Whether you’re working in the construction industry or a simple home DIYer, a chop saw should be a staple tool in your workshop. This circular saw has aggressive power and fluid versatility to handle industrial-grade applications.
You can use this to cut reinforcing bars, wood with metal in it, pipes, paving slabs, plastic and masonry.
However, the angle of the cut is pretty limited. A chop saw can only make straight and precise cuts, even square cuts. Yet it can cut fast and accurately across a wide range of materials from wood to metals.
It is also very easy to operate and consistent in its cuts.
Learn More: How To Use A Chop Saw
If you’re looking to buy your own chop saw, make sure to do ample research. Ask yourself what you need, based on your work routines. Make sure to think before you buy lest you suffer buyer’s remorse over an unsatisfactory tool.
To help you in your decision-making, Ryker Hardware presents this handy buyer’s guide on the Best Chop Saws in 2020. Our team has browsed over the chop saws market and collated the top 10 best chop saw models. In this guide, we have included accurate product reviews of each chop saw so you can start choosing which one to buy.
At A Glance:
- Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380
- Porter-Cable PCE700
- DEWALT D28710
- Metabo HPT C10FCGS
- DeWalt D28715
- Makita LC1230
- Evolution Rage4
- Evolution S355
- Lion Tools Toolman 8350
Top Rated Chop Saws 2020
|
Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 |
Porter-Cable PCE700 |
DeWalt D28710 |
Lion Tools Toolman 8350 |
|
BEST OVERALL |
BEST BUDGET |
BEST HEAVY-DUTY |
BEST MINI CHOP SAW |
|
WEIGHS 55 pounds |
WEIGHS 32 pounds |
WEIGHS 45 pounds |
WEIGHS 27.2 pounds |
|
up to 1450 RPM rotation speed |
3,800 RPM |
4,000 RPM |
3,800 RPM |
|
WARRANTY PERIOD: 3 YEARS |
WARRANTY PERIOD: 3 year limited warranty |
WARRANTY PERIOD: 3 year limited warranty |
WARRANTY PERIOD: 1 year |
1. Evolution EVOSAW380 - BEST OVERALL
Evolution Power Tools is a strong power tool company. It offers various different models in its chop saw line, two of which have made into our list.
The Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 is very powerful and efficient, given it has the largest blade size out of all chop saws in this list. It works with a 15-inch blade that is powered by its 15 amp motor. It works fast with a 1450 RPM speed.
It also boasts the following features
- Dry metal cutting chop saw;
- 1800 watt / 15 amp motor with high torque gearbox
- Heavy duty cast aluminum base; for industrial metal cutting
- Cold cut saw
- Comes with a 14" Mild Steel Cutting blade
- Up to 1450 RPM rotation speed
- Inbuilt chip collection tray
- Cast aluminum base for stability
- Guaranteed with a 3-year service warranty
What we liked about it
- Sturdy built, especially the saw deck and workpiece clamp
- Not too noisy for work
- Cuts metal with minimal heat or sparks and doesn't require coolant
- Outperforms abrasive saws; faster cutting & long blade life
- Strong customer service with 3-year service warranty
What we disliked about it
- Ripping fence is poor, too flexible
- No LED light
- Motor rumbles slightly
Ryker Hardware’s Rating: 9.8 out of 10 (Great!)
2. Porter Cable PCE700 - BEST BUDGET
The PORTER-CABLE PCE700 is great for lighter-duty applications. It’s a beginner’s chop saw, so to speak. With a 14-inch abrasive blade, it can cut most ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
It also boasts the following features:
- 15 Amp, 3,800 RPM motor with replaceable brushes
- Quick-release material clamp
- Cutting fence with miter adjustment
- Heavy duty steel base for stability
- Spark deflector
What we liked about it
- Perfect for cutting thin materials such as pipes or tubing
- Cheap
What we disliked about it
- The saw constantly bogs down from its power
- The quick adjust clamp, for some users, is problematic in its engagement after three uses
- Can’t cut through thick materials fast enough
Ryker Hardware’s Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (Excellent!)
3. DeWalt D28710 - BEST HEAVY-DUTY
DeWalt is a pioneer in power tools. Among its many high-performing tools are chop saws. Two of DeWalt's chop saws appear in this list for their high quality.
DEWALT D28710 is a heavy-duty chop saw, great for many tasks from metal to masonry cutting. It suits a wide range of abrasive wheels. Equipped with inbuilt blade change wrench storage, this tool is very easy to handle.
It also boasts the following:
- 15 amp/4HP (maximum motor HP) motor for overload protection, increasing performance, and durability
- QUICK-LOCK Vise for fast clamping on different size materials to increase productivity
- Spindle Lock for easy and quick wheel changes
- On-board wheel change wrench for convenient storage
- Ergonomically designed "D" handle
- 45-degree pivoting fence allows for fast and accurate angle cuts
- High performance aluminum oxide grain wheels for long life, fast cutting, and smoother running wheels
What we liked about it
- Locking chain for saw storage
- Wrench holder
- Strong motor, not prone to overheating
- Accurate as much as a chop saw can be
- Strong clamping mechanism
What we disliked about it
- Loud
- Shoots sparks while working
- Pull down travel could be deeper
- Light spring could be stronger for the saw to stay in full up position
Ryker Hardware’s Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (Excellent!)
4. Metabo HPT C10FCGS
Hitachi Power Tools may have been renamed as Metabo HPT but it retains the world-class quality it has as a premium power tool brand.
Metabo HPT presents a chop saw for the beginner workmen. The Metabo HPT C10FCGS’ cutting range is vast and flexible: 0°-52°, to the right and left. It is well-supported by a table with vice clamping system to secure work piece. Its 15 Amp motor delivers high power for the toughest of cuts.
It also boasts the following features:
- 24 teeth 10-inch TCT saw blade (carbide tipped)
- Bevel range: 0°-45˚, to the left with adjustable bevel stops for precision cuts
- Thumb actuated positive stops for quick miter adjustments
- Carbon brush access allows user to replace brush as needed to greatly prolong the life of the tool
- Strong 15 amp motor
- Up to 5000 RPM rotation speed
- 5-year warranty
What we liked about it
- Cuts straight
- Strong motor
- Lightweight and portable
- Adjustable parts are easy to move
What we disliked about it
- Work table is small
- Slight blade guard issues
Ryker Hardware’s Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (Excellent!)
5. DeWalt D28715
DeWalt is a pioneer in power tools. Among its many high-performing tools are chop saws.
The DeWalt D28715 works through powerful 15 amp motor that offers a great cutting performance. You can use this to execute quick, accurate crosscuts. Through a 15 amp, 5.5-horsepower motor with overload protection and a no load speed of 4,000 rpm, this DeWalt saw can power through tough applications.
At 39 pounds, this 21-inches long saw is lightweight and portable. It is very easy to carry from one place to another.
This 14-inch chop saw with Quick-Change comes with a DEWALT warranty package that includes a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee
It also boasts the following features:
- Powerful 15 amp motor delivers no-load speed of 4,000 rpm
- Convenient Quick-Lock Vise for fast, precise clamping of materials
- Versatile 45-degree pivoting fence for accurate angle cuts
- Ergonomic D-handle design for control
- Tool-free wheel changes with Quick-Change system
- Three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, and 90-day money-back guarantee
- 14-inch blade size, quick-release cutting blade
What we liked about it
- Powerful 15 amp motor handles tough cuts
- portable, ergonomic design
- quick, tool-free wheel changes
- robust warranty package from DeWalt
What we disliked about it
- Heavy saw
- Cam-Loc fence has issues in alignment
- Table positioning is not flat
Ryker Hardware’s Rating: 8.8 out of 10 (Very Good!)
6. Makita LC1230
Makita is a time-tested brand of power tools and masonry equipment. It has everything a handyman needs to do construction and home improvement tasks.
Among its high-performing products is the Makita LC1230 12-Inch Metal Saw. It excels in executing in delivering fast, precise cuts. This makes it great for beginners and seasoned workers to use.
It cuts four times in light pipe, angle iron, tubing, conduit and channel than abrasive cut-off saws.
It also boasts the following features:
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- D-shape handle for easy gripping
- Long lasting carbide tipped blade for cost efficient, clean and accurate cutting; virtually burr free
- Lock-off button prevents accidental starting
- "Tool-less" guide plate adjusts 0 - 45° for quick and easy miter cutting
- Quick release vise for secure stock retention and fast repeated cut-offs
- Socket wrench stores on base for convenient blade changes
- Shaft lock for easy blade changes with just one wrench
- Shavings collection tray for easy waste disposal and a cleaner work environment
- Large cast aluminum base for stability
- Externally accessible brushes for easy maintenance
- Maximum cutting depth of 4-1/2" with carbide tipped blade
What we liked about it
- Strong 15-amp motor producing 1,300 RPM
- Sturdy and resistant to damage from constant use
- Quick release vise for secure material retention and fast repeated cut-offs
- Works with few burrs and cool to touch
- Adjustable fence is very easy to adjust
- Portable frame folds for easy storage
What we disliked about it
- Accompanying blade is short-lived (at 20 cuts)
- Backstop and miter gauge issues
- Works shrilly
- Chip tray doesn’t accurately catch chips
Ryker Hardware’s Rating: 8.7 out of 10 (Very Good!)
7. Evolution Rage 4 Power Tools Chop Saw
Looking for a multipurpose saw for cutting both hard and soft materials? Get the Evolution Rage 4. With this, you can materials such as wood with nails, plastics, steel, and aluminum.
With this saw, you can execute accurate and clean cold cuts quickly. It works through a strong 1250W (120V) motor that generates high torque without any burdening load on the engine.
It also boasts the following features:
- compact and portable at 19 pounds
- For 0-45° cuts - quicker, safer, more economical & accurate than an abrasive saw.
- ¼" of mild steel thickness cut capacity
- 7-1/4 "Tungsten Carbide” tipper multipurpose blade
What we liked about it
- Accurate and clean cold cuts
- Fast action swivel clamp for 0 to 45-degree angle cuts
- Powerful Hi-torque gearbox
- Clean and smoother cuts
- No coolant required and produced virtually no sparks
- Easier to use than a hacksaw
- No heat build up when cutting steel
What we disliked about it
- No fast-changing blade option
- Back fence quality not very great
Ryker Hardware’s Rating: 8.5 out of 10 (Very Good!)
8. Evolution S355CPSL
Another solid offering from Evolution Power Tools, the Evolution S355CPSL is a high-performing cutter. This metal cutting chop saw works through a powerful 15 Amp motor and state of the art dry-cut technology.
Its premium tungsten carbide-tipped blade outperforms abrasives, cutting metals squarely and smoothly every time into workable finish.
It also boasts the following features:
- lighter, pressed steel base for portability
- chip deflector for reduced cleaning time
- a cast steel vise and fence with quick-release mechanism for safe, accurate and fast clamping of the workpiece.
- The rear fence can be adjusted 0˚- 45˚ miter cuts and features a fast-action locking lever.
- Miter saw 0-45° angle capability
- Backed by solid 3-year warranty and stellar US-based customer service
What we liked about it
- Tough and portable
- Dry-cut, cool to touch, burr-free cuts
- Make angle cuts effortlessly.
Ryker Hardware’s Rating: 8 out of 10 (Very Good!)
9. Lion Tools Toolman 8350 - BEST MINI CHOP SAW
Need a multicutter saw at an affordable price? Consider the Toolman 8350. Although it’s the new kid on the block, Lion Tools offers a solid metal chop saw. It executes fast, precise, virtually burr-free cuts. Its 14-inch cutting blade is of durable carbide.
It also boasts the following features:
- Voltage: 110V/60Hz
- 15 Amp motor of impact energy
- Machine comes with one blade
- 6-ft extra-long UL listed power cord
- Ergonomic design
- Sensitive handle with which you can make more precise cuts.
- ETL Security (double protection system)
- Quick Release Clamp allows a fast and safe change of cut off wheels
- Cutting Mitter Adjustment allows for angled cuts up to 45 degrees
- Inbuilt ventilation system
What we liked about it
- Cuts copper and zinc well
- Great for DIYers
- Executes smooth and straight cuts
What we disliked about it
- Minor hinge issues
Ryker Hardware’s Rating: 7.5 out of 10 (Fair)
10. Milwaukee 6370-21
Milwaukee is a long-established brand and pioneer in the power tool industry. Hence, its 13-Amp 6370 metal chop saw makes the cut in Ryker Hardware’s Best Chop Saws of 2020.
Milwaukee 6370-21 13 Amp 8-inch metal cutting circular saw delivers faster, cooler, cleaner, more affordable metal cutting. Made with the latest dry-cut technology, you get a virtually spark-free wake and cool, burr and scorch-free edges that don't require post-cut finishing.
It also boasts the following features:
- 3700 RPM no-load speed
- Dry-cut technology provides faster, cleaner, more affordable metal cutting
- 8 inch blade with a 90 degree cutting depth
- metal cutting blades last a minimum of 25 times a standard abrasive wheel
- Durable blade shield with integral chiptank deflects/collects hot chips and sparks
- Plunge lever for fast, effective plunge cuts
- Exclusive quick-release shield latch for fast waste disposal and blade changes
- Full two-year warranty
- right-side blade location
- hex blade wrench
- comes with an impact resistant carrying case.
What we liked about it
- fast, accurate cuts
- powerful in cutting steel
- Executes smooth and straight cuts
What we disliked about it
- Minor issues with hot chips
- Shoe is not square to the saw blade
Ryker Hardware’s Rating: 7 out of 10 (Good!)
Conclusion
Chop saws are versatile staple tools for the construction workers, craftsmen, and home renovators. They can cut many types of materials from wood to metals. Depending on your work load and the materials you plan to cut through, you will find a chop saw just right for your needs.
If you want a high-performing chop saw for both light and heavy-duty tasks, we recommend the Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380. With its strong 15-amp motor and sharp steel 15-inch blade, you can cut metals flawlessly without any burrs. You are also protected by Evolution’s iron-clad 3-year warranty and reliable customer service.
But if you just need a small chop saw to start with, you can go with the Lion Tools Toolman 8350. Coming from the new kid on the power tool block, you can rely on it for fast, accurate, burr-free cuts. It works through a powerful 15-amp motor and a long 6.6 feet power cord for easy maneuverability.
Hopefully this guide will help you create an informed decision and choose the right chop saw to work on.
Want to know more about chop saws and similar power tools? Go to Ryker Hardware. Ryker Hardware prides itself as the brand of premium quality tools at affordable prices. We also offer comprehensive guides from product reviews to how-to guides.
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