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Evolution R185SMS+ Miter Saw Review

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Evolution R185SMS+ Miter Saw - Hero

Evolution Power Tools R185SMS+ 7-1/4″ Multi-Material Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus

The Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ is a lightweight, compact, and portable miter saw that offers a range of features to tackle various cutting tasks. With a 7-1/4 inch 20-tooth multi-material cutting blade, it excels in cutting 6mm thick mild steel. This miter saw is designed to provide accurate cuts with laser guidance, smooth sliding functionality, adjustable depth of cut, and nine positive miter stops.

Pros:

Multi-material cutting capability with a single blade
Accurate cutting with laser guidance and positive miter stops
Powerful 10A motor with optimized gearbox and blade system
Versatile bevel tilt and miter range for common cutting angles
Lightweight and compact design for portability
Comes with additional accessories, including a premium TCT blade, clamp, and dust collection bag
3-year limited warranty for added peace of mind

Cons:

Cutting capacity may be limited for larger projects
Not recommended for cutting hardened high carbon, coated, and stainless steel

Design and Build Quality

Evolution R185SMS+ Miter Saw

Image credit: Evolution Power Tools

The Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ boasts an impressive design combining functionality and portability. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to carry and transport, whether working in a workshop or on a job site. The saw weighs under 20 lbs, reducing fatigue during prolonged use and allowing for greater maneuverability.

The overall build quality of this miter saw is robust and durable. It is constructed using high-quality materials that ensure longevity and withstand the rigors of regular use. The solid construction contributes to the saw’s stability and precision, providing a reliable cutting experience.

The ergonomic trigger handle is another thoughtful design feature. It is designed to be comfortable for left- and right-handed users, allowing for extended periods of use without discomfort or strain. The handle provides a firm grip, enhancing control and accuracy while cutting.

The Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ also features a 50 – 50-degree rotary base for miter and compound cutting. This allows for versatile cutting angles and facilitates precise and accurate cuts in various woodworking, metalworking, and plastic cutting applications.

The saw’s design also includes integrated carry handles, making it convenient to transport the tool from one location to another. These handles are well-positioned and ergonomically designed, ensuring a comfortable grip and easy movement.

Furthermore, the miter saw is compatible with the Evolution Miter Saw Stand, providing stability and support. This compatibility expands the saw’s functionality and allows for more efficient and precise cutting.

Evolution Miter Saw R185SMS+ Performance

Evolution R185SMS+ Miter Saw

Image credit: Evolution Power Tools

The Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ delivers exceptional performance, making it a reliable choice for various cutting tasks. Its powerful 10A hi-torque motor, coupled with an optimized gearbox and blade system, provides the necessary cutting power to easily tackle various materials.

One standout feature is the laser guidance system, which ensures accurate and precise cuts. The laser helps users align the blade with the cutting line, resulting in clean and straight cuts every time. This feature is handy when working on high-precision and accuracy projects.

The sliding functionality of the miter saw allows for increased cutting capacity and flexibility. It enables users to make longer cross-cuts, making it suitable for working with larger workpieces. The smooth sliding action ensures consistent and controlled cuts throughout the entire length of the material.

The adjustable depth of cut feature is another advantage of this miter saw. It allows users to customize the cutting depth according to their specific needs. Whether you need to make shallow cuts or go deeper into the material, the adjustable depth stop makes it easy to achieve the desired results.

The Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ also offers nine positive miter stops, allowing for quick and accurate angle adjustments. These stops enable users to set common cutting angles effortlessly, improving efficiency and reducing the time spent on manual adjustments.

When it comes to power and speed, this miter saw delivers excellent results. The 10A motor provides ample power to cut through various materials, including wood, mild steel, non-ferrous metals, and plastic. The optimized gearbox and blade system ensure efficient power transfer and smooth and consistent cuts.

The Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ performs excellently. Its power, precision, and versatility make it suitable for professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you’re working on woodworking projects, metalworking tasks, or plastic cutting applications, this miter saw delivers reliable performance and consistently accurate cuts.

Cutting Capacity

Evolution R185SMS+ Miter Saw

Image credit: Evolution Power Tools

The Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ offers a versatile cutting capacity, allowing you to efficiently tackle a wide range of projects. It provides both width and depth capacities that cater to various materials and cutting angles.

In terms of cross-cut capacity, this miter saw can handle materials up to 8-1/4 inches wide and 2-1/4 inches thick when cutting at a 90-degree angle. This ample cross-cut capacity makes it suitable for cutting large boards, trim pieces, and other similar-sized workpieces.

Regarding bevel cuts, the Evolution R185SMS+ can handle materials up to 8-1/4 inches wide and 1-1/2 inches thick when tilted at a 45-degree angle. This capability allows for bevel cuts commonly used in crown molding and other angled cuts.

The miter capacity of the R185SMS+ is equally impressive. It can make miter cuts up to 5-3/4 inches wide and 2-1/4 inches thick when the blade is angled at 45 degrees to the left or right. This versatility enables you to work on various projects that require angled cuts, such as picture frames, furniture, and trim work.

For compound cuts, where both the bevel and miter angles are combined, the R185SMS+ can handle materials up to 5-3/4 inches wide and 1-1/2 inches thick. This capacity allows for complex angled cuts, making it suitable for more intricate woodworking or metalworking projects.

In addition to its width and depth capacities, the Evolution R185SMS+ handles different materials. It can cut through hardwood, softwood, and even wood with embedded nails. It can also cut mild steel, non-ferrous metals like copper, and various plastics such as acrylic and drainage tubing.

It’s important to note that the R185SMS+ is not recommended for cutting hardened high carbon, coated, and stainless steel. However, it can handle a wide range of other materials with efficiency and precision.

The cutting capacity of the Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ is impressive and versatile. Its ability to handle different materials and its wide cross-cut, bevel, miter, and compound-cut capacities make it a valuable tool for various woodworking, metalworking, and plastic-cutting applications.

Ease of Use and Safety Features Evolution

Evolution R185SMS+ Miter Saw

Image credit: Evolution Power Tools

This miter saw is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The setup process is straightforward, and the adjustments are easy to make. The clear miter scale and positive stops allow for quick and accurate angle settings. The included user manual provides clear instructions and guidance. The controls and adjustments are intuitive, enabling users to easily make accurate and consistent cuts.

The Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ has several safety features. It has blade guards to protect users from accidental contact with the blade. The saw also features a safety switch for added protection. Additionally, it includes a dust collection bag and a dust port adaptor for use with vacuum extraction, ensuring a cleaner and safer working environment.

Additional Features

Miter Saw

Image credit: Evolution Power Tools

This miter saw comes with several notable additional features. The laser-guided precision helps achieve straight-line cutting accuracy. The 3-piece clamp system provides faster and more accurate adjustments. Integrated carry handles make it easy to transport the saw, and the 10ft power cable eliminates the need for extension leads. These features enhance the overall usability and convenience of the saw.

What’s the Alternative?

Milwaukee 6955-20 Miter Saw

Image credit: Milwaukee

When considering alternatives to the Milwaukee Sliding Dual Bevel Miter Saw 6955-20, the Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ emerges as a notable option. While the Milwaukee 6955-20 excels with its powerful motor, digital miter angle readout, and dual jobsite lights, the R185SMS+ offers distinct advantages in portability and versatility. Weighing under 20 lbs compared to the Milwaukee’s 65 lbs, the R185SMS+ is significantly lighter, enhancing ease of transport and storage without sacrificing cutting power. It features a 10A motor capable of cutting wood, mild steel, and plastics, supported by a laser guidance system, adjustable depth of cut, and nine positive miter stops for precise adjustments. Additionally, it includes essential accessories like a premium TCT blade and dust collection bag, adding value to its offering.

While the Milwaukee 6955-20 boasts advanced features such as a digital miter angle readout and superior dust collection, the Evolution R185SMS+ stands out for its lighter build and comprehensive cutting capabilities across multiple materials. Whether for professional use or DIY projects, the R185SMS+ combines portability, precision, and robust performance, making it a compelling alternative in the market of sliding compound miter saws.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+?

The Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ is a reliable and versatile miter saw with excellent cutting performance and accuracy. Its multi-material cutting capability and powerful motor make it suitable for a variety of projects. While the cutting capacity may be limited for larger tasks, it excels in smaller to medium-sized projects. The included additional features, such as the laser guidance and clamp system, further enhance the overall user experience. With its durable construction and 3-year limited warranty, this miter saw provides good value for money. If you are looking for a compact, portable, and efficient miter saw for your cutting needs, the Evolution Power Tools Compound Sliding Miter Saw Plus R185SMS+ is worth considering.

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