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!

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @HunterProperty 

Id say a strong no Unless you like tools that is. 

I would suggest to save your money for a mitre saw instead. Makita 216mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw LS0816F is what I bought as my second saw. (well thats not discounting the hand saws I have) Even the ozito one looks like it will do the job. I mostly buy ozito or makita products. And have often stood there weighing up the abilities of both. One think i LOVE about the makita drop saw is the laser red line it shows before and during the cut on the timber so you know where the blade will be. Its just a big heavy tool to lug out and about as you only need it rarely  

I did see one of the community members build a mobile bench so she could move the drop saw around with all the tools within the bench.

Bingo! Found it

Folding and rolling mitre saw station by @RainbowDiY  is the one I was thinking of.

I also found this one

Miter Saw Station (Fold Down Sides, Mobile) By @Wayne that looks good as well.

It really comes down to Frequency of use, cost, space to store the tool and the ability to move it about.

Dave

[EricL]

Hi @HunterProperty 

I totally agree with @Dave-1 in regards to tool purchasing, frequency of use, cost and space to store the tool are all critical components to why you purchased that tool. If you have a cordless hand sander that will be sufficient for your project, especially if you are only doing minor corrections. A 1mm offset on a fence or decking project will not be noticed. A 1mm mistake on a jewellery box will be seen as bright as day. It all comes down what project you are doing. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[HunterProperty]

Thank you @EricL !

Im starting from a very low base regarding tool ownership so im not left with a lot of options. The timber beams currently dont fit in the void so ill need to shorten them. Ill have a look at what sanders may best suit overall rather than just for this application. I really appreciate the help.

[JacobZ]

Hi @HunterProperty,

Sanding the end grain of timber does not work very well, so I'm in the same camp as @Dave-1 on this one, and it is not worth it unless you're looking to build up your tools. Instead of cutting cleanly, sanding end grain tends to compress the fibres or tear them unevenly, leading to a rough and fuzzy surface. You're better off just using the circular saw again and making sure you keep your cut nice and square.

Carpenters will often "ease up to it", by cutting close to the mark, test fitting and if they find it is a bit too long, taking "half a blade" off the end. This is a technique that is worth practising as I would use it nearly every day when I was working in construction.

You're better off just using the circular saw again and making sure you keep your cut nice and square. I'd grab two clamps and clamp the square in place before cutting, double checking the inside of the blade runs perfectly up to your mark. If the square is tightly clamped in the exact right position, then you can't go past the point you are planning to cut. 

It is also worth checking the blade is perfectly square with the baseplate of your saw. If you place your square against the blade and baseplate at the same time, there should be no gap on either side of the square. If there is, adjust the bevel setting on your saw till it is perfectly square.

I know it can be nerve-wracking to cut expensive timber to tight margins, but unfortunately, without a mitre saw, there is no better option. 

Let me know if you'd like any further guidance.

Jacob

[HunterProperty]

Thanks @JacobZ ! Yes I was cutting without clamping the square so that may be just what I need to do. Thank you so much for the help!