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

 

just found this one as well... http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...20chop%2520saw

 

I too am intrested in this northern tool saw.

 

I bought the rage mitre saw... works great for cutting collectors.

 

How much was that

 

I'm trying to decide currently between the $299 northern tool saw vs. $250 evolution rage 2 saw

 

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..

 

I have a coolant sprayer. I just gotta flip a coin between the EVO rage 2 vs. Nothern Tool

 

I'm from Australia - bought the Evo Mitre saw for $700 AUD.

 

Evo raptor here. Best saw out there!

 

evolution is a great saw

 

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"

 

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.

 

Not my Raptor. I'd check your electrical supply.

 

I've since read others have soft start on their saws too...

See link:
http://www.woodworkersinstitute.com/...s.asp?TID=6657

 

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.

 

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.

 

I cant find the difference between the Evo Rage 2 saw and the Evo Raptor saw

 

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

 

It seems/looks like Evolution makes the Rage saw...

 

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.

 

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

 

What blade are you using? I haven't been able to find any SS specific blades, and the general purpose one on my Northern is shot after cutting out my sch10 collector.

Yeah man, definitely needs to be clamped! It is scary as hell when a piece lets go lol.

 

It can be found here
http://www.vansantent.com/Saws/circular_saw_blades.htm

Costs $145.

 

damn, anyone else think they are a bit overpriced. i want one but prob use it once a year