starting up

[Stretch]

I've been in the trade for the last 13 years and I've owned a rail saw for the last 10 years. It's one tool that no kitchen fitter can do without.

The choice is yours - Festool, DeWalt, Mafell - it's what you feel comfortable using. Personally I don't like the hinged action of the Fes and DeWalt but as I've only ever used and got used to my Mafell it's not for me to comment. Festool prices are fixed, as I'm led to believe so internet shopping is pointless but you can get good deals on other brands.

Mitre saws.....go big, 300mm blade will just about cut 170mm plinths if you ever install Howdens crap but look at shelling out around £600 or so of your hard earned...

I'm surprised you've coped for 10 years with basic kit. If ever a tool makes my life easier then I'll buy it regardless of whether the job can afford it or not as it will pay for itself long term. As my customer said to me this week, "You seem to have a tool for every job". Of course I do...even a radial arm wet cutting saw for porcelain floor tiles. You have to own kit like this to be credible as a kitchen fitter unless you want to sub out all the menial tasks to other trades and then you have to rely on them being there when they say they will.

Good luck.