As a woodworker, it is prudent to invest ample resources and time to have the right power tools in your workshop. But understanding the importance of the right tools to have and selecting the best ones are two different things.
One of the most challenging, or do we say confusing, decisions that a lot of workshop owners, construction site managers, and DIY (do-it-yourself) people like us face at one point is deciding whether to buy a miter saw or chop saw.
Although the two are some of the handiest and top-performing power saws, they have similar functions but they have their unique specialties. Keep reading this chop saw vs miter saw comparison to understand the fundamental differences and pick the ideal tool for your needs.
The Best Chop Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 Steel Cutting Chop Saw |  Top Pick |
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| 2.Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II |  |
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| 3.DEWALT D28715 Quick-Change |  |
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1. Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 Steel Cutting Chop Saw
The Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 is one of the best chop saws on the market because of its moving design and efficiency. With its powerful 15AMP motor, the saw gives you a striking 1800W that will rip through tough materials.
Specs
- 15AMP motor
- Corded
- Chip deflection shield
- Quick-release vise
- Chip collection tray
One of the conspicuous things about the Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 we noted during this miter saw vs chop saw review is its operational design that does not require using coolants. Unlike other engines in cars and heavy machines, we found this design lovely because it allows you only to concentrate on work – no need to worry about cooling!
Another cool thing is that the chop saw has a heavy-duty base made from cast-aluminum. This helps to provide a firm working platform when cutting materials using this chop saw.
Pros
- Collects metal chips on the trash tray to keep your workplace clean
- Cut a wide range of materials
- Its design makes changing the blade easy and fast
Cons
- Might require some time to learn
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
2. Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II (Best Gas Chop Saw)
This 967181002 K760 II from Husqvarna is a chop saw in a class of its own, because unlike other corded saws, it allows you to work offsite. With the chop saw, Husqvarna demonstrated that it is possible to have the thrill of working with a chop saw even when you’re away from the workshop.
Specs
- 15AMP motor
- Duta starter
- Active air-filter
- Reduced vibration system
- Gas-powered
Although this chop saw is gas-powered, it delivers up to 5HP that is enough to cut even tough materials with ease. Indeed, the chop saw develops more power than most competing models on the market.
Another awesome thing about the 967181002 K760 II is its unique ergonomic design. Because it is designed as a portable model, Husqvarna went a notch higher to ensure users get better control. With one hand, you are able to control the blade speed as the other hand guides the guarded blade to cut a workpiece. We found this model really enjoyable to use.
Pros
- The compact design makes it easy to carry around.
- The saw utilizes the latest technology that allows you to work with minimal vibrations.
- Sold with a 12 months warranty.
Cons
- Pricey
- Because it’s gasoline-powered, you have to bring fuel to fill it up with
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
3. DEWALT D28715 Quick-Change
This DEWALT D28715 chop saw comes with a unique Quick-Change design that makes working with it easy and fun. The chop saw is run by a 15AMP motor that generates up to 5.5HP, which is ample for most cutting tasks.
Specs
- Quick-change blade system
- Quick-lock vice for fast clamping
- 15AMP/5.5 HP motor
- Corded
- 4000 rpm maximum speed
One of the top-selling points of this chop saw is its admirable ergonomic design. But this did not surprise us in any way because DeWalt has made a name for crafting top-notch power tools. Using its balanced handle to guide the blade, we found the tool very easy to use.
Another cool thing about the chop saw is its Quick-Change blade system. Using this system, you can change the blade in no time without incurring significant downtime. This means that whether working on your project at home or client’s task in a workshop, it is possible to complete it with little or no disruptions at all.
Pros
- Uses a powerful 5.5 horsepower motor
- Sturdily constructed using stainless steel. This makes it strong and long-lasting
- Sold with a three-year limited warranty that allows you to work without worrying about breakdowns
Cons
- Comes with a sub-par blade
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
The Best Miter Saws Are:
1. DEWALT DWS780 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The DeWalt DWS780 is the leading sliding compound miter saw on the market. During our miter saw vs chop saw review, we discovered it is a very powerful saw that allows you to make straight, angle, and bevel cuts with high precision.
Specs
- 15 AMP motor
- Corded
- Innovative gearbox for enhancing vertical cutting capacity
- Adjustable stainless steel miter plate with up to 10 stops
- High-efficiency dust collection system
The miter saw is equipped with a miter system that is relatively easy to use, even for newbies. Besides, it has a revolutionary XPS cross cut positioning system that allows you to complete tasks faster and more efficiently.
The miter saw runs on a powerful 15 AMP, 3800 RPM motor that is strong enough for most cutting tasks. Whether you run a workshop or want a home improvement power saw, the DEWALT DWS780 is a top recommendation.
Pros
- Make both angle and bevel cuts
- Portable
- Cuts different types of materials
Cons
- Customer complaints of defective units
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
2. Makita LS1016L (Best Dual-Slide Compound Miter Saw)
Makita LS1016L is one of the top miter saws out there because of its unique wide cutting capabilities. It comes with a 10-inch slide saw that is considered one of the best for crown molding cutting. Whether you want to cut window or door frames at 0 to 45 degrees, this is one of the top options to Consider.
Specs
- A powerful 13AMP power motor
- Corded
- Real handle bevel lock
- Dust bag for collecting dust
- Box wrench
- 4,300 rpm maximum speed
One of the top-selling points of the Makita LS1016L is its dual-slide model that is run by a powerful 13AMP motor. The motor delivers a splendid 4,300RPM, which is sufficient for all your workshop or DIY (do-it-yourself) cutting tasks. This is why it has become a common tool in most construction sites.
We found it very easy to make precision angle cuts using the saws laser guide. Further, the miter saw has a see-through blade guard for better visibility. Even if you are new to miter saws, you will find the Makita LS1016L very easy to understand and start working like a pro.
Pros
- The saw miters on both sides (right and left).
- Designed with a large dust bag for collecting dust and keeping your workplace clean.
- The saw can be used to cut a wide range of materials.
Cons
- Starts stiffening at the end of a motion range.
Overall Rating: 4.0/5
3. Hitachi C10FCE2 Miter Saw
If you are searching for a miter saw to make angle cuts but do not want to use a lot of money, the Hitachi C10FCE2 could be your answer. Well, its features are really cool and can qualify it for a higher price tag.
Specs
- 15AMP motor
- Corded
- 0-52 degree miter angle range
- A large extended flip fence (can rise up to 4-inch for vertical crown mold cutting)
- Elastomeric grip
This miter saw is powered by a 15 AMP motor that is powerful enough to make even the toughest cuts. Therefore, whether your workpiece is tough wood or other materials, the 10-inch and 24-tooth TCT blade of this saw is tough enough to easily rip it off.
When working with miter saws, their motors release a lot of vibrations as the blades rip through workpieces. But Hitachi has a horizontal handle made with a vibration-reducing elastomeric grip for extra comfort and control.
Pros
- Compact and light
- Good for working with both small and large blocks of wood
- Large table offers better support and control
Cons
- Using this miter saw for the first time can be complex
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Buying Guide
When you set off looking for a miter or chop saw, safety, durability, ease of use, and portability are some of the crucial considerations to factor. But there are other factors such as features and brands that also come into play.
Chop Saw vs Miter Saw: The Top Brands
To select the best miter saw or chop saw for your workshop or DIY tasks, another crucial factor to consider is the brand. You should only buy power saws designed by top brands including the following:
DeWalt
DeWalt is one of the best manufacturers of power cutting tools in the market today. The company was started in 1922 by Raymond DeWalt, who is also credited with inventing the radial arm saw.
Makita
Makita is another brand that has made a name for designing top-quality power products. They started with lighting products before expanding to power tools. Technicians and woodworkers always praise Makita miter and chop saws for outstanding performance, durability, and affordability.
Bosch
Bosh is one of the oldest and respected power tool brands in the market today. It was started in 1886 by Robert Bosch, and its power tools are some of the most trusted by woodworking and construction professionals. Its miter saws and chop saws are very powerful and work very well, especially for heavy-duty operations.
Hitachi
Although Hitachi is mostly associated with heavy earth moving types of machinery, they also manufacture power tools such as chop saws and miter saws.
Features
The efficiency of a miter or chop saw depends on its features. Your goal should be identifying saw with top of range features that make it easy to use, more secure, and highly reliable. Here are some of them:
- Electric brakes
- Blade guards
- Dustbags
- Laser guides
- Fences
- Heavy and sturdy base
Miter Saw vs Chop Saw: What’s the Difference?
Purpose
A miter saw cuts straight down, but can also cuts angles and slants. If your making furniture or any sort of frame, you need this versatility in a woodworking tool.
Power
Both types of tools have to be powerful, but chop saws need more of that raw power, as they are meant to cut tough materials like metal.
Blades
Both types of saws use round wheels to cut, but that’s about where the similarity lies. The blade of a miter saw has teeth that cut through mostly wood material. A chop saw disc doesn’t have teeth but an abrasive edge, which is what you need for cutting metal.
Final Thoughts
As we mentioned earlier in this miter saw vs chop saw comparison, both types of saws are used for workshop, construction sites, and home improvement cutting.
Although their features, such as the base and cutting blades look similar, the types of cuts they make differ. Chop saws are stronger and only make straight cuts while miter saws are able to make angle and bevel cuts.
Woodworkers in general don’t really have much need for cutting through metal, but need a lot of versatility for cutting wood. So if you’re a woodworker, you probably need a miter saw more. We recommend that you invest in the Dewalt DWS780 as it will be a valuable tool in your studio or workshop.
