Dry cut saws, what are you using?

vidio1 · Nov 8, 2017

I have the Dewalt, this one: 14" (355mm) Multi-Cutter Saw - DW872 | DEWALT

I'll have to agree the "vise" sucks. The problem is the stationary side.

It's held by a generic cam lock type arrangement and moves if the saw kicks.

I've drilled holes in the base at 90 and 45 degrees so I can pin it there, but it still can move at others.

tomplum · Nov 8, 2017

This is one tool that I cheaped out on when I bought it in 2014. I got the Northern one for 239$ The first one I got they sent me a new one as it wasn't cutting anywhere near true. The replacement wasn't too bad but has become out of square (perpendicularly) and there is no adjustment. Now, it cuts perfect when I'm just relying on a 2" square tube on the bench and the edge of the saw. Short pieces that rely on bed, not so much. It is aluminum based. It has cut a lot of 1/2", 1" and even 1 1/2" steel bar over the years and is still cutting strong though. 12" is just too small in my world and if there was a compound cutter that was a 500$ bill I'd buy it in a heart beat. I picked up an Evolution blade at Airgas and they had the better one at $375. The wheels in my head were going, new 100$ blade or give an extra 275 and get one with a better base. I didn't see where that one was able to be trued any better than what I had, so I bought a blade. Thought making a new base that could be fine tuned , make something up to cut angles for gussets would be doable.

medic0648 · Nov 8, 2017

I had an evolution for about 1.5 weeks, and now have the northern tool 14" saw. The evolution started off never stopping when plugged in. They sent me 2 replacement switches and it never ran after that. They finally took it back and refused to replace it. I got the northern tool saw and just use a square or angle gauge to set my angle and ensure it is right. Always works great when I get time to use it.

Luke'sScreenName · Nov 8, 2017

I really like my Steelmax 14". All cast iron base. Very sold clamp.
I would not want a smaller blade as the capacity would be way too small for me.

pmsmechanic · Nov 8, 2017

I bought my dry cut saw at Princess Auto. I had no clue as to what I was buying. I needed a saw as my 12" Makita abrasive saw was eating up brushes quite regular. I bought a 14" saw for $149 CAD. I didn't realize it at the time but that was an awesome price.

I took the clamp off of my Makita and only use it for hand held cuts. Sometimes you just need to cut something that you can't do in a clamp.

tomplum · Nov 8, 2017

"I took the clamp off of my Makita and only use it for hand held cuts. Sometimes you just need to cut something that you can't do in a clamp." True, but a word to the wise is to make a jig to hold it as that is what breaks the carbide teeth off these blades.

pmsmechanic · Nov 8, 2017

"True, but a word to the wise is to make a jig to hold it as that is what breaks the carbide teeth off these blades."

You must have missed that my Makita is an abrasive saw. Most times when I have cut hand held with my dry cut saw it has been a disaster.