Makita Mitre Saws
Makita mitre saws are for fast, dead-accurate crosscuts and angles on site, from skirting and architrave to stud and CLS, corded or cordless.
When you're trimming out a room or bashing through second-fix, a Makita chop saw saves you measuring twice and still ending up with gaps. Choose a sliding compound mitre saw for wider boards, and pick 18V or Twin 18V 36V if you want a Makita cordless mitre saw that keeps up without dragging leads.
What Are Makita Mitre Saws Used For?
- Cutting skirting, architrave, coving and beading cleanly with repeatable mitres so you are not fighting open corners at fit-off.
- Cross-cutting studwork, CLS and carcassing timber quickly when you are framing, roofing, or building out partitions and you need square ends that actually line up.
- Handling wider boards and sheet trims with a Makita sliding mitre saw when a standard chop saw will not give you the cut capacity.
- Working in occupied refurbs with a Makita cordless chop saw 18V or Twin 18V 36V so you can set up anywhere without hunting for power or trailing cables through finished areas.
- Batch cutting at the same length using stops and a stand so your door linings, noggins, or decking runs stay consistent without constant tape-measure checks.
Choosing the Right Makita Mitre Saw
Sort the right saw by matching cut capacity and power to what you actually cut every week, not what looks good on paper.
1. Blade size and cut capacity
If you mainly do skirting, architrave and smaller stock, a compact Makita mitre saw like a 190mm or 216mm keeps the footprint down. If you are regularly into wider boards, deep skirting, or chunky timber, step up to a 260mm mitre saw or a Makita 305mm mitre saw so you are not flipping material and chasing accuracy.
2. Sliding or standard chop saw
If you only ever cut narrow stock, a standard Makita chop saw is simpler and quicker to live with. If you cut wide boards, shelving, or need extra crosscut width, a Makita sliding mitre saw is the one that stops you bodging it with multiple passes.
3. Corded 110V or 240V vs cordless 18V and Twin 18V 36V
If you are on big sites, a Makita mitre saw 110V keeps you compliant and running all day. If you are in refurbs and punch-list work, a Makita cordless mitre saw is worth it for set-up speed. For proper workload, Twin 18V 36V Makita mitre saw models give you the grunt and runtime that feels closer to corded, especially when you are cutting heavier timber.
4. Bevel capability and repeatability
If you are doing lots of compound angles, look for a Makita double bevel mitre saw so you are not constantly flipping the work and losing your marks. If you do batch cutting, prioritise a solid fence, clear scales, and a stand set-up so your 20th cut matches your first.
Makita Mitre Saw FAQs
Are Makita mitre saws good?
Yes, they are a solid site choice because they hold their settings, cut consistently, and take the day-to-day knocks better than a lot of lighter DIY saws. The key is buying the right size and type for what you cut, then running a decent blade and keeping it clean and square.
Which brand miter saw is best?
There is not one "best" for every trade, but on UK sites Makita is a safe bet if you want reliable accuracy and you are already on the 18V LXT platform for a cordless set-up. Pick based on cut capacity, sliding action, and whether you need 110V for site power rather than chasing a badge.
Is a Makita cordless mitre saw actually strong enough for daily use?
For second-fix and general cross-cutting, yes. If you are hammering heavier timber all day, Twin 18V 36V Makita mitre saw models are the better option because they keep blade speed up and give you usable runtime without nursing batteries.
Do I need a sliding Makita mitre saw, or will a standard chop saw do?
If you mainly cut narrow stock like architrave and small skirting, a standard Makita chop saw is fine and quicker to set. If you are into wide boards, deep skirting, or you do a lot of fit-out where materials vary, sliding is what stops you flipping timber and losing accuracy.
Should I buy 110V, 240V, or battery for a Makita mitre saw?
On most construction sites, 110V is the straightforward choice for compliance and all-day power. For workshop or domestic refurbs with easy mains access, 240V is fine. If you are moving room to room, doing punch work, or working where power is a pain, a Makita battery mitre saw saves time and hassle.
Who Are Makita Mitre Saws For on Site?
- Chippies and joiners doing first-fix and second-fix who need a Makita compound mitre saw for accurate angles on trims, carcassing, and finish work.
- Kitchen fitters and shopfitters who rely on a Makita sliding compound mitre saw for repeat cuts on panels, cornice, and service battens without tearing the edge.
- Roofers and timber frame crews cutting rafters, studs and bracing where speed matters, but a bad angle costs you time all day.
- Maintenance teams and snagging crews who want a Makita battery mitre saw for quick set-up and tidy cuts in tight access jobs and live environments.
The Basics: Understanding Mitre Saws
A mitre saw is all about repeatable angles and square cuts. The differences that matter on site are how it mitres, how it bevels, and whether it slides for wider stock.
1. Mitre vs bevel (and why you care)
Mitre is the left and right swing for corners and trims. Bevel is the blade tilt for compound cuts like coving or returns. If you do both regularly, a compound mitre saw saves time and keeps joints tighter.
2. Sliding rails for wider cuts
A sliding mitre saw pulls forward on rails so the blade travels through the timber, which is what gives you the extra crosscut capacity for wider boards without having to flip and hope it lands true.
3. Cordless power platforms in plain terms
Makita 18V mitre saw options suit lighter, mobile fit-out work if you already run LXT batteries. Twin 18V 36V models use two 18V packs together for more power and runtime, which is the better shout when the saw is earning its keep all day.
Makita Mitre Saw Accessories That Make Site Life Easier
The saw is only half the story; the right add-ons stop bad cuts, slow set-ups, and constant clean-up.
1. Mitre saw stand
A proper stand gives you stable support for long lengths and repeat cuts, and it saves your back compared to balancing timber on trestles that never sit level.
2. Fine finish and general-purpose blades
Keep a sharp fine-tooth blade for skirting and trims and a separate blade for carcassing, because one "do-it-all" blade is how you end up with breakout on finished work and slow cutting on rough timber.
3. Spare batteries and a fast charger (for cordless models)
If you are running a Makita battery chop saw, spare packs are what stop you waiting around mid-run, especially when you are batch cutting and the saw is cycling constantly.
4. Dust bags or extractor adaptors
Even if you are not on full extraction, a decent dust set-up keeps the cut line clearer and stops the room looking like a snow globe when you are working in finished properties.
Shop Makita Mitre Saws at ITS
Whether you need a compact Makita chop saw for second-fix, a Makita sliding compound mitre saw for wider cuts, or a Makita cordless mitre saw 18V and Twin 18V 36V to match your batteries, we stock the full range. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get set up and cutting without losing a shift.
