A chop saw is an essential piece of equipment for any woodworker. With it, you can make precise cuts not only on wood but also on tough metallic surfaces as well as tiles. And the best part is, the cut ends are non-frayed.
Bonus Read: Tile Cutter: Everything You Should Know
While buying a chop saw is a substantial investment to make, it is a valuable addition to your power tool kitty, especially if you are a serious woodworking enthusiast. And if you find a good tool, it will last you for years. This makes selecting the right chop saw model all the more important.
With the plethora of options available, selecting a perfectly-suited chop saw is like finding a needle in a haystack. Not to worry, though. We have made the task easier for you by carefully looking through the different brands and models of chop saws available in the market and picked the ones with the most value-for-money offered.
For a quick buy, take a look at our top 5 picks and their key features.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Best Chop Saw
- PORTER-CABLE PCE700 Chop Saw – Our Top Pick
- Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 Chop Saw
- Delta Power Equipment Corporation S26-262L Chop Saw
- Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 TCT Multipurpose Cutting Chop Saw
- DEWALT DW872 Multi-Cutter Metal Cutting Saw
BEST CHOP SAW FOR 2023: KEY FEATURES
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Our Top Pick
PORTER-CABLE PCE700 Chop Saw
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Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 Chop Saw
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Delta Power Equipment Corporation S26-262L Chop Saw
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Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 TCT Multipurpose Cutting Chop Saw
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DEWALT Metal Cutting Saw
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Makita LC1230 Metal Cutting Saw
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DEWALT D28715 Chop Saw
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Slugger by FEIN Metal Saw
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Ironton Dry Cut Metal Saw
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Bosch 3814 Abrasive Cut-Off Machine
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See also: 10 Best Metal Cutting Saw Reviews
1. PORTER-CABLE PCE700 Chop Saw
QUICK SUMMARY
- Powerful 15 Amp motor
- Lightweight design
- 45-degree miter adjustment
- Integrated spark deflector
PORTER-CABLE is known for manufacturing affordable and efficient power tools and their PCE700 is the best chop saw on our list in terms of value-for-money.
A 14-inch cutting blade powered by a 15 amp motor that provides a rotation speed of 3800 rounds per minute effortlessly cuts through metal or wood. To protect you against flying sparks, there is an in-built spark deflector making your workspace safe. Also, there is a quick-release clamp that lets you remove materials in a jiffy.
Even with its low price tag and simple design, the PCE700 doesn’t omit the inclusion of miter adjustment, which is a handy feature that helps in precision cutting. It delivers angled cuts up to 45 degrees. Furthermore, weighing a mere 32 pounds, you can easily carry this tool around. Its compact form also makes storing it trouble-free.
On top of that, there is a 3-year warranty bundled with the product, so you can be relaxed about any possible glitches, if and when they occur.
- Heavy steel base to keep the chop saw steady during use
- Quick-release metal camp for easy removal of material
- 3-year warranty
- Affordable price tag
- Spindle lock to provide quick blade changes
- Motor starts heating up with extended cuts
2. Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 Chop Saw
Featuring a 15-inch blade and powered by an 1800 watt motor, this chop saw by Evolution Power Tools is ideal for industrial cutting. The blade rotates at an impressive speed of 1450 rpm which, when combined with its large size, delivers efficient cuts on most surfaces.
Since this is a cold cut saw, there are little to no sparks produced when the tool does its job. As such, there is no need for a coolant to bring down the heat. Another advantage of this feature is that the cut surface has no distortions and is smooth and workable.
The EVOSAW380 has a quick release vise to securely attach materials and quickly remove them when the work is done. Also, the miter adjustment can help you get angled cuts ranging from 0 to 45 degrees.
Additionally, if you prefer a clean workstation, you will appreciate the chip deflection shield and the chip collection tray that the machine has.
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- Built-in chip collection tray and chip deflection shield
- Adequate miter adjustment for angled cuts
- No overheating issues due to the cold cut feature
- Quick-release system to quickly attach and detach materials
- Has a 3-year warranty
- Needs initial adjusting to get the blade square to the deck
3. Delta Power Equipment Corporation S26-262L Chop Saw
QUICK SUMMARY
- Motor revs up to 5500 revolutions per minute
- Lightweight
- Runs on battery
- Electric brake to stop the blades quickly
The S26-262L is an ultra-powerful chop saw that has a laser guide to allow precise and quick alignment of the blade to the surface. Moreover, there are designated stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 30, and 45 degrees to enhance these attributes.
Running on a battery, powering on the device is as simple as a click of a button. Since there are no power cords to deal with, you can set up the saw anywhere without having to worry about a plug-in point.
The blade turns at a remarkable speed of 5500 rounds per minute which lets you get super-fast cuts on any material you intend to work with. Plus there is an electric braking mechanism to swiftly stop the motion of the blade. An additional feature that makes the saw versatile is its compatibility with most miter saws. Independently, it can deliver beveled cuts from 0 to 47 degrees.
Considering all of the above, it is fair to say that you should purchase this saw by Delta Power Equipment if you want the best chop saw that runs on battery instead of a cord.
- Easy to carry and store due to portable and cordless design
- Electric brakes halt the motion of the blade fairly quickly
- Miter saw adjustment available
- Laser beam helps align the blade to the deck with accuracy
- Included 3-year warranty
- Small blade size at only 10 inches
4. Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 TCT Multipurpose Cutting Chop Saw
QUICK SUMMARY
- Compact design
- Accurate to within 0.5 degrees
- Delivers cold cuts
- Moveable wall and vise
If you like Evolution and the power tools they make, you will love this second product from the company to feature on our list of the best chop saw reviews. Not only is it lighter in weight but also on the pocket as compared to the previously discussed saw from Evolution Power Tools.
Similar to the earlier machine, however, this one also focuses on maintaining a cleaner workspace. It does so by having a dust extraction port at its back to which you can attach the hose of a vacuum cleaner.
For exact cuts, there is a miter adjustment true to within 0.5 degrees. Also, the movable vise offers precise angled cuts up to 45 degrees.
- Can cut multiple surfaces like steel, wood, or aluminum
- Small and portable design
- No sparks or extra heat while cutting metal
- Dust extraction port included
- Clamping system does not work as well as it should
5. DEWALT DW872 Multi-Cutter Metal Cutting Saw
QUICK SUMMARY
- Heat resistant blade
- Sharp blade tipped with carbide
- Cuts through multiple kinds of materials
- Flexible quick fence mechanism
When you hear 1300 rpm, you imagine a slow chop saw, yet the advantage this offers is in terms of heat generated. While fast-rotating blades cut faster, they also tend to overheat quickly which then negatively affects the efficiency of the tool. There is no such issue with the Dewalt DW872 as its blades will deliver cold cuts and literally keep their cool throughout the task.
For miter cuts, the saw moves forward to make the 45 and 90-degree cuts. Thanks to the locking mechanism, you don’t need tools to lock the sliding and angle adjustments in place.
Moving forward, the vise adjustment on the tool is smooth and quick. As a plus, there is a vertical clamp to hold materials securely, and you can easily cut both ferrous as well as non-ferrous metals.
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- Changing the blade can be done in a few quick steps
- Cuts ferrous and non-ferrous metals both
- Ergonomic design
- Vertical clamp for a secure hold on materials meant to be cut
- Squareness of the blade needs to be adjusted from time to time
6. Makita LC1230 Metal Cutting Saw
QUICK SUMMARY
- Motor turns the blade up to 1700 rpm
- Carbide-tipped blade
- Corded power supply
- Suitable for cutting metal
Makita has a reputation for producing durable and functional power tools for consumers. This one from them is a powerful tool you will not regret having in your kitty.
First off, the saw has a solid base that keeps steady even with the heaviest of tasks. The guide plate can be adjusted to suit the angle of the cut you need to make. And since the machine runs via a power cord, it is slightly more powerful than battery-operated ones.
Additionally, the blade is carbide-tipped which makes it more durable. As such, it will last longer than abrasive saws. All in all, this is among the best chop saw tools and very capable of handling even the most demanding of cutting tasks in a breeze.
- Capable motor
- Durable design of the tool including carbide-tipped
- Functional quick-release vise
- Solid and steady base
- No dust collection system
7. DEWALT D28715 Chop Saw
QUICK SUMMARY
- Keyless quick-change system
- 15 amp, 5.5 HP motor
- 45-degree pivoting fence for precise cuts
- Quick-lock vise
A 14-inch blade that can be changed without the need for a wrench is the highlight feature of this chop saw by DEWALT. This keyless change is highly useful when you need to quickly replace the blade on your chop saw.
Moving on, many other design features that make the D28715 a practical tool. For instance, the D-shaped top handle not only allows you to hold the saw firmly while making cuts but also lets you transport the machine from one place to another comfortably. And at 39 pounds, it is among the lightest chop saws to carry around.
Another detail we loved was the ability to move the backstop backward and forwards. With this, you can push or pull the head of the saw depending on the size of the piece that needs to be cut vis-a-vis the size of the blade.
- Lock-down pin to hold the saw head in place
- Wheel speed of 4000 rpm
- Lightweight and portable
- Quick-lock clamping mechanism
- Out-of-the-box alignment is a little off and needs adjusting
8. Slugger by FEIN Metal Saw
QUICK SUMMARY
- Integrated laser guide
- Battery-operated chop saw
- Powerful 1800 W motor
- Ultra-compact design
Featuring a laser guide and a built-in work light, the Slugger is the best chop saw for working in dark or dimly-lit spaces. Additionally, at 21 pounds, this handy tool by FEIN weighs less than all the other chop saws on this list. And that doesn’t even come at the cost of the durability of the machine, as the base is built out of solid and sturdy aluminum.
It has a double-insulated motor that delivers cold cuts without ever heating up to uncomfortable temperatures. Any occasional sparks that get produced are contained within the integrated chip collection, which also effectively holds in the dust. A smooth bevel and angle adjustment make angle cutting a hassle-free experience.
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- Solid and stable cast aluminum base
- Chip and dust collection built-in
- Low heat blade
- Included safety ear protection and eyewear
- Easy to set up
- No locking pin to facilitate storing the saw when not in use
9. Ironton Dry Cut Metal Saw
QUICK SUMMARY
- Fast and clean cuts
- Carbide-tipped blade
- Tool-free guide plate
- Has a quick-release vise
One of the most efficient cold-cut saws in its range, the Ironton Dry Cut Metal Saw has several nifty features that make it an attractive buy.
First of all, it has a carbide-tipped blade to provide cold, spark-free cuts without damaging the edge. It is strong enough to effortlessly cut 4 ¾ inches round and 4 ⅛ inches square stock material.
There is a shield to protect your hand from flying sparks and debris. Plus a button helps to lock the start button from getting accidentally engaged. These practical features add to the overall appeal of the saw, more so with the modest price tag it carries.
- Thumb lock mechanism to prevent accidental starts
- Comfortable handle to hold the saw while working
- Heavy base to keep the device stable
- Delivers clean and cold cuts
- Some users complain that the clamp can get loose during operation
10. Bosch 3814 Abrasive Cut-Off Machine
QUICK SUMMARY
- 15 amp motor
- Efficient locking vise
- Adjustable depth stop
- Blade made of aluminum oxide
It is hard to go through a power tools list without mentioning a Bosch product in it. Keeping up with the reputation of the brand, this chop saw has an abrasive wheel that spins at 3900 rpm to give you a quick and easy cut through any wooden or metal piece.
The depth of a cut can be adjusted without much hassle with depth stops. Aside from that, there is a bevel and angle adjustment feature to make accommodating cuts of any shape or angle fairly easy.
Helical steel gears enhance the longevity of the tool in combination with the ball and roller-bearing design. You will also love the built-in storage that allows you to keep a wheel wrench tucked in the body of the saw itself, so you can easily access it when you want.
- Spindle lock to allow quick changes of the wheel
- Trigger can be locked for prolonged cutting sessions
- Extra insulation over the motor to prevent overheating
- Robust construction
- Lacks a locking pin at the hinge
Conclusion
These were the 10 best chop saw reviews of products that we love and would recommend to any woodworking enthusiast.
Having looked at the important features of the chop saws on our list, you can easily compare the pros and cons of each tool. Additionally, if you want, you can check out their prices via the links we have posted for a quick assessment of what fits in your budget. We hope you can use this information to land the best tool for your cutting tasks.
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