What should I look for in a Chop Saw?
You should consider the following main points when choosing a chop saw for metals,
What size stock will you be cutting?
The first consideration should be the cutting capacity. Different chop saws have different cutting capacity for example the largest cutting capacity in our research is of Dewalt DW872 that can cut 5-3/16” round stock and 4-3/4” square stock. It is closely followed by Evolution S355CPSL and Fein Slugger MCCS14 both of which cut 5-1/8” round stock and 4-3/4” square stock.
To choose the right size, just jot down the stuff that you will be cutting and also note the size. If you will be cutting 5” iron pipes, you would need a chop saw to handle that size, however, if you will be cutting 2” angle irons, you don’t need such a large size. Even a smaller chop saw such as Makita LC1230 would be sufficient with its maximum round stock capacity of 4-1/2” and square stock capacity of 3-15/16”.
Material Clamping Ergonomics
Every chop saw has a vice for holding the job in position firmly and design of that vice is very important. Clamping mechanism must be easy to clamp as well as release the material while providing a firm grip at the same time. All the chop saws that we have reviewed feature quick release vise that is a must thing to look for in a saw. It allows you to clamp as well as release the workpiece effortlessly.
This clamping system may also be augmented by some special features. For example, Dewalt DW872 features a vertical clamp in addition to the quick release vice that puts pressure on the material from the top as well thereby improving the overall clamping grip of the tool.
Similarly, Evolution S355CPSL comes with a V-block that augments the existing vise with a fixture to hold square stocks in an angled position improving the blade life.
Another nice feature in the clamping system is the mechanism of adjusting the angle of fence for miter cuts. While most of the chop saws have an on-board wrench to loosen a nut and adjust the angle, some saws like the Dewalt DW872, Evolution S355CPSL, Fein MCCS14 and Makita LC1230 as well as LW1401 have tool free angle adjustment of fence making the job quicker.
Storage & Carrying Convenience
There are two important aspects or features to look for with respect to storage and carrying convenience of your chop saw. The first is the weight of the tool. A lightweight design will be much easier to carry.
Weight varies from model to model, for example, lightest chop saw in our research is the Dewalt D28730 at only 35 lbs. closely followed by Makita LW1401 at 37 lbs. and Porter-Cable PCE700 at 38.25 lbs.
On the other hand, saws can get heavy such as the Fein MCCS14 in our research that weights 54 lbs. and Evolution S355CPSL weighs 51 lbs.
The second feature is the lockdown mechanism. A chop saw is stored with its cutting head locked in the down position. You should look for a lockdown pin that, when inserted, locks the cutting head down much more firmly than the alternative chain mechanism where a chain holds the head down allowing movement to some degree.
Grip Orientation
If you are going to be cutting consistently and frequently with your chop saw, this little ergonomic feature will play an important role in dictating fatigue factor. Conventionally saws have a vertical handle that, when you use the saw, puts your elbow at around the same level as your wrist or above. The ergonomic alternative is a horizontal handle that keeps your elbow below your wrist giving a much comfortable position to your arm.
Housekeeping Features
If you have been working with a chop saw before, you know that it makes metal saw dust and shavings leaving your work area in a condition that requires cleaning. Some saws such as Evolution S355CPSL, Fein MCCS14 and Makita LC1230 feature a detachable chip tray that collects chips and saw dust saving you the cleaning work. It doesn’t capture all of it but certainly captures enough to make a difference.
Another important feature is the on-board tool storage that refers to a small storage space for the hex wrench or socket in the base of the chop saw. It prevents the tool from getting lost.
Depth Stop for Precision
You can sometimes run into an application that requires you to make a cut only up to a certain depth. Such a cut will be difficult to make if you rely on your estimate.
If it is your requirement, do look for depth adjustment screw in the chop saw that is a small screw that stops the depth of cut and can be adjusted easily. In our research, it is featured in Evolution S355CPSL, Fein MCCS14, Makita LC1230 and Porter-Cable PCE700.
Warranty is the best insurance policy
Last but not the least, a good warranty puts you on the safe side and removes risk from your investment in the tool. Always check the warranty terms and conditions of any tool you intend to buy.
For example, Dewalt not only offers 3 year warranty but also a 1 year free service and 90 days money back guarantee. Porter-Cable has the same terms as Dewalt. Evolution offers 3 year warranty but money back guarantee or free service is not included. Fein offers 3 year warranty subject to product registration online and Makita offers 1 year warranty.
What is the difference between a chop saw and a miter saw?
A chop saw is a category of tool that includes all those saws that cut material in a chopping fashion characterized by the motion that the cutting head makes when a cut is made.
Miter saw is a tool within the chop saw category. Miter refers to a right angle joint and miter saw is given that name because of its ability to make bevel cuts by adjusting angle of the cutting head thereby allowing a right-angle joint to be made in wood or any other material.
That being said, the term chop saw is not being used as a ‘broad category’ in the power tool circle but rather to a cut off saw that is a simple saw designed to make simple cuts in wood and metal. Comparatively, the term is more common for metal cutting saws than wood.
Do I need a chop saw?
Chop saws a meant for cutting stock of metal for example cutting angle iron, flat bar, rebar, metal pipes, aluminum frame and steel rods. While the same can be done with many other metal cutting tools such as a band saw, chop saw is the best choice if the work is of frequent and consistent nature.
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