Independent Review - Evolution Rage 255 Sliding Mitre Saw - R255 SMS

[@jimscott1717]

I bought one two months ago. I have made mitred boxes for Christmas presents. Cut perfect mitres straight out of the box. I would recommend fitting an auxiliary to facilitate clamping. Great piece of kit.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

I don’t think you can go wrong for the money. Its brilliant 👌 especially when I need to cut anything metal 😬 haha

[@jamesgame8573]

Another great review Joe, this is why it's so good to see companies like Evolution supporting content creators at all levels of the KZbin spectrum, personally I would rather see something reviewed by you than one of the more hyped up tubers. I've had my Evolution saw for a while and think its a brilliant piece of kit.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks James! Theyre really open to feedback and take on board criticisms which is always great to see. I dont have the experience of working in the trade so Im limited in that capacity to review the tools but for the enthusiast I think I know what to look out for haha

[@BrainFizz]

I had one of the much older models of rage, from 2006, it serves me well for many years and was great for stud walls a decking where the tolerances where much higher. It was capable of some decent 2nd fix work, but with much longer setup times for nicer work, time is money, so I decided to upgrade. I’m gifting to another maker so they can get some more use of it. Honestly I’ll miss the ability to cut metals, but I rarely need to these days..... like you said for the price point, they actually not too bad.... and the blades last for AGES if you only cut wood!!!

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

My old 3DB is close to 4 years old now and still going strong. Ive have no issues with them at all. For the money theyre hard to beat.

[@raminybhatti5740]

Been using mine for the first time for the past couple of days, and as a novice I must say it's a brilliant bit of kit. I've got a few more intensive jobs coming up in the next few months, and I think it'll save me so much time and effort. Good video, Joe.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Jay! I dont think you can ho wrong for the money. It handles everything I throw at it haha

[@OldManTony]

That’s the one I got for my birthday this year, I love it. It’s quite heavy for moving about, I also got the stand, I don’t have enough room in my workshop to have it set up all the time.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks mate! Its a brilliant saw! The footprint is definitely something to keep in mind though

[@Godshole]

Something to consider if you want to bed this in a wall and make it a fixed station in a workshop is that the slider sticks out a fair bit at the back. There are other saws with fixed sliders and the carriage moves which might be better for that. I have the Fury 3 and kinda wish I had thought of it before I bought it.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

That would definitely help with the space it takes up. Its a tough one because I need the larger cut capacity, just wish it was in a smaller form factor. Like you say the fixed sliders is a great way to go and there are folding movements too

[@SteveMaker]

Tell you what joe I’ve had this saw for quite some time now and it still amazes me how good it is. I agree with everything you said about it really. Like you I’m very lucky to have been sent one to try out! Great video by the way mate.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Steve! Theyre fantastic for the money, definitely cant go wrong. The fact they can cut multiple materials makes them really stand out against the competition

[@SteveMaker]

Average Joe's Joinery Yes mate that’s right. I don’t have the blade for brick etc but it does everything I need it to do.

[@darrannewman7113]

Great review, i have had three of these saws and the first one had some real abuse cutting hardwood logs for four years before the motor started wearing out brushes, still have it for spares. the other two are working great, but i do love the soft start motor on the 255. As an addition get youself the evo stand, folded up it takes little space, but once the saw is attached it's a very stable platform with roller out riggers. Daz

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Daz! Ive got a 4 years old 3DB and its still going strong too. Im really impressed. I have the stand too thankfully and like you say its brilliant. Im on the process of sorting out my workshop so its had to be stored away for now though

[@dalemoskalyk1227]

Good review man. Covered everything and showed the results of. Seems like pretty solid saw. There are two muffins baking in the oven. One muffin says to the other, "Phew, is it getting hot in here or is it just me?" The other muffin says, "AAAAHHH!! A TALKING MUFFIN!"

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Dale! I hope people find it useful :) LMAO

[@sawdustandsurvival]

I found your channel a few weeks ago when I was looking at the Titan jointer. I just wanted to say that I can really tell how far you've come on as a creator! This video is really professional. Looking forward to viewing your other videos I've not seen. All the best! Andy

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thank you Andy! I really appreciate that. Ive been trying to improve my production with each video I produce. Looking back at my early stuff makes me just want to keep improving.

[@robertevans6481]

Great reveiw Joe. I agree the diamond blade should be the same size as the standard blade that comes with it, but that is good that it came with a diamond blade in first place. Have a great day...

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Robert! Yeah its not a big problem for me but something for people to keep in mind :)

[@mozmiah5596]

Best review of them all. everything I wanted to know about the product. Cheers mate

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Moz! Glad you found it helpful 😊

[@almagill]

Cracking saw. I have the previous model, slightly different trigger arrangement and knobs but the new version looks like a good improvement.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Its always good to see the improvements they come out with. Really impressed with this one :)

[@klimenz]

Hi everyone. Have any of you checked if your saw's bed is completely flat? I have put straight edge across mine and found centre table to sit slightly proud to side supports. I found this fault immediately after taking it off the box. It's slightly better after removing stickers but still far from perfect. Did you encounter this issue with yours?

[@WoodworkingEngineering]

Very useful, thanks a lot. Just a question: the black hinge that connects the motor to the sliding bars, and the thing where the bars slide into, are cast iron? Or is it plastic? Thanks in advance 😊

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

The housing around the sprung hinge is plastic. Its high quality though and I havent had any issues.

[@WoodworkingEngineering]

@@AverageJoesJoinery Thanks! I already ordered the miter saw, BTW :D

[@tjbrison]

Great video, but what I really wanted to know about these cheap mitre saws, is, how accurate are the cuts? E.g. just cutting a 3*3 hardwood log at 90 - is the cut dead on in both directions? Is it repeatable? Or, if I was using this tool for cabinet making, say making table legs out of hard maple - would the cuts be square or would I be off to a shooting board to get them accurate?

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

This isnt a cabinet makers grade saw. Once set up though it will of course cut square and accurately. When cutting thicker material which needs to be flipped to complete the cut there is a little deflection in the centre. They do have a wood specific blade which does much cleaner cuts though

[@tjbrison]

I wonder how this would do, against the Metabo KGS 254 M? They are very similar, so suspect there is not much in it?

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Ive never used the Metabo so cant really offer a comparison. The major difference though is that the Evolution saws can cut metal as well as wood all with the same blade.

[@Thesidingsworkshop]

Cracking review bud. As always. Looks a good saw. I may invest lol. Here's a tip but bear in mind it's an electric saw. ... when cutting concrete spray a bit of water onto the brick / block ECT with a pound shop hand spray atomizer it will reduce the dust by 90 percent. I don't mean drench it just damp. And as before bear in mind it's electric so don't spray the casing of the saw ECT.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks mate! Thats a great tip! Id never cut concrete or brick before. Dampening the dust down would be a massive help. :)

[@amwartwork]

a got this for 179.99 last december from tool station. werron offer. ive had 3 different ones now. this one seems decent for the money. i dont use it to cut picture frame mitres though. i have madea 45 deg sled for that for the table saw. i like the soft start on this and the fact it can cut depth with little struggle

[@226093]

Another great review Joe well done. Hi to all those at Evolution

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Pete! :)

[@sumosprojects]

G’day Joe, I’ve seen many reviews on mitre saws & this brand looks handy for different materials, the best for dust extraction I’ve seen is Festool but it’s at a price as all there Tools are, I like my Bosch & accuracy for square cuts is always the clear indicator for these saws, cheers

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Hi Dirk, I never run extraction with my tools because everything runs off 1 extension lean in my shed haha

[@bobmartin770]

Good stuff Joe! Thanks. Please keep them coming.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Bob! I hope people find it useful :)

[@mattseymour8637]

I have the same saw and found that when cutting a 4 by 4 post it wouldn't cut all the way through it in one pass. I take it you would need 2 passes to cut all the way through it?

[@branchingoutadventuresltd2439]

Just an observation, just bought this using the depth gauge on timber it wont cut all the way to the back edge, so need to turn it over

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

If the blade doesnt clear the back of the cut the best option I find is to just put a scrap piece behind the piece I’m cutting. Kind of like a sacrificial fence.

[@HK-jo7zz]

Did you get any feedback from evolution regarding the play on the handle?mine is the same and I need to adjust / check the fence with square each time to get something close to 90degree.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

I believe they were looking at tightening up the tolerances. I mainly use this saw for breaking down larger boards now and use it when I need to cut metal.

[@ryanh3285]

Good review i have the newer version I've made some nice hexagonal planters and loads of other things its a great piece of kit and i brought the stand aswell.Only downside is the black plastic on the side bend to easily if you clamp down on to them.I cut through the fence when cutting my first bevel cut because i forgot to move it lol totally my fault .

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks mate! They’re a great bit of kit. I know what you mean about the plastic sides 👍 bet the hexagonal planters were worth the damage to the fence haha

[@shannonsmith148]

Hi Great Review. I just received one as a gift. The only thing I am not used to is the way the motor starts up. Slow start compared to my old mitre saw. Is that the gearing?

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Shannon! The motor is a much higher torque than others. Its designed to be able to cut metal as well as wood. It has an electronic soft start and break too hence why its starts slower than most saws

[@PaulLockwood]

Great review Joe. Just the big daddy to the smaller version I have. They are really good saws for their money. Would be interesting to know how they do in trade use on site with a lot of work. The laser cover I found clogs and get ruined quite quickly making it useless. I've just switched mine off as you can no longer see it.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Paul! I never use the laser anyway. I like to lower the blade to my line as a sanity check anyway haha

[@r3inhout]

I would have liked you to review the mitre cuts (e.g. 2 45° pieces) to check its precision. Was it accurate enough Joe?

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Its very accurate for my needs. I didnt mention the accuracy because some saw are good to go out the box and some need adjustment. Once theyre set theyre good to go though

[@r3inhout]

Thank you for your honest response Joe!

[@robertsaldana7892]

Hello Joe, thanks for the review, I have a question, in the video it is observed in minute 2:19 that the wood has the mark of the disc, this is the result of the saw has game from right to left at some time. Do you notice this movement when making some type of cut? because when perfect finishes are required, maybe they will not be achieved with this saw, thank you somuch, regards!

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Robert! There is a little bit of movement in the saw when cutting through the nails. Going from the softwood to nails offers that difference in resistance and it wonders slightly

[@bodolskipentarium1353]

Hi, what a great review, thanks. I have one question, does the blade arbor is universal, I mean can be changed with other 10" blade brands?

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Glad you found it useful! The blade arbor isn’t universal unfortunately. I believe its prevent using the wrong blade when cutting metal

[@bodolskipentarium1353]

@@AverageJoesJoinery Ok, thanks for your respond, Joe. Stay safe and keep posting good vids!

[@acgkplh]

Hi. Merry Christmas! How's this saw holding up? Accurate angles? Reliable? Thanks

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Merry Christmas! It’s holding up great for me. I’ve found the typical angles 90 & 45 have been spot on for me. The automatic locking positions make it easy to set. There is some adjustment if theyre out though. I’ve found it reliable. I’ve been using a smaller Dewalt chop saw a lot really because of its handy size but I keep going back to this for my larger cuts

[@acgkplh]

Thanks for your reply. It's good to know it's holding up well 👍. I was going to get the double bevel version but since thinking about it the single will do.

[@amwartwork]

use a digital angle finder from lidl (parkside brand) to use to fine tune the angles of 90 and 45. its not always accurate out the box.

[@BestUserNameUK]

Hi Joe. Evolution make great saws, I bought the R210CMS from Screwfix for under £50. For the money it's a cracking piece of kit. All the best mate 👍🏻

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks mate! I really think they cant beat for price. Theyre already really competitive but add it that the saws can cut metal too and they amazing

[@BestUserNameUK]

Hi Joe. I use mine mainly for metal. Rarely use it for wood.. lol.

[@hi-tech55]

Hi Joe, great review. All reviews cover metal and large timbers. What do you think about finer work such a mouldings and beads etc? Is there another blade that Evolution sell for this? Thanks Joe.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Jerry! I find for the me the multipurpose blade does a good enough job of cutting fine work. They do have a woodworking blade though which is much better suited to finer woodworking

[@stevebungay]

I always enjoy your reviews and have made purchases based on your recommendations. One thing I would have liked you to have tested is the accuracy of the angle and bevel cuts. Presets and number of degrees available mean nothing if the angles are not reliable, it's important to me and perhaps many others on a budget. Any chance you could do an add on to this review please, testing the accuracy in these departments? Thanks for your posts.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks mate! Glad you’ve found my reviews helpful. Angle accuracy is important but each saw could be different out the box. Some may be spot on and some may need the fence adjusting. Once the fence is set it keeps its accuracy really well

[@stevebungay]

@@AverageJoesJoinery Thanks for the prompt reply Joe. I'm not sure if I really need one or just want one but based on your review, and this reassurance, I will probably go for the latest version of this. They do seem to be remarkable value for money. Thanks again. Steve.

[@daithimurphy1832]

Can you tell me the difference in this one and the one that has +300 in its name

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Hi David, I believe the + model has added extras like a longer power cable, extra clamps, carry handles and few other bits

[@davec7051]

Thanks very much mate - great, well produced review.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Dave! Glad you liked it :)

[@danutplesu3352]

Not sure about "160 hour motor life**"... How much life span would this be for the average diy-er? The rpm isn't listed so you have to buy the same blade to be on the safe side. Price is good.

[@BrainFizz]

Danut Plesu I bought a rage 3 in 2006, used it on jobs for 10years, it’s still going strong and on its way to a new home in a few weeks. I’d be fairly confident that it’d las an average Diyer..... still on the original brushes too.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Id echo what BrainFizz said. Ive been using a Rage 3DB for close to 4 years now. Its still going strong. I dont have any worries of the longevity of the motor.

[@limbutucristian2425]

Salut! Nu recomand acest circular. Motorul face scantei de nou. Ajustarile sunt de tot rahatul. Nu este deloc precis. Arborele este de 25.4 asa ca trebuie sa folosesti doar lamele lor. Masa cu gardul nu este la 90°. Asta a fost platit sa vb frumos despre panarama asta de circular. Mai bine mai astepti si iti cumperi un bosch albastru sau Dewalt.

[@daniboy0812]

Doing some decking - will be cutting 4x4”posts and 2x8i” joists. Looks like the tool for the job rather than spending £500 on a Makita or Dewalt with similar features - no brainer

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Really cant go wrong for the money mate. Plus it has the ability to cut steel which is a really nice feature to have

[@StamosTee]

Great review. I own the previous model, and this one has a ton of improvements...

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Stamatis! Its always good to see the improvements they come out with. Really impressed with this one :)

[@EvolutionPowerTools]

Thanks Joe, great job on the review!

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks guys! Really impressed with this one :)

[@LetsPrepTogether]

Thanks for sharing! I'm looking forward to get my own evo rage.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Alex! You wont be disappointed :)

[@Create2make]

Great review Joe, looks like a great saw. I alway remember when I cut metal on my Rage3s how cold the metal is after cutting

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Paul! Its definitely great to still see how well these saws cut :)

[@anandyahamdi]

Can we use other brand blade saw: bosch, makita, etc?

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

The arbour size is different on Evolution saws. I believe its to prevent using a regular blade to cut metal

[@willdavison5270]

@@AverageJoesJoinery You can use other makes of blade, definitely for wood and these often come with adjustment rings to fit the 25.4mm arbour. Saxton blades are available to fit the 25.4 arbour (available on Amazon and Ebay), I've got some and I'm more than happy with them on my 255sms and rage5s. Only need to be careful to change back to evolution blades for metal or wood with nails.

[@judithrob1591]

Always buy a Slide Compound Mitre Saw with the handle in a line above the saw blade , it's better no tilt saw blade, and engine with softstart.

[@fasha1968]

I want this machine to cut V on UPVC profile to make window frame.. It's recommended or not

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

You would be better to use a router with a V profile bit for that task. This saw doesnt cut v grooves

[@mamabearssheshedtracykeato6941]

Great review! Thank you for bit of advice. Many blessings to you.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Tracy! Really glad you found it helpful :)

[@Cradley684]

I've got the smaller model but it is really good !!! Really good value as well !!!

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

You really cant go wrong for the money! Theyre great saws :)

[@nsoper19]

How many masonry cuts can it do without water?

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

I dont know the figure for how many cuts but its doesnt need water at any point. The blade remains cool throughout in my experience

[@chrishoward9936]

Water is used to suppress the dust doesn’t effect the cut of the blade

[@patpathinayake3586]

Fabulous review as always. Thumbs up Subscribed. Best of luck.

[@22tadi]

Any idea about control the dust with this miter saw??

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Mitre Saws are one of the worst for dust collection. All of then tend to throw the dust everywhere. Running the attached vacuum collection does really help a lot though

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Great job on the review, Joe! I wish the U.S. model came with the cord wrap parts. And the Allen key storage.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Steve! I think the US Model gets released later in the year. It seems to have the cable wrap and allen key storage thankfully :)

[@michealhand1001]

Hello Average Joe joinery. What is the dB level

[@brian2220]

Does it have a laser on it?

[@davewilliams355]

Nice review, i have one, got it two weeks ago, love it, however i find it surprising how sensitive the on trigger is. And by the way mine has no play in the slide at all

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Dave! I haven't noticed a particularly sensitive trigger. I really like how its a soft start though. Glad to hear yours has no play!

[@garvielloken3929]

Nice Review!!!! I actually think the depth stop is a big deal. especially for beginners like me

[@BrainFizz]

Garviel Loken the floppy depth stop is a great idea, the old one just had the thumbscrew, and was rubbish, not consistent and a real pain if you needed to cut all the way through and then revert back to depth.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Its something I find myself using a lot! It opens up a lot of possibilities :)

[@joeperez3081]

Can you please tell me what is the Arbor size please? It doest says about it. Thanks

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

It has a 25.4mm Arbor

[@limbutucristian2425]

The 25.4 means that you have to use only evolution blades.

[@rvalcourtpersonaca]

Broke the carbide teeth off the blade of my saw on the third cut of 1/2” mild steel round bar.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

The saw is only rated to cut 6mm (1/4") mild steel

[@michaellionart4841]

Hi Joe, top notch as usual. What’s it like after a year and in particular what’s the dust collection like? Finally overall, largest front to back, dimensions please as I’m strapped for space. ChinChin

[@SMee67]

Great review, mate 👍 Perhaps dropping it on a mobile stand for easy storage and accessible use might be the go in a smaller shop? I feel possible build video there if you decide to go this route 👌

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Bill! A mobile stand is very much the way to go for sure. I have an idea in mind that uses the Evolution stand. It will be a hack job but if it goes to plan should be a good one haha

[@SMee67]

Average Joe's Joinery , a hack job, new job, either way it'll be worth viewing👍 Good score, by the way.

[@cairoreid4886]

Very helpful thanks

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks mate! 😊

[@waynetaylor2784]

What's the difference between the rage 3 ?

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

It is their new design. Its much more compact, has extra options for clamping positions and I believe the motor has seen an upgrade too

[@Martins-allotment-plot]

Hey joe... great review... i was just wondering if evolution contacted you or if you contacted them for a review of the saw ??

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Evolution contacts me to review their tools and to ask for feedback. Theyre a great bunch

[@kaugurid1608]

nice video , what about titaN TTB794MSW it is cheaper but not multi purpose blade .

[@DaveTheWoodBarber]

Good review Joe

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Dave!

[@khanos73]

Best review ever

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Mavic! Really glad you found it helpful 😊

[@JohnKiernan-f8s]

Top mitre saw,,, blow all top brands away, there not selling like hot cakes for no reason 👍👍

[@TheLoxxxton]

Love a british black country maker saying how it is love you've got companies sending you stuff! Seems the tool has lots of plastic how do you think it will last over time?

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Haha cheers mate! It feels really well made. Its only the casing that seems to be plastic. The stuff that maters is metal :)

[@pawelaco]

Great presentation, I really like these tools. Regards

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks mate! Glad you found it useful :)

[@petercurtis9297]

Nice review Joe. I have an older version. You can see how they have improved it. Wish it was a 10" blade.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Peter! Its great to see the improvements they come up with.

[@tomjones1139]

can it cut 4x4 wood post straight through

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

The depth of cut is 80mm on this saw. It would mean you need to flip a 4x4 to complete the cut

[@peterhaughton3190]

Well Joe I have a pro but can't find that saw .

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

There is a link in the description mate that shows where its available :)

[@ZacJones]

Great review very helpful!

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks mate! Glad you found it helpful :)

[@MissionOffRoad]

Blade doesn't last unfortunately. I've been cutting 3/16 sq and rectangle tube. Probably less than 30 cuts. It's awesome when the blade is new of course.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

I only cut metal very occasionally. Its one of those saws that is a real relief to have when I have a bit of metal to cut. I havent seen any degradation in the blade but of course my metal cutting is minimal really

[@paulockenden4278]

Hope everyone had more luck than i did. Mine came with a European plug connection on it instead of a British standard three pin plug 🤣

[@GipsKartonITD]

Great.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks mate!

[@Kotdt1]

great video

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks Danny! :)

[@darrenskinner3843]

It's hardly independent if they sent you the saw??

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

It’s completely independent. I always put tools through their paces for my use cases and share my honest opinions about them. I always look at reviews before making any purchase so I hope my reviews can help others make an informed decision

[@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP]

Hey my brother you don't say hi no more,What's up with that bro.

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Hi TJ, dunno when I havent said hi to you

[@noamavrahamdudai8306]

Hi mate..nice video I've saw your reviews of the fury 5...very nice There is rage 3 and fury 3.. Which one is powerful? ? Also there's r255sms (this one ) and f255sms ??? Which one is powerful? ? Thanks

[@thebatman1519]

👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Thanks batman

[@JohnKiernan-f8s]

And let’s be realistic,,,mitre saws aren’t built for massonary ,,, next thing there will be someone sayin they can’t see the laser cause of dust, 😂😂😂

[@homediy7893]

For the money, you WILL go wrong with this saw, as it is inaccurate and makes it impossible to cut precisely baseboards and frames.

[@anthonydonnelly7136]

Fantastic machine even a idiot can use I’m the proof of that

[@AverageJoesJoinery]

Haha Cheers Anthony! Glad you found it helpful 😊