Would you buy a Mitre Saw or Circular Saw first?

[HunterProperty]

Hi,

I am planning on undertaking some projects at home (build pool pump enclosure, replace battens) that I believe a circular saw will be able to accomplish. However I have some further projects in mind that may require a mitre saw so it had me thinking would I be best to buy a mitre saw to complete all works or is there something I am overlooking/not understanding between the two that would require me buy both.

Thanks in advance!

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @HunterProperty. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about power saws.
 

When deciding between a circular saw and a mitre saw, it’s essential to consider the nature of the tasks you’ll be undertaking.

In terms of portability, a circular saw wins hands down. It’s lightweight, compact, and capable of handling a variety of tasks, including long straight cuts. This makes it suitable for cutting sheet materials, timber lengths, and anything requiring mobility. A circular saw can also replicate many of the cuts a mitre saw can make with the right guides or jigs, making it a versatile choice for general-purpose woodworking.

A compound mitre saw, on the other hand, excels in precision and repeatability, especially for angled cuts, such as mitres and bevels, or crosscuts. It’s ideal for projects requiring consistent, accurate cuts, such as framing, trim work, or constructing items like a pool pump enclosure. However, a mitre saw is limited in its cutting width—usually up to 200-240mm for standard models—and cannot handle sheet materials. Additionally, you’ll need ample space to set it up and accommodate the timber lengths, which often means working outdoors.

If your immediate projects mostly involve general cuts or working with larger materials, I’d recommend starting with a circular saw. It’s versatile enough to handle various tasks and will likely suit your initial needs. However, if your future projects involve a lot of precise, repetitive angled cuts, a mitre saw might be worth considering down the track.

Ultimately, your choice depends on the scope of your current and future projects. Personally, I have both. However, my circular saw gets far more use, and I won't pull out my compound mitre saw unless there is a specific job that requires accurate cuts.

Let me tag @Noyade, @Jewelleryrescue, @Dave-1 and @Nailbag, as I'm sure they'll love to get in on this conversation.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[HunterProperty]

Thank you Mitchell that’s very helpful. I think a circular saw is the way to go for now. I noted in another thread that upgrading the saw blade is a good move. Do you recommend doing this straight up? If so, what blade is best for general use?

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @HunterProperty 

My first powered saw was a circular saw, then the second one was a better branded circular saw. This was for building my deck, A lot of cuts on posts and timbers that were off the ground. Then when I got to the point of doing the timber planks themselves I realised I needed something that would do consistant straight cuts and also angled cuts I bought myself a compound saw. 

Different situations require different tools @MitchellMc explanation really works.

Id go with a circular saw first (mains powered over a battery one) and then when you get to a point that you start needing angled cuts you will "know" ahhh its time to get that compund saw. My next tool to buy is a Ozito battery circular saw (184mm blade) as I now want one to be able to pick up pieces of timber from the side of the road and they are a little long (I want the extra blad depth over the cheaper 165mm blade) 

Its kind of like you buy one tool that works and then it "shows" you that another tool is needed

Dave

[HunterProperty]

Great and makes sense. Thank you!

[Nailbag]

Hi @HunterProperty 

I couldn't agree more with @MitchellMc comments and recommendation. As someone who still uses powertools daily in a very wide range of applications and projects, my Mitre Saw is one of the least used. Whereas my circular saw though isn't my highest usage tool, it is part of my standard set of tools I carry because it will be able to perform all the common 90deg and 45deg cross cuts as well as rip cuts. Along with @Dave-1 it was also one of the first tools I ever bought 45 odd years ago. 

I would definitely recommend a cordless model in either Ryobi or Ozito and if you can afford the extra, choose a model with a "brushless motor" These are far more energy efficient, longer lasting and inbuilt protection electronics. To my knowledge they typically don't come with a battery and a charger as a starter kit. So, if you don't already have any of these, then selecting another tool that comes with a battery and charger is the most cost effective way to get into a cordless system. There will also starter kits with compatible batteries in the power garden dept. Another tip when selecting a cordless saw, is that some models have the blade on the left of the handle as opposed to the conventional right side. These are not for left hand users, but offer essentially a better viewing angle for high-hand users when performing long reaching cuts. My recommendation. would be to select one with the blade on the right such as the links I provided.

Circular saws are high-energy users, so the batteries don't last as long as with most other tools. So, getting a seperate 2nd battery of 5Ahr or higher will be a good investment. High capacity batteries also provide more energy.

Circular saws are capable of making very accurate 90deg and 45deg crosscuts with the aid or a rafter square (some call it a speed square). Check this video I made showing how these are performed.

Once you're ready, come back to the community for advice on how to safely use a circular saw. In the meantime the best advice I can give you other than PPE, is to ensure the blade ISN'T touching the material before turning the saw on. Doing so can cause the saw to kick back at you. Cordless models are far more figuring than corded ones when this occurs, but still dangerous all the same.

Nailbag

[HunterProperty]

Awesome and thank you. Very helpful. Do you have any suggestions on blade upgrades? I saw in another thread it’s recommended to upgrade blade rather than run with stock