Power Tools & General Tools Recommendations & Advice

[danlightbulb]

I think I've talked myself back in. Most folk buying the cheaper models are messing around with issues relating to poor accuracy and rails too short.

The DeWalt is

DEWALT DWS520KTG

240v Plunge saw - 165mm blade

www.howetools.co.uk

The Makita is 389 with a code

Makita SP6000J2 Plunge Saw 165mm inc 2x Guide Rails, Joining Bar & Makpac Case

Makita SP6000J2 Plunge Cut Saw 165mm inc 2x Guide Rails, Single Joining Bar & Makpac Carry Case The Makita 165mm Plunge Cut Circular Saw and 1.5m (59”) Guide Rails work together to produce accurate cuts with minimal tear-out. The saw combines a powerful 12 AMP motor and a large cutting capacity...

www.powertoolworld.co.uk

The budget sets have 700mm rails x2. How long are the dewalt and Makita ones?

 

[dlockers]

The budget sets have 700mm rails x2. How long are the dewalt and Makita ones?

The DeWalt listing is pretty poor, but the Makita one is a trusted site I've used before -2x1.5m. Also includes the proper box and a 45 carbide tooth blade.

Edit: alternative listing shows the DeWalt is 1x1.5m.

 

[b0rn2sk8]

Just for awareness the dewalt rail is proprietary, all my cordless kit is dewalt, I avoided them a corded track saw for this reason. I managed to get a Festool for a bargain price from Screwfix in 2020, no regrets on that front!

The Makita and others use the ‘Festool’ style rail (pretty sure they can do that because the patent expired).

If you buy cheap rails, make sure they are aligned correctly when joining them. The more joins you have, the harder it is to make sure they are actually straight.

Evolution do a 2 pack of 1.2m rails (making 2.4m), they are fine but as above make sure they are aligned correctly as you can join them and they be several degrees out.

 

[dlockers]

Just for awareness the dewalt rail is proprietary, all my cordless kit is dewalt, I avoided them a corded track saw for this reason. I managed to get a Festool for a bargain price from Screwfix in 2020, no regrets on that front!

The Makita and others use the ‘Festool’ style rail (pretty sure they can do that because the patent expired).

If you buy cheap rails, make sure they are aligned correctly when joining them. The more joins you have, the harder it is to make sure they are actually straight.

Evolution do a 2 pack of 1.2m rails (making 2.4m), they are fine but as above make sure they are aligned correctly as you can join them and they be several degrees out.

Thank you sir - no buyers remorse here. Grabbed the Makita with 2x1.5m rails for 390 delivered.

 

[FNG]

I grabbed the Milwaukee track saw with two of its rails earlier in the year and have zero regrets. It wasn't cheap but does an amazing job. By all accounts from what I read the Makita is pretty similar; I went with the Milwaukee as I am already on the eco system. The rails are great as a straight edge for a router too, especially when clamped.

 

[dlockers]

I grabbed the Milwaukee track saw with two of its rails earlier in the year and have zero regrets. It wasn't cheap but does an amazing job. By all accounts from what I read the Makita is pretty similar; I went with the Milwaukee as I am already on the eco system. The rails are great as a straight edge for a router too, especially when clamped.

I'm team red too but tbh, one odd thing I hate, is cordless for tools that almost always need vacuum. I much prefer plugging into the vacuum for auto suction.

And it was half the price

 

[FNG]

I'm the opposite. I hate cords, even if I need to connect the hose. I agree about the price though!

 

[dlockers]

Chaps,

Me again - for compound mitre saws, there is a DeWalt unit for 230. Isn't there anything fundamental this doesn't do that other more expensive ones do?

DeWalt 1300W 240V 216mm Corded Compound mitre saw DWS773-GB

The DeWalt 240V Compound Mitre saw is a tough, durable, compact and powerful sliding compound mitre saw, with a 250mm slide capacity.

www.diy.com

My big limitation ATM is the cheap 50 quid titan I've got only does 12cm, and doesn't slide.

I also spotted some turn into table saws? Is that a gimmick or useful? I need to trim my plinths down by 15mm.

 

[Armageus]

Chaps,

Me again - for compound mitre saws, there is a DeWalt unit for 230. Isn't there anything fundamental this doesn't do that other more expensive ones do?

DeWalt 1300W 240V 216mm Corded Compound mitre saw DWS773-GB

The DeWalt 240V Compound Mitre saw is a tough, durable, compact and powerful sliding compound mitre saw, with a 250mm slide capacity.

www.diy.com

My big limitation ATM is the cheap 50 quid titan I've got only does 12cm, and doesn't slide.

I also spotted some turn into table saws? Is that a gimmick or useful? I need to trim my plinths down by 15mm.

Seems a case of paying for the brand (although by the reviews it's not really that well made anyway).

By comparison I've had a similar model to this Erbauer for a couple of years, that's £70 cheaper and does the following that the Dewalt doesn't:

- Double bevel i.e. left or right (the Dewalt is only single)
- Laser guide for accurate blade alignment
- Wider cross cut (305mm vs 250mm)
- 100W more powerful
- Trench Cutting facility (e.g. for making half lap joints https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAdTJb54DM0 )

 

[dlockers]

Seems a case of paying for the brand (although by the reviews it's not really that well made anyway).

By comparison I've had a similar model to this Erbauer for a couple of years, that's £70 cheaper and does the following that the Dewalt doesn't:

- Double bevel i.e. left or right (the Dewalt is only single)
- Laser guide for accurate blade alignment
- Wider cross cut (305mm vs 250mm)
- 100W more powerful
- Trench Cutting facility (e.g. for making half lap joints https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAdTJb54DM0 )

Top man, thank you. Definitely not after the label, just want something that works really well.

Can you put tile cutting disks onto this or is that a silly question?

(also that video was great until she started using a putty knife to clear up the notch she made )

 

[jonneymendoza]

I think I've talked myself back in. Most folk buying the cheaper models are messing around with issues relating to poor accuracy and rails too short.

The DeWalt is

DEWALT DWS520KTG

240v Plunge saw - 165mm blade

www.howetools.co.uk

The Makita is 389 with a code

Makita SP6000J2 Plunge Saw 165mm inc 2x Guide Rails, Joining Bar & Makpac Case

Makita SP6000J2 Plunge Cut Saw 165mm inc 2x Guide Rails, Single Joining Bar & Makpac Carry Case The Makita 165mm Plunge Cut Circular Saw and 1.5m (59”) Guide Rails work together to produce accurate cuts with minimal tear-out. The saw combines a powerful 12 AMP motor and a large cutting capacity...

www.powertoolworld.co.uk

If i was making a bit of wood stuff and even creating a fully custom made racing sim cockpit(too late now as i have ordered and received pre cut profiles ) it would be worth investing in one of these to use for a year or two and then sell it once i am done making all the furnitures etc

 

[jonneymendoza]

Seems a case of paying for the brand (although by the reviews it's not really that well made anyway).

By comparison I've had a similar model to this Erbauer for a couple of years, that's £70 cheaper and does the following that the Dewalt doesn't:

- Double bevel i.e. left or right (the Dewalt is only single)
- Laser guide for accurate blade alignment
- Wider cross cut (305mm vs 250mm)
- 100W more powerful
- Trench Cutting facility (e.g. for making half lap joints https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAdTJb54DM0 )

Can that Erbauer Sit and secure on a black and decker workmate?

 

[dlockers]

I think I'll go for the Erbauer and the Evolution stand:

Erbauer EMIS216S 216mm Electric Double-Bevel Sliding Mitre Saw 220-240V - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Side-mounted bevel control for quick and easy bevel adjustments left or right when in the front of the saw, as well as a laser guide for accurate cutting. Supplied with dust bag, TCT blade, clamp and wrench. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

Evolution 800B Mitre Saw Stand with Extension Arms - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. The Evolution mitre saw stand with extension arms is lightweight but sturdy. Quick to assemble, foldable legs make the stand easy to pack away and transport, while the height-adjustable arms are able to support workpieces up to 3m in length. Quick-release mounting...

www.screwfix.com

 

[Armageus]

Can you put tile cutting disks onto this or is that a silly question?

Not as far as I know - tile cutters are normally more like water proof table saws e.g. https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-tc180vi-750w-electric-tile-cutter-240v/865vv

(also that video was great until she started using a putty knife to clear up the notch she made )

I've never used the function, and arguably it's probably something better done with other tools (router maybe?), but if you haven't got another tool and need to do it, then useable in a pinch.

Can that Erbauer Sit and secure on a black and decker workmate?

I'd say it was too big tbh. I haven't got a stand for mine - I've just left it set up on top of the cardboard box it came in

 

[FNG]

I have the evolution sliding mitre saw. It took a bit of adjusting to get straight cuts but has served me well over the years. If I was more into carpentry I would get a Makita ls1019 but I can't justify that price. You can get a ceramic disc for cutting tiles for the evolution but I have never used it so can't really comment on how good it is ( I own one but the job I bought it for never happened).

 

[dlockers]

The Evolution is on offer for the same price interestingly. It is only single bevel though, which tbh isn't a massive issue if the machine as a whole is better.

Evolution R255SMS 255mm Electric Single-Bevel Sliding Multi-Material Mitre Saw 220-240V - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Compound mitre saw supplied with a multifunction TCT blade that can easily cut through wood, aluminium, plastic and steel, even if nails are still embedded in the material. The multipurpose blade cuts cleanly and leaves no burrs on steel. Easy to assemble and use...

www.screwfix.com

Thoughts? This or the Erbauer? Mixed reviews on both, but broadly positive.

 

[Reuben klang]

The Evolution is on offer for the same price interestingly. It is only single bevel though, which tbh isn't a massive issue if the machine as a whole is better.

Evolution R255SMS 255mm Electric Single-Bevel Sliding Multi-Material Mitre Saw 220-240V - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Compound mitre saw supplied with a multifunction TCT blade that can easily cut through wood, aluminium, plastic and steel, even if nails are still embedded in the material. The multipurpose blade cuts cleanly and leaves no burrs on steel. Easy to assemble and use...

www.screwfix.com

Thoughts? This or the Erbauer? Mixed reviews on both, but broadly positive.

I’ve got that exact one, had it for a couple of years it’s pretty great for what it is.

 

[dlockers]

Just realised the Erbauer is 216mm versus the Evolution which is 255mm. The Erbauer has 40 teeth versus the Evo 24 (seems rough?).

Also the Evo is 2kw versus 1.4kw.

No idea if any of these things make one or the other better tbh!

There is also the double-bevel Evo but that isn't on offer, £230.

 

[FNG]

You will be able to get a better blade for the evolution I suspect, but th choice is a bit more limited as they are odd size blades). I have not used any erbauer tools, but they are pretty well reviewed. In truth, either will probably be fine, just check that the bevel cut depth is enough on both to cut what you need to, or will be cutting in the future. Typically you would want it to be able to 45 2x4 across the wood (so 47mm depth cut at 45 deg) as that is probably the most common wood if you are doing stuff like stud work in the future.

Edit I would just like to add that the multi cutting blade is really handy when you need to trim down steel tubing or the like.

 

[dlockers]

You will be able to get a better blade for the evolution I suspect, but th choice is a bit more limited as they are odd size blades). I have not used any erbauer tools, but they are pretty well reviewed. In truth, either will probably be fine, just check that the bevel cut depth is enough on both to cut what you need to, or will be cutting in the future. Typically you would want it to be able to 45 2x4 across the wood (so 47mm depth cut at 45 deg) as that is probably the most common wood if you are doing stuff like stud work in the future.

Edit I would just like to add that the multi cutting blade is really handy when you need to trim down steel tubing or the like.

Ta - is the saw blade size itself important? 255mm versus 216.