Product · Evolution Power Tools
Evolution R185SMS-Li: 185 mm cordless slider, bare
Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
The R185SMS-Li is a compact cordless sliding mitre saw from Evolution, built for DIYers and small trades who want to cut wood, metal and plastic with one blade. It runs on Erbauer's EXT battery system, which is sold separately. The selling point is that multi-material TCT blade, which lets you cut steel angle or aluminium trim on the same saw you use for skirting.
- Blade
- 185 mm
- Battery system
- Erbauer EXT (sold separately)
- Cut capacity at 90 degrees
- 210 x 58 mm
- In the box
- Saw, blade, 3 clamps, dust bag
In its favour
- Listed 210 by 58 mm cross-cut capacity, plus 45 degree bevel and 50 degree mitres.
- Multi-material TCT blade cuts wood, metal and plastic.
- LED worklight casts a shadow cut line, and a 3 year UK warranty is listed.
Good to know
- Battery and charger are sold separately and only fit the Erbauer EXT system.
- Smaller capacity than the 216 and 305 mm saws.
Our take
Capacity and cut quality
Evolution lists a 210 x 58 mm crosscut capacity, which it says is deeper than the corded R185SMS model. The saw makes sliding bevel cuts from 0 to 45 degrees, mitres from 50 degrees left to 50 degrees right, and compound cuts. An LED worklight casts a shadow of the blade onto the workpiece to show the line.
In practical terms, 210 x 58 mm covers skirting, architrave, cladding, decking boards and small section timber. Wider shelving boards and thick posts need a larger saw.
Multi-material cutting
The supplied 185 mm TCT blade is rated for wood, metal and plastic. For anyone who works on sheds, garden structures or fit outs with metal trim, that versatility saves owning a separate metal saw. The listing mentions ambidextrous handles, which help left handed users.
Included are three clamps, a dust bag and a dust port adaptor for connecting a vacuum.
Battery and warranty
The motor is rated at 850 W and runs on the Erbauer EXT battery, which is not included and limits your choice of platform. If you already own Erbauer tools, that is ideal; if not, you are buying into a smaller battery system just for this saw.
Evolution offers a three year limited warranty, valid only for UK purchases. The listing gives a weight of 10.1 kg, light for a sliding saw.
Other cordless sliders
The Einhell TE-SM 36/210 offers more capacity at 310 x 65 mm on PXC packs. The Metabo KGS 18 LTX BL 216 comes with a battery and charger, a simpler start for those without packs. The Evolution remains the only one here aimed squarely at cutting metal as well as wood.
Verdict
Pick the R185SMS-Li if you own Erbauer EXT batteries or want a light, portable saw that cuts metal and plastic as well as wood. For more width, the Einhell TE-SM 36/210 suits PXC owners, and the Metabo KGS 18 LTX BL 216 is the easier start with a battery included.
Compared with alternatives in: Best cordless mitre saws
Amazon listing title: Evolution Power Tools R185SMS-Li Cordless Sliding Mitre Saw with Multi-Material Cutting, 45° Bevel, 50° Mitre, 850W - Includes 185MM TCT Blade, 3 Year Warranty, Black/Orange, (064-0001)