Evolution Power Tools F255SMS Sliding Mitre Saw with Multi-Material Cutting, 45 Degree Bevel, 50 Degree Mitre, 300 mm Slide, 1600 W, 230 V
FEATURES
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Powerful 1600W MotorCut through up to 3mm mild steel thanks to Powerful 1600W hi-torque motor with optimised gearbox & blade system | 0° – 45° Bevel TiltAchieve up to a 45° finish on your workpiece by loosening the bevel handle and using the bevel scale to get the exact angled tilt required | -50° – +50° Mitre CutsWith a mitre cutting capability of 50°, get the angled finish you require, whilst also having an instant workable finish | Laser Guided AccuracyEnsure the perfect angle & finish on your next woodworking project with laser-guided Precision for assisted straight-line cutting |
Accurate Cutting
You can have the best of both worlds! As well as a powerful 1200W motor, the F210SMS also has accuracy. The thin kerf of the TCT blade helps provide precision with every cut
MULTI-MATERIAL CUTTING
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Mild SteelCut weld-ready mild steel, whether that be steel tube (square or rectangle) and angle iron | Wood with Embedded NailsCut through hardwood, softwood, reclaimed timber. Even wood with embedded nails! | CopperCuts both ferrous & non-ferrous materials such as copper, making pipe installation easy | PlasticCuts through plastic such as acrylic & drainage tubing cleanly without any burning or melting |
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| Size | 210mm | 210mm | 210mm | 255mm | 255mm | 255mm |
| Power | 1200W | 1200W | 1500W | 1600W | 2000W | 2000W |
| Max. Cross Cut | 125mm x 55mm | 230mm x 65mm | 300mm x 65mm | 300mm x 80mm | 300mm x 80mm | 300mm x 90mm |
| Bevel Tilt | 45° | 45° | 45° | 45° | 45° | – 45° & +45° |
| Mitre Cut | -45° – +45° | -50° – +50° | -50° – +50° | -50° – +50° | -50° – +50° | -50° – +50° |
| Laser | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-Material TCT Cutting Blade | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ergonomic Carry Handle | – | – | ✓ | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dust Bag Included | – | – | ✓ | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight: | 15.4 kg |
| Size: | 255 mm |
| Dimensions: | 73 x 70.5 x 36 cm; 15.4 Kilograms |
| Model: | F255SMS |
| Part: | 052-0006 |
| Pack Quantity: | 1 |
| Manufacture: | Evolution Power Tools |
| Quantity: | 1 |
| Size: | 255 mm |
I don’t know how I have managrd with out it for so long. Thank You
Overall the saw is very good, however the laser line leaves much to desire
I’ve previously used a manual mitre saw and whilst that was fine for small jobs it became a real chore when there was a lot of cutting to do. The ease of using this powered tool, and the excellent results that it gives have been a delight in comparison, and I would now struggle to go back to the old method. This has been the first time I’ve had an Evolution tool but based on my experience I’d definitely consider buying more. I’ve been surprised at the quality of the tool for the price, both in terms of build quality and the cutting results.
It’s more involved to assemble than I had expected and it is worth noting that the ‘instructional’ video is just a quick guide, and you’ll really need to follow the instruction manual to assemble it. Unfortunately the saw cannot be dismantled and rebuilt as required – the instructions explain that it is a one-time process. As such I’d have appreciated it being more storable than it is, but you can’t have everything. I’ve used it on a stable surface but eventually bought the Evolution mitre saw stand which is excellent. I’ve used it mainly with wood and similar materials but have also tried it with some metals. The cuts have proven to be cleaner than I had anticipated so I’ve found myself prepared to use it for more cutting than I had thought since I know that it can usually cope when I need a decent finish. I recommend clamping the workpiece whenever possible, especially smaller ones and also to allow plenty of space when you’re using it. It’s a good, solid and versatile tool that gives very good results and I recommend it.
I would say – having used every main manufacturer on the market – that their gear is pretty much as good as any other mid range manufacturer such as DeWalt or Milwaukee (AKA Tektronic Industry of Hong Kong).
This tool I got to review but I can compare it to the ‘pro’ version I already have in my workshop. And which has me slightly confused as to Evolution’s marketing.
Their green coloured tools seem to be aimed at the higher spending DIY’er whilst the orange range is aimed at the cost conscious professional. But, honestly I can’t find much different about them apart from the colour. This tool is about 190 whilst the same sized orange one is about 205 and they are as far as I can tell the same apart from a few small details.
Anyway, out of the box the only assembly you need to do is slide the blade/motor onto the steel tubes where they will automatically lock into place. Slightly fiddly but a spare pair of hands means it should take only a few seconds.
Then you can fit extension ‘wings’ which, I never do because I bench mount my chop saws inset so that anything I’m cutting is flush with the base. If however you do fit the extensions they are easy to do with the included Allen key that is neatly and securely located in the base. The actual wings are robust plastic things that would help if you were using this as a portable – if a little heavy – tool.
Materials used are high quality with what appears to be glass fibre reinforced plastic and well made cast alloy metals. No friable hard shiny plastic junk here.
The electric motor is smooth in use and is fitted with a soft start which, is both good and bad. The good is that it means you don’t get the huge inrush current giving the tool a thumping start as well as avoiding the possibility of tripping a breaker if you are a bit marginal. The bad – for me – is that you have to be a tad patient whilst the blade spins up before making your cut. Being an old school kind of bloke having used the DOL types for years I still have the tendency to start my cut before the blade is fully up to speed which, is a ‘Bad Thing.’
Speaking of the blade, Evolution have made a big thing about it being good for nearly all materials. Honestly I did take this with a pinch of salt but, I have used this and other of their saws on steel – sometimes a lot of steel – and they stand up remarkably well to a lot of use. So much so that I worked out that it was cheaper buying a tungsten carbide Evolution blade for steel than multiple resin cutoff discs. The carbide blade will wear out but you will have used a sack load of ordinary abrasive discs before then.
On wood it is clean and tearout free. That’s probably down to the blade being quite thin as well – and again defying my belief that it would wear out quickly compared to a thicker blade because frankly, it doesn’t.
Accuracy. Out of the box it’s like almost all sliding chop saws – fine for basic first fix work but not ideal for anything very accurate. This is where you need a few tools to get set this saw – or any other up – properly. I find 1-2-3 blocks a basic essential for getting the blade square in both planes. I use them to get the blade properly accurate against the fence and then once done I then set the angle indicators up to the correct line. To be fair, out of the box this saw was only a gnats out so better than some better brands I’ve used. The big thing I had to set was the actual fence which is held in place by four Allen bolts. The cast fence is in a sort of ‘C’ shape and when cast and cooled it could have a tendency to bend inwards. That or some ham fist has bolted it out of true.
Either way, I clamped a straight edge along it when all of the bolts were loosened and then with the 1-2-3 blocks set it up to 90 deg to the blade. Using the straight edge ensured that both sides of the fence were pulled into line before tightening back up. Bottom line is that this – like any other chop saw – needs a bit of fettling once assembled to get things bang on.
There is a laser for use when cutting to a mark. Like every other one I’ve used it’s about as much use as an udder on billiard ball. Even when you adjust it, it isn’t that accurate and the actual holder is a bit flexible. I guess it would be fine for doing bits of fence but anything else? Just make a pencil mark and use that.
Overall this is a superb sliding chop saw that makes me wonder why you would buy the more expensive orange version as it’s just as good once you’ve spent ten minutes with a straight edge and a 90deg engineers square or 123 block.
Pros:
– Simple to use with good instructions, and it’s very easy to put together (it comes in bits out of the box but didn’t take long to put together)
– It’s designed in a way where its coloured coordinated, so it’s easy to understand where each moving mechanism is (locking, tilting, sliding and the handle angling the blade are all bright green)
– Has very sturdy, trustworthy safety features which is really important to me as this saw could easily cut through bone and my partner is clumsy! The locking mechanisms are strong and not easily broken or bypassed. You must be deliberate to make the machine work (for example, you have to push down a clasp to unlock the up-down mechanism, and pull the button to make the blade turn – so it’s a two part operation to actually make it work)
– Plenty of adjustment options for different axis of cuts, has prebuilt automatic locks at certain angles like 45 degrees too so we could do clean, opposite same-angle diagonal cuts
– The supplied blade is multi material and had no trouble cutting both hard wood or steel tubing; the blade tells you what it can be used for. You get all the tools needed to attach the blade itself and it feels fairly safe once tightened (you just need to tighten it up as much as you can and trust it, but the safety cap around the blade seems well thought off so if it came flying out it wouldn’t be dangerous!)
– Almost instant cut off when you release the power button, the saw is very quick to respond and stops abruptly
– It has holes in the base so you can attach it to a workbench for extra stabilisation
– Cuts super cleanly with nice smooth edges
– The action of pushing the blade into the material is extremely smooth and level (there is no resistance so you can do it as fast/slowly as you like) and the blade is only exposed at the bottom
– Isn’t horrendously loud!
Cons:
– The laser is always on, there seems to be no way to turn it off
– The laser lens diffuses the beam rather than focuses it, the beam becomes less precise over distance
– Doesn’t come with a hoover bag, although there is an upgraded model that does, and you could more than likely get an attachment to affix your actual hoover to the fixture
All in all I’d highly recommend this saw. It is very large and heavy, but it can compacted by locking it to the smaller degrees and then set the saw halfway on the rails so it’s not as big to store. It has a very safe design which is why it gets 5 stars from me and the clean cuts are things you’d forever be paying somebody else to do. Highly recommended.
I bought the previous model of this saw – the fury – a year or so ago and was generally happy with it.
This model is a great improvement on that original.
You have to assemble a few parts to get it up and running, but it is mostly ‘click’ fittings so easy enough.
Where you have to install the blade there is an Allen key supplied (and kept in a handy holder on the saw for future use).
It is quite a heavy saw, and has bolting holes on the base to fix it down.
This is recommended as it is a big piece of kit with a big, sharp blade – and you don’t want it going where you don’t want it to!
It has a good ‘chop’ action, for simple up and down cutting of timber. I have cut a lot of architrave, door stops, floorboards and timber section using this setting.
It will also slide back and forward to cut larger timbe sections. This works smoothly.
You can angle the upright blade to cut mitres and other angles, and the cut gives a consistent and clean cut.
You can set the blade off its vertical axis as well, to cut long mitres in skirting and other thicker timber.
Pretty much all your cutting can be done by this saw.
It does produce a lot of sawdust and there is a pipe connection to pull this away, especially important if you are using this indoors.
The blade will (it says) cut through plastic and metal. I have cut some aluminium door trim and nailed up timber with it, but I try to keep the blade for timber.
Overall it is a great addition to the workshop, and is light enough to use on site as well.
5 stars from me.
The only reason for 4 is the fact that there is no dust bag, as you can see from the video. Other than that…. fabulous!
Easy to assemble – just follow the instructions, no hidden assembly steps
The disk cuts various materials with ease
Smooth cut
Good precision with a laser guide ( line)
Looks good
Easy to stow away
Not too loud
Great all rounder if it wasn’t for the bag.
This is massive and heavy. It weighs just under 18kg so it isnt that isnt to transport around. You need a very large bench to put it on, Evolution do their own bench for this saw which is 68, i would seriously recommend buying it because unless you already have a bench you are going to need it.
Ive had this a few weeks now and ive been in and out of the garden with it because i am building a new fence. Ive been avoiding the rain as my shed is not big enough to keep this in set up. It is very easy to use, easy to set up and i havent really changed much as the pre set settings were perfect for me.
It cut the timber perfectly, no rough edges or splinters, very clean cuts, the addition of a laser to show you where the cut line is a very welcome addition and not something i had with my old bosch saw.
The saw is encased in a cover so its almost impossible to chop your fingers off, i say almost impossible so i would be careful with how close you keep your hands and use the clamps at all times because this blade will slice your fingers clean off.
If i am going to have a negative its the fact that i really believe that this needs a hard carry case to keep it in. Mine came in a cardboard box which was ripped to pieces because it wasnt strong enough to hold the weight, i think it would be much better if there was a hard padded plastic case to keep it in because you cant keep it in the flimsy cardboard box after.
I am not sure given the quality how this is so cheap, but for serious diyers or for people who have their own business, you really cannot go wrong with this. Replacement blades cost 30 and Diamond blades are available to buy at 22 which you will need for concrete and slabs for example.
Excellent saw, would buy again.
Evolution Power Tools F255SMS Multi-Material Sliding Mitre Saw, 1600 W, 230 V, 255 mm disc.
The first thing to be aware of is the size of the assembled item once constructed.
It was bigger than expected.
You will need plenty of bench space as it needs to extend in depth during use.
It is 28 x 28 inches but in use the depth needed is 35 inches.
It is also fairly heavy needing two people to move it to its working position so not a quick easy thing if you have no permanent position for it which I don’t. I attach a picture next to a 2 litre milk bottle to show the relative size.
I found the instructions very comprehensive but somewhat daunting and found that scanning the QR code on the large assembly sheet gave me a good video of how to assemble and set up.
This revealed that additional tools are needed which are a screwdriver and a set square for 90 and 60 degree is needed to check the disc angle.
As the factory settings were perfect no adjustment was needed and you could probably skip that step.
I used it for cutting up some aluminium strip and some caution is needed for anything that is not clamped down.
The laser beam showing where the cutting line is was very effective.
This model does not come with a collection system for the debris thrown off during use but that can be purchased as an extra.
It is obviously a quality heavy duty product with many functions.
It would be nice to have a workshop and space to leave it ready for instant use but once set up a pleasure to use.
This arrives with a few parts to be put together, the instructions guide you through this process clearly and it takes a few minutes, it’s simple and easy and your saw is then ready for use.
I have the evolution stand for this saw and highly recommend getting one as it frees up where you can use the saw, making it much more mobile, it means that I can take this saw out of my shed and into the fresh air where I have much more space to work with larger pieces of wood.
The airborne sawdust created by lots of cuts is also another reason to use this saw in a well ventilated area. I have tried using the bag (which you can buy separately quite cheaply) and even with a bag on to catch the sawdust I have found there is a lot of it that seems to go everywhere, I haven’t tried it with a vacuum on, but the bag has only collected around 30% of the sawdust I have made with the cuts.
The saw is excellent, it is easy and safe to use with a safety guard, which only exposes the blade as it cuts once lowered, and retracts as the saw is raised off the work piece.
The cutting blade that comes with the saw is a bit of a jack of all trades, it cuts pretty much everything you throw at it, I make garden furniture from recycled scaffold boards, this cuts the banding off the ends with no problem ( or sparks) and it has gone through the odd nail I have over looked without making a fuss.
The larger cutting capacity is great for things scaffold boards and railway sleepers as you don’t need to flip the work piece end to end, but if you do use a deep railway sleeper you will still need to rotate it 180 degrees to cut all the way through.
The mitres have been good, they don’t have the pin point accuracy that a material specific blade would give me, but if I needed them to be that accurate and neat I could always buy a separate cutting disc for each material that delivers neater “dress” cuts that don’t require any sanding at all.
Price wise this can’t be beaten, it is easily as good as the more expensive saws I have used at work, but it costs much less, the fact that a blade is included is brilliant as you have everything you need in the box with no further outlay.
Used this for cutting 8 x 2 timber
Cut through it without any effort to leave very neat edges