If you work with wood, metal, or other types of heavy materials, you have probably come to appreciate the huge impact that using the best chop saw can have in your work. You need high-quality and tough tools that will help you operate steadily and remain on top of your work.
The sad story is that many chop saws out there require you to force them to do a job, which is tiring and only generates sub-optimal results. The market is also deceitful because no one is willing to give you facts on the quality of chop saws. For us, this truth was painful – we had to buy countless chop saws before settling on the best type.
This post reviews the top nine options on the market. Keep reading to learn more about the best saws that will never disappoint, and select the best option for your work.
The Best Chop Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 (Best Metal Chop Saw) |  |
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| 2.DEWALT DW872 14-Inch |  |
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| 3.Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II |  |
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| 4.PORTER-CABLE PCE700 |  |
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| 5.Jancy Slugger MCCS14 Chop Saw |  |
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| 6.DEWALT D28715 Quick-Change |  |
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| 7.Makita LC1230 |  |
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| 8.MK Morse CSM14MB Chop Saw |  |
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| 9.Bosch 3814 Abrasive |  |
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1. Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 (Best Metal Chop Saw)
The Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 is our top pick for cutting metal in this review because of its cool design and high efficiency. The saw uses a powerful 15AMP motor that delivers awesome strength of 1800W that makes cutting metal as simple as slicing a piece of cheese.
One of the main selling points of the Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 is that it does not need a coolant. You see, most machines, including cars and refrigerators, need coolants. This power saw does not. We found this remarkable because you are able to concentrate on cutting without worrying about the saw becoming too hot.
Using this chop saw is really enjoyable because the tool produces almost no spark. It is designed to reduce heat production for greater efficiency and accuracy. The designer calls this chop saw a “cold unit.”
Another notable attribute of the Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 is the heavy-duty base designed with cast aluminum. This makes the tool feel firm even when cutting heavy metal such as steel. To enhance your operational efficiency, the saw allows you to make angle cuts using the quick release vice.
One thing we found a little disappointing is that the saw requires some time to learn how it works. But after getting used to it, this masterpiece has no equal in cutting metal.
Specs
- 55 pounds
- 21 x 13.5 x 26 inches
- Corded electric
- Steel
- 120 volts
Pros
- Comes with a carefully positioned trash tray for collecting metal chips.
- The chop saw can be used to cut a wide range of metals, from steel to iron.
- Replacing different parts, especially the blade, is easy. This means less downtime when working in your workshop.
Cons
- The supplied 14-inch cutting blade is not of extraordinary quality. However, you can easily replace it.
2. DEWALT DW872 14-Inch (Runner-Up)
The DEWALT DW872 is an excellent chop saw designed for pros searching reliable tools to get through their daily tasks efficiently. This saw comes close to our top pick, Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380, because of its striking design that makes clamping and cutting pretty easy.
One of the main selling points of the saw is its salient 14-inch blade that features carbide-hardened tips that make cutting hard materials such as iron and steel easy. Further, the chop saw is run by a powerful 15 AMP motor that generates up to 3,800 RPM.
For DEWALT, nothing comes before safety. This fact is demonstrated in this chop saw’s design with exciting features such as an ergonomic handle that helps to increase controllability, performance, and durability.
Further, we were impressed by the wide solid steel base that guarantees extra stability when working with the chop saw. To make the saw even firmer, especially when cutting tough materials, it has four pre-drilled holes for securing on the workbench.
One thing we did not like about the chop saw is that it is heavy. Although this is a benefit when working on tough materials, carrying it around is a tough task.
Specs
- 55 pounds
- 24 x 15.2 x 18.5 inches
- Corded electric
- 4HP
- 120 volts
Pros
- The chop saw is carefully designed to cut about four times faster compared to most chop saws.
- Using the saw’s 66-tooth blade, you can easily pull down cost-per-cut compared to other types.
- The saw allows you to make quick adjustments using the Quick-Fence feature for accurate angle cuts.
Cons
- The chop saw is not suitable for working in areas with no power supply.
3. Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II (Best Gas Chop Saw)
When it comes to power cutters, one of the most outstanding brands is Husqvarna because of their commitment to quality and delivering value for money. When designing the 967181002 K760 II, Husqvarna wanted to make it easier for you to work offsite with the same efficiency you are used to in the workshop. They did not disappoint.
The 967181002 K760 II is a gas-powered chop saw that packs up to 5HP, generating an awesome 9,000 RPM. We really enjoyed using this tool because all the power is packed in a compact 24-pound unit. Therefore, you can easily carry the chop saw around and work offsite where there is no electricity supply.
Another selling point of the chop saw is its ergonomic design that makes using it enjoyable to use. Once you have decided where to cut your workpiece, you use one hand to control the motor speed, and the other to move the guarded blade and maintain the tool in position. After mastering the art of using this saw, you will find it really enjoyable to use.
Specs
- 24 pounds
- 24 x 12 x 12 inches
- Gas-powered
- 14 inches
Pros
- The compact and light design of the chop saw makes it easy to carry around and work from anywhere.
- The motor uses the latest Husqvarna technology to reduce vibrations.
- When you buy the chop saw, it comes with a 12 months warranty.
Cons
- Since it is gas-powered, you must carry ample supplies, especially when working on major tasks away from the workshop.
4. PORTER-CABLE PCE700 (Best Chop Saw on a Budget)
If you are looking for a chop saw but do not want to spend a lot of money, the PORTER-CABLE PCE700 could be the best option. It is an excellent power saw meant to help you get through key chopping tasks fast and efficiently. It is designed with an exciting design and features that can qualify it for a higher price.
The main selling point of the chop saw is its powerful 15 AMP motor that delivers an optimum speed of 3,800 RPM. This implies that you get the same power output as the DEWALT DW872 14-Inch, the runner up chop saw in this list. Further, it comes with a 14-inch blade diameter that can easily rip through both metallic and non-metallic materials.
We found this chop saw splendid to use because of its unique design. The saw features a heavy-duty steel-base and quick release clamp that makes it easy to set and firmly hold the material being cut. Further, it has a cutting fence made with a miter adjustment fence so that you can make angle cuts for your professional or home improvement tasks.
The only thing we did not like during this chop saw review is that you cannot use the saw away from the mains. If most of your work is offsite and away from electricity supply lines, it is advisable to consider a different model such as Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II.
Specs
- 32 pounds
- 22.7 x 14 x 17.1 inches
- Electric powered
- 14 inches
- 3,800 RPM
Pros
- The chop saw is priced affordably, yet it packs top-rated features.
- It is compact, lightweight, and easy to use in the workshop or around your home.
- Sold with a three-year limited warranty.
Cons
- The blade sold with the chop saw is not ideal for cutting heavy-duty metal such as steel.
5. Jancy Slugger MCCS14 Chop Saw
The Jancy Slugger MCCS14 Chop saw has made a name for top performance, accuracy, and durability. We liked its controllability that makes it easy to cut steel, iron, and aluminum, among other materials.
One of the main selling points of this saw is the automated retracting safety blade guard. The guard covers the entire blade and compliments the heavy-duty base to provide a secure and stable working rig. The chop saw further features an eye protection plate for extra safety.
When working with chop saws, we realized that most of them generate a lot of heat because of friction between the blades and workpieces. But the Jancy Slugger MCCS14 stands out by generating little heat. We liked the saw because it also collects the debris in the trash container so that you can enjoy working in a clean environment. Removing the debris also helps to reduce the development of blurs.
One thing that we did not like about the chop saw is that not all the metal chippings are caught in the tray.
Specs
- 54pounds
- 14-inches
- Electric powered
- 60 Teeth
- 1,300 RPM
Pros
- This chop saw generates a lot of strength, which users like a lot.
- The saw is smooth and quiet, even when cutting tough materials.
- Designed with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to control the saw.
Cons
- The saw generates some sparks, and some waste chippings are not captured on the trash tray.
6. DEWALT D28715 Quick-Change
This DEWALT D28715 Quick-Change chop saw is designed with a smart design and is run by a powerful 15 AMP motor generating up to 5.5 horsepower, which allows you to complete most cutting tasks fast and efficiently.
One of the most conspicuous selling points of this chop saw is its ergonomic features. We were not surprised by these remarkable features because DEWALT never spares any effort when it comes to making its products safe. The Quick-Lock Vice in this chop saw is strong and allows you to hold different materials firmly when cutting them.
The chop saw also has a Quick-Change blade system that allows you to promptly change the blade and continue working with little downtime. Further, we were impressed by the easy-to-use fencing feature that makes it possible to make both 90-degree and angle cuts.
Specs
- 45 pounds
- 24 x 15 x 16.5 inches
- Electric powered
- 14 inches
- 4,000 RPM
Pros
- Run by a powerful 5.5 horsepower motor.
- Its 14-inch blade works with the miter adjustment system for angle cuts.
- The saw is sold with a 90-day money-back guarantee and three–year limited warranty.
Cons
- Like other electric corded saws in this list, this chop saw cannot work when you are off the mains.
7. Makita LC1230
When the name Makita is mentioned, users immediately associate it with creativity because of its grand designs. Another outstanding thing about its tools, especially chop saws, is its unwavering commitment to safety. In the case of Makita LC1230, the features are awe-inspiring and carefully fitted to guarantee high efficiency.
The main selling point of the Makita LC1230 is its awesome cutting power. The saw uses an inbuilt 15 AMP motor that delivers a fantastic 1,700 RPM for enhanced performance. This makes it a good option for cutting pipes, conduits, and angle irons, among others.
To make it easy and secure to use, Makita used the top of range features such as the quick-release vice that helps with material retention and fast repeated cutting. Further, we liked the socket wrench and shavings collection tray that help to achieve two things: keeping you secure, and maintaining a clean environment.
The only disappointing thing about Makita LC1230 is that you cannot use it in areas where there is no power. To use it in our makeshift workshop, we had to start by extending power from the main house.
Specs
- 42.5 pounds
- 13.8 x 22.6 x 17.3 inches
- Electric powered
- 12 inches
- 1,230 RPM
Pros
- The chop saw is designed with miter adjustments that allow you to make angle cuts.
- Its 12-inch blade features carbide tips that make it effective, long-lasting, and affordable.
- The saw has a heavy base designed from cast aluminum for extra stability when cutting materials.
Cons
- This chop saw is designed for light-duty cutting only. You might need to look for a different chopping saw if the goal is cutting heavy iron or steel bars.
8. MK Morse CSM14MB Chop Saw
This MK Morse CSM14MB chop saw is not just designed using premium quality materials, but it also has amazing features that place it at par with other top-rated chop saws.
Taking a closer look, you will note that the base of the MK Morse CSM14MB chop saw is made using thick molded steel. Although this is not as sturdy as cast aluminum that is common in most chop saws, you will find it firm enough to use when cutting tough materials.
We also liked the ergonomics of this saw. It uses a D-handle design that makes carrying the 53-pound saw easy. Further, the base of the saw is designed with a trash box that collects metal chips so that your workplace remains clean.
The saw is powered by a notable high-torque 1,300 RPM motor. This, coupled with a 72-tooth carbide blade, makes cutting metal such as pipes, metal studs, tubing, and angle iron easy and fast.
One thing that we did not like about the chop saw is that it comes with a warranty of only one year.
Specs
- 53 pounds
- 22 x 18.5 x 14 inches
- Electric powered
- 14 inches
- 1,300 RPM
Pros
- The chop saw makes clean cuts with no blurs.
- The controls and safety features make the saw very easy to use, even for a newbie.
- It is compact and, therefore, easy to use even in narrow areas.
Cons
- It is difficult to use the chop saw in areas with no electricity supply.
9. Bosch 3814 Abrasive
For professionals, many are the times they need to cut through materials accurately and fast. Whether working on a product prototype or fine-tuning a client’s product, the Bosch 3814 Abrasive is a powerful and capable tool that will not disappoint.
The chop saw uses a 15 AMP motor that can hit optimum speed of 3,900 RPM. This is enough to rip off even tough materials such as steel. To make the chop saw more effective, it features superior motor insulation with extra motor overload protection, which is very useful when working on tough applications.
When using power cutters, it is not uncommon to come across awkwardly shaped materials. The Bosch 3814 Abrasive chop saw is designed with a top-rated locking vice that will perfectly hold any material, including awkward-shaped materials, for precision cutting. We liked the saw because it also allows you to make bevel and angle cuts using the fence-adjust system.
Specs
- 46.6 pounds
- 24.6 x 17.6 x 13 inches
- Electric powered
- 14 inches
- 3,900 RPM
Pros
- The chop saw uses a strong motor that makes it possible to cut any type of material.
- Its compact design means you can easily move and use the saw anywhere as far as you have power supply.
- It is designed with quality material to guarantee you longevity. Further, the saw is sold with a one-year limited warranty.
Cons
- If you want to work in an offsite location such as in a campsite where there is no power, this saw might not be appropriate.
Buying Guide
Chop saws are some of the most conspicuous power tools in workshops, garages, construction sites, and homes of DIY (do-it-yourself) people. They make it easy for you to cut metal tubing, pipes, conduits, tiles, and metal for different tasks. But like we mentioned at the beginning of this post, buying the wrong metal chop saw could compromise your work. So how do you go about buying a good chop saw?
The secret to selecting a great chop saw is to understand what you need and going for the piece that fulfills that need. Besides, make sure to understand the key components of a chop saw, including features, brand, cost, and warranties, among others. These are the considerations we used when selecting the top chop saws reviewed in this post.
What You Should Know About Chop Saws
What Is A Chop Saw?
If you understand what a chop saw is; it becomes easy to narrow down to its mechanics and specific features that define its efficiency. A chop saw is a powerful power tool for making prompt, smooth, and accurate cuts. The saws are mainly used for sawing materials to create precise frames, fixtures, and construction armatures.
How Does A Chop Saw Operate?
Chop saws are designed to make cuts by lowering saw blades towards a workpiece. If you use incorrect methods, such as taking the workpiece to the blade, it can be potentially dangerous. So let us closely look at how a chop saw works when cutting materials.
First, you need to put on your protective gear (earplugs, gloves, and goggles). Then, firmly secure the material to be cut using a cramp and turn the power saw on. Once it reaches the top speed, grab the handle and lower the cutting blade to the workpiece. Guide the blade slowly, allowing it to rip the workpiece on the marked line.
Materials That You Can Cut With A Chop Saw
Chop saws are used for various reasons. However, because they can only move up and down, they are commonly used to make straight cuts. But some have fence-adjustments that allow you to cut at an angle.
The materials that you can cut using chop saws vary. Although the common workpieces are metal and wood, it is also possible to cut plastic, ceramic, and concrete if you have the right blade. Therefore, if you want to use the same saw for cutting different types of materials, consider buying the model with more power and use the correct blade.
Features to Look for When Buying a Chop Saw
In addition to understanding how chop saws work, it is also crucial to know their different features. Here is a demonstration of how different features work and what to look for.
Chop Saw Blade
To get better service from a chop saw, it is important to go for the model with the right blade. An excellent blade should be able to slice thick steel in no time. Besides, the blade should make clean and accurate cuts. Chop saw blades fall into two categories:
- Abrasive blades: These blades generate a lot of sparks and leave the workpiece hot immediately after cutting. When the abrasive blades wear down, it implies they have hit the end of life and you need to replace them.
- Cold saw blades: These blades cut metal with no or little sparks at all. If you touch the workpiece immediately after cutting a tough piece of metal, it should be cool. Unlike the abrasive blades, cold saw models are toothed and can be re-sharpened. Note that the blades for cutting different materials such as steel and wood are different.
So, when selecting the blade, it is important to think about the application of interest. There are tasks that you can accomplish better with a cold blade or abrasive blade. In addition, ensure to go for the right blade size. Common sizes include 14 inches and 12 inches. But you can also get blades with diameters of as low as 10 inches.
The Chop Saw Motor
The efficiency of a chop saw to cut through a workpiece is dependent on the power it generates. Therefore, you should go for a chop saw with a strong motor to be able to cut even the tough materials such as steel. Most chop saws out there come with 15 AMP motors, which is adequate for regular metal cutting works. A 15AMP and 4HP (horsepower) chop saw should be adequate for most tasks.
We recommend that you go for the saws that have strong motors but low speeds because they cause little or no sparks.
Safety Features
Like other types of power machines, safety should be your first priority. Therefore, you should look for the top chop saw designed with features such as ergonomic handles that allow you to control the blade easily. Also, it should have a blade guard to reduce the risk of danger and trash tray for collecting metal chippings.
The Vice Assembly
To be able to cut a piece of metal, it has to be held firmly. Therefore, you should go for a chop saw with a strong vice assembly that can hold different workpieces, including the awkwardly shaped ones. To increase your productivity, consider selecting chop saws that come with additional features such as quick-lock and quick-release options.
Fence
This is another crucial feature that you need to get right when buying a chop saw. Fence is used to provide an accurate cutting angle between the longest workpiece edge and plane of the saw blade. The best option is an adjustable angle fence that allows position workpieces at the targeted angles.
Spark Deflectors
When you are using a chop saw to cut metal, there is no doubt that some sparks will be generated. But if you will be using abrasive blades, expect more sparks. The best chop saws should have adjustable spark deflectors so that you can operate safely and enjoy smooth cuts.
The Chop Saw Base
To cut metal effectively, it is important to ensure you have a firm working setup. In addition to clamping the workpiece, you also need to have a good working base. Well, just like a workshop bench, the base of the chop saw should be as firm as possible. Most chop saws out there come with bases made of cast aluminum. However, it is also possible to get some saws with stainless steel and cast iron bases.
If you want a firmer base, look for the saws with through holes that allow you to secure on other workbenches. Such a setting is very useful, especially when cutting heavy-duty metal such as steel and iron.
Other Important Things to Look For
The things we are going to look at in this part should go hand-in-hand with the features.
Your Budget
After considering all aspects of a good chop saw, everything narrows down to cost. You have considered the features and how the saw of choice works, but are you ready to meet the cost?
Note that no matter the type of chop saw you want, you should not simply rush to the cheapest option because it is likely to be of poor quality. Instead, you should consider high-quality chop saws that are offered at lower rates.
A great example is the PORTER-CABLE PCE700 we have reviewed above. Although the chop saw is amazingly cheap, it is durable and the features match those of more expensive models.
Chop Saw Warranty
Another important thing to consider is the chop saw warranty. This is used by a manufacturer to demonstrate that quality was the primary focus when developing the power tool. If your chop saw gets damaged when it is covered by the warranty, the manufacturer incurs the cost of repair or replacing the damaged part.
This is a great way to enjoy top-rated performance without worrying about maintenance costs. A good chop saw should have a warranty of more than one year. Indeed, the longer the warranty, the better.
Brand
Another thing that can help you narrow down to a high-quality chop saw is the designer brand. To be on the safer side, you should consider only buying chop saws from brands that have been in the market for years and made names for designing high-quality products.
Make sure to read through brand reviews to understand the brand’s history, mission, vision, and commitment to customer value. Some common names associated with quality power tools such as chop saws include Bosch, Makita, DEWALT, and Husqvarna.
Past Users’ Feedbacks
One trick that will always point to a great chop saw is looking at what past users and experts have to say about after using specific brands. If past users of a specific chop saw were content, you can expect to get similar satisfaction. But if they gave negative feedback about the features, keep off such saws because you could end up getting disappointed.
Final Thoughts
In the above reviews, we have looked at the best nine chop saws on the market. These saws have inspiring designs, cool features, and are made by brands with enviable global reputation. Therefore, if you are looking forward to buying the best chop saw, no matter the budget or type of work at hand, rest assured of getting it on the list. A miter saw is a good choice for a chop saw. Check this article on chop saw vs miter saw.
While every chop saw in our chop saw review above is excellent, we must indicate that the Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 sparkles most. It is a perfect choice for any contractor or DIY person because of impressive features, durability, and awesome performance.
