What is it all about when buying the best metal chop saw and which models are suitable for beginners and those for professionals? If you can not answer these questions straight away, you should have a suitable guide at hand.

On this website, there are the appropriate answers to the above questions. You will also find information about saw blades when using the chop saw. In addition, you can find out here about the top 6 models of metal chop saws.

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Makita LC1230 12' Metal Cutting Saw, Blue

  • Weight: 2.42 lbs
  • Fits Size: 1-1/2 in
  • Size: 16 in
  • Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 10 in
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Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 7-1/4-Inch TCT Multipurpose...

  • Weight: 1.5 lbs
  • Fits Size: 1 in
  • Size: 10 in
  • Dimensions: 14 x 6 x 3 in
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PORTER-CABLE Chop Saw, 15-Amp, 14-Inch (PCE700)

  • Weight: 3.29 lbs
  • Fits Size: 3/4 to 1-1/2 in
  • Size: 6in,8in,10in,12in
  • Dimensions: 15.24 x 10.75 x 0.98 in
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DEWALT Chop Saw, Quick-Change, 14-Inch, Old Model (D28715)

  • Weight: 5.6 oun
  • Fits Size: Range of fastener sizes
  • Size: 6in,8in,10in
  • Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.1 x 0.4 in
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The 6 Best Metal Chop Saw Reviews

1. Makita LC1230 Metal Cutting Saw.

Makita LC1230 12' Metal Cutting Saw, Blue

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Makita is a Japanese company that specializes in the production of power tools. The company has been in existence since the year 1915. Apart from being in Japan, the company has branches majorly in Europe, The Americas, and in the other parts of Asia.

The product has a D-shaped handle that provides easy gripping and holding. Its handles are comfortable to use as well.

It is safe at all times since it features a lock-off button that helps to prevent accidental starting. You can only start it when you are ready to use it!

The saw cuts four times faster than any other metal cutting saw. That is because of its superior building and its designation for the work.

The product runs on a powerful 15-amp battery that uses 120V of power. Apart from that, it also has a tipped blade that is long-lasting and cost-efficient.  That feature also provides a clean and accurate cutting.

The guide o the saw adjusts between zero and forty-five degrees for easy and quick miter cutting. That leads to ease of work under the scope of this product.

It is light, and you can move it around with a lot of ease.

Why this product?

It is an efficient metal cutting saw, with superior performance as compared to other saws in the same class.

“Pros”
  • The handle is comfortable to hold and use.
  • It cuts four times faster than other types of saws.
“Cons”
  • It produces a lot of noise when cutting metals.

2. Evolution Power Tools RAGE4

Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 7-1/4-Inch TCT Multipurpose…
  • No coolant required and produces virtually no sparks
  • Easier to use than a hacksaw
  • Compact and portable
  • High quality construction
  • No heat build up when cutting steel

First of all, the very compact design of the Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 makes it simple to use each within the workshop and on the construction site. The centerpiece is a 1250 W (120 V) multipurpose Cutting chop saw.

Also, the maximum Cutting depths/widths are excellent. The max. Cutting depth 2″ (round). The cutting width of 3-3/4″ is also more than sufficient. With a 0°-45° (swivel clamp) inclined. mild steel Plate Thickness- Cut capacity is 1/4″.

when cutting metals, blades leave an instantly workable finish and produce no heat, burrs or sparks. this permits the material cut to be handled quickly instead of having to wait for the metal to cool down.

The blades produce very few sparks, create little heat and are an overall safer alternative to abrasives. The Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 is one of the best chop saws available on the market today in terms of Quality.

Pros
  • Easier to use than a hacksaw
  • Compact and portable
  • High-quality construction
  • No heat buildup when cutting steel
Cons
  • Quite expensive

3. Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380

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Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 15-Inch Steel Cutting Chop…
  • Dry metal cutting Chop saw; cuts metal with minimal heat or sparks and doesn’t require coolant
  • 1800 watt / 15 amp motor with high torque gearbox; reduces motor load and improves steel cutting…
  • Heavy duty cast aluminum base; for industrial metal cutting
  • Outperforms abrasive saws; faster cutting & long blade life averages 1000 cuts in 2 in x 2 in mild steel
  • Cold cut saw; cuts metal with minimal heat and burrs, leaving a workable finish

The Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 is an extremely powerful 1800 watt / 15-amp motor and 14″ Mild Steel Cutting blade. Of course, it is also equipped with a traction function, which, in combination with the powerful motor and the large saw blade, provides above-average values ​​in relation to the cutting depth/width. Fast action swivel vice enables cuts to be made from 0-45º.

The saw build by Heavy-duty cast aluminum base for industrial metal cutting which is 1000 cuts in 2 in x 2 in mild steel.  This Evolution power tools extremely cut metal with minimal heat or sparks and doesn’t require coolant.

The steel blade can cut through 6” of 1/2-inch-thick mild steel plate in 12 seconds. This chop saw is Ideal for cutting steel plate, square tube, round pipe, scaffolding, I-beams, angle iron, cladding, and sheet metals. A pull-out collection tray makes it easy to dispose of metal chips.

Pros
  • Faster cutting & long blade life
  • Cuts metal with minimal heat and burrs
  • Heavy-duty cast aluminum base
  • Doesn’t require coolant
Cons
  • Somewhat more expensive

4. DEWALT D28710

DEWALT Chop Saw, 14-Inch (D28710)
  • 15 amp/4HP (maximum motor HP) motor provides overload protection, increasing performance, and durability,…
  • Spindle Lock allows user to make wheel changes quickly and easily, On-board wheel change wrench allows…
  • Ergonomically designed “D” handle provides a more comfortable hand position, reducing fatigue, 45-degree…
  • High performance aluminum oxide grain wheels provides for long life, fast cutting, and smoother running…
  • 15 Amps, Tool Length: 18-3/16 in, Wheel Arbor: 1 in, Max Capacity (Rectangular): 4″ x 7-5/8 in

With a capacity of 15.0 Amp/4.0 HP (maximum motor HP) motor, the DEWALT D28710 14-Inch Abrasive Chop Saw performs excellently. The chop saw is quick and easy to adjust and delivers perfect cutting results at all times. It has an ergonomically designed “D” handle that provides a more comfortable hand position.

The Quick-Lock Vise allows for fast clamping on different size and the 45-degree pivoting fence allows for fast and accurate angle cuts. It has High-performance aluminum oxide grain wheels that provide for long life, fast cutting, and smoother running wheels.

Pros
  • Long life, fast cutting, and smoother running wheels
  • The 45-degree pivoting fence allows for fast and accurate angle cuts
  • Ergonomically designed “D” handle provides a more comfortable hand position.
Cons
  • Very costly than other models

5. PORTER-CABLE PCE700

PORTER-CABLE Chop Saw, 15-Amp, 14-Inch (PCE700)
  • 15 Amp, 3,800 Rpm Motor With Replaceable Brushes Provides Power And Durability For The Chop Saw
  • Quick-Release Material Clamp Of The Metal Chop Saw Allows For Easy Material Cutting And Removal
  • Cutting Fence With Miter Adjustment Of The Metal Cutting Saw Allows Up To 45 Degree Angles To Be Cut
  • Spark Deflector Provides Safety And Clear Line Of Sight For Cutting

The very powerful motor with 15 Amp, 3,800 RPM ensures excellent performance. Larger cuts are no problem for the PORTER-CABLE PCE700 chop saw. This is due to the high cutting capacity of up to 45-degree angles to be cut.

It offers a spark deflector that provides safety and a clear line of sight for cutting, along with a heavy-duty steel base to provide stability while cutting. It also has a spindle lock for easy blade changes.

Pros
  • Quick-release material clamp
  • Heavy-duty steel base for stability
  • Spindle lock for easy blade changes
Cons
  • So far, none to quote

6. DEWALT D28715

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DEWALT Chop Saw, Quick-Change, 14-Inch, Old Model (D28715)
  • Powerful 15 amp/5.5 HP (maximum motor HP) motor of the chop saw provides more overload capacity,…
  • QUIK-CHANGE keyless blade change system of the metal chop saw increases productivity by providing the…
  • Exclusive QUICK-FENCE of the metal cutting saw is a 45-degree, adjustable fence designed for fast and…
  • QUICK-LOCK vise allows for fast clamping on different size materials to increase productivity
  • Ergonomically designed -inchD-inch handle provides a more comfortable hand position, reducing fatigue and…

The DEWALT D28715 is a fine and robustly-made chop saw has 15 amp, 5.5-horsepower motor with overload protection and a no-load speed of 4,000 rpm, this saw is powerful enough for tough applications. The saw features a 14-inch wheel and can handle rounds that measure 5 inches across or rectangular materials as large as 4-1/2 by 6-1/2 inches.

This versatile chop saw features an ergonomically designed D-shaped handle that allows you to position your hand comfortably. The Quick-Lock Vise allows you to clamp a wide variety of materials quickly and securely, allowing for faster transitions and increased efficiency.

It will do more than make 90-degree cuts, a 45-degree pivoting fence allows for fast, accurate angle cuts. It has a Quick-Change blade change system that lets users change wheels without a wrench.

Pros
  • Quick-Change blade change system lets users change wheels without a wrench
  • Powerful 15.0 Amp/5.5 hp (maximum motor hp) motor provides more overload capacity
  • 45 degree adjustable fence allows for fast and accurate angle cuts
Cons
  • Quite expensive

How To Choose The Best Metal Chop Saw

Often the research is about a purchase. To avoid a bad buy, below you will find the most important information you should consider when buying the best metal chop saw. However, this also depends on the particular project and the individual needs..

The idling speed – rpm

The idling speed gives you the information about how many revolutions per minute the saw blade completes. The increased speed increases the precision of the cutting edge. High speed is a prerequisite for accurate work. At least 3000 rpm should create your future chop saw in the test.

The train chop saw

A pull chop saw or pull chop and miter saw has a pull function. This allows you to cut very wide work pieces. By the movement of the saw head including saw blade from front to back, the implementation takes place.

With a traditional chop saw, maximum cutting widths of about 120 mm are usual, this feature achieves cutting widths of 300 mm or more, depending on the model of the saw.

Rotating sawing plate

For a horizontal miter cut a rotating plate of the saw is required. In most cases, -45 ° to + 45 ° is achieved. Professional devices have an undercut function. This allows the angle to be adjusted beyond 45 °. So undercuts are realized. For beginners and advanced users, this feature is not important, professionals cannot do without it.

Tile-able saw head

The saw head should also be adjustable in angle. This also allows you to create vertical angle cuts. Often, in the case of entry-level models, classic angles from 0 ° to 45 ° are common, covering only one direction. Thanks to their flexibility, professional implements ensure that the saw blade swivels to the left and right. No rarity here is an undercut function.

Stop rail and tension device

In a chop saw, stop rail and tension device are of great importance. In particular, the stop rail should have very accurate processing, since it is required for all machined workpieces. If the precision is 100% accurate, you have a real chance of getting a straight cut.

Adjustment screws for adjusting the saw

One very important feature is adjusting screws. These screws provide precise adjustment of the base position of the saw and its angles. Adjustment screws allow a filigree adjustment. Take a little time, because all subsequent cuts are measured by this quality.

A precise adjustment of the 0 ° of all angles is not always given in the factory and correction takes place by the adjusting screws. If the saw has a laser to mark the cutting lines, it should be adjustable. In most cases this is possible.

Extendable saw table

If you cut very long workpieces with the chop saw, the problem often arises that eg. B. Skirting at the beginning or end are in the air and sag. A precise application to the stop rail is almost impossible.

A good thing is an extendable table for sawing. As an alternative, there are also pads on each side and they are mostly inserted at the side of the table. This creates an extended table for sawing. For professional work, a special recommend base for the chop saw.

The spindle lock

For a simple, quick and safe replacement of the saw blades, the chop saw should have a spindle lock. By pressing a button, you can easily change and secure the shaft or spindle and thus the saw blade.

Fang sack for chips and suction device

The task of a catching bag for chips is to collect the sawdust that accumulates so that you always have a clear view of the work piece and the blank. Because of the passive solution, the function of these chip-collecting bags is limited in practice. An attached adapter ensures a connection to an active external extraction system. Often an industrial vacuum cleaner is already a great help. Professional tools completely forego the catch bag.

The price-performance ratio

Ultimately, the price-performance ratio should be right. A hobby handyman or people who rarely use this saw, should not spend a few hundred euros for the purchase of a chop saw.

Maximum width and depth of the cut

By specifying the maximum width of the cut, you can see how wide a piece can be to cut it. If the saw blade is not inclined, you reach the greatest width of the cut at 90 °. It is directly related to the diameter of the saw blade.

Miter cutting reduces the maximum width of the cut. Most chop saws can be rotated up to an angle of 45 °. Here it is rational to consider before the purchase also the maximum width of the cut of 45 °.

The depth or height of the cut indicates the highest value of depth or height that a workpiece may possess to be completely separated. The maximum depth of cut is again dependent on the diameter of the saw blade.

Noble saw blade

An additional very important topic is the saw blade. For application, carbide saw blade (HM) should come. You should not save on your budget here either. The saw blade creates the cut. Keep in mind: The more teeth the saw blade has, the more accurate the blanks will be and the tears will be less. Preferably buy a slightly cheaper saw and invest in noble saw blades.

The Saw Blade

A chop saw comes with a saw blade. As a rule, a universal saw blade made of carbide is included. The difference is between two different categories. So-called CV saw blades are a cheap alternative and the service life and quality are by no means high. Sufficient in any case for rough work, such as firewood cutting.

In addition, so-called carbide saw blades are offered. They convince by the higher load capacity and the higher longevity. Not only the material is crucial, but also the teeth. So that the material does not tear, small teeth are necessary for filigree work.

The rake angle is very important for the selection of the saw blade. For the woodworking, wood saw blade with forward-facing teeth is necessary. Thus, no great effort in the material is required. With a special metal saw blade, the teeth engage the metal at a flat angle.

Frequently Asked Questions?

To give you an overview, key questions on the chop saw or metal chop saws are answered below so that you can make your purchase decision easier.

What is a chop saw?

A chop saw is used wherever precision and accuracy are required. During woodworking, the practical device offers different adjustment possibilities and thus miter and saw cuts are made at the right angle.

The term ” caps ” comes from the woodworking sector, which means cutting and cutting wood. Unlike other saws, the chop saw is very precise and allows suitable cuts. The individual steps at work are greatly facilitated by the use of a chop saw and the workflow is improved.

What is an undercut function for chop saws?

An undercut can certainly be advantageous if, for example, two plates should just be connected to each other. As a result, almost no transition is visually recognizable. As an example, the first plate is cut at a right angle. The cutting of the second plate takes place at an angle of 89 °.

The air wedge thus formed only ensures an upper collision of the plates. As a rule, glue is used for filling the air wedge. The end result is an almost seamless push of the two plates. Perfect for all special, clean and fine work.

Which chop saw for laminate use?

A classic chop saw for cutting laminate is futile because of the laminate width. You should immediately use a pull miter saw. In particular, for wider boards, work pieces and laminate chop saws with traction are particularly useful.

To prevent the laminate from fraying, you need to use a powerful pull miter saw with a powerful motor and a good saw blade. Laminate requires a minimum output of 1,100 watts or higher.

Thus the sensitive laminate does not crack, one should filigree blade made of hard metal and many teeth and negative cutting angles are used. As a result, the saw blade slides cleanly and without fraying through the laminate.

How do you change the saw blade of a chop saw?

For the replacement of a saw blade, there are various possibilities. You can make the change manually with the appropriate tool or automatically with professional equipment and automatic trimming systems.

The saw blade can often be replaced manually with the spindle lock on smaller models. To change the blade, turn the appropriate tool in the required direction to remove the nut and saw the blade from the shaft.

The new saw blade must be inserted in the cutting direction. The teeth of the saw blade point in the direction of rotation. Please read the operating instructions of the chop saw and take the necessary safety instructions into account.

How is the angle of the chop saw set?

A precise angular adjustment is required to perform miter cuts on. It only takes a few steps to do this. By operating the safety lever, the saw head is brought into the individual inclination. For the right angle adjustment is a graduated scale available, which is located on the machine table.

How to build a fence for the saw?

The saw table is often already pre-drilled holes in which you can clamp attacks. If your machine does not have the required holes, a little research on the internet is necessary. The World Wide Web has articles and instructional videos on this topic. In small steps, it explains how you can create this accessory individually for your miter saw.

Conclusion

In this chop saw reviews, you have got the know-how to make a great chop saw purchase for your metal cutting. The buyer’s guide helped you to get the required background on this tool. Then you also had an introduction to the main features for selecting your saw.

Remember, the highest technologically advanced or costliest products in the market, are not for sure the best ones out there. Performance, strength, and versatility should be your primary guide factors.​ And hopefully, this will pave your way to the best metal chop saw.

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Last update on 2023-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API