Steel Cutting Chop Saw

[ptsg]

I built one from scratch using an Evolution 14" saw blade, including the vise. Cuts very nicely or used to until I pulled a dumb move and ruined the blade. On mine, I made it so the entire head rotates from 0 to 45 degree by simply loosening a lever, rotate the head and tight it back on. It has a 1.5 HP 3 phase electric motor.

It's a bit noisy and throws stuff everywhere but cuts indeed very well. If I were to build another one, I would have used a band saw blade instead of a circular saw blade.

 

[Doughknob]

I have one of these

10 inch dry mitering saw - Everett Industries, LLC

10” (250 mm) diameter, 3 HP (2.25kW), dry, mitering saw wired for 115V/1p/60Hz. Mitering work back stop and vise jaw adjust to cut any miter up to 45º. Includes a calibrated scale to locate proper position for vise rear fence. Vise jaw automatically adjusts. Cuts solids to 1 ½” (38 mm) and pipe...

everettindustries.com

Made in usa.

 

[2manyrocks]

2-rks
Which Evolution? I see some models have a cast base and others have a stamped base-as always you get what you pay for. As for the band saw the biggest thing I have against them is the size.

S344cpsl. Evolution S355CPSL: Metal Cutting Chop Saw With 14 in. Mild Steel Blade

I don't see the weight listed in the specs on their website, but the shipping box it came in says 59.5 lbs.

 

[Smokeydog]

Bought a Fein Slugger saw 2-3 years ago to cut a lot of tubing. Faster, more accurate, burr free cuts. Need to take off an extra 1/16? No problem. Try that with a bandsaw. Cut a lot of cold rolled plate and bar stock. Long blade life. First blade dulled after cutting some 6” SS round tubing. Can be sharpened but haven’t done that yet.

Long blade life contributed to by adding MK Morse vise jaws from the start and watching their video on how to use a cold cut saw. Vibration and too much pressure kills blades. They fit many saws with no modifications.

https://www.trick-tools.com/common/images/products/large/100724.jpg

Just checked prices…saws and jaws almost doubled!?! ZORO tools had the best price at the time.

 

[2manyrocks]

The Evolution S344CPSL includes a V block with the saw. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...-4da3-96c6-97fc769f81e6_900x.jpg?v=1578414501

They have a YT video explaining how to use the V block to cut material for the longest blade life.

 

[jmc]

If you anticipating TRIMMING short pieces, pay attention to the vise. The kind with a swiveling moving jaw won't safely clamp on a piece not long enough to extend to the left of its pivot. One work-around is to add a block to the left side of the pivot, the same thickness as your workpiece. But a vise like ptsg's in post #11 is handier.

 

[Smokeydog]

The Evolution S344CPSL includes a V block with the saw. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...-4da3-96c6-97fc769f81e6_900x.jpg?v=1578414501

They have a YT video explaining how to use the V block to cut material for the longest blade life.

That’s good information. Read many mixed reviews on blade life before purchase.

Making miter and cutting small parts often have to move or adjust the jaws. Easy enough to do with two cap screws.

Still use my bandsaws and best for many cuts. Cold cut saw is very easy to set up on the welding bench to quickly cut out a project then move out of the way.

 

[2manyrocks]

It is a good idea to plan the order of cuts to avoid cutting short pieces if possible.

 

[WranglerX]

Personally I have a Dewalt abrasive chop saw and it does fine for my needs...I got it becasue I was unsure of what my needs were going to be, but it has done everything I asked it to do.... Only negative, is it showers hot sparks and metal down on concrete and stains/scorches concrete unless I put something down to protect concrete because I usually have it setting on ground when in use.... IF uses over gravel or rocks it does not have that problem.... With my 20/20 hind sight I think I would have been happier with a cold cut saw, but the difference in price at the time was also a factor.... Actually I do more cutting with my 4x6 band saw than with chop saw, but chop saw wins if I have to move saw to material (as long has I have power) than to move material to saw.... Also shop environment where saw is going to live has some effect on what may be best for you...

 

[gsganzer]

You'll love the accuracy of the cold saw. I bought a Makita, which has a smaller blade then the Dewalt or Evolution, but it cuts are the pipe, tubing and angle sizes I deal with. It will truly cut a 45 degree angle, which is great for making gates etc.