Are you looking for a chop saw that can tackle any job? If so, then the Metal Chop Saw is definitely worth considering. This powerful and versatile tool is designed to make quick and precise cuts in metal materials, making it an invaluable asset for anyone who works with metal regularly. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the features of the Metal Chop Saw and discuss why it’s one of the best choices on the market today. So read on to find out if this saw is right for your needs!
BEST METAL CUTTING CHOP SAW 2024
Evolution Power Tools RAGE5
- The 15A optimised gearbox and blade system increases motor and blade life to cut through a variety of materials including steel, aluminium, wood, even wood with embedded nails and plastic, all with just one blade that comes included with this table saw.
- Rip cutting, assisted by an adjustable, full-length, parallel fence with measuring rail guide ensures reliable smooth square cutting every time. Set the blade to the desired angle up to 45 degrees bevel tilt and up to 60 degrees miter which covers all common cutting angles.
- Raise and lower the blade height for trench cuts with this folding table saw. Achieve 3-1/4 in. depth of cut at 90° and 2-1/4 in. depth of cut at 45° bevel.
- The included 28T Japanese TCT saw blade (tungsten carbide tipped blade) allows the table saw to cut effortlessly through steel, aluminium, wood with embedded nails, plastic and more
- For added safety, the included push stick offers safer operation when handling off cuts and the huge saw table features left and right table extensions to support wide work-pieces with a table surface area of 47-1/4 x 25-3/16 inch.
Evolution Power Tools is a unique brand in that it is one of the few companies on our list that truly specializes in saws and saw accessories. That said, Evolution Power Tools is definitely a bit of a baby on our list as they have only been around for about 2 decades as opposed to some others which either come close to or even actually eclipse the century mark.
Still, with an eye on versatility, the Evolution Power Tools RAGE5 provides the best all-around value out of any other items we reviewed.
When it comes to the best metal chop saws, one of the most important factors is the kind of cut that the saw makes – in regards to both the quality of the cut as well as the type of cuts that can be made. For the Evolution Power Tools RAGE5, both of those questions come back with big check marks that clearly define this as a professional, job site tool.
For instance, this one of the few metal cutting chop saws that we encountered that can make miter cuts from 0 to 45-degrees. On top of that, this unit comes mounted to a base that features adjustable rubber feet. This allows to provide a more stable cut with less vibration or divergence from the expected cut line.
Easily one of the most valuable qualities of the Evolution Power Tools RAGE5 is the fact that it can be used for such a wide variety of different projects. For instance, when it comes to the project materials themselves, this saw provides excellent versatility able to cut through wood, metal, and plastic.
That said, this is not necessarily the best saw to use to cut hardwood due to the fact that it only has a maximum RPM setting of 1450 RPMs – though this does make it ideal for harder metals as well as softer woods, providing excellent value for woodworkers and metalworkers alike.
Still, to truly get the most out of this chop saw, you will also need to pay a little bit more for the superior blade option – though the Evolution Power Tools RAGE5 still remains a great value
Pros
- Has a 15 amp motor
- Comes with a carbide tipped blade
- Has a 14” diameter
- Can cut steel, aluminum, wood, and plastic
- Is reasonably priced
- Can make miter cuts
- Has a quick-release vice
- Has a maximum 1450 RPMs
- Has rubber feet
Cons
- Not ideal for hardwood
- Best blade for saw sold separately
PORTER-CABLE 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
PORTER-CABLE is by far one of the oldest companies on our list with a storied history that stretches back over a century.
On top of that, PORTER-CABLE has been in the business of manufacturing power tools since the beginning – though it quickly transitioned from specific power tool specialties to power tools more generally.
Still, PORTER-CABLE has been known for quality and innovation throughout the length of its history and, despite being purchased by Black+Decker/Stanley Tool, remains a fairly decent quality brand. That said, PORTER-CABLE is definitely more of a mid-tier power tool manufacturer which is why it is a veritable steal as our Best Price Budget metal chop saw.
One thing to keep in mind is that the PORTER-CABLE PCE 700 is not necessarily as focused as perhaps some of the other more specialized products that we reviewed. As such, this saw is not truly intended to be used exclusively for the service of materials that require slower cuts like metal and plastic.
Instead, this saw is intended to serve as a modified miter saw that is also designed to accommodate saw blades meant for either metal or masonry of an abrasive nature. In fact, were it not for the inclusion of another metal chop saw on our list, the PORTER-CABLE PCE700 could very well have been our best abrasive chop saw.
In times past, PORTER-CABLE was known for excellent quality and a high degree of durability. While those qualities remain, one of the qualities that PORTER-CABLE has never truly been known for is convenience to the user.
That said, this item seems to be a complete reversal from the previous method of product design that PORTER-CABLE employed. For instance, every aspect of this machine that needs to be adjusted, changed, or released can be done quickly with virtually all auxiliary functions held in place by springs.
On top of the easy adjustments, the PORTER-CABLE PCE 700 also comes with a heavy-duty steel base to provide additional durability–though it will need to be mounted to reduce vibration.
Pros
- Is the least expensive item reviewed
- Has a 15 amp motor
- Has a maximum 3800 RPMs
- Has heavy-duty steel base
- Can make miter cuts
- Has a 14” diameter
- Has a quick-release clamp
- Has a quick-change spindle lock
- Is the lightest metal chop saw reviewed
Cons
- Has more vibration that most
- Vice not very stable
DEWALT D28715
- Powerful 15 amp/5.5 HP (maximum motor HP) motor of the chop saw provides more overload capacity, increasing performance and durability
- QUIK-CHANGE keyless blade change system of the metal chop saw increases productivity by providing the user the ability to change wheels without a wrench
- Exclusive QUICK-FENCE of the metal cutting saw is a 45-degree, adjustable fence designed for fast and accurate angle cuts without using a wrench
- 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 increasing productivity
Though DeWalt may not necessarily be the oldest company on our list, it has still been around for 9 decades. On top of that, DeWalt is also one of the power tool brands that got its start making various types of circular saws. That said, DeWalt quickly Diversified and focused on other categories.
On top of that, DeWalt is one of the companies that, when purchased by Black+Decker/Stanley Tools, saw its quality temporarily decrease as their manufacturing was shipped offshore to China. Still, DeWalt has now been rebranded as the professional grade brand in the Black+Decker/Stanley Tools catalog and has produced our best abrasive metal chop saw
One thing to keep in mind when choosing a chop saw is that there are ultimately different types of chop saws depending on what you are cutting. Considering that chop saws are not truly meant to be used for cutting wood–as there are already loads of different power saws made for that purpose – it is a better idea to look for the product that cuts metal, masonry, and maybe even plastic.
As such, the fact that the DEWALT D28715 is explicitly designed to use an abrasive saw blade only further reinforces its role as a traditional style chop saw. On top of that, the abrasive saw blade is made of aluminum oxide which provides a great deal of friction to grind away the metal or masonry.
One thing to keep in mind that uses an abrasive saw blade is that they take longer to cut through the material. This is due in a large part to the grinding action over the cutting action, though this does result in a clean cut.
Still, if you are going to be using the DEWALT D28715 for longer periods than other models due to the grinding action, then it only makes sense for you to look for a product that is also designed to be used for extended periods of time without issue.
In this regard, this chop saw meets these demands fully. For instance, it features an ergonomic design as well as various quick-action adjustable functions to help speed up the process as much as possible.
Pros
- Is reasonably priced
- Has a 15 amp motor
- Has a 14” diameter
- Has a Quick-Lock clamp
- Is ergonomically designed
- Can make miter cuts
- Has a maximum 3800 RPMs
- Comes with an aluminum oxide abrasive saw blade
- Has a quick-change spindle lock
Cons
- Not the most precise
- The blade guard is frustrating to use
MK Morse CSM9NXTB 9-Inch
- CIRC SAW 9" NXT
- CIRC SAW 9" NXT
- CIRC SAW 9" NXT
- CIRC SAW 9" NXT
- CIRC SAW 9" NXT
Of the different brands that we reviewed, MK Morse is the only one we saw that actually does not specialize in power tools to any degree. In fact, MK Morse instead focuses on manufacturing high-end saw blades for virtually every type of saw available.
That being the case, it is surprising that the MK Morse CSM9NXTB is not only exceptionally well made. If you are looking for a chop saw that can also perform serviceably in a number of other capacities, this is likely your best option.
By far one of the best qualities about the MK Morse CSM9NXTB is that it comes in a multitude of different sizes. While the largest size is liable to be the most popular, there are actually benefits to getting a smaller chop saw as well.
For instance, with the larger chop saws, unless the tool is well built, there is a good chance that the blade will wiggle a little bit – often less than 1/64” – which will ultimately make the cut slightly off. A smaller saw will also ultimately have less power and produce less vibration. As such, a smaller chop saw will be able to provide a more accurate cut than a larger, more powerful saw, all other things being equal.
Of course, the chop saw itself must provide something special if we are going to award it the Editor’s Choice Best Performing metal chop saw on our list.
The MK Morse CSM14MB definitely goes above and beyond in that it provides a type of cut that none of the other items we reviewed do: a bevel.
While a miter cut is still cutting at a right angle against one of the faces of the workpiece, a bevel cut opens a whole new world of project possibilities – especially in regards to projects that include metal pieces.
This is because the MK Morse CSM9NXTB uses a cold-cut blade which may or may not be suitable for certain types of masonry work.
Pros
- Has a 15 amp motor
- Has a maximum 2700 RPMs
- Has heavy-duty steel base
- Can make bevel and miter cuts
- Has a 14” diameter
- Has a quick-release clamp
- Has a quick-change spindle lock
- Comes in 3 different sizes
- Comes with a 72-tooth carbide blade
Cons
- Is the most expensive metal chop saw reviewed
- Not ideal for hardwood
DEWALT DW872
- Includes full manufacturer warranty
Considering that it is one of the largest, most well-known, and well-respected power tool brands on the market it should come as little surprise that it was awarded our People’s Choice Most Popular metal chop saw on our list.
That said, this product definitely aims for a niche–though in fairness, this is perhaps a bit of a misnomer as the DEWALT DW872 aims to instead provide value for as many niches as possible, meaning that it provides excellent versatility and is perhaps the best all-in-one metal cutting saw.
Much like the other DEWALT products, the DEWALT DW872 makes it a point to distinguish itself from the rest of the pack by providing a more convenient experience for the user.
One of the biggest ways that it accomplishes this is by being designed ergonomically for your use. On top of that, the various adjustments relating to the clamp, spindle, and miter are all spring-loaded to make changing them quicker and easier.
Finally, the DEWALT DW872 bucks the traditional trend and features a blade that can be used to cut a wide variety of materials, providing plenty of options for projects.
Speaking of the blade, this item differs from abrasive chop saws in that it cuts considerably more quickly. In fact, the DEWALT DW872 will cut, on average, 4 times quicker than a chop saw with an abrasive saw blade.
The blade itself features 66 teeth tipped with carbide to provide a great cutting edge–though the tooth count itself will impact this as well. This is due to the fact that the 66 tooth count is roughly the appropriate number of teeth to fall within the combination blade category.
This means that not only does the DEWALT DW872 provide versatility with the materials it can cut, it can make both cross and plunge cuts equally well.
Pros
- Has a 15 amp motor
- Has a maximum 1300 RPMs
- Can make miter cuts
- Has a 14” diameter
- Has a quick-release clamp
- Has a quick-change spindle lock
- Is ergonomically designed
- Comes with a 66-tooth carbide blade
- Has maximum cutting depth of 6 ½”
Cons
- Is expensive
- Not ideal for hardwood
Makita LC1230
- Carbide-tipped blade lasts 50x longer than abrasive wheels; cuts clean, accurate and virtually burr-free
- Quick release vise for secure material retention and fast, repeated cut-offs
- Lock-off button for user convenience
- Quick release support fence adjusts 0-45° for miter cutting
- Shaft lock for easy blade changes with just one wrench
As a corporation, Makita forms a strong showing in the regional battles with Milwaukee from the United States and Bosch from the EU all vying for the best all-around professional brand of power tools.
That said, Makita initially started as a manufacturer of electric motors for mining and eventually focused on compact motors for power tools. That history has paid off for Makita as their electric power tools are often noted for being more powerful than those of their peers.
However, a chop saw is not all about raw power, as metal requires the blade spin at much slower speeds than for hardwood and other materials. As such, Makita did the next best thing by packing the same amount of power into a smaller chop saw.
The first thing that you will notice is that the Makita LC1230 is smaller than the rest. At 12” in diameter, this item is more akin to a miter saw in terms of size than a traditional chop saw.
Still, the smaller profile does not mean that Makita skimped at all in the power department, as it comes with a 15 amp motor with a maximum RPM of 1300 to generate the kind of torque necessary to properly cut softer materials.
That said, the smaller size with the same heavy-duty power does mean that this saw is not as precise as some.
The Makita LC1230 makes a point of providing plenty of convenient features. For instance, its handle features a handy “D” shape as well as a two-finger trigger to help cut down on fatigue for those larger jobs.
On top of that, the Makita LC1230, like many of the other chop saws that we reviewed, comes with a quick-release valve to make changing it out easier. Finally, the cast aluminum base means you do not have to worry about the durability of this item.
Pros
- Has rubber feet
- Has a 15 amp motor
- Can make miter cuts
- Has a 12” diameter
- Has a maximum 1300 RPMs
- Is ergonomically designed
- Comes with a carbide blade
- Has a cast aluminum base
- Has a quick-release vice
Cons
- Is expensive
- Not the most precise
Conclusion
Overall, metal chop saws are a great tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional. They provide accuracy and precision in cutting through hard metals like steel and aluminum with ease. With the right maintenance and accessories, they can last you many years of use. When shopping around for a metal chop saw, make sure to check out all your available options before making your purchase decision – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to tools! Whether you need something lightweight or heavy duty, we hope this review has helped guide you towards finding the perfect metal chop saw that fits both your budget and needs.