Power Tools Explained
Circular Saws and Mitre Saws: Which One Do You Need?
How circular saws, track saws and mitre (chop) saws differ, what size and features to choose, blades, and how to make straight, square and safe cuts.
When you need straight, clean cuts, a jigsaw starts to show its limits. Circular saws cut sheet materials and long boards quickly and straight. Mitre saws make perfect square and angled cross-cuts for skirting, trim, flooring and framing. This guide explains both, plus the track saw, a precise hybrid.
Quick answer
- Circular saw: portable, for ripping and cross-cutting boards and sheets. The general-purpose construction saw.
- Track saw: circular saw on a guide rail; splinter-free straight cuts in sheet goods.
- Mitre saw: stationary chop saw; fast, accurate cross-cuts and angles in trim, skirting, flooring and framing.
- For first-time buyers doing trim and flooring: a mitre saw. For decks, sheds and sheet goods: a circular or track saw.
Circular saw
What it does
A handheld saw with a round blade, usually 165 mm (6.5 in) on cordless tools or 184–190 mm (7.25 in) on corded tools. It cuts wood, plywood, OSB and, with special blades, some plastics, fibre cement and aluminium.
Key specs
- Sidewinder vs worm drive: most DIY saws are sidewinders (lighter). Worm-drive saws (US framing) have more torque.
- Electric brake and riving knife improve safety.
- Dust port and a clear sight line to the blade.
- Rail compatibility: some circular saws work on guide rails.
Track saw (plunge saw)
A plunge-cutting circular saw that runs on an aluminium guide rail with a splinter strip. It gives near-cabinet-quality straight cuts in sheet materials without a table saw, with good dust collection. It is more expensive but excellent for kitchens, wardrobes, doors and worktops.
Mitre saw (chop saw)
Types
| Type | What it adds | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic chop saw | Square cuts only | Framing timber |
| Compound mitre saw | Mitre (left-right) and bevel (tilt) | Skirting, trim, picture frames |
| Sliding compound mitre saw | Blade slides out for wider boards | Flooring, shelving, wide boards |
| Dual-bevel sliding | Tilts both directions | Crown moulding, lots of trim |
Sizes
Blade diameters of 216 mm (8.5 in), 254 mm (10 in) and 305 mm (12 in). A 216 mm or 254 mm sliding saw covers almost all home projects. Check the maximum cross-cut width at 90° and the cut height for skirting boards.
Features
- Positive stops (detents) at common angles such as 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6° and 45°.
- Laser or LED shadow line to show the cut.
- Stable fence and clamp.
- Dust bag or extraction port (connect a vacuum; mitre saws are dusty).
Blades
- Fewer teeth (24T): fast ripping and framing.
- More teeth (40–60T): cleaner cross-cuts in plywood and trim.
- 80T+ / laminate blades: splinter-free cuts in laminate and melamine.
- Check the blade diameter, bore size and maximum RPM match your saw.
How to use a circular saw safely
- Support the board on both sides of the cut (on sawhorses or foam insulation board) so the offcut does not pinch the blade.
- Set the blade depth to about 5–6 mm (1/4 in) below the material.
- Clamp a straight edge or use a rail for accurate cuts.
- Stand to the side of the blade line. Hold the saw firmly with both hands.
- Let the blade reach full speed before entering the wood. Feed steadily.
- After the cut, release the trigger and let the blade stop before lifting. Check the lower guard has closed.
If the blade binds, the saw can jump back towards you. Never cut a board supported only at its ends (the cut closes on the blade), never force the saw, and never remove or wedge the lower guard.
How to use a mitre saw
- Set the saw on a stable bench or stand, with extra support for long boards.
- Set the mitre and bevel angles and lock them.
- Hold the workpiece against the fence (use the clamp for small pieces). Keep hands at least 15 cm (6 in) from the blade.
- Start the saw, let it reach full speed, then lower it smoothly. On sliding saws, pull out, lower, then push back through the cut.
- Release the trigger and let the blade stop before raising it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cut laminate flooring with a circular saw?
Yes, with a fine-tooth laminate blade and the decorative face down. A mitre saw is faster for cross-cuts.
Cordless or corded circular saw?
Cordless 18V saws handle most DIY cutting. For all-day cutting of thick timber, corded or high-voltage cordless models are better.
This guide is general information, not professional advice. Always read your tool's manual, use the right protective equipment and follow local building and electrical codes. See our disclaimer.