Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
#1
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 3,662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
I am speaking of the lower rpm meta/carbide bladed chop saws. I used a friends and it was amazing.
I HATE cutting alum tube with my abrasive chop saw because the junk blade material makes the material weld like ***!!!
Looking for some opinions.
I want it to cut aluminum.
I plan to keep the abrasive for steel and stainless, but i need a better saw for my aluminum work.
This one is tempting.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/EVOLUTION-ST...item5646818bdc
I HATE cutting alum tube with my abrasive chop saw because the junk blade material makes the material weld like ***!!!
Looking for some opinions.
I want it to cut aluminum.
I plan to keep the abrasive for steel and stainless, but i need a better saw for my aluminum work.
This one is tempting.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/EVOLUTION-ST...item5646818bdc
#2
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 3,662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
just found this one as well... http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...20chop%2520saw
#6
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 3,662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
I'm trying to decide currently between the $299 northern tool saw vs. $250 evolution rage 2 saw
#7
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
Damn I didn't know dry cut saws were that cheap, last time I looked at them they were in the 500 range.
Been wanting one for a while now, I really would like one with the water cooled option.
My other fab buddies use a big plumbing pipe cutter for all their alum tube. Cost effective with perfect fit up..
Been wanting one for a while now, I really would like one with the water cooled option.
My other fab buddies use a big plumbing pipe cutter for all their alum tube. Cost effective with perfect fit up..
Trending Topics
#12
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: somewhere in, MD
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
I think the most important thing is the clamp and the table. I have the Dewalt and sometimes it's a pain to get square cuts on angles. It has a stamped steel base and mine has been dented a few times by flying cut-offs.
Been tempted to sell mine and try the Milwaukee or Evolution because I've heard they have better bases. Also came across the Morse saw which looks good but haven't seen any reviews. I use the saw for 90% of my cutting so I would rather get the best period rather than the best "bang for the buck"
Been tempted to sell mine and try the Milwaukee or Evolution because I've heard they have better bases. Also came across the Morse saw which looks good but haven't seen any reviews. I use the saw for 90% of my cutting so I would rather get the best period rather than the best "bang for the buck"
#13
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
I'm curious, those with evolution saws - does your saw have a "soft start" or "slow start"?
It almost seems like the motor struggles in the first 2-3 seconds of start up - then it spins up and runs fine... I'm hoping it's meant to be this way.
It almost seems like the motor struggles in the first 2-3 seconds of start up - then it spins up and runs fine... I'm hoping it's meant to be this way.
#15
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
I've since read others have soft start on their saws too...
See link:
http://www.woodworkersinstitute.com/...s.asp?TID=6657
See link:
http://www.woodworkersinstitute.com/...s.asp?TID=6657
#16
OG Fabricator
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Saint Helens, OR, USA
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
I've seen the dewalt wood chop saw very commonly used with a carbide tipped blades. You don't have to run slow on aluminum - in fact most cold saws specifically designed for non-ferrous cutting spin @ 1800-3600 rpm.
#17
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Lower Right Hand Corner, PA
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
I have the northern saw myself. It's a beast, but all I have to say is you MUST have your metal clamped extremely well. If you do not it will rip it out of your hands and send it across the room. While trying to build a jig to cut sch10 pipe the saw ripped my piece out of the jig, bounced it off the concrete floor and stuck it clean through the drywall in the ceiling.
Just gotta be careful, great saw otherwise.
Just gotta be careful, great saw otherwise.
#19
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
ive been hearing alot about those rage saws. im worried the blades wont run for a long time though. ive seen those things cut so damn fast
#21
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
I've found that the chop saw that has the least amount of plastic on it is usually the longest lasting. I cant count how many times i've started a chop saw on fire because a hot piece of metal sticking to the guard etc.
#22
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
I've got about 100 SS cuts with the Evo Raptor, SS specific blade. Everything from 4" OD 16g to Sch 10 1.5"OD. Still cuts like it's a new blade.
I have yet to use the all purpose blade for anything....
As for clamping, you really do need to clamp it well. I've thrown some 1" cromolly (1' in length) and it just missed my fiancee's '11 TSX. I about **** myself. It happened so fast. lol
I have yet to use the all purpose blade for anything....
As for clamping, you really do need to clamp it well. I've thrown some 1" cromolly (1' in length) and it just missed my fiancee's '11 TSX. I about **** myself. It happened so fast. lol
#23
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Lower Right Hand Corner, PA
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?
I've got about 100 SS cuts with the Evo Raptor, SS specific blade. Everything from 4" OD 16g to Sch 10 1.5"OD. Still cuts like it's a new blade.
I have yet to use the all purpose blade for anything....
As for clamping, you really do need to clamp it well. I've thrown some 1" cromolly (1' in length) and it just missed my fiancee's '11 TSX. I about **** myself. It happened so fast. lol
I have yet to use the all purpose blade for anything....
As for clamping, you really do need to clamp it well. I've thrown some 1" cromolly (1' in length) and it just missed my fiancee's '11 TSX. I about **** myself. It happened so fast. lol
Yeah man, definitely needs to be clamped! It is scary as hell when a piece lets go lol.
#24
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Whats the best metal/alum cutting chop saw for the $$$?