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If you are an amateur who loves to work with metal or a skilled worker who has to interact with different types of metals daily, you need to consider having the best metal cutting saws in your toolbox.
Only the best metal cutting saw can assist you in getting an excellent and perfect finishing on your workpiece. However, selecting the right saw is pretty much a challenge. This is because there is a wide variety of metal cutting saws available in the market today. For you to find a suitable metal cutting saw from all of them, you will have to do a little bit of research.
Metal cutting saws are powerful tools that allow you to cut through various types of metals quickly, safely, and efficiently. Whether you intend to cut through a 2-inch steel pipe, metal sheets, rebar, or cast iron, a metal saw will go a long way to save you time and energy.
In this guide, we have compiled some of the best saws for cutting metal we believe are going to serve you diligently.
View The Best Metal Cutting Saw Below
1. DEWALT DW872 14-Inch Multi-Cutter Saw
Dewalt manufacturers make some of the best cutting tools available in the market today, and the DEWALT DW872 metal chop saw is no exception. This power saw is one of the most expensive on the market, but the quality and set of features offered assure you of a pay off in the long run.
Apart from promoting best-in-class qualities, the DEWALT DW872 is a multi-cutter that is designed to cut through metals, plastics, wood, and several engineered materials. It is built to handle any job from small-scale residential tasks to heavy commercial projects.
The DEWALT DW872 make is a versatile power saw that has a specially designed 70-tooth carbide-tipped blade that rips through metals eight times faster than other brands. It delivers accurate, burr-free cuts every time it is used.
Pros:
+ 15 amps/ 4 HP motor
+ Carbide tipped, 70-tooth blade
+ Locking mechanism
+ Multipurpose
+ Solid construction
Why We Like It – Since the DEWALT DW872 has a carbide-tipped blade that spins at 1,300 RPM, it offers an excellent cutting performance. It is also durable and easy to use.
2. Makita LC1230 12-Inch Metal Cutting Saw
Over the years, the Makita LC1230 12-Inch Metal Cutting Saw has managed to receive consistently high reviews. This versatile power saw is built to rip through workpieces leaving clean, burr-free cuts. Designed to withstand even heavy commercial use, the Makita LC1230 make is one decent metal saw that can tackle virtually any task. However, many users prefer using it for small residential repair applications, such as tubing and pipe cutting.
The Makita LC1230 is powered by a reliable 15-AMP motor that runs on 120 volts, ensuring it delivers a maximum cutting depth of 4 ½ inches when used with the right carbide-tipped blade.
Pros:
+ Spins at 1,700 RPM
+ 12-inch carbide-tipped blade
+ Quick adjustment for 0-45 degree miter cuts
+ Long-lasting blade
+ D-shaped handle
Why We Like It – The Makita LC1230 is incredibly easy to use tool thanks to its D-shaped ergonomic handle and its well-balanced center of gravity that allows you to have smooth cuts without hassle. It’s a perfect tool for beginners and home users who do not mind spending a few extra dollars for unrivaled quality.
3. Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 Multipurpose Cutting Saw
If you are working with a tight budget and looking for a sturdy metal cutter saw, then the Evolution RAGE4 chop saw is the perfect choice for you. Do not let its small size fool you. With a 7¼-inch blade, the RAGE4 make is a much more compact tool compared to its 14-inch blade counterpart.
Similar to a sliding miter saw, the Evolution RAGE4 tackles any project with ease, with its patented blade reducing sparkling and heat build-up. Perfect for individuals looking to reduce clutter in the workshop, the RAGE4 is advertised as a multipurpose tool that rips through metal, aluminium, wood, and plastic.
Pros:
+ Priced at around 120 US dollars
+ Rips through materials with minimal sparks
+ Lightweight and portable
+ The multipurpose blade cuts almost any material
+ 0-45 degree bevel cut function
Why We Like It – Users can make bevel cuts of up to 45 degrees while using the Evolution RAGE4, and its sliding features promote its usability even further. It is recommended for light to medium use as its strength does not lie in power but versatility.
4. DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp Portable Band Saw Kit
Dewalt DWM120K has our vote for the best overall portable metal saw in the market. Once you buy this power saw, the first thing you will notice is its entire kit, which includes a durable carrying bag, some extra blades, and the DWM120K itself. This is a nice kit for someone who is on the go and needs a metal ripping saw a lot.
The Dewalt DWM120K is powered by a powerful 10-amp motor that is strong enough to rip through pretty much anything you need. Its powerful motor combines a five separate speed control that allows you to cut through any material you want, thick, thin, tough, or soft.
Pros:
+ It’s a sturdy and powerful saw
+ Excellent for cutting steel and wood
+ Lightweight
+ 5-speed settings with a 10-amp motor
+ The kit includes a carrying bag and extra blades
Why We Like It – The Dewalt DWM120K is a rather impressive band saw considering its portable nature. It has a 5-inch cutting capacity that allows it to cut through materials that larger Bandsaws would otherwise be required. Although not being cordless, it has a heavy-duty cord that ensures you do not worry about it being damaged during operations.
5. Makita 4131 7-1/4-Inch 13-AMP Metal Cutting Circular Saw
For a long time, Makita has managed to surface as one of the top power tool manufacturers in the market thanks to its high-quality standards. The Makita 4131 7¼-Inch 13-AMP chop Saw is one of the best chop saw to be produced by the company. The Makita 4131 puts 13 amps of power in a lightweight 5.13 kg package that makes it less tedious than some of the heavier chop saws in the market.
Equipped with a Cermet tipped blade, the Makita 4131 is a unique ceramic saw for cutting metal that is heat resistant and long-lasting in comparison to traditional carbide-tipped blades in the market.
Pros:
+ Has a cut capacity of 2 ½ inches that makes it perfect for single-pass cuts
+ Powerful 13 amp motor
+ At 5.13 kgs, the Makita 4131 is one of the lightest power saws in the market
+ Spark-free cuts
+ Burr-free cuts
Why We Like It – It has a no-load speed of 3,500 RPM, making it one of the best metal saws in the market. The Makita 4131 can chop through multiple iron sheets at once while creating spark-free cuts.
6. DEWALT DWE304 10-Amp Reciprocating Saw
The DEWALT DWE304 is a user-friendly metal ripping chop saw that is powerful and ideal for heavy-duty applications. This metal chop saw is the perfect tool if you are looking for a make that is portable, quick, and efficient in tackling any demolition task. Although reciprocating saws lack the fine precision of cutting that is provided by other chop saws, they make up for it with their versatility and simplicity.
The DEWALT DWE304 10-Amp Reciprocating Saw is one of the top-rated reciprocating saws in the market. Designed to last, the DEWALT DWE304 has a variable speed trigger that provides up to 2,800 strokes per minute.
Pros:
+ Powerful 10-amp motor
+ Handheld
+ Extremely versatile
+ 1 1/8 inch stroke length
+ Easy to operate
Why We Like It – This chop saw is ideal for tasks such as removing pesky nails and pins, cutting through framing or sheet metal, and removing plumbing pipes. One of the best attributes of this chop saw is its ability to cut through other materials such as PVC and wood.
7. Evolution Power Tools RAGE Multipurpose Cutting saw
The Evolution Power Tools RAGE is a versatile chop saw that lets you cut a great variety of metals. Thanks to its innovative technology, the Evolution RAGE cuts through aluminium, steel, plastic, and even wood that has nails without having to change the blade.
The metal saw does not produce burrs, heat, or sparks despite its powerful 15-amp motor. This allows you to cut different materials quickly without having to wait for them to cool as required when using abrasives. Most abrasive blades make excess dust, fumes, smoke, and sometimes fire.
Its diamond blade is a useful part of the machine as it allows you to cut tiles. The diamond blade makes the RAGE the complete cutting tool for all your projects.
Pros:
+ Provides many options with angles and depth
+ Its slow turning motor and peculiar blade design allows you to cut a range of materials
+ Versatile
+ Value for mone
+ Long-lasting
Why We Like It – The RAGE is an excellent solid metal saw that produces superior quality cuts and comes at a reasonable price. It’s a worthy contender for other tools that happen to be more expensive.
8. DEWALT DCS373B 20V Max Metal Cutting Circular Saw
The Dewalt takes another slot on our list of the best metal saws of 2020 with the DEWALT DCS373B. Weighing in at only 3.08 kgs, the DEWALT DCS373B is powered by a battery-operated 15 amp motor that is capable of producing 3,700 RPM of cutting speed.
Designed to be ergonomic, the DEWALT DCS373B reduces user fatigue thanks to its optimized rubber grip that is molded for extra comfort, control, and balance.
With its 30-tooth 5½ inch carbide tipped cutting blade, the DEWALT DCS373B is capable of producing clean, burr-free cuts in all materials.
Pros:
+ Fast and efficient
+ Smooth cuts
+ No rough edges
+ Bright LED light assists with visibility
+ 3,700 RPM speed
Why We Like It – It has a bright LED light that has a 20-second trigger release delay, which provides users with enough illumination to work in any light conditions. It is also a durable machine thanks to its high-strength steel shoe.
9. Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW230 Cutting Saw
The Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW230 Cutting Saw is an accurate metal ripping tool that is consider by many as the best metal cutting chop saw in the market today. As a chop saw, this tool is designed to endure demanding applications. It cuts cold and does not require cooling, allowing you to handle your work immediately.
With a weight of about 9.07kgs, the Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW230 is a reliable tool that uses a 15-amp motor that can generate 2,700 RPM of cutting speed. Its 48-tooth blade allows you to cut through metals without the assistance of a coolant.
Pros:
+ Provides accurate and efficient cuts
+ Suitable for heavy-duty use
+ Solid construction
+ Powerful motor
+ Supports an angle range from 0 to 45 degrees
Why We Like It – The Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW230 has a safety switch that increases its efficiency and ensures it is user-friendly. When using this chop saw, you are assured of the highest level of accuracy, safety, and efficiency at your workplace.
10. MK Morse CSM9NXTB 9-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw
The MK Morse CSM9NXTB 9-Inch Cutting Circular Saw is a reliable tool for metal ripping. This chop saw features an 11-amp motor that creates high torque and low rotation, enough to ripping through hard metals seamlessly. It is designed with a sure-grip handle that assists you to keep your hand steady while working so you can focus on making accurate cuts.
Its 9-inch blade offers a safer and cleaner way to rip materials, cutting through steel and other hardened metals almost as efficiently as a soft pin. The MK Morse CSM9NXTB has a retractable blade guard, which safeguards the blade when not in use.
Pros:
+ Clean and precise cuts
+ Suitable for large projects
+ Less noisy
+ Long-lasting blade
+ Cuts faster
Why We Like It – The MK Morse CSM9NXTB is a flexible metal chop saw that is recommended for professionals and hobbyists alike. It produces clean and accurate cuts while saving you cleaning time due to its chip collection system.
Metal Cutting Saws Buyer’s Guide
You can choose from these chop tools for dry metal ripping. All the mentioned metal chop saws are built to generate less heat and sparks. A majority of them are featured with a gearbox which gives a smooth start, reducing start challenges when being powered up. The list compiled is worth your perusal as you can find the best metal cutting chop saw that suits your specific needs.
All the mentioned metal chop saws are designed with a sturdy base that makes them durable metal saws that can serve their masters for many years with minimal maintenance. Most of the mentioned chop saws are built with a carbide-tipped blade, which comes with 24 to 72 teeth settings making cuts faster when chopping at variable angles, depths, and lengths.
Usually, when using these chop saws, there are no metal burrs released during work operations, ensuring you don’t feel fatigued even after a long period of working. They make a clean finish, less heat, fewer sparks, and are safest to use. Metal chop saws can be used for several cuts as they come with easy angle iron adjustments, and they are easy to clean and maintain.
For a majority of the mentioned chop saws, they have a saw blade that is built to make over 1,000 cuts before the need to replace it arises. This is a money-saving attribute that lets users use these saws for a variety of cutting projects. A few are designed with bevel and miter capacity, making them flexible machines for metal ripping as well as woodcutting.
What to Look for Before Buying a Metal Chop Saw
If it is your first time to purchase a metal cutting saw, here are some essential things you need to consider.
Metal Cutting Saw Blades
One important thing you need to know is that the saw blades that are built to cut metal are different from blades that are used to cut wood or plastic. Settling on a metal chop saw that has the right saw blade is essential to your success. However, all saw blades are not the same. An excellent chop saw metal blade cuts through a thick steel metal accurately in seconds with a clean cut.
Usually, you will notice a metal chop saw blade come with a special coating of either a ceramic blend or a carbide-tip that allows it to rip through hard materials easily without the build-up of heat. This special coating allows the blade to extend its life span. The metal blade will chop the metal material with more precision without the need of any coolant to keep the blade cool.
When buying a chop saw, it is essential to know the two blade types that exist in the market. The Abrasive Blade and Cold Saw Blade.
Abrasive Blades produce a lot of sparks while working, thus leaving the metal material hot after cutting. This is because it uses high friction blades that are not safe to use for softer metals such as aluminum. The abrasive blade is built to withstand wear and tear due to its coating even after long-term use, whereas the cold saw has to get sharpened due to its usage. Its rotation per minute (RPM) speed is about 3,800.
On the other hand, Cold Saw Blades cut metal with little or no sparks, thus leaving the metal material cool to touch right after ripping. The cold saw blade uses a metallic toothed blade to cut through materials much faster than abrasive blades. They are durable, rigid, and produce better and cleaner results compared to other blades when chopping or slicing through metal pipes and stocks.
Blade Tooth Count
The chop saw blade’s teeth are specifically built to dissipate heat and keep the temperature of the chop saw blade and the work material as low as possible. Saw blades made to rip through metals range in tooth count of about 60 – 100 to make sure users enjoy a precise, clean, and burr-free finish.
The best saw will have a carbide-tipped blade that has teeth settings that range from 24 to 72. Such blades allow users to achieve faster cuts while cutting at varying lengths and depths. When using these blades, users can realize a variety of cuts with easy adjustments, making their lives a breeze. Most blades are designed to make about 1,000 cuts before replacing them.
Blade Size
The size of the saw blade is determined by the size of the material you intend to chop. Therefore, always know the size of the material you mean to be working on, to get the right-sized blade. Generally, the saw blade sizes range between 7 to 14 inches.
- For beginners and hobbyists, we recommend you buy a 12-inch blade for your performing projects.
- For a majority of projects, a 7-inch blade will work well
- For heavy-duty or commercial purposes, settle for a 14-inch blade or more
- For residential or household purposes, a 12-inch or less will be sufficient.
Blade Rotation Speed
In the metal cutting industry, speed is not a top priority because metals are hard materials that need to be cut at low speeds to realize precise cuts reliably. The rotational speed of a blade is measured in RPM or revolutions per minute.
- When using an abrasive disc blade, choose a chop saw that delivers at least 3,000 RPM.
- When cutting Haber metals, decide to chop them at speeds lower than 3,000 RPM.
- When using a carbide-tipped blade, look for a tool that delivers at least 1,300 RPM.
- When ripping soft materials, choose a chop saw that exceeds 3,000 RPM but make sure it does not exceed the 3,500 RPM mark, even when cutting softer metals such as aluminum.
Power Source
To get the best results, you need to select the right saw to use that has the right kind of power source to run your machine. There are three primary types of power sources available for power tools, namely:
- Gas Powered
- Electric Powered
- Battery Powered
Motor
For your chop saw to cut through metals with precision, it needs to have at least a 15-amp motor that will power it to cut any sort of metallic materials. At present, the maximum horsepower for cutting saws in the market is 4 HP. A chop saw that has a 4 HP and a 15-amp motor is top of the range and will increase your productivity.
Our recommendation to you is a chop saw that has a strong motor but operates at a lower speed. This will assist you to avoid sparks during your operations.
Portability
The portability of the saw will be determined by the workstation you intend to use the chopping saw. In an event where you will be required to carry your metal cutting saw along with you from time to time, it will be wise to choose a cordless or gasoline-powered saw rather than a corded one. On the other hand, if you will be working in a workshop, then a simple corded metal saw that is affordable and powerful will be perfect for you.
Angled Cuts and Fence Adjustment
Irrespective of the task you are doing, you will always be presented with situations where you need to cut materials at an angle. Most of these chopping saws come with tilt capabilities, and adjustable miter gauges that allow you to rip through metals at any angle you want up to 45 degrees.
Without having the angled cuts capabilities and fence adjustment, you will be unable to make effective cuts.
Spark Deflectors
Most of the metal chop saws we have covered come with spark deflectors. They assist in deflecting the sparks that are produced with the machines while cutting materials, keeping them away from the surrounding environment and people.
Always check and choose the spark deflector that is adjustable to fit your requirements.
Vice Adjustment
A reliable vice will function to lock your metal saw in one place. According to our research, some metal chop tools have an angle iron that holds work materials at the right angle while the vice locks it at that place to enable you to cut easily. At present, some saw vices come with a quick lock and quick release feature that enable you to have seamless working experience.
Safety Features
It is prudent to check the safety features of a metal cutting saw before buying. A good quality metal cutter should have safety features such as an eye protection plate, a blade guard, and a lock to protect you from accidents.
Price
If you want to have an excellent long-lasting metal cutting tool for your use, you need to prepare to spend a little bit of extra money. Right quality products are usually a little bit expensive. Always choose quality over price when shopping for metal cutting tools.
Durability
Metal cutting tools must be made out of quality materials that can withstand any type of cutting projects. Most metal cutting tools use aluminum for its outer casing. The aluminum outer casing improves the portability of the saw while ensuring it keeps the weight low.
Warranty
We always advise our readers to settle for a quality branded power product to get a better warranty, even though it is going to cost them a little bit more. Buying a reliable metal chop saw is a one-time investment that is meant to serve you for a long-time.
Although most metal chop saws come with a 3-year warranty, it is always prudent to go through the warranty instructions before buying.
What Is A Metal Chop Saw?
A metal cutting saw is a tool that is exclusively made to cut metals and other materials. Although other traditional tools like hacksaws can also play the same role, they are not as efficient as the modern metal chop saws. Most of the time, the final results of a traditional tool often look uneven and require additional finishing.
At present, there are five diverse types of metal saws available to the market.
What Are The Different Types of Metal Cutting Saws?
Knowing about these five types of metal cutting saws will assist you in choosing the best tool for your workshop.
- Chop Saw
- Circular Saw
- Band Saw
- Multi-Cutter
- Reciprocating Saw
What is a Chop Saw?
A chop saw is a cutting machine that is used to cut straight lines in woods and other materials such as metals. They mostly come in handy when users want to get accurate cuts on materials.
Although many people use them to cut wood and timber, they can also be used to cut metal materials by using specialized blades. Chop saws cut materials faster than circular saws.
What is a Circular Saw?
Circular saws can be used to cut metals, plastics, wood, and other masonry materials. It uses abrasive blades or toothed discs to rip the different types of materials in a rotary motion. The blades are specially designed for the materials they are meant to cut.
What is a Band Saw?
A band saw is a specialized electric saw that has a long and sharp blade that consists of a metal band that turns around to cut through metals and other materials such as wood. It is usually powered by an electric motor that enables it to cut through any type of curved shape material like a jigsaw.
What is a Multi-Cutter Saw?
Among all the five types of metal saws, the multi-cutter is comparatively the latest. Its head of the multi-cutter oscillates any other part of the machine. It is best used for cutting, grinding, scraping, and sanding, among many different purposes.
What is a Reciprocating Saw?
The reciprocating saw is a battery-powered saw that takes the framework of a jigsaw, and it makes an automatic back-and-forth motion when in operation. The reciprocating tool has a large blade and an ergonomic blade that makes you feel comfortable when using it on any vertical surfaces.
Conclusion
Finding the best metal cutting tool is not a walk in the park. There are many factors to consider, and it is not easy to decide between the vast array of tools in the market. However, the information compiled in this review is all you need to know about selecting the perfect tool for you.
By considering the factors we have highlighted above, you will be in a much better position to determine the right tool you need for your job.
A metal chop saw is one of the most critical pieces of equipment you need while working with metal. Chop saws allow you to cut metal and other materials easily due to their powerful motors and durable blades.
The metal chop saws mentioned above have received greater appreciation from customer ratings and reviews. All the different brands listed can serve all your metal cutting needs thanks to their high speed and improved efficiency they avail.
The best metal chop saw is the best metal cutting tool that can provide a means of livelihood for both professionals and hobbyists alike.
