Best Chop Saws

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 17, 2023
These amazing tools easily cut metal objects and reinforced concrete. They are always used at any construction site or metal workshop. Both professionals and DIYers will appreciate their advantages. Meet the best chop saws from our cutting-edge review! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Power
No Load Speed
Cutting Depth
Blade Diameter
Arbor
Convenience
Safety
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS
The long lasting carbide tipped high-strength alloy blade ensures perfectly clear cuts with neither burrs nor notches.
CONS
Starting to process any object, you should slowly pull the blade down to prevent the damage.
OUR VERDICT
This Makita cutting saw is powerful and easy-to-use, and it's no surprise it's so much favored by both professionals and handymen.
detailed parameters
Type
Tabletop
Power
Corded 120 V, 15 Amps, 4 HP
No Load Speed
1300 RPM
Cutting Depth
Up to 3-1/2" (at 45°), Up to 4-1/2" (at 90°)
Blade Diameter
12"
Arbor
1"
Convenience
Convenient angle adjustment, Quick release wise, Shavings collection tray, D-shaped handle
Safety
Lock-off button preventing accidental start, Top and bottom protective disk cover, Spark guard screen
Weight
42.5 lbs
Warranty
1 year (limited)
PROS
You can use a battery for any Milwaukee M18 product in this saw. A small weight distinguishes this handheld tool from most other chop saws.
CONS
This saw is designed primarily for minor construction tasks.
OUR VERDICT
A very convenient tool to use in a large area since it's not limited by the length of a cord. It's also very maneuverable and can get to the places where you wouldn't reach another way.
detailed parameters
Type
Handheld
Power
Battery-powered 18 V
No Load Speed
3600 RPM
Cutting Depth
1/8" - up to 2"
Blade Diameter
5-3/8"
Arbor
~ 4/5"
Convenience
4-pole frameless motor, Cutting depth adjustment, Rubber grip, Front assist handle, LED light, Stainless steel shoe
Safety
Top and bottom protective disk cover, Lock-off button preventing accidental start
Weight
4.3 lbs
Warranty
5 years
PROS
The pivoting fence allows you to adjust the cutting angle up to 45° in both directions, facilitating the cutting process in whole.
CONS
The tool has a relatively short power cord.
OUR VERDICT
This DEWALT chop saw is the perfect tool for clamping on lots of different materials that don't require the top precision.
detailed parameters
Type
Tabletop
Power
Corded 120 V, 15 Amps, 4 HP
No Load Speed
3800 RPM
Cutting Depth
Up to 4-1/2" (at 45°), Up to 5-3/8" (at 90°)
Blade Diameter
14"
Arbor
1"
Convenience
45-degree pivoting fence for angle cuts, D-shaped ergonomic handle, Lock-down spin, Quick-lock vise
Safety
Top and bottom protective disk cover, Adjustable spark guard
Weight
36.5 lbs
Warranty
3 years (limited)
PROS
This saw can operate on AC or DC current, making the tool more flexible and allowing you to use it in different locations.
CONS
Some customers claim the start of the tool isn't smooth enough.
OUR VERDICT
Due to its superior power, this chop saw is the best tool for the toughest operation conditions.
detailed parameters
Type
Handheld
Power
Corded, 15 Amps, 3.75 HP
No Load Speed
5000 RPM
Cutting Depth
Up to 4"
Blade Diameter
12"
Arbor
1"
Convenience
Easy replacement of the cutting blade, Assist handle
Safety
Top protective disk cover
Weight
24 lbs
Warranty
1 year
PROS
Evolution chop saw has a vent for connecting a vacuum cleaner. It's a major advantage when cutting concrete because the dust is quickly captured, making the usage of the tool a lot easier.
CONS
The tool might get overheated.
OUR VERDICT
This powerful Evolution chop saw is particularly efficient for cutting through tough materials.
detailed parameters
Type
Handheld
Power
Corded 120 V, 20 Amps, 1.4 HP
No Load Speed
5000 RPM
Cutting Depth
Up to 4"
Blade Diameter
12"
Arbor
1"
Convenience
Ergonomic soft grip, Support handle, Spindle lock mechanism, Vac connection vent
Safety
Adjustable top protective cover, Trigger lock
Weight
21 lbs
Warranty
3 years (limited)
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Makita LC1230

Fast Without Dust

The Makita LC1230 cutting saw represents the ultimate comfort, reliability, and quality like any other tool made by this manufacturer. The top performance, maximum user safety, and impeccable result – that all is Makita. First of all, we would like to mention a superb hard-strength alloy blade of this tool. It easily cuts through an object just like a knife through butter. The whole process takes seconds and there are neither dents nor notches on the cut edge. Therefore, there is no need for further grinding or finishing. The replacement of the blade is effortless as a special wrench is supplied with the saw. You can do that with one hand. We would like to mention other convenient features like the well-thought-out design of this tool. An item you are going to cut is reliably fixed between two clamps. A sawing angle is adjusted with the help of a lever with marked positions. Also, there is no abrasive dust when the saw is running. Metal chips and shavings are collected in a special waste system that transfers them to the rear side tray. All parts of the saw are well greased by the original high-quality grease. It will not harden till the temperature is above 14° F. A few words about safety: at first, the blade is covered with a metal lid protecting you from any accident, and at second, there is a trigger lock preventing an accidental start. The package includes protection glasses which are mandatory when you use a cutting saw.

Review of Makita LC1230 Metal Cutting Saw

Conclusion

You will never find a poor-quality Makita tool. This cutting saw represents another evidence to this fact. It fulfills any task 4 times faster than any other cutting saw. It is maximally safe in use and does not leave piles of waste afterward. Another advantage of this tool is the cold cut technology. You can actually touch the place you've just cut! It means you can easily handle stainless steel and other metal materials. This tool is a dream of any professional.

Makita LC1230 Metal Cutting Saw in the use

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Detailed review of Makita LC1230 Metal Cutting Saw

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $519.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00004YOLV

VIDEO
Makita LC 1230 Chop Saw
 

Milwaukee 2682-20 M18

Strong Motor in a Small Body

The Milwaukee 2682-20 M18 metal saw is a wonderful tool that combines both compact size and top quality. No worries about the length of the extension cord since this saw is battery-powered. It can be carried anywhere you need. There are almost no sparks during the usage of the tool and almost no vibrations are felt. The soft rubber grip adds to the overall positive impression about this chop saw. You feel no discomfort using this handheld tool since the extra front handle helps control the tool ensuring a secure grip. The tool features a 4-pole frameless motor. This metal saw easily cuts metal sheets up to 3/4'' thick, 1/2'' L-bars and  5/16'' steel plates. The tool features multiple useful functions. A convenient lever allows you to adjust the cutting length in the range of 1/8'' up to 2''. Another useful feature is the LED light that helps a lot in low light conditions. The safety of operation is assured by the trigger lock preventing any accidental start of the chop saw. The blade has a protection casing.

Review of Milwaukee 2682-20 M18 Metal Saw

Do You Know?

The first prototype of a saw, which is a common tool today, was invented over 4000 years ago. At that time it was a piece of stone dented on one side. It was used for cutting wood, bones or soft stone. In general, they were sharpened against the sharp angles of rocks. Such saws were used by many ancient sculptors when they created statues of gods. Ancient Egyptians and Babylonians already used copper saws. They could even cut stones if the sawing point was covered with some abrasive substance beforehand. The first iron saws were made by Scandinavians who cast them in molds. Though the quality of these saws was rather poor and they were less effective compared to axes. It took centuries till people started to make forged saws. Th first saws of this type were made by blacksmiths in Greece. Such saws were durable and of a relatively good quality. They could fulfill many necessary tasks if sharpened properly.

Milwaukee 2682-20 M18 Metal Saw in the use

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Milwaukee Heavy Duty Bag will be useful for transportation of your tools.

Rechargeable Battery is a must accessory to use together with this saw.

Detailed review of Milwaukee 2682-20 M18 Metal Saw

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $299.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B004M8R9X2

VIDEO
Milwaukee M18 5-3/8 Inch Metal Circular Saw - 2682-22
 

DEWALT D28710

Powerful and Convenient Tool

The DeWALT D28710 tabletop abrasive chop saw will be a great assistant for cutting multiple metal items. It is easy to use and has a sufficiently powerful motor. Though this tool doesn't leave a flawless cut, it's more than enough for chopping lots of materials that don't require the utmost precision. This DeWALT chop saw is very simple in use - you just clamp the item you need to cut with the help of the Quick-lock vise - and do a quick cut. It's possible to adjust the cutting angle (45° in both directions), too! The convenient D-handle helps you control the saw. The handle isn't rubber coated but provides a firm grip due to an ergonomic design. Thus, you won't get tired even if you operate the tool for several hours in a row. Another convenient feature is the compression spring - it makes the saw operation very smooth and pretty accurate. In all, this saw leaves a very positive impression and any professional worker will surely like it!

We would also mention some extra pros of the tool. For example, there is a special compartment for a hex nut wrench used for the blade replacement. So, you will never lose the wrench! The motor runs very smoothly. Moreover, it's well protected from abrasive dust and resistant to overloads. The manufacturer did its best to ensure the long lifespan of this saw. The blade is under a protective screen to prevent any sparks flashing in your face. Anyway, we recommend being very careful if you work with abrasive materials. At least, do not start working with such tools without protection glasses and working gloves.

Review of DEWALT D28710 Abrasive Chop Saw

Interesting Facts: History of Mechanical Saws

A human attitude to forestry and wood processing changed completely in 1322 when the first mechanical saw was invented in Germany. The first sawmills were water-powered and built on river banks. Later, such mills appeared in England, Scotland, and other places. Yet, there was another side of the coin - lumberjacks felt they couldn't compete with mechanicals saws and, thus, they lost the money. Therefore, they started to destroy sawmills. By the way, this way the first American steam sawmill was ruined too and exactly for the same reason!

The next step in the human progress towards the invention of a metal saw was a band saw. It was a steel band with one toothed side. This construction was patented in England by William Newberry in 1808. 40 years later, in 1846, Anne Paulin Crepin from France created and patented a welding technology that improved the band saw. The first American patent for the band saw was granted to Benjamin Barker from the state of Maine in 1836. For many years manufacturers failed to connect the two sides of the band saw but only at the end of the 19th century they succeeded to weld them for reliability. Since then, such saws have been widespread.

DEWALT D28710 Abrasive Chop Saw in the use

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Detailed review of DEWALT D28710 Abrasive Chop Saw

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00551DJBQ

VIDEO
DeWalt Chop Saw Review
 

Hitachi CC12Y

Powered by AC and DC Current

This saw is sometimes rated as one of the best tools for processing metal. It will easily handle concrete blocks, reinforced concrete and bricks. You only have to use appropriate abrasive cutoff wheels for different materials. It is no wonder since the saw features a powerful high-torque motor. The Hitachi CC12Y cut-off saw, just like other tools of this type, requires a relatively frequent replacement of wheels. Yet, it isn't difficult at all - you just need a wrench which comes with the saw. In general, this tool features a wonderful technical specification and is comfortable in use. There is also an auxiliary handle for a better control of the saw during the usage. It should be mentioned that the saw is equipped with the auto-stoop carbon brush. It substantially increases the lifespan of this tool since it uses the low spark. We have to recognize one more distinctive feature of this chop saw: it's compatible with both AC and DC current. Therefore, you can use the tool at any construction site!

Review of Hitachi CC12Y Handheld Cut-Off Saw

Safety Rules for a User

Since any saw is a potentially dangerous tool, we strongly recommend you to follow some safety rules:

  • always wear protection glasses
  • don't use the tool near flammable materials
  • check the cutoff wheel for cracks or damages since a cracked disk must be replaced immediately
  • clean the processed object from shavings and other debris for the safety reasons
  • avoid places on the cut object with nails in them
  • hold the tool firmly and don't press the wheel to the object before starting the motor
  • never touch the wheel when it rotates

Hitachi CC12Y Handheld Cut-Off Saw in the use

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Detailed review of Hitachi CC12Y Handheld Cut-Off Saw

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $826.86
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ASIN B00004T7Y4

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Evolution Power Tools DISCCUT1

Fantastic Quality

Evolution Power Tools built a unique saw in its class since it can cut any rough material effortlessly. If you need to cut 4'' concrete, brick or stone - this disc cutter will easily handle it! The tool cuts through a concrete wall incredibly fast. The manufacturer promises that the cutter will easily handle even a reinforced concrete. It's necessary to admit that the tool is really powerful. This Evolution model has a great 12” diamond disc that leaves no cracks on the objects it cuts. You always get a clean and clear cut. One more benefit of this tool is a possibility to hook a vacuum cleaner to it. There's always a lot of dust during the cutting of concrete but you can use a vac to capture it. The disc cutter features a comfortable soft grip and an auxiliary handle for better control. The safety guard is fully adjustable, making the tool easy to carry and use both in horizontal and vertical positions. Another convenient feature is the spindle lock thanks to which you can replace the disc in a matter of minutes. Try this chop saw ones and you will realize it's worth every single dollar it costs!

Review of Evolution Power Tools DISCCUT1 Disc Cutter

History of Evolution Power Tools

Although Evolution Power Tools was founded not so long ago, it is quite a successful company. Actually, the company is considered to be a leader in the market of disc saws for dry metal cutting. Evolution Power Tools was founded in 1992 in the largest industrial center of the Great Britain, Sheffield. Originally, the company's name was Hitech Evolution Europe and it was a distributor of tools of other brands. But in 1999 it started producing its own metal processing tools. Since then the company has thoroughly worked on the development and expansion of its product range. The company produced magnet drilling machines and many other tools. In 2002, Evolution Power Tools opened a plant in the USA which is now manufacturing the same products as the main factory in the UK. The company launched the production of the multi-purpose RAGE saw that became a revolutionary product. The unique advantage of this tool is its ability to cut various materials including aluminum, steel, and wood with the same disc. In 2007, the company changed its name to Evolution Power Tools.

Evolution Power Tools DISCCUT1 Disc Cutter in the use

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Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $249.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B003K4FQ6G

 

What is a Chop Saw

Cutting or chopping the metal isn't an easy task without a special tool called a chop saw. It allows you to accurately cut metal items at an angle (up to 90°) or at an incline. Chop saws can easily cut such materials as aluminum, laminated board or plastic. These tools are particularly useful when you need to cut metal materials. Chop saws use abrasive blades while circular saws have conventional blades. Abrasive blades can cut metal objects without any jams.

Of course, any construction requires lots of other tools. For example, if you need to fix something securely with nails, we recommend you to look at our reviews of the Best Nailers. And no doubt, any housekeeper should have a reliable Cordless Drill.

Best Chop Saws

What Features to Compare

Type

If you want to choose a decent chop saw, you should understand certain technical features of such tools. First of all, you should clearly realize what exactly you are going to use a chop saw for. These tools are either handheld or tabletop. Handheld saws are more convenient if you plan some short-term works and need to keep the tool in your hands. Tabletop saws are more useful if you work in a workshop, for instance, and need to cut a multitude of materials. No need to mention, tabletop chop saws are more accurate as you can adjust the angle before cutting.

Technical Specification

When you select a chop saw, the priority should be given to the motor power. The more powerful the motor, the more easy-to-use the tool. Another important feature is the blade diameter since it determines the cutting depth. You must remember that it is not recommended to replace the original blade with a larger one since it can negatively affect the engine operation. Also, don't forget to check out the arbor diameter so that a blade fits a chop saw. There's another important feature to pay attention to and it's the rotation speed. Working with tough materials, you should pick a saw with a high rotation speed as it will cut more accurately. However, for performing simple tasks, such as cutting some metal items, the high rotation speed is not as important as the engine power.

Convenience

Using a chop saw gets a lot easier if it has some convenience features which include a sawing angle adjustment on tabletop tools and a blade speed control, for instance. Some chop saws even boast certain unique technologies! We recommend you to consider the position of handles of a chop saw - they must be convenient and provide a firm grip. Also, don't neglect safety as the blades for chop saws are sharp and potentially dangerous to a user. That's why a good chop saw must have a protection cover and its handles have to provide a convenient and firm grip. Finally, we would like to highlight the importance of a trigger lock that prevents an accidental start of the tool.

How to:

Sources:

1. Wade Shaddy Miter Saw Vs. Chop Saw, eHow.

2. How to Use a Circular Saw: Long Cuts, The Family Handyman.

3. Chop Saws Buying Guide, eBay. March 3, 2016.

4. How to Use a Steel Chop Saw, wikiHow.

5. How to Use an Angle Grinder, The Family Handyman.

6. Terry Tuerk Angle grinding 101, TheFabricator. July 8, 2013.

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