Using the Evolution RAGE3-S Compound Mitre Saw

Episode 71 ~ Evolution RAGE3-S 255mm sliding compound mitre saw review.
For more reviews and product insights, see skill-builder.uk
Roger Bisby reviews the Evolution RAGE3 FP2552 2440V compound mitre saw which comes complete with a TCT blade that can easily cut through wood, aluminium and steel, even if nails are still embedded in the material.
This is a cheap saw.
The multipurpose blade cuts cleanly and leaves no burrs on steel, so you can work with it instantly. This tool is easy to assemble and use, as the laser cutting guide helps you get the highest possible accuracy in your work. The supplied clamp also keeps your workpiece in place and your hands free.
• 2000W
• Max. Cross Cut 300 x 75mm
• 24-Tooth TCT Blade Included
• Trench Cutting Facility
• AC laser Cutting Guide
• Die-Cast Aluminium Base
• Workpiece Clamp
• Spindle Lock
• Dust Extraction Facility
• Trigger Switch
Find out more at www.evolutionpo...
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[@neilmcintosh5150]

I like this saw too, Roger. Had mine for about 4 years now and still works like a treat. Solid workhorse.

[@supermanbatman7445]

*This is my first 10 inch **MyBest.Tools** sliding compound miter saw. This saw is Awesome!!! to say the least!!! Works great!!!*

[@peterbrett2065]

I endorse your comments re the stand Roger. It is strong, stable and simple to put up. With a £50 -ish price tag it doesn't really matter how hard you work it - it will take the strain. As for metal cutting, Evolution has been doing it for years so they are good at the technology involved. I have had mixed success with multi-purpose blades used on other mitre saws, but the best I have come across are the Freud ones - which are quite hard to find these days.

[@MultiBurger1]

*Correction : Itz an English designed saw , Evolution Power Tools Sheffield, but made in China

[@audigex]

"The great thing about those is you would always remember to lock them because if you don't they're gonna hit you in the testicles. So, good little design that" - superb

[@judithrob1591]

Tips. good to know. 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 / HITACHI C12RSH2 / FESTOOL KS 60 E KAPEX / Metabo KGSV 72 Xact / Bosch GCM 8 SDE (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. 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. Step-4. therefor it is much better to choose a Miter saw with the handle positioned vertical in line above the saw blade. Step-5. When you measure the vertical 90 degrees angle square (Digital Level Box) of you're sawblade don't forget that there is always some torsion in the aluminum housing. 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 (the choices are yours). 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...

[@garvielloken3929]

Thanks Any reccomendations for any other?

[@aaronwright2238]

It really is a fantastic saw. I'm very pleased with mine. I is a 25.4 mm boar but you can get diferant size rings to fit blades of any boar. I us it with a saxon 80 tooth blade. The multi cut blad that comes as standard is very useful but not fine enough for the joinery I do with it. Very good saw in my opinion 👍

[@kyzer747]

Sent 2 of these back found the first one to be dangerous and the replacement had a blade that kept coming loose. First time I've ever sent anything back and I did it twice with this. Got an erbauer it was ready to go and haven't had a single problem after two years

[@UndieingLust]

Had to return 2 of these (Screwfix) as I needed them for building decking and other projects. Both were fine at the start, then after less than 100 cuts, they both went wildly out. If they would stay accurate, I would have been very happy with them. But bang on review Roger.

[@SkillBuilder]

Thanks Tim That is likely to be useful information for anyone considering them. It would be interesting to know what the manufacturers have to say about that.

[@garvielloken3929]

Thanks Any reccomendations for any other?

[@sjfarrell2.03]

I bought Saxton 40t & 80t blades for wood and they work much better - buy off Amazon. I also bought a cheap shop vac from B&Q and the dust issue became manageable. I have used mine a lot over the last six months and it hasn't missed a beat. It's not a DeWalt or Makita but it doesn't cost the earth either.

[@arfurdaley6399]

Glad I watched it ! Great vid. I bought a 2nd hand one without the extraction bag, was going to buy a one online . Won’t bother now 😁😁

[@jimbo2629]

What about squareness of cut? That is the crucial test. Mine, the left fence is not 90* to the base. Also the angle when using the left fence only is slightly different from when the wood rests on both fences.

[@Kosmonooit]

Thanks Rog, will be interesting to see if it stands the test of time.

[@SkillBuilder]

My old Evolution saw worked well but in the end it was the blade guard that fell apart. Mind you I was merciless with it. I rammed so much old construction timber under that blade, to fuel my woodburning stove, that something had to give.

[@PlanetKeef]

Nice video. I'm thinking of getting one of these machines.

[@robthesamplist]

Ive got the same saw with the stand, cut the metal back guide rail a few times by mistake probably more user error than design flaw (you would think it would be designed not to allow it to happen though) but apart from that it does everything with ease.

[@SkillBuilder]

I have done that sort of thing a few times as well. Annoying but at least with this saw it doesn't bugger up the blade.

[@stevieu83]

Glad I'm not the only one! 😁

[@adamandlorraine]

Evolution are good to contact for spares. Needed blade guard mechanism and a new fence after mine broke. there's a slight inaccuracy with mine. The left side of the cutting flat table surface is lower than the centre causing some bits of wood to be cut not and 90 degrees. Should have checked more carefully. 5 years old and still going.

[@SkillBuilder]

Thanks Adam. That is useful to know. Five years is fair for that kind of money though wonky table is no good. Did they forget to mill it?

[@adamandlorraine]

+Skill Builder I've no idea why it's wonky. Plus when I got it 5 years ago it was nearer 300 quid. After fine adjusting the fence I've managed to get some pretty accurate mitre frames with it (@woodshedfurniture on instagram)

[@SkillBuilder]

Don't you hate that, when you buy something and a few years later it is half the price? It happens with cameras and computers more than with power tools.

[@jbrumert7677]

Put the bolt in the other way bud

[@SkillBuilder]

Hard to get your pinkies in the channel to tighten the wingnut

[@DimDonut23]

This saw is good for rough cuts of all sorts of material. However, for joinery it is very limited: I found the blade is not quite parallel to the sliding mechanism, this is clear when cross-cutting something like a 10" board. Evolution sent me a replacement saw, but that had the same problem. Using a wood-only blade made no difference. Evolution then justified this lack of accuracy in their machine by stating that this saw was a rough cut saw and not a joinery saw. In brief: as per the video this saw is fine for cutting up rough stuff or small stuff, however for joinery work buy a Makita or such like.

[@garvielloken3929]

Thanks Any reccomendations for any other?

[@dannymaloney6300]

As I have one of these great for the price but you have to use their blades as they are 25.4 mm centre giving you a rough cut

[@aaronwright2238]

No mate I found a way you can buy rings that shrink the bore size of blads down. It's like a washer you tap in. I use a Saxton blade and a few others. One time to make a 25.4mm ring fit I had to file it a bit but only took 5 min and worked perfect. The multi cut blade that cut as standard are not my favorite for fine wood work but is easy to change.

[@bpk77khan21]

Excellent impartial review Roger, I certainly agree with you on the Dust bag - its farcical......Brian.

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

Just out of interest at point 5.26 where the saw hits the base fixing screw when turning to 45°, is the fixing upside down, ie., the wing nut should be at the bottom. Just a thought. 🤔

[@SkillBuilder]

You are right. I tried it on the top for ease but it is a fiddle

[@abdulrahiman812]

Thanks Roger, I just bought me one for a kitchen project! Look forward to your next pod cast, you and Robin must have been quite bust recently.

[@Mercyme57]

Can’t find a link to the assembly of this saw….any ideas…? Having trouble with the blade as the instructions say to remove a triangular guard held by 2 phillips screws….but I don’t have that guard on the saw. Need to see a video as instructions are not great. Any help much appreciated.

[@welshwizard822]

Good all round saw, don't expect the dust bag to work I think it's just a selling point. Vacuum pipe works fine but the bag will never fill up. For the price, a good saw.

[@mpirokajosephmgcokoca2355]

I would go for Bosch

[@MarkGarth]

Good fair video Roger. I've seen quite a few positive Evolution reviews on KZbin and might just be tempted to replace my old Bosch saw with one, especially as they offer the metal cutting facility. How do the blades fair with metal??

[@SkillBuilder]

If your Bosch is that Chinese mitre saw that they brought out around 7 years ago I think the Evolution is as good if not better. There were a lot of plastic catches and knobs on that saw that didn't stand up to a rough life.

[@cuebj]

Had one. Couldn't assemble it. Turned out the main body had been made wrong. Told to return it. For money back rather than buy another Evolution. Had quality control issues from them before

[@brechtvandenbroucke5593]

Hi, I owned this saw for a couple of years before it ended at the junk yard. The play on the bearings and the saw gets worse. The plastic cap of the laser gets dirty with pieces of hot metal en wood dust, which gets unuseable after a while. Cutting thin piece of metal (like studs) is very trick. The slow turning blade snaps into the metal, bending it, sometimes jamming the machine. Eventually saw teeth will start breaking of the blade. At the end, the motor break gives up and the blad guard jams... No, not my favourite machine

[@garvielloken3929]

Thanks Any reccomendations for any other?

[@brechtvandenbroucke5593]

@@garvielloken3929 In meantime I owned a Metabo Xact which is also a piece of junk, the Festool Kapex is realy great, you don't want anything else. For cutting steel I have worked with the big Jespon dry cutter, which is great. I have the small Jespon dry cutter which is absolutly no good, its terrifying to work with that machine. I like band saws better for cutting steel, but a good ones is very expensive and big.

[@garvielloken3929]

@@brechtvandenbroucke5593 Thanks for the reply Bro!

[@SkillBuilder]

Win a Bosch Brushless Combi Skill-Builder is broadcasting its first Live-Stream event from Bosch Power Tools U.K. At 9pm on Wednesday 2nd November . You could win a Bosch 18 volt Brushless Combi by answering three simple questions. The answers are in the show. Join the fun!

[@rezacz666]

This video could be better with more detatails. f.e how much more metal blade last than abrasive ones ? how precise is exakly ?

[@donayre21]

I will like to see how accurate the laser is when cutting in future saw videos.Thank you for posting content.

[@SkillBuilder]

Sorry donayre. In the set up video it shows how to adjust the laser and if you cut a very shallow groove in a wide piece of timber the laser can be adjusted with a screwdriver so it falls right into the cut line. It is very easy to set up and you can check it ever time you use it by doing that trick. I will make a short add on to this video but Evolution has covered it.

[@robthesamplist]

good to know you can fine tune the laser mines a bit off ill have to look at it.

[@stepheno2462]

Roger, could you do a video on types of wooden wall panelling. Cheers

[@SkillBuilder]

Stephen What kind of panelling. Tell us what you are thinking of.

[@stepheno2462]

@@SkillBuilder www.houzz.ie/photos/cleeves-house-phvw-vp~2558842 www.houzz.ie/photos/cleeves-house-phvw-vp~2558835 www.houzz.ie/photos/cleeves-house-phvw-vp~2558846

[@stepheno2462]

Nothing on you tube that tackles this much detail

[@veale2002]

Great impartial review as always Roger! Enjoyed your reviews for years from the Rant days in the merchant mags, keep up the good work. And your right, nobody wants to be hit in the testicles haha..

[@SkillBuilder]

Thanks Steve that is great to know. I am still ranting in PHPI magazine and in Professional Builder. I can't quite believe that 32 years on they are still employing me. Happy days.

[@laurentdumas3198]

Hi Roger, I discover a bit late your very interesting video. I wonder if a low reving blade does make clean cuts as a higher ( standard ) reving blade. For sure a multi material blade has to rev low, so I guess it's a choice to make : either you want to chop any material or you want to have clear cuts, there is no miracle. Am I correct ? Another suggestion : I would be very interested on a test of Triton TCM S254 mitre saw. It's a bar upfront saw such as Makita LS 1019l or Kapex and it seems to be a price version of the latest Hikoki cordless 254 mm mitre saw with some fetures removed ( Triton is corded and has a brushed motor ). So if you can review it, it would be great as there are few independant reviews of this machine on youtube. Thanks

[@scottd2079]

Will this work with the 110v plugged into the transformer and the transformer plugged into the Titan wet and dry vacuum so I can use it for dust extract to work ?

[@johnmontague69]

Searching for PRO SLIDE COMPOUND MITER SAW with REDEYE Laser. My laser has never worked. Are they replaceable?

[@kwakkers68]

Worth a phone call to Evo I would say.

[@rotormasher]

Nice video! Please whats that bench set up(the tresels) with the 4 by twos on the background?? I need something like that! Cheers

[@SkillBuilder]

Nice spot. They are from Toughbuilt. They are heavy but do the job. You have to use CLS but most of it is now. Make sure you select the Jobsite table because the sawhorse doesn't have the side holders. www.toughbuilt.com/sawhorses/

[@rotormasher]

Many thanks! Manage to find them on amazon. ;)

[@Messimagician83]

Hi, do you know where I can find attachments to fit these saws that work on a Henry hoover?

[@SkillBuilder]

You have to make them out of plastic waste pipe and gaffer tape. I have used mountain bike inner tube before.

[@ronaldomac566]

Think i'll give that one a miss and spend more money on a Makita/Dewalt

[@jonnoble5]

Any body got advice on mitre saw for around £200? I could get the big double bevel evolution or a smaller single bevel Dewalt for the same money. Only doing general DIY, laminate, shed building. Really don't know what to go for? Do I need a double bevel?

[@cuebj]

My experience Evolution quality control very poor. Also Erbauer dangerously bad. Go smaller DeWalt. These tools are far too dangerous if faulty.

[@beverlyleano-bascos4051]

sir thanks for the video..is this product..can buy in the Philippines or hongkong..and how much...thankyou sir

[@SkillBuilder]

Sure you can. It comes out of China and is sold all over the world under different brand names.

[@beverlyleano-bascos4051]

tnx sir

[@jamescoupland667]

From skilllll builder

[@eldoradocraftsman3733]

Well, that was cut very short once I’d seen that I’d have to construct it. No thanks. That would p**s me right off. 👍🏾

[@SuperPhen0m]

no matter what i do to this saw its always a bit off .... i cant get it to cut square

[@oliverriall]

Thats exactly why I'm here, Iv'e had it for a few years and I'm trying to do a job where I need exactly 90 degree cut and I just can't get the bloody thing dialed in, is it me or the saw or both?????

[@SuperPhen0m]

@@oliverriall i ended up getting rid of it, i tried everything and spent hours trying to get it to cut 90 with no luck my suggestion is stick to the top brands for accurate cuts Milwaukee, dewault etc etc ...its a great concept wish it was accurate tho

[@garvielloken3929]

@@oliverriall same here!

[@garvielloken3929]

@@SuperPhen0m Any recommendations for any other?

[@NRiggiKnives]

What about small pieces? How to hold them down?

[@SkillBuilder]

Always a problem on chop saws of any make.. If they snatch you can lose a finger so try to hold them under a larger piece of timber which is clamped down. Never take chances these things can bite

[@NRiggiKnives]

Skill Builder Appreciate your advice, will need to get a set of clamps that fit this fence

[@FirstLast-nv4pz]

great advert

[@yirmi20]

Are you able to cut bricks with this mitre saw?

[@Micko5959]

I've been looking at another review and yes you can but it won't cut it in a oner you'll have to turn the brick over to complete the cut.

[@SuperPhen0m]

can any 10 inch blades be used on this saw or only evo made blades?

[@SkillBuilder]

Unfortunately only Evo Blades and they cost quite a lot. We found that out later

[@JuiceBanger1]

U can get a bore reducing ring and fit other blades

[@simonandrei8362]

Nice review! I intend to to buy one mostly for metal cutting (square tubing 2mm). How long do you think the blade will last for that kind of job?

[@SkillBuilder]

I have the smaller chop saw which I use for that kind of metal cutting job. I cut a lot of rebar with it and have never put a new blade on. It is 2 years old and has been worked like a dog. Oddly cutting timber seems to heat the blade up more than metal because the timber clogs the teeth after a while. I run the blade through some steel and it cleans it up.

[@beating2]

The blades on these are really expensive for cutting quality.

[@kwakkers68]

Buy another brand, and use an adaptor washer. iirc, Sexton are around 18 quid.

[@pawanteli8517]

kitne ki he yh

[@1200gs1000]

Just got 1 of these can u give me a link for the £50 stand please.

[@SkillBuilder]

Hi Toby. If you are in the U.K try Screwfix

[@bigmomma4245]

Toby Duke I

[@bigmomma4245]

Skill Builde

[@andythurlow1614]

Bag of shite with loads of play on the rails and up/down hinged part. No way of taking out or adjusting the movement

[@garvielloken3929]

Thanks Any reccomendations for any other?

[@loafersheffield]

I am very concerned that the review does not cover health and safety precautions in using this tool. I always wear the following whenever engaging in using power tools. Appropriate gloves, eye protection, ear defenders..... steel toe and shank non conductive footwear, shin and ankle pads, flame retardant high vis coveralls with silver light reflective strips, elbow pads, thermal underwear (for working outside on cold days) butchers chain mail apron, hard hat and cricket box. The area should be cordoned off and warning signs prominently displayed in as many languages as possible, including Klingon. If possible, security personnel standing guard for whenever the work area is left unattended for more than 30 seconds.

[@SkillBuilder]

You forgot to mention the RCD and a keen eye on the weather. Rain stops play, retire to the pub.

[@loafersheffield]

RCD... yeah, good point. Rain stops play... well if I am wearing a cricket box I suppose that it does. But alcohol!? What if the weather clears up and returning to work is therefore an option? My Dad had summat wrong with his legs, according to Ma. She said that "his legs wouldn't walk past pubs without veering inwards" I bought one of these machines. All the health and safety does not cover stupidity. First 45 deg bevel cut I did and I ripped halfway thru the retractable guide. Durr!

[@SkillBuilder]

Once you are in the pub you are in the pub. There is no going back, that would be foolhardy and dangerous.

[@loafersheffield]

I can't remember whether it would be foolhardy and dangerous. Perhaps that's why I keep having to go back to the pub The wife calls it, "milk of amnesia". Either way it serves as a bloody good excuse for not painting that bi-fold door

[@garvielloken3929]

LMAO!!!!