A mitre saw (also called a chop saw or drop saw) is a power tool used to make a quick, accurate crosscut in a workpiece. Common uses include framing operations and the cutting of molding. Most mitre saws are relatively small and portable, with common blade sizes ranging from 20 to 30 cms.
The mitre saw makes cuts by pulling a spinning circular saw blade down onto a workpiece in a short, controlled motion. The workpiece is typically held against a fence, which provides a precise cutting angle between the blade and the longest workpiece edge.
In standard position, this angle is fixed at 90°.
A primary distinguishing feature of the mitre saw is the mitre index that allows the angle of the blade to be changed relative to the fence. While most mitre saws enable precise one-degree incremental changes to the mitre index, many also provide "stops" that allow the mitre index to be quickly set to common angles (such as 15°, 30°, or 45°).
