Cutting a perfectly straight board, cutting a rounded shape in a worktop or making perfect angle cuts for a skirting board: every woodworking job has its saw. Between the circular saw, the jigsaw and the mitre saw, many DIYers and tradespeople in Morocco hesitate. This guide explains simply what each tool is for, how to choose the power and the blade, and what budget to plan, with the prices of saws in Morocco available at Brico MIM.
Contents
The 3 saws at a glance: what is the difference?
Before comparing models, remember one simple rule: the circular saw cuts straight and fast, the jigsaw cuts anywhere, including curves, and the mitre saw makes short cuts but with great angle precision. They don't really replace each other: they complement each other.
- Circular saw: a handheld tool with a round blade. Ideal for cutting boards and plywood, chipboard or MDF panels in straight lines.
- Jigsaw: a small straight blade that moves up and down. It follows a curved line, makes internal cut-outs (sink, socket, hatch) and works on thin pieces.
- Mitre saw: a stationary saw set on a workbench, with a pivoting head. It cross-cuts battens, skirting boards, mouldings and floorboards at the desired angle, in a repeatable way.
Circular saw: for straight cuts
The circular saw is the basic tool for anyone working wood in volume: joinery, formwork, fitting out cupboards, building a garden shed. It moves along a line or a guide and cuts long pieces quickly.
How to choose a circular saw?
- Blade diameter: it determines the cutting depth. A 185 mm blade suits the vast majority of common boards and panels; a 235 mm blade lets you cut thicker timber, such as beams.
- Power: from 1200 to 1600 W for regular DIY, 2200 W for intensive use or thick hardwoods.
- Corded or cordless: the corded version offers constant power for long sessions; the cordless version is practical on site, outdoors or with no socket nearby.
Our circular saws
- TOTAL TS1121856 1200 W circular saw, 185 mm blade: from 649 DH, a good starting point for DIY.
- TOTAL TS11418526 1400 W circular saw, 185 mm blade: from 700 DH.
- TOTAL TS1161856 1600 W circular saw, 185 mm blade: from 850 DH, more power in reserve.
- TOTAL TS1222356 2200 W circular saw, 235 mm blade: from 1450 DH, for deep cuts.
- TOTAL TSLI18513 20 V cordless circular saw, 185 mm blade with 5 Ah battery: from 1500 DH.
- TOTAL TSLI4218511 42 V cordless circular saw, 185 mm blade: from 1650 DH.
Jigsaw: for cut-outs and curves
The jigsaw is often the first power saw bought for the home, and for good reason: it is light, versatile and affordable. It cuts rounded shapes, openings in a worktop for a sink or a hob, notches in a shelf, and also cuts thin plywood, PVC or some metals with the right blade.
How to choose a jigsaw?
- Cutting capacity in wood: this is the key criterion. 55 mm is enough for common panels and boards, 65 mm gives more margin, and 100 mm lets you tackle thick pieces.
- Pendulum action: the blade also moves back and forth, which speeds up cutting in wood. It is switched off for a cleaner finish or for tight curves.
- Precision: a jigsaw cuts less straight than a circular saw. For a long straight cut, guide it with a straightedge clamped to the workpiece.
Our jigsaws
- TOTAL TS2045565 400 W jigsaw, 55 mm wood cut: from 350 DH, perfect for small jobs.
- TOTAL TS206656 570 W pendulum jigsaw, 65 mm wood cut: from 450 DH.
- TOTAL TS2081006 800 W jigsaw, 100 mm wood cut: from 650 DH, for thick timber.
- TOTAL TFSLI20311 20 V Li-ion cordless jigsaw: from 900 DH.
- TOTAL TJSLI8501 20 V Li-ion cordless jigsaw (bare tool): from 850 DH, if you already have compatible batteries.
Brico MIM tip: if you can only buy one saw for the home, start with a jigsaw: it does a bit of everything. As soon as you regularly cut panels or long boards, add a circular saw. The mitre saw becomes essential for fitting skirting boards or flooring, or for making frames and furniture.
Mitre saw: for precise angle cuts
The mitre saw is the ally of finishing work. Its pivoting head lets you cut at 90° or at a precise angle (45° for a frame or a skirting board corner, for example) and repeat the same cut as many times as needed. It is widely used by joiners and installers of flooring and wood cladding.
How to choose a mitre saw?
- Blade diameter: 210 mm for battens, beading and small mouldings; 255 mm, the most versatile size; 305 mm for cutting wider and thicker boards.
- Power: from 1400 W for small sections to 1800–2400 W for regular workshop use.
- Versatility: a 2-in-1 mitre and table saw also lets you make rip cuts, useful if you lack space for two machines.
Our mitre saws
- TOTAL TS42142107 1400 W mitre saw, 210 mm blade: from 1200 DH.
- TOTAL TS42182552 1800 W mitre saw, 255 mm blade: from 2100 DH.
- TOTAL TS42183057-1 2400 W mitre saw, 305 mm blade: from 3500 DH.
- TOTAL TMS43183051 2-in-1 mitre saw and table saw, 1800 W, 305 mm blade: from 4800 DH.
On a small budget? The TOTAL THT59126 300 mm mitre box and back saw (from 98 DH) lets you cut beading and small mouldings at an angle by hand.
Comparison table and prices in Morocco
| Criterion | Circular saw | Jigsaw | Mitre saw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of cut | Straight, long, fast | Curves, internal cut-outs | Cross-cutting and precise angles |
| Typical jobs | Panels, boards, formwork | Worktops, shelves, shapes | Skirting boards, flooring, frames, mouldings |
| Precision | Good (better with a guide) | Average | Very high and repeatable |
| Mobility | Portable | Very light | Stationary (workbench) |
| Price at Brico MIM | From 649 DH | From 350 DH | From 1200 DH |
For large volumes in the workshop, there are also table saws (from 3000 DH) for rip cuts, and reciprocating saws such as the TOTAL TS100806 750 W reciprocating saw (from 700 DH) for demolition and pruning. Find the full range in our Saws and woodworking collection.
Blades, accessories and safety
Choosing the right blade
The blade matters as much as the machine. On a circular or mitre saw, a blade with few teeth cuts fast but more roughly (rough cutting, formwork); a blade with more teeth gives a cleaner cut for finishing. Always check that the blade's diameter and bore match your machine. For replacements: TOTAL TAC231415 40-tooth TCT circular saw blade (from 67 DH) or the TOTAL TAC231410 set of 2 TCT wood blades (from 90 DH).
Safety rules to follow
- Wear safety glasses, hearing protection and a dust mask.
- Unplug the machine (or remove the battery) before any blade change.
- Secure the workpiece with clamps: never hold it by hand near the blade.
- Let the blade reach full speed before cutting into the wood, and wait for it to stop completely before lifting the machine.
- Check reclaimed wood for nails or screws.
To complete your equipment, also see our guide to essential tools for the home and building site, our home renovation checklist for Morocco and, for cutting branches and logs, our guide pruning shears, hedge trimmer or chainsaw.
Frequently asked questions
Which saw should I buy first for DIY at home?
The jigsaw is the most versatile to start with: it cuts straight (with a guide), in curves and makes internal cut-outs. A model like the TOTAL 400 W jigsaw, from 350 DH, is enough for most small jobs.
Can a circular saw replace a mitre saw?
For straight cuts, yes. But for precise, repeated angle cuts (skirting boards, frames, flooring), the mitre saw is much faster and more reliable.
Corded or cordless saw: which to choose?
Corded suits long workshop sessions with constant power. Cordless is ideal on site, in the garden or where there is no socket; remember to check whether the battery and charger are included.
Do you deliver everywhere in Morocco?
Yes, Brico MIM delivers to every city in Morocco, with cash on delivery.
Find the right saw for your projects
Circular saws, jigsaws, mitre saws and blades: delivery everywhere in Morocco and cash on delivery. A question? Our team will advise you on WhatsApp.
0 comments