Evolution R255SMS How to set-up for accurate mitres

[@NeillRobinson]

Brilliant - straight to the point, no waffle, exactly what I needed - 10/10 and thank you very much!

[@RussellPlatten]

Cheers Neil! :-)

[@Nino13084]

I agree 100%. You’ve taken the guess work out of the equation. Thank you for taking the time to share you’re knowledge. Truly appreciated.

[@sacharattray237]

Russell you are a legend! I discovered that the actual brass round housing of the laser has a groove in it - when you twist it with a flat head screwdriver it makes extra adjustments to bring it all into parallel! Your video was excellent!

[@RussellPlatten]

Thank you Sacha. I never use my laser. I am old school I'm afraid! Glad I could help! :-)

[@MrBigMalT]

Huge thank you for this! I have a different model, but same make. I’ve been using it for a few months and always had patchy results.... turns out the fence was miles out! Such a simple thing to fix and has made a world of difference.... I never thought about a product from a major manufacturer being so badly calibrated at the factory!

[@RussellPlatten]

I am glad I could help Mal. Evolution are a great company, but the first review I ever did for an Evolution saw was about how to fix it if it wasn't cutting properly. It was the reason they contacted me and asked me if I was interested in reviewing some of their products. I always check tools for accuracy as it only takes a minute or two. :-)

[@howardfinnegan1840]

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[@nikolaiemmett9035]

@Howard Finnegan instablaster :)

[@howardfinnegan1840]

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[@howardfinnegan1840]

@Nikolai Emmett It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thank you so much, you really help me out :D

[@tammcdonald5001]

Absolutely brilliant video. These companies should hire you to make their instructional/setup videos. Thank you.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Tam! :-)

[@henrikewaldsen5013]

Hi Russell, thanks for your videos. I just got mine, and noticed the laser was a bit off. Actually it is not very hard to align: Just saw a long shallow cut on a wide board (or cardboard) which is fixed to the saw. Then just make small adjustments on the two screws until it aligns with the cut. My laser pointed to the left of the cut so I adjusted it by making half a turn clockwise on the right screw. By making small adjustments, obeserving what happened and reset, you soon learn what screw does what. Now my laserbeam runs clean all through the saw cut,

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad you managed to align your laser Henrik. :-)

[@MORGAN31ish]

Thank you so much, I just bought mine tonight so I'll copy what you did there tomorrow 👌👍🙏

[@johngreen8693]

Thanks for this and the set up video Russell. I put together and set up my saw with the supplied instructions (not used one before) and am now going back over everything following your excellent instructions!

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help John! :-)

[@kevinshaw15]

As a complete novice, traumatised by the manufacturers booklets this vide was my saviour and with a digital inclinometer got to within 0.05 of a degree all round - well please and thanks!

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Kevin! :-)

[@johnwetzel5248]

Greetings from SC in the USA! I just purchased the R255SMS+ which is very similar, and your video is brilliantly helpful! HOWEVER I would add one additional item to the first thing you checked. You (and the rest of us) need to check that the saw blade is exactly (or exactly enough) parallel with the two rods that the saw slides on. To do this, I am going to replace the short plastic triangle you used for your first check with a larger and longer steel square. I think it is called a "framing square" here in the USA by the carpenters (not sure, my profession is what is known as a chartered surveyor in the UK). This square is a steel square in the shape of an L, with the upright of the L 24 inches long, and the short leg 16 inches long. This, or any similar larger 90 degree reference can be used to make sure that once the initial adjustment of the fence is made, that the saw blade remains the same distance (IE just touching) as the saw is pulled away from the fence. I do hope that if this test is failed, that there is some third adjustment protocol that can be used to fix that. I suspect though that this is a factory fixed thing, and that this test will pass once the original fence alignment procedure you described has been done. I certainly hope so. Also, I totally concur with your comments RE the laser. If it cannot be quickly aligned, it is best not used and trusted, and it certainly is not needed once the saw is properly tuned. I will not be adjusting my laser, as I do not see any particular usefulness for it. But I will be making all the adjustments you suggested, and in the order you did them, except for adding the blade parallel to slide check as part of the first adjustment. I will also be adding an additional tweak, which is that after all the alignment tuning is done, I am going to tweak the plastic pointers that point to the angle readouts so that they are exactly correct and read 90 and 45 degrees in both axes when the saw has been adjusted to be correct at those angles. Because the angle tic marks are so fat, I plan to adjust the pointers so that they point at one edge of the mark, rather than the fat center. I think I can then trust myself to dial in any intermediate angle I want to cut to within about a quarter of a degree. Thanks also for reminding everyone to make sure that they don't align against the carbide teeth, but rather the flat of the blade. Your vid is very clear and helpful to anyone with this particular saw, and I really appreciate that you went to the trouble to make it. I hope my comments add some additional usefulness to your video for the folks who take time to peruse the comments!

[@RussellPlatten]

Thank you for that John. :-)

[@ceribryans3927]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I now feel confident in fixing the saw blade to vertical as I now know which screw/nut to adjust and where it is on the saw. Hopefully I will now get perfect mitres!!

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Ceri! :-)

[@philpooley556]

Cheers Russell, super simple video to follow and my saw now cuts perfectly square!

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Phil! :-)

[@chloedensham4809]

Thanks Russell, I've just calibrated my saw yesterday from your video, really helpful for a novis like me. Thank you 😊

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Chloe! :-)

[@SamSelim]

Oh man this is spot on! Watching this in bed but can’t wait for morning now to go and sort out the mitre saw!!

[@RussellPlatten]

Good luck with your projects Sam! :-)

[@richardcrosby4857]

Thanks for this. I thought this was going to be a nightmare but your easy to follow instructions are brilliant. Thanks for taking the time.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it was helpful Richard! :-)

[@philipwilks9151]

Great video, I have just bought one of these, building it was straight forward but the setting up instructions are bad and the video Evolution has is to say least terrible. After watching your video took about 15 minutes, did test cuts, absolutely spot on. thank you so much.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Philip! :-)

[@michaelcarroll4330]

Many thanks Russell; just bought one of these yesterday and you seem to have set out the steps I need to take in a very straightforward and understandable way 👍👏

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Michael! :-)

[@davedaniels8211]

Hi Russell , thanks for the video. Just waiting on delivery of my R185sms+ so watching your clip for the 3rd time . Feel like I could set it up in my sleep 😎

[@kemicalyemster]

Best tutorial on KZbin

[@meaty444]

Just bought this saw and your video was very easy to understand and use. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Paul! :-)

[@judithmarshall532]

Thank you so much, a very clear and useful video. I needed to do 2 adjustments, with your instructions I was done in under 5 mins. Although I’m waiting till I feel strong enough to tackle the laser😂.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Judith, good luck with the laser! I never use it on my saw, I prefer the old fashioned way of lining up the cut! :-)

[@williamdunbar147]

Russell, thank you so much for this video. Saw was driving me nuts lol. Very clear and informative video. Cheers mate!

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help William! :-)

[@petermartin81]

Thanks soooo much. Much more informative than the instructions. My 90 was way off- now perfect.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Peter! :-)

[@MrGlyn321]

Thank you, Russel, for some very vital information. Great video, well presented & well worth subscribing for future info.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help. Thank you for subscribing! :-)

[@SuperPhen0m]

i cannot get mine to cut true its always off by a bit, after spending hours adjusting and moving things i still cant get it to cut true i think the fence comes bend from the factory... putting a square from the fence to the blade theres always gaps think its the fence... and getting the laser to be straight i stoped trying its impossible to do

[@RussellPlatten]

Contact Evolution, they have a very good customer care department. :-)

[@vincentwilson8386]

Great video along with your assembly video. Much better and clearer than the manufacturers efforts. In regards to laser alignment mine was all over the place. It was so bad I'm sure the bloke up the road thought he had a sniper on him at some point. Anyway to adjust and align loosen the screw to the LH side of the laser lens. Then rotate the lens by turning it clockwise or anticlockwise depending on where it's shining. Once you have it shining down onto the cutting deck ( mine was miles off to the left ! ) Re tighten the screw. Then using the two screws to the RH side of the lens you can make further fine tuning adjustments by turning them individually and watching your laser line move.

[@RussellPlatten]

Cheers Vincent! :-)

[@derrickllewellyn1465]

Great videos from Russell. As a novice I couldn't have set up my saw without them

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Derrick. Take care using your new saw and good luck with your projects! :-)

[@shanetungate5901]

Ive just just purchased this saw and found your guide really informative, thank you very much. although the only thing that appears not to be working is the laser, i will have to speak with evolution tomorrow, i can't see an on and off button

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help! :-)

[@DC-wp6oj]

My laser stopped working during the day but came on again only had the machine for few days, should I take it back?

[@The4thDensity]

Thank you Russell. I've just bought the newer one and this advice is so useful. I don't think I would have known otherwise.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it was helpful! :-)

[@digd6592]

Your video has just saved my saw from the skip, thank you!!

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Jamie. :-)

[@robinafandale]

i just bought one of these and the lazer doesn't work. is there a switch on it ?

[@Jeremy64444]

Great video Russel, thanks for going to such trouble . I feel confident now setting up my saw.

[@RussellPlatten]

No problem Jeremy. Good luck with your projects! :-)

[@glynjamesdickinson4908]

After much trial and error I've found the best way of setting upi the laser. 1. As suggested in the excellent video, tape a piece of card to the table and cut a shallow groove after adjusting the fence. 2. Using the left and right screws, get the line to be parallel to the cut. It doesn't matter where it is as long as it is parallel - mine was around 50mm to the left! 3 Remove the transparent cover (if there) then loosen the set screw on the lower left of the laser (it's at 90 degrees to the housing) 4. Using your finger, gently rotate the brass ring around the laser. You'll find the beam will move dramatically. Get it as close to the cut as possible, then tighten the setscrew. 5. Fine tune the beam using the two screws. Hope that helps! Incidentally, I found my vertical was off due to a build up of sawdust on the Allen screw which then is compacted. Keep it clean!

[@RussellPlatten]

Thanks for that detailed instruction Glyn! :-)

[@simonchetwynd]

Thank you, good video, straight to the point. I’m inclined to put a drop of Loctite thread locker on the set screws so they can’t move from vibration etc.

[@RussellPlatten]

It wouldn't hurt, but my saw has not been altered since I made this video Simon. :-)

[@nitram_nosnibor]

Russel this video is absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for sharing this 👍🏻

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Martin! :-)

[@WoodworkingEngineering]

Thanks, that's exactly the info I was looking for :)

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad to help! :-)

[@leonjane50]

Great no nonsense review. Informative.. and in "plain" English too. Thanks

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad you liked it! :-)

[@daniel8763]

Great video Russell. You said something about pulling the plastic cover off the laser and it made it brighter. I wonder if that is supposed to come off because I cant see my laser line at all. It seams to be pointing up wards or something. Any thoughts on that?

[@RussellPlatten]

I had a lot of trouble with my laser and gave up in the end. It can be adjusted, but there is no easy way to line it up. The instructions are a little vague. I ended up setting it so that the laser was at the point where the blade enters the wood and left it at that. It is still out, but workable this way. :-)

[@krzysztofg7475]

Thank you, now its clear how to set it properly. Great vid.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it helped! :-)

[@paulcooper9187]

Thanks exactly what I needed to finish setting mine up. The fence screws are very very tight, any suggestions for undoing them ?

[@RussellPlatten]

You could try a shifting spanner on the allen key if it is very tight. :-)

[@PrimaryInt]

Absolutely brilliant video - I have a Makita with the same problem and the bloody useless manual tells you nothing about how to set up for accuracy. In my case I completely missed the Allen key/lock not thing so have been getting it bang on perpendicular then pulling it out again by not holding the Allen key while tightening . Thanks again for superb guide to set up . I have to admit I would never buy so much as a stapler from Amazon as they dodge paying tax and cost communities jobs but I will subscribe anyway and hope you give up Amazon at least for lent ! Thanks again .

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help! :-)

[@jeruthadamaja40]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post this Russell - I'm off to calibrate my saw now :)

[@RussellPlatten]

:-)

[@aiddo1]

Great video I just bought this saw today got it delivered from screwfix, only issue I’m having is the laser doesn’t seem to work any tips on what I can do??

[@RussellPlatten]

No idea. If you have switched the laser on (the switch is on the righthand side of the handle) and it is not working there must be a fault. Contact Evolution customer support. They are very helpful. :-)

[@oldskool80sfan12]

I don’t have a sliding saw but this Is helpful for those that have one, good job.

[@RussellPlatten]

Thank you! :-)

[@spiritofscouse]

Thanks for this video.So to get 90 degrees cuts is it important that the 45 degree setting is correct?

[@RussellPlatten]

No, so long as the 90 degree angles are accurate the cut will be fine. You only need the bevel angle setting up for bevel cuts. :-)

[@metalheadz07]

Hi Russell love your videos mate I just bought one of these and noticing that the blade catches the guard at the top should it be doing this.

[@RussellPlatten]

No, it should not be catching anything. Make sure that the blade is fitted correctly, this is the only thing that I can think of that could cause it to catch. Other than that, I would contact Evolution and explain the issue to them I know that they take customer satisfaction very seriously and may have an idea what is happening. If you do not wish to do that, take it back and ask for a replacement. :-)

[@metalheadz07]

@@RussellPlatten thanks so much mate il take another look later take the blade off and reinsert it if no luck il call evolution in the morning. Many thanks Russell. Thanks again for the informative vids

[@metalheadz07]

All sorted mate I hadnt seated the blade onto the machine properly spinning free as a bird now think I took abit paint off inside the guard when I turned machine on whoops. Be fine tho take care mate.

[@tmise50]

Curious how you like this saw? I just ordered one to be able to cut bigger pieces of wood and possibly dados with. Don’t believe I’ll ever use it for cutting metal or brick.

[@RussellPlatten]

This is my 'go-to' saw Terry. I use it all the time. I bought a Saxton 80T blade for it and it cuts well. Evolution sent me a wood blade, this cuts well too, but the Saxton is much cheaper and there is not much difference between the two. :-)

[@jamink2160]

4years ago . Do we know if evolution have address the laser issue

[@RussellPlatten]

Not sure! :-)

[@doptimist]

Great video thanks! I have been getting inaccurate cuts from my new saw. I’ll check the angles and try again.

[@RussellPlatten]

:-)

[@juliacortez537]

Hi I just bought a R255SMSL mtter saw, but is no including the lasser, could be set up?

[@andyk4834]

Great video pal. The provlem I have with mine is, the laser is on, the light works but it doesn't give me a line across the piece of wood. I've tried all the adjustments but it never gives a line. Even if you put your hand up against it, there's no line just a red blurred light. Any thoughts on this?

[@RussellPlatten]

The laser can be a problem, but that sounds like a fault. Try contacting Evolution they have a good customer care team. :-)

[@andyk4834]

@@RussellPlatten Cheers Russell 👍

[@stevemanleycbg.5232]

Very helpfull.ive just bought evolution sliding mitre secound hand , ( older model) i am so impressed with it i will treat myself to a new one at some point , but for now this one is great , although cant realy see laser in daylight.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it was helpful Steve! :-)

[@remychadwick2467]

Super handy to find this video! Do you have it on the EVOMS1 stand and is it worthwhile given your experience?

[@RussellPlatten]

Yes Remy, mine is mounted on the stand and this is my goto mitre saw. I use it all the time. :-)

[@mickreaddin4979]

Great video, very informative. I do have a question for you though. On the saw I bought the vertical 90° cut is slightly off. I can get the fence and blade to 90°, but as soon as I tighten the locking handle it goes out of square. Any advice for me?

[@RussellPlatten]

Not sure what is happening Mick, but the 90 deg vertical should be set with the locking handle tightened. If you cannot get the saw to stay vertical, contact Evolution Customer support, they will help you! :-)

[@mickreaddin4979]

@@RussellPlatten Thank you for a very timely response...very rare these days. I looked at a reply you gave to another poster who seemed to be having a similar problem, so I'll try the advice you gave him. Thanks again.

[@grantkay7230]

wish I had watched this two days ago. Is the cap supposed to come off the Lazer Russel?

[@RussellPlatten]

I don't think so Grant. I don't use the laser, so I never spent any more time trying to sort it out. I am sorry I can't be of more help! :-)

[@rickhanlon505]

Hi, only just got mine a week ago and the laser isn't working any ideas?

[@RussellPlatten]

Sorry Rick, no idea. Contact Evolution and see what they say. I take it the laser switch operates freely? :-)

[@mikgold]

That second adjustment stop is that notbthe 45 deg stop?

[@RussellPlatten]

Not sure which you are talking about Mik. The one on the right as you are stood looking at the saw from the front is the vertical adjustmant for the blade. The one on the left is the adjustment for the 45 degree tilt. :-)

[@judithrob1591]

This test is only if you want to saw with a precision miter saw. (not for rough work). Tips and Test: Very important if you would like to saw with precision. (avoid torsion as much as possible)! Always choose a Miter saw with a handle positioned in a vertical line above the saw blade. Everything must be aligned, slide rails, handle, and saw blade,it is much better this way the blade will not tilt. Because there is some torsion in the aluminum housing . And choose an engine with softstart on it to prevent wear of the gear and worm shaft. It is very important that everything is aligned. Here are some examples to show how the handle must be positioned above the blade. Bosch gcm 800 sj / Bosch gcm 8 sjl / Evolution rage 3 / FESTOOL KS 60 / Bosch GCM 8 SDE / FESTOOL KS 60 E KAPEX / Metabo KGSV 72 Xact / Bosch PCM 8 SD / Hitachi C10FSH. (This also is the case with the Miter saw without the slide rails). (If you want). You can test it yourself at home if there is torsion in the aluminum housing. Step-1. First you make a saw cut from +-5 mm deep in to a flat piece of wood about +- 20 mm thick to this with the normal handle positioned on the right side of the Miter saw (the wood it will remain in place until the test is completed). Step-2. Then repeat this by pushing the saw blade down with your hand (finger) on the aluminum protective cover were the saw blade is cased in. Just now only do this without the running engine. Step-3. Now you can see if the saw blade will be positioned in or next to the saw cut. If the saw blade is (+- 0,2 / 0,5 mm) next to the saw cut then there is torsion in the aluminum housing (test is completed). Step-4. therefor it is much better to choose a Miter saw with the handle positioned vertical in line above the saw blade. Conclusion: how further away the handle is from the saw blade how more chance of torsion in the aluminum housing.(don't go for that). Also with a cheap slide miter saw it is still better the handgriff in line a above the saw blade than on the right side. Maybe they will make it someday then we have a winner...

[@MichaelSmith-nk4yq]

Enjoyed your video. I’ve just purchased the new Double-Bevelled R255 I have not touched the Laser because it took me 5 hours to fine tune up after assembly 🙄🙄 I will still have to double check it next time I go to use it, just to make sure I got it right the first time 👍🏾

[@RussellPlatten]

The laser is a nightmare to adjust! :-)

[@barclay50]

Extremely helpful in setting up the blade, thanks

[@RussellPlatten]

:-)

[@davidmiddis8707]

Great video Russell and I am going to use your expertise to make sure my machine is set up correctly. One quick question. I changed the blade to get a finer cut but after using it a few times, I noticed most of the information printed on the blade has worn off. Is this something that will happen with use or does it suggest I may not have set up the blade correctly? Any advice would be welcome

[@RussellPlatten]

It is something that will happen in normal use. So long as it is cutting at 90 degrees perpendicular and vertically it will be fine. :-)

[@davidmiddis8707]

@@RussellPlatten Apologies for the tardy response and many thanks for responding so quickly. It is much appreciated.

[@cesaralcaraz7733]

Hi Russell Platten: do you recommend this products to do work in my home? Excellent video. Greetings from Mexico City

[@kelvinware875]

I’ve just bought one, so will be doing this at the weekend

[@RussellPlatten]

Hi Cesar. I use mine for work around my home. Just make sure you have it set up properly! :-)

[@RussellPlatten]

:-)

[@cesaralcaraz7733]

@@kelvinware875 Thank you Kelvin 😄

[@cesaralcaraz7733]

@@RussellPlatten Thank you very much 😀

[@JerGoes]

Being a man I am not allowed to read the instructions. So after having owned the smaller sibling of this saw for 2 years and having considered it woefully inaccurate, I have now just calibrated it properly after watching your video. Thanks.

[@RussellPlatten]

LOL - typical man thing! I bet you are much happier with it now! :-)

[@JerGoes]

@@RussellPlatten It's a night and day improvement thanks haha On plus side I done the laser test and mine is very very slightly out of line but it's bang on for 90% of the cut line so I left it where it was.

[@RussellPlatten]

@@JerGoes That was the right decision! :-)

[@mattseymour8637]

I've learnt alot about my metre saw. (got the same one) I found when cutting 4 inch posts that it would not cut all the way through but leave a slight bit of wood at the bottom so wouldn't cut right through. Am I doing something wrong?

[@RussellPlatten]

You are not doing anything wrong Matt. The saw has a maximum depth of cut of 80mm, just over 3 inches. The blade is not deep enough to cut a 4 inch post. :-)

[@mattseymour8637]

@@RussellPlatten oh OK, it's just my saw says it can cut up to 300m width wood and is a larger one like yours. How do I get round this?

[@davedaniels8211]

@@mattseymour8637 hi Matt , you could try raising the height of the wood to be cut by placing a thin piece of wood beneath it . It sounds counter intuitive , but the extra height brings a greater range of movement to hopefully finish the cut as I've assume the uncut portion is at the bottom corner nearest the fence

[@mattseymour8637]

@@davedaniels8211 that sounds like a good plan and didn't think about that,. As you say it will bring it up slightly and so will cut the bottom section it is missing

[@123doblo]

Awesomely clear and concise video. Thanks

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it was helpful! :-)

[@craighowells4219]

Haven't got time to run through all the comments but with a little trial and error I found out that if you loosen the screw to to left hand side that looks like it's clamping the lazer you can then turn the lazer which will bring the beam straight. Then use the two screws to the right for adjusting left or right.

[@RussellPlatten]

Thanks for the tip Craig. :-)

[@GrandadsWorkshop5252]

Hi Russell just been watching you vid again as I’ve followed your advice and got the 90deg cut spot on but I can’t get the 45 deg mitre cut close enough to cut picture frame corners which is the main reason I bought the saw. Any additional tips for accurate 45deg mitres would be greatly appreciated.

[@RussellPlatten]

Hi Tim. If you have set the saw to cut 90 degrees horizontally as demonstrated from 0:40 on the video then the 45 degree cuts should be accurate too as these are determined by the cutouts machined in the saw table. If the cuts are not accurate, I would contact Evolution and explain the situation to them. They have a very good customer care team and will be able to help and advise you reagrding the issue. :-)

[@GrandadsWorkshop5252]

Russell Platten Thanks Russell I’ve just checked the 90 & 45 and they are both bang on according to my protractor so I’ll run a few more pieces through tomorrow and see if it was me that didn’t have the timber flush to the fence you know what us newbies are like 😬 Failing that I’ll give the tech boys a call 👍

[@RussellPlatten]

@@GrandadsWorkshop5252 :-)

[@canvasamore]

Great video.. I have a different model also and have known it was slightly out but a quick watch of this video and its all spot on now

[@RussellPlatten]

:-)

[@frazerstockton]

Excellent video, 100x better than the evolution guidance.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Frazer! :-)

[@paulr2244]

Great informative video Russell as I have been going out of my mind assuming that the mitre saw was dialled in from factory…. Apparently not…. I’ve been trying to cut some architraves on a simple 45 degree mitre with less than expected results 👎 Now your video explains how to check everything and adjust to suit but do you have to do this for all preset cuts like 22.5 etc ? And also when I change the mitre blade to any of the presets there is always some play/ movement once locked in, whereas I would expect that on a preset angle it should lock into that angle without any play or wiggle on that preset? Any help would be greatly appreciated as i need to do some relatively basic joinery but with a mitre saw that needs to be set up properly as one cannot get a joiner without 2-3 months notice to get booked in ☹️

[@RussellPlatten]

Once the saw has been set for a 90 degree cut (vertically and horizontally) it is ready for mitre cutting. There should be no need for any further adjustments. The preset mitre cuts should be accurate. As for the play, my saw snaps into position in each indent and will not move if I apply a small amount of pressure from side to side. It will move slightly if I use more force. I let it snap into position, tighten the lock knob and make the cut. I hope this helps! :-)

[@paulr2244]

@@RussellPlatten thanks for your reply. I will get it set up later today and report back. Thanks 👍🏻

[@paulr2244]

@@RussellPlatten Just checking the saw and it’s all pretty good but I still get the play which can make all the difference. How could I send you a video of what I mean?

[@RussellPlatten]

@@paulr2244 If the play in the saw is causing a problem, you need to contact Evolution's customer care team. I cannot help with defects in the saw. :-)

[@paulr2244]

@@RussellPlatten Yes, looks like I’ll have to do that.

[@chipsANbeans]

Great video. Thank you, I was worried I was going to have to sendy saw back. Going to set this up properly this evening.

[@RussellPlatten]

I have had to set up about 50% of the saws I have been sent. The reason I ended up reviewing Evolution products was a video I made on my first Evolution saw. I had purchased it myself from Screwfix and it was way out. I sorted out the saw, about 10 minutes work and after that it a was very good mitre saw for the money. When I look at that video now, I have come on a fair way when it comes to producing content for KZbin. Still got a long way to go though! :-)

[@davidwhite1660]

Hi, Great video (even handy 3yrs’ on)..you should get commission fm Evolution. I have a couple of questions (setting aside the mystery of whether the laser cap is meant to there-it muffles the line?). I made the error of lending my R255 to someone & what had been great suddenly wasn’t. First, after he used it the blade was wobbling badly- I tightened it of course but shouldn’t the l/thread mean it self tightens as a safety feature. Secondly, the blade guard now has a bit of play in it: a wobble of 2mm. It isn’t enough to contact the blade 🤞 but is disconcerting. I wrote to Ev but their reply was a bit unclear. As you give very clear instructions (& tx f that!) I wondered if you had any thoughts- did your blade guard develop a bit of looseness over time? Cheers again for the vids

[@RussellPlatten]

Hi David. It sounds to me like the saw could have suffered `kick back.' The blade may have buckled slightly. You could take it off and lay it on a flat surface to see if it is distorted. As for the blade guard, mine has about the same amount of play and I think this is perfectly normal so long as it is not going to contact the blade. :-)

[@davidwhite1660]

@@RussellPlatten Hi, Thanks, that’s really helpful-will do. Just to add- I realise that you don’t use the laser (& fully get why not- it’s a bit unnecessary for anyone slightly experienced), but just out of interest: as a result of all the shenanigans(🙄) I had to mess about with the laser ( a lot of time I’ll never get back!), as it was wildly out- maybe supporting you’re kickback idea. Like you (& again it was helpful to see your experience so tx f that)the cap came off. I noticed after lots of fiddling with the other 3 screws that there is a slot in the laser casing itself & low & behold the major adjustments along the line of the fence as it were, could be done, then the smaller alignment much easier with the little screws. I got my saw from Screwfix & didn’t get any proper instructions so you did me, & many others it seems, a big favour. All best 👍

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

Hopefully the fence will stay straight. Too many I've used over the years had fences that bent over time right in the middle, meaning the blade isn't square if you only use one side of the fence!

[@RussellPlatten]

No issues with mine so far. :-)

[@alanmorgan-jones5195]

The clear plastic cap on laser is to cover bulb, after some use you will find this gets covered in resin from sawdust hitting it. This causes laser to fuz up. Can be cleaned off using thiners & Very fine wet & dry paper.

[@RussellPlatten]

I don't use mine Alan. Thanks for the tips. :-)

[@thllc.inc.6138]

Where did u find your little 45° square that you have for setting the bevel angle? I'm in the States. What size is it?

[@RussellPlatten]

It is a geometry set for school. amzn.to/2GQWiVy

[@maxcowell4260]

@@RussellPlatten 😂

[@leighdurrant9116]

Once again I've had to reference this vid,thank you

[@RussellPlatten]

Cheers Leigh, I am glad viewers such as yourself are finding this video useful!! :-)

[@moobaz8675]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Baz! :-)

[@harris2007]

Just got mine today, thanks for making this video 👍

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help! :-)

[@lukeharrison8500]

Hi Russell, I bought this model after watching your vids, it arrived yesterday and I have noticed every time I release the trigger after cutting I can see a spark/flash in the motor housing, is this normal and do you get this on your? Thanks

[@RussellPlatten]

Hi Luke, most motors with brushes produce sparks where the brushes meet the commutator. I have had a look at mine and if I look into the motor housing from the side I can see some sparking when the motor is running and a larger spark when I release the trigger. I think that this is normal and will improve once the brushes bed in, but just to be sure I will drop Evolution an email and ask. I will let you know what they say as soon as i get a reply.

[@lukeharrison8500]

Thanks Russell

[@RussellPlatten]

Morning Luke, I have just received a reply from evolution, "Yes, it is perfectly normal and will reduce once it has bedded in." Hopefully this will put your mind at rest. I do know that Evolution have a good customer care department and you can always contact them via the Evolution Power Tools website.

[@lukeharrison8500]

Thanks Russell, much appreciated! I can get on with chopping wood now :)

[@petegrainger3435]

@@RussellPlatten Hi, about the motor commutator sparkling. The the motor appears to be dynamically braked. A fairly high current is produced during braking hence the increased sparking.

[@wafll8777]

Great vid, just bought one of these, and looking forward to setting it up.......

[@RussellPlatten]

I use mine all the time! :-)

[@HelpfulTimes]

Top man! Nice, clear and quick instructions. I’m not touching the laser!

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it helped! :-)

[@Leetut]

My R210 can’t cut accurate 45 mitres even after repeatedly leveling, it has stops for the angles but they wiggle too much, it’s cheap crap like the one I replaced

[@Micko5959]

Great instructional vid Russ Thanks, However I've seen in other reviews that after certain length of usage the saw stops cutting accurately, Have you any experience of this. BTW You're accent suggests to me you're from east Yorkshire, am I right?

[@RussellPlatten]

I have had no issues with mine Mick. I am from Hull. :-)

[@craighowells4219]

The chap that recommend this saw to me advices that it's always best to periodically check the measurements as if you would carry out a service

[@dardobartoli]

5 years on, new model and I have exactly the same issue. Thanks for guidance though

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help! :-)

[@396032]

Hi I picked this saw up from screwfix yesterday, just one concern, when dropping it into one of the mitre slots there seems to be an amount of side to side movement, this happens in all slots, does anyone else have this?

[@RussellPlatten]

Hi Ash. Sorry I have taken so long to reply. There should be no side to side movement when you place the locking lever into position on the table. On my saw, the locating action is very positive and feels secure before I lock it into position. The assembly will move a little sideways if I apply force, but it is not loose and always returns to the position it was at when let go. If yours is moving freely without force, there is something wrong.

[@MrJohnyBoyDee]

I bought one last week and it has the same issue. About 1.5mm of play when any of the angles on the bottom table are selected and locked in. It's going back tomorrow. The Makita I returned - which this replaced wasn't much better (for different reasons) Thought I'd buy British but I should have known better. No wonder our manufacturing industry is all but dead. We can't make anything decent!!

[@davidgrinter5938]

Hi. Thanks for the video, it was very informative and well worth watching. I like yourself had massive issues with the laser alignment, still not 100% happy but it's as near a dam it as a reference.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it was helpful David! :-)

[@nige1147]

Thanks for this as I have just brought one excellent video 👍👍

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Nige! :-)

[@homediy7893]

I have the same model and after I aligned it well on both vertical and horizontal axis, it cut correctly 90 deg at mitre setting 0, but when turning it to the left at 45 deg, the vertical alignment was off. after fiddling with it I made it cut 90 deg again; but when going back to setting 0, it was off again. Also, the mechanism to lock it at a specific angle is absolute junk. It has play and when I tighten it, it moves to the right, so I have to start unlocking at a different angle and turn the lock until I hopefully reach the angle I want. This saw is anything but accurate.

[@RussellPlatten]

I had no issues with mine. :-)

[@cesar5957]

I liked a lot this vid for adjust my machine 👍,cheers from chile 👍

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it helped Cesar! :-)

[@DanielH]

Thank you. Really helpful video

[@RussellPlatten]

:-)

[@terrybrooks395]

Thanks, just what I was looking for

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Terry! :-)

[@kamilzborowski4334]

Same problem with a laser here. Happy with a tool, but laser adjustment was a pain in the a55 :P thanks for your video

[@RussellPlatten]

Thanks for watching! :-)

[@toplad81]

Thank you brilliant video 👏

[@pollyaloy]

Thanks for the video . Great info. I just adjusted mine as shown in your video. 😃

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it helped. :-)

[@andythurlow1614]

Massive help, cheers mate.

[@RussellPlatten]

You are welcome Andy. Glad to help. :-)

[@doconwheels-c5m]

Thanks for sharing Russel, that is really helpful information

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it was helpful John! :-)

[@العلمي-ق3ت]

Thanks very useful info on setting the saw

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it was helpful Rob! :-)

[@timdevane7526]

Dear Russel Today I assembled my Evolution 255. I'm so grateful for your brilliant videos, I didn't need to view any information documents, And after 1 hr I had both Cop Saw & stand up calibrated and working perfectly. Thank you so much Kind regards Tim

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Tim. Enjoy your new saw! :-)

[@leewhitehead6460]

Thanks for that well explained and needed information 👍

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it was helpful Lee! :-)

[@leewhitehead6460]

​@@RussellPlatten just watched it again, and once again thank you 👍

[@RussellPlatten]

@@leewhitehead6460 👍

[@mfuller1093]

The laser cap helps focus the beam and needs to stay on but it is a bit of a gimmick I reckon, I just mark the wood/steel and then roll the blade back and forth along the mark without the motor running to check the cut will be true.

[@RussellPlatten]

I don't use the laser too! :-)