Professional Guide

Best Chop Saw for Architrave: 2025 Expert Review

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist

Published 16 December 2025

Cutting architrave requires accuracy. A gap in a mitre joint stands out like a sore thumb, especially in the period properties we often see around York where walls are rarely square. Ideally, you want a saw that cuts clean, true angles every time.

The term 'chop saw' is often used interchangeably with 'mitre saw', though in the trade, chop saws are typically more robust beasts used for cutting metal or rough timber, while mitre saws are for finesse. However, modern multi-material saws are bridging that gap, offering versatility for renovation projects.

In this review, I've analysed three specific saws available on the market: a mini option for hobbyist detail work, a heavy-duty 110V site saw for major renovations, and a compact solution for versatile cutting. I'll break down which one might suit your specific project needs.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Multi-Material Cutting"

The Theory

"One blade cuts everything—wood, steel, aluminium—leaving a perfect finish."

The Reality

whilst multi-material blades are incredible for renovation (hitting nails won't ruin the day), they often have a wider kerf and leave a slightly rougher edge on softwood architrave than a dedicated high-tooth count wood blade.

The Spec: "Laser Precision"

The Theory

"Laser guides show you exactly where the cut will land."

The Reality

Lasers can drift or become obscured by dust. In professional joinery, we rely on lining up the blade tooth with our pencil mark (the 'scribe') rather than trusting a laser blindly.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

BAOSHISHAN Mini Cut Off Machine,Mini Mitre Saw,Adjustable 45° Bench Chop Saw

Budget Pick

BAOSHISHAN

This is a strictly specialist tool. It's a miniature chop saw designed for very small profiles. It serves as a budget option if you are working on dollhouses, model making, or extremely tiny beading, but it lacks the capacity for standard door architrave.

Price£55.99 (at time of writing)

Power90W / 6000 RPM

Cutting Depth12mm (Non-metallics)

The Good

Very compact and lightweight (1.4kg)
Includes blades for both metal and resin
Decent precision adjustment for its size

The Bad

Cutting depth is only 12mm - insufficient for standard architrave
Low power (90W) limits use to hobby craft
Not suitable for structural joinery

Installer Tip:

This is not for standard 69mm architrave. Only buy this if you are fitting tiny quadrants or beading under 12mm thick for detailed cabinet work or models. Always clamp it to a bench; it's light and will move.

Priced at £55.99 at the time of writing

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Evolution Power Tools R355CPS Multi-Material Chop Saw, 355 mm (110 V)

Quality Pick

Evolution Power Tools

The R355CPS is a beast of a machine. It's designed for site work (hence the 110V requirement) and handling tough renovation tasks. While typically used for metal, the TCT blade handles wood with embedded nails easily, making it great for reclaiming old timber in period properties.

Price£229.98 (at time of writing)

Voltage110V (Requires Transformer)

Blade Size355 mm TCT

Motor1800 W Hi-Torque

The Good

Huge cutting capacity with 355mm blade
Cold cut technology means no sparks on metal
Powerful 1800W motor won't bog down

The Bad

Requires 110V transformer (not standard UK plug)
A bit aggressive for delicate finish joinery
Heavy to lug around domestic properties

Installer Tip:

This is a 110V site tool, so ensure you have a yellow site transformer. For cutting architrave, the blade is quite coarse. I recommend cutting slightly over-length and planing the mitre by hand for a perfect finish, or swapping to a finer wood-specific blade if available.

Priced at £229.98 at the time of writing

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Evolution Power Tools Rage 4 Chop Saw Multi-Purpose Multi-Material Cutting

Problem Solving

Evolution Power Tools

The Rage 4 is a clever middle-ground. It's more portable than the big 355mm saw but tougher than a standard mitre saw. It's excellent if you are renovating an older York property and need to cut skirting or architrave that might contain old nails or staples.

Price£99.98 (at time of writing)

Power1250 W

Capacity46 x 97 mm (Great for standard architrave)

Voltage230 V (Standard Plug)

The Good

Standard 230V plug fits normal home sockets
Compact and narrower than a sliding arm saw
Handles wood with nails easily

The Bad

Clamp system is geared more towards box section steel than timber
Not as precise as a dedicated joinery mitre saw

Installer Tip:

The clamp on this is designed for metal functionality. When cutting timber architrave, place a piece of scrap wood between the clamp and your architrave to prevent the vice from marking the face of your moulding.

Priced at £99.98 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a chop saw and a mitre saw?

Historically, a 'chop saw' simply cuts down at 90 degrees (often for metal), whilst a 'mitre saw' can pivot to cut angles (45 degrees) for corner joints. However, modern saws like the Evolution range blur these lines as they can cut angles and various materials. For pure architrave work, accuracy at 45 degrees is the vast majority of the job.

Can I use a multi-material blade for finishing architrave?

You can, but the finish might be rougher. Multi-material blades have fewer teeth to handle steel and nails. For the crispest finish on primed MDF or pine architrave, a dedicated wood blade with a high tooth count (40 teeth or more) usually yields a smoother cut requiring less sanding.

Why do some saws state 110V?

110V tools are designed for UK construction sites to comply with safety regulations (reducing shock risk). If you buy a 110V saw (like the Evolution R355CPS reviewed here), you typically cannot plug it into a standard domestic wall socket; you need a yellow step-down transformer.

How do I handle out-of-square walls in York properties?

It is rare to find a perfect 90-degree corner in a Victorian terrace. We often use an angle finder to measure the true corner (e.g., 88 degrees) and then set the saw to half that angle (44 degrees). If your saw doesn't adjust precisely enough, we cut to 45 degrees and then use a block plane to scribe the back of the joint for a tight fit.

Is it worth getting a professional to fit architrave?

If you are replacing a single door set, DIY is achievable with patience. However, if you are doing a whole house or working with expensive hardwood (like Oak or Walnut), professional fitting ensures the mitres don't open up over time. In older properties with wonky door linings, professional scribing skills are essential.

How much does a good chop saw cost?

For basic DIY capability, you can find options around £100 (like the Rage 4). However, for professional precision and sliding capacity for wider boards, costs usually range from £250 to £600 depending on the brand and features.

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