Flipover Saws

About Flipover Saws

Flipover saws, also known as combination saws or flip-over bench saws, represent one of the most versatile cutting solutions available to woodworkers and tradespeople. These ingenious machines combine the functionality of a table saw and a mitre saw in a single compact unit, allowing users to quickly flip between cross-cutting and rip-cutting operations without the need for two separate machines. The flip-over mechanism enables the saw blade to rotate from a horizontal table saw position to a vertical mitre saw position in seconds, making them ideal for workshops where space is at a premium or for site work where portability matters.

Leading manufacturers such as Makita and DeWalt have developed robust flipover saw models that deliver professional-grade performance whilst maintaining excellent value for money. These combination saws typically feature blade sizes ranging from 250mm to 305mm, providing ample cutting capacity for most timber sections, sheet materials, and trim work. The dual-function design eliminates the need to move workpieces between different machines, improving workflow efficiency and reducing the risk of measurement errors when switching between cutting operations.

Modern flipover saws incorporate precision-engineered fences, adjustable mitre angles, and bevel cutting capabilities, making them suitable for everything from basic carpentry to more demanding joinery tasks. Their integrated stands and relatively compact footprint mean they can be set up quickly on site or stored away in smaller workshops when not in use, offering a practical solution for both professional tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts who demand accuracy and versatility from their cutting equipment.

Jargon Buster

• Flipover Mechanism: The pivoting system that allows the saw blade and motor assembly to rotate between table saw (horizontal) and mitre saw (vertical) positions, typically operated via a quick-release lever or locking mechanism.
• Blade Diameter: The size of the circular saw blade, commonly 260mm or 305mm on flipover saws. Larger blades provide greater cutting depth and capacity but require more powerful motors to maintain cutting speed.
• Crosscut Capacity: The maximum width of material that can be cut when using the saw in mitre saw mode, measured at 90 degrees. This determines the widest board you can cut across its width in a single pass.
• Rip Capacity: The maximum width of cut achievable when using the saw in table saw mode, measured from the blade to the rip fence. Essential for cutting sheet materials and wide boards lengthwise.
• Mitre Angle Range: The degree of rotation available for angled cuts, typically 0-45 degrees left and right. Some models offer extended ranges for specialised cutting applications.
• Bevel Capacity: The ability to tilt the blade to create angled cuts through the thickness of the material, usually adjustable up to 45 degrees for creating compound angles and chamfers.

Who Uses Flipover Saws?

Flipover saws serve a diverse range of users across both professional trades and DIY applications:

• Carpenters and Joiners: For cutting timber frames, door linings, skirting boards, and general carpentry work on site or in the workshop
• Kitchen and Bedroom Fitters: Essential for accurately cutting worktops, plinths, panels, and trim materials during installation projects
• Shop Fitters and Shopfitters: For creating precise cuts in display materials, shelving units, and retail fixture components
• Window and Door Installers: Cutting architraves, window boards, and trim materials to exact specifications
• Decking Specialists: For processing decking boards, fascias, and balustrading components efficiently
• Flooring Contractors: Cutting laminate, engineered wood, and trim pieces during floor installation
• Property Maintenance Professionals: General-purpose cutting for repairs, renovations, and maintenance work
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvers undertaking kitchen refits, extensions, garden projects, and furniture making who need professional-quality results
• Education and Training Facilities: Workshops and colleges teaching woodworking and construction skills

How to Choose the Right Flipover Saws

Selecting the appropriate flipover saw depends on several key factors that match the tool to your specific requirements:

Blade Size and Cutting Capacity: Consider the maximum depth and width of cuts you'll need to make. A 260mm blade suits lighter work and smaller sections, whilst a 305mm blade like the Makita LH1201FL provides greater capacity for deeper cuts and wider boards. Ensure the crosscut and rip capacities accommodate your typical workpieces.

Motor Power: More powerful motors maintain cutting speed through dense hardwoods and thick materials. Professional-grade models typically feature motors ranging from 1,600W to 2,000W, providing the torque needed for demanding applications without bogging down mid-cut.

Build Quality and Precision: Look for robust construction with cast aluminium or steel components rather than plastic parts. Quality fences, accurate angle scales, and smooth adjustment mechanisms ensure repeatable precision. Brands like DeWalt and Makita are renowned for their build quality and long-term reliability.

Portability Requirements: If you work across multiple sites, consider the overall weight and whether the saw includes a wheeled stand for easier transportation. Some models feature folding stands that reduce the footprint for van storage.

Dust Extraction: Effective dust ports that connect to workshop vacuums or extractors help maintain visibility of cut lines and create a healthier working environment, particularly important in enclosed workshops.

Safety Features: Blade guards, riving knives, electric brakes, and push sticks should be included. Ensure the flipover mechanism locks securely in both positions to prevent accidental movement during operation.

Budget Considerations: Entry-level models like the DeWalt DW743N offer excellent value for occasional users, whilst premium models from Makita provide enhanced features and durability for daily professional use. Consider the long-term cost of ownership, including blade replacement and maintenance.

Popular Accessories

Maximise the performance and versatility of your flipover saw with these essential accessories:

• Replacement Saw Blades: TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) blades with varying tooth counts for different materials—more teeth for fine finish cuts, fewer teeth for ripping and rough cutting
• Fine-Cut Blades: Specialised blades with high tooth counts (60-80 teeth) for laminate, melamine, and veneered materials that require chip-free edges
• Blade Wrenches and Changing Tools: Essential for safe blade replacement and maintenance
• Extension Tables and Roller Supports: Provide additional support for long workpieces, improving safety and cutting accuracy
• Dust Extraction Hoses and Adaptors: Connect your saw to workshop vacuums for cleaner, healthier working conditions
• Push Sticks and Push Blocks: Critical safety accessories that keep hands away from the blade during table saw operations
• Mitre Saw Stands: Heavy-duty stands with adjustable work supports for improved stability and material handling
• Measuring and Marking Tools: Digital angle finders, combination squares, and marking gauges ensure accurate setup and repeatable cuts

Safety Information

Flipover saws are powerful cutting machines that demand respect and proper safety procedures:

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses or a full face shield to protect against flying debris. Use hearing protection as these saws generate significant noise levels. Avoid loose clothing, jewellery, and tie back long hair to prevent entanglement. Steel toe-capped boots protect feet from dropped materials or equipment.

Electrical Safety: Ensure your flipover saw is connected to a properly earthed 230V UK electrical supply with appropriate circuit protection. Use an RCD (residual current device) when working on site or in damp conditions. Inspect power cables regularly for damage and never use extension leads rated below the tool's power requirements.

Safe Operating Procedures: Always allow the blade to reach full speed before commencing cuts. Never reach over or behind the blade whilst it's spinning. Ensure the flipover mechanism is securely locked in the desired position before starting work. Use push sticks for narrow workpieces and never remove blade guards unless absolutely necessary for specific operations.

Work Environment: Maintain a clean, well-lit workspace free from trip hazards. Ensure adequate ventilation and use dust extraction wherever possible to minimise airborne particles. Keep the work area dry—never operate electric saws in wet conditions.

HSE Guidelines: Familiarise yourself with Health and Safety Executive guidance on using woodworking machinery. Employers must ensure operatives receive proper training and that equipment is regularly maintained and inspected according to PUWER regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main advantage of a flipover saw compared to buying separate tools?

A flipover saw combines table saw and mitre saw functionality in one compact unit, saving workshop space and eliminating the cost of purchasing two separate machines. This is particularly beneficial for site work where space and portability are important, or for smaller workshops where every square metre counts. The integrated design also ensures consistent blade height and alignment between both functions.

Can flipover saws handle hardwoods and thick materials?

Yes, quality flipover saws from manufacturers like Makita and DeWalt are designed to cut both softwoods and hardwoods effectively. The key is choosing a model with adequate motor power (typically 1,600W or above) and the appropriate blade diameter for your typical workpiece thickness. A 305mm blade provides greater cutting depth than a 260mm blade, making it better suited for thicker materials and deeper cuts.

How accurate are flipover saws for precision joinery work?

Modern flipover saws from reputable brands offer excellent accuracy for most joinery applications, with well-engineered fences, mitre scales, and bevel adjustments. Whilst dedicated cabinet saws or sliding mitre saws might offer marginally better precision for extremely fine tolerance work, a quality flipover saw delivers more than adequate accuracy for professional carpentry, kitchen fitting, and general joinery tasks.

Do I need any special skills to use a flipover saw safely?

Whilst flipover saws are straightforward to operate, proper training is essential for safe use. If you're new to power saws, consider taking a short woodworking machinery course or receiving instruction from an experienced user. Understanding blade changing, fence setup, angle adjustments, and safe cutting techniques will help you work confidently and safely. Always read the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly before first use.

What maintenance do flipover saws require?

Regular maintenance includes keeping the saw clean and free from sawdust buildup, particularly around the flipover mechanism and adjustment points. Check blade sharpness regularly and replace worn blades promptly—dull blades are dangerous and produce poor results. Lubricate moving parts according to the manufacturer's schedule, inspect power cables for damage, and ensure all safety guards and mechanisms function correctly. Professional users should maintain a service log and arrange annual inspections where required by workplace regulations.