Best Metal Chop Saw in 2023 – (For Contractors & Amateurs)

As every contractor or avid DIYer knows, slicing through steel rebar is no easy job. But the best metal chop saw can make your task easier. In truth, there isn’t much difference between a wood and a metal chop saw.

I’ve used chop saws for multiple redecoration projects, and more often than not, the difference is in the blade.

However, aside from blades, there are a few objective criteria to consider when picking the right tool for the job.

You must think of power, torque, and revolutions per minute. Then, it all comes to subjective criteria regarding the brand or specific model. I’ve tried many chop saws throughout the years, and only a few lived up to my expectations for cutting metal.

Types of Metal Chop Saws

Like most power tools on the market, metal chop saws can be classified into various types based on their power source. We can speak of gas, corded, and battery-powered machines.

Gas-Powered Chop Saw

Runs on gasoline and is the most powerful type. This chop saw can slice through all metals, including steel, and delivers higher torque and speed. However, these tools are noisy and require constant maintenance. They are also heavier and harder to maneuver than the other two types.

Corded Chop Saw

Runs on electricity received from a standard wall outlet. These chop saws are lightweight, quieter, and easier to maneuver, but they are less powerful than gas-powered chop saws. Nevertheless, they can still cut through most types of metal.

Cordless Chop Saw

Gets energy from a rechargeable battery, typically NiCad or Li-Ion. These machines are the weakest; they are typically ideal for light-duty jobs, such as cutting aluminum, but they rarely withstand heavier-duty tasks.

How to Choose a Metal Chop Saw

Merely picking a type of metal chop saw is insufficient when it comes to picking the best tool on the market. There are other features to consider before deciding which chop saw is best for you. Here are some of the most important things you should check.

Size

The size of a metal chop saw determines its cutting depth, and ultimately its suitability for the project. Dry chop saws come in different sizes that are more or less suitable for industrial use.

For light-duty home applications, a smaller unit with a blade of 12 inches or less is usually sufficient, and also pocket-friendly. Heavier-duty applications and industrial use may require a blade of at least 14 inches.

Decide which size is best for you based on the average size of your work-pieces, checking it against the size of the blade.

Speed

When it comes to cutting metal, know that you don’t need the fastest tool. Metals are harder materials, thus they must be cut at lower speeds for both safety and results.

Soft materials can typically be cut at higher speeds that exceed 3,000 revolutions per minute, but I wouldn’t recommend exceeding 3,500 RPM, even when cutting aluminum or other soft metals. Harder metals require a speedway lower than 3,000 RPM.

A good rule of thumb is to keep the speed on the lower end of the spectrum to improve the results and to ensure safe operation.

Power

While cutting metal requires a low speed, this operation also requires high power. Due to the strength of the material, slicing through metal requires high torque.

Choose a unit with a motor of at least 15 amperes and at least 1,100 watts of operating power. To calculate the watts, multiply the amperes by the voltage of the machine.

Angle cuts

Regardless of what type of cuts you want to make, chances are you’ll need to cut at an angle at least once.

Most metal chop saws come with adjustable miter gauges and tilt capabilities that allow cutting at angles up to 45 degrees. Some industrial metal chop saws even have more positive stops, ideal for accurate, repeatable cuts.

Portability

If you’re mostly working on job sites and need a metal chop saw to take with you, a gas or cordless unit could be your best bet.

On the contrary, if you mostly work in your workshop, investing in a corded unit could be cheaper. Corded saws are also more powerful than cordless ones, which means you’ll achieve better cuts.

Can You Cut Metal With a Wood Chop Saw?

We’ve already established that you can cut wood with a metal chop saw, but what about the reverse? Can you cut metal with a wood chop saw?

Long story short, yes. However, you probably won’t be able to cut all types of metal with a wood chop saw.

Chop saws developed specifically for wood are typically designed to spin faster. The best wood chop saws to use on metals are those designed to cut through hardwood and plywood, as they have either adjustable speeds or slower spinning blades.

Obviously, the woodchop saw you like must also have removable blades. Luckily, most wood chop saws are compatible with metal cutting blades.

Chop Saw vs. Miter Saw ‘“ What’s the Difference?

You’ve noticed by now that most chop saws have miter gauges and bevel cut capabilities, so what exactly is the difference between a chop saw and a miter saw?

Not so long ago, the difference between the two models was neat. At the time, chop saws could only cut straight 90-degree angles, while miter saws were employed for 90-degree crosscuts and bevel cuts at different angles.

With advancements in technology, chop saws have also been equipped with miters, so it’s difficult to know when to choose one tool over the other.

The main difference between the two is size. Chop saws can typically produce deeper cuts, which means they are ideal for coarser work.

Miter saws are smaller and typically employed in precision wood or metal cutting.

Miter saws produce accurate, fine cuts and perfect straight or angle repeatable cuts.

Best Metal Chop Saw Reviews

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1. Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 Metal Cutting Chop Saw

I pick the EVOSAW380 as the best metal cutting saw on the market because this dependable power tool withstands heavy-duty jobs in commercial or industrial environments and exceeds expectations in a home workshop.

For cutting through steel plate, round plate, scaffolding, cladding, and metal sheets, to name just a few, this aluminum chop saw impresses with its unique high-torque gearbox, which delivers sufficient power to the blade to slice through metals like a knife through melted butter.

This tool outperforms the abrasive saws by far thanks to its 15-Amp motor and 1,800 watts of driving force.

The heavy-duty construction of this dry-cut chop saw includes a cast aluminum base built specifically for industrial metal cutting, while the top-notch cutting blade included in the box boasts a long lifespan and adds value for money.

A thing I like is the availability of this chop saw in three different sizes; this tool suits many projects, and you can pick the right blade size from 7 1/4-inch to 15-inch. I find the 15-inch variant to be the most versatile, but if you don’t need such a large blade and want to save a few bucks, the other styles come with similar features.

The EVOSAW380 obviously has its flaws, including a useless miter gauge and an unimpressive chip tray. Yet, all in all, this best metal chop saw does live up to the expectations.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Steel Plate & Metal roofing
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Size: 15-Inch
• Speed: 1450 RPM
• Power Source: Corded electric

What We Like:

• Neat finish ensured by minimal heat and burrs
• Supplied with 14-inch mild steel cutting blade
• 0-45-degree adjustable vice
• Debris collection tray
• Compatible with a full range of blades, including wood blades

What We Didn’t Like:

• Questionable collection tray quality
• Hard to adjust the miter blade
• Some components may seem flimsy

2. DEWALT DW872 14-Inch Metal Cutting Tools

The DW872 metal chop saw from DeWalt is one of the most expensive on the market, but the quality of the build and set of features will pay off in the long run.

Featuring best-in-class qualities and industrial power, this workhorse finds its place in a contractor’s workshop and is easy to transport for job site applications.

More than a metal chop saw this is a multi-cutter designed to rip through metals, wood, plastics, and a variety of engineered materials.

I love the burst of power this multi-cutter saw has, and its outstanding speed delivered by the 4-horsepower motor.

I also like that the DeWalt 14-inch chop saw is one of the largest saws in its class; it is capable of performing deep cuts up to 5 3/16 inches for circular applications and 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches for rectangular applications.

Furthermore, the unit comes equipped with a resilient 14-inch, 70-tooth carbide-tipped blade, which is much more resistant and higher-performing than a standard abrasive cutting wheel.

Designed to deliver accurate cuts that are cool to touch and boasting impressive features, this is no doubt the best metal cutting chop saw for a contractor or avid DIYer.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Heavy-duty Metals
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Size: 14-Inch
• Speed: 1300 RPM
• Power Source: Corded

What We Like:

• Astonishing cutting speed
• Specialty carbide-tipped blade included
• Quick-lock vise
• Patented 45-degree Quick-Fence

What We Didn’t Like:

• Limited miter options
• Low accuracy for repeatable cuts

3. Makita LC1230 12-Inch Metal Cutting Saw

With a smaller cutting capacity but best-in-class features, the Makita LC1230 withstands industrial use, although I consider it more suitable for an amateur’s workshop. Like my two picks above, this electric metal chop saw is perfect for small home repair applications, such as cutting pipe and tubing.

Nonetheless, the unit is powered by a reliable 15-Amp motor running on 120 volts and delivers a maximum cutting depth of 4.5 inches when used with a compatible carbide-tipped blade. Regarding the blade, the maximum size accepted is 12 inches.

Its no-load speed of 1,300 revolutions per minute and bevel cutting capacities are two other features that caught my attention while testing this chop saw. Able to cut four times faster than other chop saws in its class, the LC1230 model is perfect for light chores.

The tool is also incredibly easy to use. It comes with a D-shape ergonomic handle and has a well-balanced center of gravity, ensuring smooth cuts without hassle. This makes it perfect for beginners or for home users happy to spend a few extra bucks on unrivaled quality.

Safety is also part of the picture, and this one of the best metal chop saw comes with an advantageous lock-off button designed to prevent accidental cuts.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Pipe, Angle iron
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Size: 12-Inch
• Speed: 1300 RPM
• Power Source: Corded Electric

What We Like:

• 12-inch long-lasting carbide blade included
• 45-degree bevel cut capability
• Socket wrench
• D-shape handle
• Quick-release vise
• Shavings collection tray

What We Didn’t Like:

• Poor cutting performance on hard metals
• Not suitable for repeatable cuts

4. Evolution EVOSAW180HD Steel Cutting Circular Saw

If you’re after a reliable handheld chop saw, but the options on the market seem less than satisfactory, the EVOSAW180HD might come and save the day.

Not exactly a chop saw, but an easy-to-use and reliable steel cutting circular saw, this high-quality power tool is able to cut metal through most metals and is perfect for semi-commercial demands

Powered by a reliable 1.5-horsepower motor, this cutting tool delivers 3,900 revolutions per minute at no load and is able to cut mild steel without generating heat.

Ideal for heavy-duty residential jobs and light-duty commercial tasks, the circular saw rips tube and piping, scaffolding, cladding, sheet metal, and even I-beams.

The blade included in the package brings further value for the money thanks to its great quality. You’ll be able to cut up to 250 feet of a steel plate before replacing and can even handle harder materials.

A slight drawback is the weaker motor equipping this unit. With only 9 amperes and 1,100 watts, this tool just can’t deliver the torque of the units above. However, although I wouldn’t recommend this tool for job site applications, the exceptional price point combined with the unit’s qualities make it a great choice for a garage or backyard workshop.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Steel Plate, Box section
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Size: 7-1/4-Inch
• Speed: 1800 RPM
• Power Source: Corded Electric

What We Like:

• Adjustable cutting depth
• Perfect for wood and thin metal
• Handheld design
• Bevel cut capability up to 45 degrees
• 20 mm blade arbor

What We Didn’t Like:

• Small blade diameter
• Some units lack an instruction manual

5. DEWALT D28715 14-Inch Quick-Change Chop Saw

The amazon link=”B000HHWWES” title=”DEWALT D28715 14-Inch Quick-Change Chop Saw” /] can cut through thick metal and plastic.

It also offers a quick-change feature that allows consumers to change the blade without a wrench. It also has a 45-degree adjustable fence that allows for fast and accurate angles to be cut out of your material.

It also has a quick-lock vise that allows for fast hassle-free clamping to hold the materials you are working within place while you cuts metal. It has a soft start to extend gear and motor life as well. Last, the handle is designed to be ergonomically friendly so the consumer can use the saw for long periods of time without feeling the stress on their joints.

Since the DEWALT D28715 14-Inch Quick-Change Chop Saw has a quick charge option that doesn’t require a wrench, it is best to use a DEWALT quick-change blade.

Other blades are compatible, but with the quick-change option, not all 14-inch blades will fit perfectly. It is also always best to stick to the manufacturer’s blade when replacing blades for the highest quality.

DEWALT blades can be purchased at most major hardware stores and even some superstores. They can also be purchased from the manufacturer’s websites if you are looking for the best prices.

DEWALT is among some of the highest quality saw brands. They develop features that are built to last and put the consumer’s needs first.

This saw features a large cutting capacity to make quick work of larger materials and a locking device that can be used to hold the saw head in place when being transported.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Portable, Ergonomic design
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Size: 14-Inch
• Speed: 4,000 RPM
• Power Source: Corded Electric

What We Like:

• It features multiple components to make changing the blade and using the clamps quickly and easily.
• It has a large cutting capacity.
• It has lockdown pins for transport.
• It can cut at multiple angles.

What We Didn’t Like:

• It is not spark-free.
• It is not compatible with all blades.

6. MK Morse CSM9NXTB Metal Cutting Circular Saw

The MK Morse CSM9NXTB 9-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw is ideal for all metal cutting. It has a no-load speed up to 2,700 RPM and a low-speed, high-torque 11 Amp motor. This combination of technology maximizes the durability, versatility, and quality of the cut you will get when using this best metal-cutting circular saw.

This metal cutting saw also features guide arrows and a sight opening that makes it easier to position your metal and create the cut that you desire the first time without any fail. The MK Morse CSM9NXTB 9-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw will cut metal smoothly and efficiently.

Even though the MK Morse CSM9NXTB 9-Inch Metal Cutting Circle Saw is compatible with most 9-Inch metal cutting blades, it works best with the MK Morse brand.

It is always best to stay brand loyal when working with any type of power tool and replacement parts. You will always get the best performance and fit when using a blade that is made for the saw you purchased.

Replacement blades for the MK Morse CSM9NXTB 9-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw are also easy to come by. Not only can you purchase them from the manufacturer’s website and other online shopping sites, but they are also stocked in most hardware stores.

The MK Morse CSM9NXTB 9-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw was built with the consumer in mind. It provides a laser guide and sight openings to make sure your cuts are accurate, and the low-speed, high-torque motor makes sure your cuts are always clean and smooth. It is a saw built to last and deliver quality finishes.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Cut Metal
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Size: 9-Inch
• Speed: 2,700 RPM
• Power Source: Corded Electric

What We Like:

• It has a side opening to make cuts more accurate.
• It is compatible with most 9- inch blades.
• It has a laser guide.
• It has a low-speed, high torque motor for clean cuts.

What We Didn’t Like:

• The saw overheats quickly.

7. SKILSAW SPT62MTC Dry Cut Metal Cutting Saw

The SKILSAW SPT62MTC-01 Amp 12 Inches Dry Cuts Metal Cutting Saw is one of the few metal cutting saw that is particularly spark-free.

If any sparks are created when it is cutting metal, there are very few, and it is often rare. It also cuts clean without any deburring. Its cutting capacity is 4 ½ inches and can up pipe that is up to 4.5 inches and square stock that is up to 3.9 inches.

This saw also comes with locking pins that make it easy and safe to transport. It is important that your saw can be safely transported if you are someone who needs to cut metal somewhere outside of their home.

The SKILSAW SPT62MTC-01 Amp 12 In. Dry Cut Metal Cutting Saw requires a 12-inch blade. It is compatible with most other brands of blades, but it is always best to stay true to the brand of the saw when buying a replacement blade if you want to best quality out of your work.

SKILSAW blades are fairly common and are stocked in most major hardware stores and superstores. You can also buy them at most major online shopping stores and on the manufacturer’s website.

SKILSAW is one of the top brands when it comes to quality in a circular saw. It is built with materials that are made to last and provide high-quality results when used properly. When properly cared for your SKILSAW can last you for years to come.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Cuts Faster & Cleaner
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Size: 12-Inch
• Speed: 1500 RPM
• Power Source: Corded Electric

What We Like:

• SKILSAW builds its products to last.
• It has locking pins that make it safe to transport.
• It can cut through thick pieces of metal.
• It has technology that minimizes the sparks created when cutting.

What We Didn’t Like:

• It is heavy to move.

8. MK Morse CSM14MB Dry-Cut Metal Cutting Chop Saw

The MK Morse CSM14MB is built with technology that allows it to perform a dry cut with no sparks, noise, or heat build-up. This allows for there to be no downtime between cuts while the machine cools down. It also has a low-speed, high-torque 1,300 RPM motor that makes quick work of thick pipes, angle iron, metal studs, and tubing

It has a 72-tooth carbide blade that cuts the metal clean and doesn’t grind it. It also has a spot to store the blade change wrench so that the consumer never has to worry about losing it and having to purchase a new one.

Most 14-inch metal cutting blades will fit the MK Morse CSM14MB Dry Metal Cutting Saw, but in order the get the best quality out of your cuts, it is better to stay true to the brand. The 72-tooth carbide blade that MK Morse has made for this saw will give you the cleanest cuts with less amount of effort.

The MK Morse CSM14MB 14-Inch Dry-Cut Metal Cutting Saw is designed to create the cleanest cuts with as little as a possible effort on the consumer’s part. It is designed with technology that keeps the saw both quiet, spark-free, and cool. The cooling feature will keep your saw from burning up too quickly and stalling in the middle of cuts as well.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Every Contractor
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Size: 14-Inch
• Speed: 1,300 RPM
• Power Source: Corded Electric

What We Like:

• The saw is designed to be quiet.
• It is spark-free.
• It has a cool-down feature.
• The blade will create clean cuts without grinding.
• It makes quick work of thick metal.

What We Didn’t Like:

• It is heavy to move.
• There are no locking pins to keep it in place when moving.

9. Slugger by FEIN MCCS 14 Metal Cutting Chop Saw

The Slugger by FEIN MCCS 14 Metal Cutting Saw is another best metal cutting saw that used a low-speed, high-torque motor to create clean cuts. It is able to cut angles anywhere from 0-45 degrees and has a heavy-duty base.

The 2200 watt motor can cut through 5 and 1/8 materials at a 90 degree and 4 and 1/8 materials at a capacity of 45 percent.

For best results, a Slugger blade should always be used. These are best purchased off of the manufacturer’s websites, but some hardware stores do stock them. Slugger does not guarantee the same quality of the cut that you would get when using one of their blades if you choose to use a different brand 14″ blade.

The Slugger by FEIN MCCS 14′ Metal Cutting Saw does not offer any special technology that keeps the saw cool when it is being used or prevents sparks.

However, they do state that most sparking is minimal and any particles that might come from cutting the metal is usually contained to the tray below the saw area. Slugger isn’t ranked among the highest quality metal cutting saws, but they do hold up with light use over time.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Clean cuts
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Size: 14-Inch
• Speed: 1,300 RPM
• Power Source: Corded Electric

What We Like:

• It can cut through thick pieces of metal.
• It provides clean cuts.
• It has a safety guard that automatically retracts. It has a tray to catch any metal particles.

What We Didn’t Like:

• It is not spark-free.
• It is heavy to move.

10. PORTER-CABLE PCE700 15 Amp Chop Saw

If I had to describe the PORTER-CABLE PCE700 in just a few words, I would say that it is affordable and reliable. This chop saw comes with a 15-Amp motor capable of producing up to 3,800 revolutions per minute, and is ideal to use in an upscale amateur or beginner’s workshop.

Ideal for metal, but also suitable for cutting wood, this dependable tool comes with a quick-release material clamp for hazard-free cutting and with a quality cutting fence with miter adjustment.

A heavy-duty steel base provides stability while cutting, and I also found the spindle lock useful because it allows for quick blade changes. The 14-inch blade diameter is also ideal for most applications, while the 8-foot power cord ensures easy maneuvering.

Furthermore, the spark deflector comes as a handy safety feature.

As for cutting performance, this metal chop saw may be cheap, but it certainly doesn’t disappoint. It has bevel-cut capabilities up to 45 degrees and a maximum cutting capacity of 4 3/4 x 5 1/3 inches.

Perhaps too weak to withstand industrial use, this metal chop saw is best in a home or beginner’s workshop.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Long Motor Life
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Size: 14-Inch
• Speed: 3800 RPM
• Power Source: Corded Electric

What We Like:

• 3,800 revolutions per minute maximum speed
• 14-inch blades
• Ideal for cutting metal and wood
• Steel base for stability
• Attractive price point

What We Didn’t Like:

• Poor-quality back fence
• Some components seem flimsy

What is a Metal Cutting Saw?

At first glance, there is little difference between a metal cutting saw and a standard circular saw used for wood.

However, the two tools are slightly different, in that a metal cutting saw produces dry cuts, which require no coolant to keep the blade cool.

This is possible due to the blades’ teeth, which are designed to dissipate heat, keeping the temperature of both workpiece and blade as low as possible.

There are two types of blades involved in the manufacture of metal chop saws: high-speed steel (HSS) blades and tungsten carbide-tipped blades.

HSS blades

Are typically used for coarse, high-speed applications and withstand speeds higher than 3,500 revolutions per minute.

These blades can have a variable number of teeth.

Tungsten carbide-tipped blades

Are usually used for lower-speed precision cutting, although most blades can also withstand higher speeds. The tougher material makes them ideal for cutting hard metals, such as steel, and these blades also have a longer lifespan.

Another characteristic of the metal chop saws is the powerful motor, equipped with a gear reduction unit designed to reduce the rotational speed of the blade at a higher torque. This is important because, like any hard material, the metal must be cut at lower speeds.

A question many amateurs ask is how to know if the circular saw they like is a metal chop saw. The answer is simple. Check the unit’s features.

If it’s a dry saw, it most likely can cut through ferrous and non-ferrous materials, as well as through an array of other materials, including wood and plastic. Some dry saws can even cut tiles and ceramic, while the most powerful units can sometimes cut through masonry.

Like I already told you at the beginning of this article, the component that dictates which materials your saw can or can’t cut through is the blade.

Chop Saw Safety

Chop saws are dangerous and potentially life-threatening machines.

They are often equipped with several safety features, including trigger stops, overheat and overcharge shutoffs, and the best-performing units can even detect skin contact and stop to prevent injuries. But regardless of the safety features, you must also learn how to operate your tool safely.

• The first step is getting all the necessary equipment and putting it on before plugging in the tool. This includes safety goggles and a full face shield.
• Don’t wear gloves, loose clothes, or jewelry to prevent them from getting caught in the saw’s moving parts.
• Avoid keeping your hands too close to the moving blade, and don’t touch the blade when the saw stops spinning.
• Only operate the chop saw at the recommended speed, depending on the material to cut and you’re using.
• Check and tighten the blade as needed; also check the power cord and make sure the machine is safe to use overall.
• Don’t touch or raise the spinning blade from the workpiece even if you have stopped the machine. Wait for it to stop spontaneously before touching or raising the blade.

Frequently Asked Question And Answered

Final Verdict

Finding the best metal chop saw is far from easy. There are many features to consider, and it is also hard to decide between the vast array of tools on the market.

Nevertheless, you now know some of the top picks and how to choose the machine that is most appropriate for you.