. For radial miter saws, the most common circular blades are 150 to 254 mm in diameter. Typically, they have 48 to 72 teeth. The cutting capacity (width x depth of cut) reaches 100 x 340 mm for professional models.
Most radial miter saws have a corded connection. Their motor has a power ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 W for 15 A. High amperage always means high cutting power. There are also cordless radial mitre saws. You will have to consider their power (18 V, 36 V) and their autonomy before buying.
This criterion corresponds to the number of revolutions made by the blade in 1 min. The speed of the blade at no load is much higher than the speed at rated load. But the latter better reflects the reality of use. Generally, the blade speed under rated load ranges from 2,500 to 5,500 rpm.
It's good to know that a high-speed blade cuts hardwood better than a low-speed blade. Also, high-speed blades stay sharp longer than low-speed blades. On the other hand, a fast blade often causes sawdust to fly around.
All radial miter saws have a flat edge fence against which the wood is pressed to make a straight cut. This is a 90° perpendicular cut against the face of the wood. If you want to make a cut through the wood at an angle less than 90°, you make a miter cut. Simply set the angle on the miter saw body so that it tilts the fence to the desired angle while leaving the blade in place. Finally, you can make bevel cuts. In this case, the blade penetrates the wood horizontally while passing vertically through the wood.
Corded
or cordless, the radial miter saw weighs 10 to 30 kg.Those looking for portability will be interested in a compact, probably cordless,model with a small diameter blade. Note, however, that the heavier a radial miter saw is, the more power it will have and the more it will be able to cut large pieces of wood.
Using an electric motor, the radial miter saw cuts wood at precise angles. The motor turns a circular blade at a few thousand revolutions per minute to make the cut. The blade connects to a tilting arm and handle that extend above the base of the saw. The wood rests on the base of the saw.
You must pull the handle down as the blade rotates to cut the wood. Miter saws make 90° cuts, which are perpendicular to the face of the wood. It is also possible to make cuts at different angles to the face of the wood (30°, 45°, etc.) with this type of tool.
First, you need to square up the backgauge to the blade. To do this, you only have to loosen the screws located behind the stop. This operation is necessary for the start-up. Some manufacturers, such as Makita, provide a square for verification.
For bevel cutting, the adjustment of the cutting blade angle is done on the horizontal axis. This requires loosening the handle on the back of the machine. Some radial miter saws offer practical and ingenious handle release systems.
To make miter cuts, you will need to adjust the turntable. The turntable rotates on the vertical axis to the right and left. Usually, a handle facing the user locks the cut at the correct angle. There are indicators for the most common angles. Finally, note that all machines are equipped with a depth stop.
With the clamping press, you can clamp the workpiece to be cut to the table and fence. This will provide more precision for the cut and more safety for your hands. Many Bosch and Metabo brand radial miter saws allow you to clamp the top or side of the workpiece, making it easier to cut small sections.
Most radial miter saws these days are equipped with laser guidance. This feature ensures that the blade is aligned with the cutting path. However, you should know that the quality of the laser sight varies greatly from brand to brand, almost unreadable on Ryobi machines and adjustable on Bosch or Metabo machines.
Cleaning the blade is the essential part of maintaining a radial miter saw. To do this, you must disassemble the blade to remove the remains of chips and sawdust using, for example, methylated spirits. Be careful not to leave any resin residue. Indeed, its accumulation will eventually dull the teeth of the blade.
Also look at the housing and the casing. Use a brush or air compressor to remove sawdust, dust and wood chips from the gaps. After cleaning, store the saw away from moisture to protect it from corrosion. Replace the blade in its plastic blade guard or the original packaging if you have not already discarded it.
In order to keep the blade perfectly sharp, it is highly recommended to sharpen it at regular intervals. Be aware, however, that removing the blade is not easy and some radial miter saws do not allow it. In many cases, you will not be able to remove the blade without removing the blade guard.
Be aware that a sharp blade increases the safety of the user. You should also be aware thata dull blade tends to pull the wood away from the fence and cause a kickback. In this case, the risk of injury is particularly high.
If your radial miter saw breaks down, call a recognized professional. Most of the time, the problem comes from the motor. To clean the blade, special products and industrial descalers have long proven their effectiveness. But you can opt for cheaper alternatives, such as turpentine, paint thinner, methylated spirits or even oven cleaner.
As the name suggests, the mobile radial miter saw can be used anywhere. It can be used for quick work. The precision is also a strong point. And it is a type of saw accessible to everyone because of its very attractive price. You can have one from 300 euros. The top of the range mobile radial mitre saws cost around 1,000 euros. For this price, you get some useful features. But it is not as complete as the table-top radial mitre saw.
As for the disadvantages of the mobile radial miter saw, you should be prepared for a fairly high level of vibration. Then, it is not the most suitable tool for working on thick materials. Therefore, it is quite limited and mostly satisfies the needs of small workers and handymen.
The tabletop radial miter saw is the must have for those who are looking for power. But you have to be prepared to pay the corresponding price, often estimated between 1,000 and 4,000 euros. However, the performance is worth it. Note, however, that you need to have a great deal of skill to handle it. If the radial miter saw is considered to be an accurate tool, this one is far superior to it in this respect.
It is also suitable for all materials from the thinnest to the thickest. Versatility is its main asset. In fact, it is a perfect device for professionals. On the downside, it is bulky. The tabletop radial miter saw requires a lot of space.
The radial mitre saw is a tool that can easily cut any material. It is very precise and can cut at an angle of 15° to 90° on thick or wide wood. This type of saw is also powerful, which makes it easy to handle. You can also use it safely as it is equipped with a retractable protection system that is activated as soon as the motor is active. It is also suitable for all types of work.
The only drawback is that the radial mitre saw requires space for installation as it is a rather bulky machine. Its cost is also a problem for do-it-yourselfers with a limited budget.
The plunge saw is very easy to use, especially when cutting full panels. Simply place the guide rail over the workpiece and the blade will cut smoothly. It is also equipped with an automatic stop system that prevents the blade from bouncing back and avoiding any accidents. This type of saw is also very affordable.
However, it is not suitable for heavy-duty work, nor is it suitable for cutting materials like steel or aluminum. The mobility of the tool can be a hindrance for novices. Indeed, some basic plunge saws can cause injury due to the vibration that causes the blade to bounce.
The radial mitre saw can be used to carry out a variety of jobs quickly and with impeccable precision. It is also a very stable tool because of its stationary installation. It is recommended for experienced handymen and professionals. The plunge saw, on the other hand, is very practical for small jobs. It is therefore an indispensable tool for less frequent use and smaller jobs.
Versatility
This is a very powerful device capable of making various cuts. It is useful for cutting thick and bulky materials. For example, you can make a straight cut, an angled cut or a bevel cut, but it also allows you to make more traditional cuts. In addition, it is a DIY saw that will help you in many situations (such as laying flooring). In addition, you can cut plastic, copper or PVC with this model of saw. You can pretty much cut anything you want!
Cutting accuracy
Unlike conventional saws, the radial miter saw provides a precise cut. The presence of a ruler that guides you through the cut keeps the angle between the saw blade and the arm perpendicular. You will get an even and fine cut with this tool.
Easy to maintain
This is an easy to use and maintain saw. The dust extraction system prevents any dirt from damaging the machine and impairing its operation. The dust will be sent directly to a special container which will be disposed of immediately afterwards. Therefore, you will not have to dust after each use.
Safety
The radial miter saw is equipped with a retractable blade protection system, so there is no risk of injury. This system exposes the blade when the saw is activated and closes when the cut is complete. No need for manual handling, everything is done automatically.
Practicality
The integrated translation system allows you to cut without having to move or adjust the installation of the device. Thanks to its many options, all you have to do is press a button and the saw will start working. Installation takes only a few minutes.
In our opinion, the best brands of radial mitre saws in 2022 are :
The name of the German company is familiar to all professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The Bosch logo alone on a power tool is enough to indicate its quality. A safe bet, especially for radial mitre saws.
Based in Nürtingen, Metabo is a German manufacturer of power tools. Whether it's a drill, saw, compressor or sander, the models from this brand rarely disappoint. Metabo radial mitre saws offer the best price/performance ratio on the market.
Like Bosch, Makita is known worldwide for its portable electric tools. A true DIY behemoth, the Japanese brand has registered no less than 600 patents for its 1,000 listed tools. If you have the means, Makita is a must.
Dewalt is an American brand founded the inventor of the radial saw. Now a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker, it stands out for its quality. We hesitated between the Bosch GCM 12 GDL and the Dewalt DWS780 for the top of the range choice.
Like AEG, Ryobi belongs to the Japanese Techtronic Indudtries group. But Ryobi's production is mainly focused on cordless power tools and garden tools. This brand attracts as much for its innovations as for its prices.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Follow the safety instructions and wear protective equipment
Failure to follow this recommendation will inevitably lead to an emergency room visit! Before first use, read the manufacturer's instructions carefully, especially those regarding blade changes. And because the radial miter saw produces wood dust, wear protective eyewear. Also, keep your hands away from danger zones and use a clamp to hold small pieces of wood.
Use a workbench or saw stand
You'
ll have a hard time using a radial miter saw effectively without placing it on a proper stand. If you're working in a workshop, you can place the machine on a fixed workbench. On a construction site, it is often necessary to move the miter saw from one place to another. With a mobile miter saw stand, it will be as easy as eating a pie.
Make repetitive cuts using stop blocks
Whether
you're making furniture or doing finish work for a home, you'll need to make repetitive cuts. To save yourself from repetitive measurement markings on the wood, simply set the measurement on the miter saw. Then attach a stop block to the workbench, the same length as the piece you're cutting. That way you can make as many cuts as possible.
Add an auxiliary guide to cut small pieces
It is
not very risky to cut long pieces of wood with a radial miter saw. Most of the danger comes from small pieces. Because of the minimalist size, the piece being cut can fall back under the blade and be thrown back violently. To avoid this, equip your machine with an auxiliary fence. Also take the trouble to turn off the radial miter saw before lifting the cutting blade and removing the cut pieces of wood.
Sharpen and clean your saw blade
No
matter how much you pay, your radial miter saw will be judged by the quality of its cutting blade. In addition to investing in a quality blade, you'll need to sharpen and clean it regularly. This maintenance work will help it last longer while providing you with the quality of cut you expect.
The best radial miter saw depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.
If you can afford it, it is best to opt for a radial mitre saw with various features such as laser guidance, press stop or groove cutting function. But the most important thing is the dust bag or an automatic dust extraction system to keep your work surface clean.
Of course, the unit must be turned on, i.e. unplugged. Loosen the screw on the guard to reach the blade. Then turn the blade so that the spindle lock is activated. You can then remove the blade screw and other accessories such as the blade adapter or the external clamp. Now you just have to put the new blade on and repeat the same steps in the opposite direction.
Very easy to handle, just turn the swing arm to the side you want to find the ideal angle. Place the blade in a square position with a few adjustments. Then do a quick test run to see if the unit is in focus and if the fence is also properly adjusted. Once you have completed these steps, you can say that you know how to set up a radial miter saw.
First, remove the blade. Then use a special product or an industrial descaler to clean it. If necessary, use paint thinner or methylated spirits. Don't forget to dust the housing with a brush or an air compressor. Then replace the blade and cover it with a plastic blade guard.
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