Cutting For Professionals – Battle of The Mitre Saws

For most home woodworkers and Destroy It Yourself enthusiasts, a compound sliding mitre saw would be our version of an upgrade from our “chop saw”. The sliding mechanisms of these mitre saws make it easier to make cleaner cuts as well as increases the sliding capabilities of the mitre saw. But what if you are a carpenter who specializes in skirtings and frames (like a shopfitter), time and efficiency are key. You require a mitre saw solution which doesn’t simply allow you to cut bigger pieces but rather allows you to cut a larger volume of pieces in the most efficient manner possible.

The basics have to be covered: 

• Dual-line laser guides
• Dual-bevel tilting functions
• Bright LED work-lights
• Effective dust extraction 
• Powerful motors 

This is where the mitre saws mentioned below are necessary.

Metabo KGSV 72 XACT SYM Compound Sliding Mitre Saw           

This unique panel saw with sliding function and precise skirting saw with asymmetrically adjustable stop system makes for efficient and time-saving accurate sawing of mitered angles without having to calculate and measure. Simply transfer the required angle using the bevel guide and the adjustable fences.

Being able to mount has the table lean directly against a wall is great for the efficient use of space. The rotating table and dual inclinable saw head offer the user maximum flexibility and efficiency.

The Metabo KGSV 72 XACT SYM is equipped with a depth guide for the easy creation of grooves.

Festool Sliding Compound Mitre Saw KAPEX KS 120 REB

Made with a magnesium alloy base which is rigid and durable, the Festool Kapex KS 120 is lightweight, compact, and portable. This makes the Festool Kapex, a great companion to both the workshop bound worker and the on-site contractor.

Using the fine adjustment knob on the Festool Kapex Mitre Saw, the user can control the bevel angles in as accurate as fractions of a degree. This precise bevel knob has three settings: positive detents at 0 and -45 degrees, free movement between -45 and +45 degrees, and free movement up to +/- 47 degrees. 

Changing between blades is made easy with the patented Festool FastFix system. A simple turn of the FastFix Knob will lock the arbor, mechanically lock out the trigger as well as allow the blade to be changed with a single hand.

A very handy companion for the on-site Festool contractor. The deck height of the Kapex matches the height of Festool Systainer 1 storage containers. The user could use one or more systainers to support the material being cut while working on-site. The Festool Kapex is also equipped with rubber feet in each corner which can provide useful traction for the user as well as have the ability to fit into the hole pattern of any of the Festool Multifunction Tables.

The choice between which of the above mitre saws may come down mostly to brand allegiance/preference. The decision would ultimately come down to how your power tool collection looks. For many users, dust extraction ports can be the deciding factor between these saws. Either way, both of these machines are Rolls-Royces in the mitre-saw worlds.