In our article we will talk about metal chop saws – it will be detailed information that helps people to make a proper choice of tools for cutting metal. These data can save money and time definitely after reading them.
So, in our opinion, the Evolution S355CPSL is the best chop saw for metal since it almost hasn’t drawbacks among other competitors. Let’s view it below in our list.
- 1. Evolution S355CPSL – Heavy Duty 14 Inch Metal Cutting Chop Saw W/ 14 Inch Carbide-Tipped Blade
- 2. Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 7-1/4-Inch TCT Multipurpose Cutting Chop Saw
- 3. DEWALT Chop Saw 14-Inch (D28730)
- 4. PORTER-CABLE Chop Saw 15-Amp 14-Inch (PCE700)
- 5. DEWALT Chop Saw Quick-Change 14-Inch (D28715)
- 6. Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 15-Inch Steel Cutting Chop Saw, Blue
- 7. DEWALT Metal Cutting Saw, 14-Inch (DW872)
- Chop Saws For Metal Buyer’s Guide
- 1. Portability and size
- 2. Power of engine
- 3. Speed
- 4. Type of blade
- 5. Change of blade
- 6. Fence
- 7. Spark deflectors
- 8. Safety features
- 9. Warranty and price
- FAQ
- Can you cut metal with a chop saw?
- What kind of saw cut through metal?
- Can we apply a metal blade to a chop saw?
- Final thoughts
1. Evolution S355CPSL – Heavy Duty 14 Inch Metal Cutting Chop Saw W/ 14 Inch Carbide-Tipped Blade
Technical features:
- Blade Material – Metal, Steel, Stainless
- Surface Recommendation – Wood, Metal
- Power Source – Corded Electric
- Power: 15 amp-hours corded
- Speed: 1450 rpm
- Cutting Angle: 45 degrees
The Evolution S355CPSL model features a powerful 15 amp motor and a speed of about 1450 RPM. Meanwhile, such tools can have carbide-tipped blades. It is important to note that the construction of the device is robust and reliable.
It is important to note that the construction of the device is robust and reliable.
So, this chop saw includes a V-block to fix rectangular stock in an angular position to last the life of the tool. The circular saw doesn’t have such functions.
To know how Evolution works we can give you several examples. For instance, it can make cuts to 11 gauge tubing 2*1.5 without any effort. Also, the model allows cutting 3-inch square tubing of 1/4″.
Well, does it include carbide tipped blade? Another example is that it could cut a 2*2 square stock of mild metal. So, let’s go further to see more details about it.
The brand also contains required features such as a quick-release material clamp, a set of a wrench, and a chip tray. These characteristics improve the performance of the device.
Apart from it, the metal cutting chop saw makes cuts of such materials as iron, aluminum, and steel. The tool is the best choice for cutting tough sections without burrs in our review. Also, it doesn’t produce any sparks when you are making cuts with it.
2. Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 7-1/4-Inch TCT Multipurpose Cutting Chop Saw
Technical features:
- Blade Material – Aluminum, Steel
- Surface Recommendation – Aluminum, Plastic
- Power Source – Corded Electric
- Power: 10 amp-hours corded
- Speed: 3,500 rpm
- Weight: 19 pounds
Consumers can check out the Evolution brand since it is a solid and reliable tool with a metal cutting blade. If compared to the device with the circular saw the Rage4 is not so powerful but this is a nice match for the 7¼-inch tungsten-tipped blade.
So, what is a more, difference compared with a circular saw?
The blade of the device is pretty versatile since it may cut wood like wood chop saws or metals like metal saws.
Note that the maximum thickness of the material is only ¼ inch however the device could saw sections up to 4 inches across.
Also, this metal saw produces few sparks and very little heat. Apart from it, the tool is lightweight that’s why you can carry and store it easily. So, the model of the metal saw is a nice choice.
3. DEWALT Chop Saw 14-Inch (D28730)
Technical features:
- Blade Material – Metal
- Surface Recommendation – Metal
- Power Source – Corded Electric
- Power: 15 amp-hours corded
- Wattage: 2300 watts
- Cutting Angle: 45 degrees
So, this model of metal cutting saw has abrasive blades, and also it is featured an engine of 15 amp which allows cutting round and square stocks.
The manufacturer gives 1 year of free service, a 3-year warranty, and also returns the money within 90 days if it works poorly.
Hence, this brand of metal cutting saw includes in its package an abrasive wheel that’s why people can begin the work at once after unpacking.
By the way, do you know that some similar devices use a carbide-tipped blade? But as for our hero, the range of cut material is from railroad spikes to flat bars and angle iron.
Overall, the DeWalt provides excellent performance and makes clean and straight cuts indeed. It is one of the most powerful metal-cutting saws in our review.
4. PORTER-CABLE Chop Saw 15-Amp 14-Inch (PCE700)
Technical features:
- Blade Material – Metal, Steel
- Surface Recommendation – Metal
- Power Source – Corded Electric
- Power: 15 amp-hours corded
- Speed: 3,800 rpm
- Weight: 32 pounds
This model is an excellent metal cutting saw which is featured a powerful motor of 15 amps and a speed of 3800 RPM.
The Porter-Cable metal cutting saw is lightweight and also provides excellent performance among its rivals.
Although the model cannot include somehow ergonomic features its price of it makes the tool the best metal-cutting saw for the money.
The range of its performance is wide as it works on tube steel to rebar and extrusions.
So, this metal cutting tool includes the abrasive wheel which helps to begin the job with different materials.
5. DEWALT Chop Saw Quick-Change 14-Inch (D28715)
Technical features:
- Blade Material – Metal
- Surface Recommendation – Metal
- Power Source – Corded Electric
- Power: 15 amp-hours corded
- Speed: 4500 rpm
- Weight: 20,3 kg
Generally, this model is featured with a powerful engine which has 15 amps and that’s why the consumers can use it even when overloading.
Such a metal cutting saw is very solid and more durable than other metal cutting chop tools indeed.
So, if summarize, the DeWalt model is made for fast application with a keyless blade change system, a speedy lock vise, and finally with a fast fence regulating system.
Also, the tool has a steel base which allows working with larger metal pieces and so the D handle construction decreases fatigue. Well, it seems this metal-cutting saw is not bad.
6. Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 15-Inch Steel Cutting Chop Saw, Blue
Technical features:
- Blade Material – Metal, Steel
- Surface Recommendation – Metal
- Power Source – Corded Electric
- Power: 15 amp motor
- Speed: 1,450 rpm
- Weight: 55 pounds
This tool perfectly cut the metal pipe and similar materials. Apart from it, it creates very few sparks that’s why the device stays cool and it does not require special coolant. Shortly, the EVOSAW380 is one of the best chop saws.
Also, it is designed with an aluminum base that decreases the weight of the tool, however, it is not as robust and sturdy as other brands in our review.
Ok, let’s review the shortcomings of this metal cutting saw.
For instance, the device doesn’t include a quick-release on the fence clamp. As for regulations, you can do it using a set of hex wrenches and it takes some time to adjust the required functions.
So, anyway, you can apply the metal cutting saw for homework.
7. DEWALT Metal Cutting Saw, 14-Inch (DW872)
Technical features:
- Blade Material – Metal
- Surface Recommendation – Metal
- Power Source – Corded Electric
- Power: 15 amp-hours corded
- Speed: 1,300 rpm
- Weight: 47 pounds
First of all, people are seeking a reliable and solid tool that could make straight and smooth cuts without any burrs.
The metal cutting saw has to provide minimal pressure on the handle depending on the cut material.
This model is featured with 14-inch carbide blade, 15-amp motor, and 1300 RPM and it is similar to the Makita LC1230 in its characteristics.
We conclude that the DW872 is an excellent choice for householders and DIY men.
As for drawbacks, we need to note the following points: the weak grip of the clamp fence and the poor range of the angled mechanism.
Besides it, if comparing prices, Dewalt is more expensive than its rivals. Well, soon we will view other chop saws.
Anyway, this metal saw of a famous brand is loved by many users although they yet don’t apply its competitors.
Chop Saws For Metal Buyer’s Guide
Such power tools as above may be fickle, that’s why consumers should see a variety of factors to understand that name, this product is fit to cut metal.
Hence, many things are important in the process of making cuts. Our experts gave a detailed review of it below the article. After that, you can realize what are the best metal chop saws. Don’t forget, this article is about the best metal cutting saws.
1. Portability and size
Generally, most metal chop saws have similar sizes however they are not all the same as portable. For example, some of them are cordless and others are corded, although their power can differ.
By the way, some models include abrasive wheels as circular saws. The abrasive wheels are an amazing tool for cutting material clean and precise.
If you are a professional user probably you will need a heavier-duty model. Also, the best chop saws should have comfortable handles for carrying it easier.
Besides it, special locking down pin is a useful part of the device since it makes shipment more secure.
Ok, while you don’t buy the saw, determine the space of usage.
2. Power of engine
Let us remind you that the engine power depends on the corded and cordless type of metal chop saw. To cut the metal effortlessly, people need a powerful motor in the metal chop saw. Specialists consider that the engine needs to have not less than 15 amps and 4 HP.
Overall, corded brands are considered to be more powerful and this thing regards other similar tools like cold cut saws, circular saws, band saws, and miter saws. By the way, some power tools like band saws include porter cable.
It is important to note that the engine power should be high however as for blade speed it can be discussed below.
3. Speed
Are speedy metal chop saws better than their competitors? Frankly speaking, the best metal chop saw may not have a certain power or speed however it should have what’s perfect for people.
Higher speed makes the cutting process quicker however it is necessary to take a pace when you cut rougher materials like metal. But keep in mind that higher speed could produce more sparks. Hence, the proper speed of the user’s metal chop saw blade differs from the kind of blade and soon we will see this information in the next block of our article.
People should know that RPM is revolutions per minute and the higher the number the speeder the cutting. Experts tell that the value is 1450 RPM is a good baseline and also it does not matter about the quickest speed since the more important thing is what users are cutting. So, later you will know more about metal cutting tools.
4. Type of blade
Specialists say that consumers need to pay attention to the type of blade. A typical metal chop saw applies the abrasive blade or the cold cut blade. Just keep in mind this factor when you buy the best chop saw for metal.
If tell about abrasive blades we need to note that their usage requires a more heavy-handed way to the surface. And also it will produce more sparks that in turn leads to applying a deflector and cooling process.
So, when you finish your job with an abrasive blade keeps in mind the surface will be very hot. If you don’t want to take such effect, consider a cold-cut chop saw. This power tool can be a reliable decision. Soon you will know more about the metal cutting saws.
Ok, we already said that the cold cut chop saw decreases sparks but it is necessary to add that this type of blade does not have high friction, and hence you can do your job speeder and save time while applying the cold saw blade. In conclusion, it is easy material cutting.
Another remarkable difference between the above 2 types of the blade is maintenance. When an abrasive chop saw blade becomes dull it immediately is moved in the trash but as for a cold blade you can sharpen it and the last chop saw life.
Both kinds of blades perform the same method but we need to mention they affect the size of speed.
So, a metal cutting chop saw with an abrasive blade performs at higher speeds, therefore the higher friction and more sparks from its activity but a cold blade are not so fast. The cutting edge on an abrasive wheel can provide 3800 RPM while the cold saw is lower.
The type of cold saw blades is perfectly fit for delicate performance and smooth finishing if compare with abrasive wheel blades. So, it doesn’t require a spark deflector at all. By the way, in other articles, you can read about miter saw.
It doesn’t matter what material you will be cutting, so the range is wide from plastic to cutting wood. Probably for these you will need portable band saws.
We need to note that it is rather better to buy high-quality chop saw blades as they make cuts easier and also have a long blade life than the alternative one. The material of chop saws should be composed of tungsten carbide. Well, don’t forget to use a spark deflector it especially is needed in a miter saw.
5. Change of blade
It is necessary to note most chop saws and other types as well are equipped with various kinds of blades since users need one to cut thick metal, one to make cuts from mild steel and get through angle iron, and so on.
It seems that consumers would like to have the possibility to change the blades in power tools faster and easily saving much time and nerves. To do it, you will need a typical quick-lock vise.
You can find a lot of chop saws that have cutting discs easily changed. Usually, it is made with a wrench or a key however some of the models can be used without them. For example Porter Cable PCE700.
6. Fence
Keep in mind that the best metal chop saw is very versatile and that’s why it is outfitted with a fence. The element helps users to place cutting metal at the required angle. So, it is better if the saw has a quick-release support fence.
7. Spark deflectors
These components allow for protecting your body from sparks. They are blade guards that also help keep users’ fingers away from the toothed blade. Anyway, the spark deflector is a blade guard.
It is especially important to use such protectors when consumers make cuts with an abrasive blade but people can apply them even with a cold blade. Meanwhile, you should know what affects blade life.
8. Safety features
Apart from the spark deflector, other safety features are a special metal chip tray and a blade guard. The first one collects the metal chips after ending the work. By the way, a chop saw can make cuts from metal pipes.
So, we can tell you about other safety features for example an auto-switch-off makes the performance safer. Also, you should apply safety goggles to protect your eyes and keep away from sparks and metal chips. By the way, don’t forget to read about Porter cable PCE700 this is an excellent power tool.
So, specialists consider that it is important to start the tool softly without a rough hitch. Otherwise, the device can make kickback of the cutting metals. And soft start will protect users and also take the strain off.
9. Warranty and price
As you can know, chop saws can be purchased at different prices. It is related to the brand or the construction. Some are designed with robust steel and others are made from cast iron. Hence, the price differs depending on the above factors. In our list, the price can be closer to 500$ or lower than 200$.
So, we advise you not to select the chop saw only based on the price. Since a robust tool will give you more advantages than an inexpensive machine that will need repair and replacement soon. Well, it should be a balance of the price and quality when you buy the saw.
I say about warranty, we recommend looking for the tool with long one although a 1-year warranty is typically offered by manufacturers. This is a good thing and criterion when you like to purchase the saw.
Besides it, there is a money-back guarantee policy, which typically lasts up to 90 days. It helps to select the required model without rushing and make the right choice.
FAQ
Can you cut metal with a chop saw?
Yes, you can. We recommend you read all our articles to choose the right model for cutting metal materials. We are sure that this information helps you in this deal.
What kind of saw cut through metal?
In this case, you can use a cold blade saw or abrasive blade saw and carbide tipped blade saw. Both ones have their advantages you can get the above in our article, for example, large motor power.
Can we apply a metal blade to a chop saw?
Yes, we can do it without any problems. For instance, users can apply carbide-tipped blades of a chop saw as they are powerful and fast. Metal blades produce little sparks and make cleaner and smoother cuts.
Final thoughts
So, our choice is the Evolution S355CPSL. It is the best chop saw for its price and features. Also, it has many benefits compared with other models and brands and almost hasn’t shortcomings. Hope, our article will help you to decide what tool you will prefer to buy. If you have any questions leave comments and share the information with your friends.
Check also the Best beginner miter saw and Best chainsaw for firewood cutting.
The purchase of the first saw is usually followed by the purchase of the second one. When I realized that I am getting too interested in this topic, I started working as a salesman in this store. I learned a lot of new information every day.
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