A power tool, metal cutting saw helps you cut through different types of metal in a safe, easy and quick manner. A metal cutting saw is a tool that is a great addition to your home workshop. This would be very convenient especially for those who are welding. Hence, if you are DIYer or a professional, having the right metal saw will provide you clean and precise cuts.
There are numerous metal cutting saws in the market which makes it difficult to choose the best and right cutting saw that would best suit your needs. Do not fret as we understand your dilemma. Hence, we came up with a list of criteria which you could use as a guide in choosing the best cutting saw for you.
- Power source – you might want to consider the kind of power source your cutting saw has. There are three types of power sources:
- Gas Powered – runs on motor and could cut different types of metal. This is perfect for heavy duty jobs. The only downside of it is that it is a bit more expensive and heavier as well. It is a bit noisy too.
- Corded- Electric powered – this runs on electricity and could be plugged to any standard power outlet. It is lightweight and could easily be directed.
- Cordless battery powered – this uses rechargeable batteries. It could be used n light duty tasks and heavy duty jobs.
- Types of blades – metal cutting saws have two types of blades and they are:
- Abrasive Disc Blades are light weight and could be used perfectly by those who are just starting to use metal cutting saws. It could also be used by DIYers as well.
- Cold Saw Blades – they are heavier and more expensive but they could cut metal quickly and more accurately without having to worry about heat on its finish.
Best Metal Cutting Saws
Porter- Cable PCE700 15 Amp Chop Saw
Porter Cable is a well-known manufacturer of numerous power tools. One of which is their PCE700 15 Amp Chop Saw. It is the most affordable metal cutter listed in this article. It comes with a 14-inch cutting blade and has a speed of 3800 RPM. Through this tool, you will be able to cut all types of metal with its 15-amp powerful motor. In addition to that, it has very useful features such as quick release material clamp, heavy-duty steel base, adjustable cutting fence, inbuilt spark deflector and many more.
Best Features:
- Inbuilt spark deflector
- Sturdy heavy duty steel base
- 3800 RPM
- 14-inch abrasive blade
- Quick release material clamp
- 3-year warranty
- 15-amp motor
Components:
- Metal cutting saw
- Blade
- User manual
- Warranty card
DEWALT Metal Cutting Saw
DEWALT is a well-known brand in the industry. It comes with multiple options for metal cutting saws. They have numerous metal cutting saw options found in the market. However, out of all its products our favorite is the Dewalt DW872. It comes with amazing performance through its carbide tipped 14-inch cutting blade. It has the ability to spin at 1300 RPM and yet could still have an amazing performance. This metal cutting saw offers a one-year warranty.
Best Features:
- 66 teeth 14-inch carbide tipped blade
- 15-amp 4 HP motor
- Large sized base
- Quick release vertical material clamp
- 1-year warranty
- 1300 RPM
Components:
- Metal cutting saw
- Blade
- User manual
- Warranty card
Makita LC1230 12” Metal Cutting Saw
This tool is a bit expensive but it surely will give you value for your money. It comes with a 12-inch saw and 12-inch carbide tipped blade. It has 1700 RPM which is perfect speed for carbide blade. Aside from that, the Makita LC1230 has a powerful 15amp motor. It has the ability to cut 4-1/2 inches at 90 degrees and 3-1/2 inches at 45 degrees. It has a quick release tool-less guide plate. This cutting saw has a 3-year warranty.
Best Features:
- 12 inch carbide tipped blade
- 3 year warranty
- Quick release guide plate
- Spins at 1700 RPM
- Inbuilt shavings collection plate
- Powerful 15-amp motor
- Includes multiple accessories
Components:
- Metal cutting saw
- Blade
- Socket Wrench
- Safety Goggles
- User manual
- Warranty card
MILWAUKEE M18 Fuel Metal Cutting Circular Saw
The M18 is a high quality metal cutting circular saw that comes with 3900 RPMs. It works on Redlithium batteries which delivers about 370 cuts in 3/4” Emt. Aside from that this metal cutting saw has a hang hook that allows you to hang it on building materials such as ladders. Furthermore, it also has a Reline intelligence and is very durable.
Best Features:
- Brushless motor with 3,900RPM
- Delivers fastest cuts
- 370 cuts in ¾” EMT
- No wearable components
- Integrated hook
- Longest tool life
Components:
- Metal cutting saw
- Instruction manual
- Blade
- Warranty
- Batteries
Slugger by FEIN MCCS14 Metal Cutting Saw
Another reputable company behind a high quality metal cutting saw, FEIN MCCS14 is another amazing and reliable metal cutting saw. It has a power of 2200 watt low speed high torque motor. It has amazing performance and could cut multiple pieces of metal with ease. It has low heat which is also great. Furthermore, this product comes with cast aluminum base which is stable and has the ability to cut up to 5 1/8 inch metal at 90 degrees and 1 1/8 inch metal at 45 degrees.
Best Features:
- 2200 watt motor
- 14 inch cutting blade
- Low heat blade
- Cast aluminum base
- 3 year warranty
- UL/CSA safety approved
- Retracting lower safety guard
- Inbuilt eye protection
Components:
- Metal cutting saw
- Blade
- User manual
- Warranty card
Ironton Dry Cut Metal Saw
This saw is very exceptional. It delivers amazing results with its 110V motor and 15amp capacity. It has the ability to cut 4 ¾ inch round and 4 1/8-inch square stock. This product is suitable for cutting conduit, pipe and angle iron. It comes with a D shaped handle and is very comfortable.
Best Features:
- Works amazingly
- Good for the price
- Clean cuts
- D-handle for convenient handling
- Good performance
Components:
- Dry cut metal saw
- Manual
- Warranty card
- Blade
Milwaukee 6370-21 13 Amp 8-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw
This is a powerful tool which comes with an 8-inch blade. It is portable and comes with a carrying bag. It has 13amp powerful motor which offers blade speed of 3700 RPM. Though it is small, it comes with different useful features such as quick release blade shield, spark and chip deflector and has the ability to cut through ¾ inch steel plates.
Best Features:
- Inbuilt spark deflector
- Sturdy heavy duty steel base
- Quick release material clamp
- 3-year warranty
- 15-amp motor
- 3800 RPM
- 14-inch abrasive blade
Components:
- Metal cutting saw
- Blade
- Wrench
- Case
- User manual
- Warranty card
What is Metal Cutting Saw?
A metal cutting saw is a powerful tool which is utilized to cut different types of metals. It comes with powerful motor and cutting wheel. It could easily cut different types of metals such as cast-iron, sheet metal, I-beams, chunky angle and even steel pipes without having to exert too much effort, time and energy. They are designed to have lesser heat and sparks. They have sturdy bases which is durable and could last longer.
How to Choose the Best Metal Cutting Saw?
As mentioned earlier, you would have to consider a lot of factors when choosing a metal cutting saw and to make it easier for you, we have listed the things you should check:
Types of Metal Cutting Saw
Chop Metal Saw – designed for those who are looking for a tool that could quickly cut metals. It is usually huge and comes with multi-toothed blade. This type is perfect to use for straight and bevel cuts.
Circular Metal Saw – portable and small. Comes with heat treated allow blade or abrasive disc blade. This is used for larger objects. It is used for long lengthy slices.
Reciprocating Metal Saw – this could cut different types of materials not only metal. It could be used with back and forth motions. This is a perfect go-to option when dealing with demotion projects.
Band Metal Saw – this is a specialized tool. It could cut pipes and heavy stock. It runs horizontally and could cut through any workpiece. This tool is perfect for any project and could cut metals effectively.
Power Source
Gas powered:
- Uses gasoline
- Could be used to chop and slice different type of metals
- High speed and torque but noisy
- Requires constant maintenance
- Difficult to maneuver
Electric Powered
- Powered by electricity
- Quieter
- Lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- Best for heavy to medium duty jobs
- Less powerful than gas
- Could be operated for longer period of time
Battery Powered:
- Rechargeable batteries
- Cordless
- For light duty tasks – aluminum cut
- Unable to withstand heavy duty jobs
- Could be used anywhere including hard to reach places
- Considered as less powerful compared to gas and electric powered.
Metal Cutting Saw Blades
Abrasive blades – could produce a lot of sparks and could leave material hot. It uses high friction blades and it is not advisable to use for aluminum or soft metals. Its blades speed is 3800.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- cheaper
- perfect for starters
Cons:
- slow
- throws sparks while operating
- leaves cuts with little burrs
Cold Saw Blades – does not spark and it uses metallic toothed blade. It could cut metals faster. Very durable and produces cleaner results.
Pros:
- Quick cut
- Accurate
- Clean
- Does not produces sparks
- No heat
Cons:
- Heavier
- Expensive
Blade Tooth Count
The tooth count actually is very important especially in making the heat lesser. Since the blades are used to cut through metals, the range from tooth count is about 60 to 100. This will provide you a clean, precise and burr free cut. Mostly are designed with carbide tipped blade. This would usually have a range of 24 to 72 which would allow users to cut faster. It could provide you a different types of cuts by just adjusting it. Metal blades with sharp teeth are usually made of stainless steel and of other durable materials.
Blade Size
- Smaller or household use, we recommend 12-inch
- Heavy duty or industrial use, we recommend 14-inches
- For hobbyist or DIYer, we recommend 12-inch
- 7-inch for most task
Blade Rotation
- higher speed which exceeds 3000 RPM for cutting soft materials
- lower than speed than 3000RPM for cutting Haber metals
- Carbide blades for cutting use 1300RPM
- To cut metal with abrasive disc blade – at least 3000 RPM
Motor Power
Though cutting metal could be done at a low speed, you would need a motor that has high power. High torque is also needed. It is advisable to get one with at least 15 amperes and 1100 watts.
Angled Cuts/Fence Adjustment
There are chances when you would need to cut something at an angle. Good thing that these metal cutting saws come with adjustable miter gauges and tilt capabilities this means, you could cut your metal at a different angle, let’s say 45 degrees.
Vise Adjustment
Having a sturdy vise will give you a function which will help you lock power in one place. Hence, you will have to choose one that comes with the right vice which will help you save time.
Spark Deflectors
Having a spark deflector is a good and important thing. It will deflect the sparks while cutting metal. It is important that you check and choose one that is adjustable per your requirement.
Portability
This will depend on the type or what you need to use
- If you are working on a site, you will have to take the metal cutting saw with you, hence choose one that is cordless or gas powered.
- If you are working on a workshop, get one with cord.
Warranty
Get one that offers longer warranty. This way you will not have to worry in case your tool breaks down. Most metal cutting saws would offer about 3-year warranty.
Metal Cutting Saw – Safety Tips:
- Check whether the saw comes with an eye protection plate or blade guard
- Wear protective gear – gloves, googles and face shield
- Avoid wearing jewelry and loose clothes
- Never keep your hands close to moving blade
- Operate metal saw at a recommended speed for certain material
- Check the power source, power cord and blade
FAQs
Could we use a metal cutting saw to cut wood?
There are few metal saw models which are capable of cutting wood. However, compared to a wood blade, it will not be as clean and as fine cut. Also, if you do this with steel blades or carbide blade, it will wear the blade out quickly. Also usually metal saw blade usually have a range of teeth count from 60 to 100 per blade while wood cutting saws would usually only have 24.
What is the difference between Metal Chop Saw and Miter Saw?
Metal chop saws come with miter gauges. Chop saws could cut straight 90-degree angle miter on the other hand would be able to cut 90 degree crosscut and bevel cuts in different angles. (See: Miter vs Chop Saw)
Conclusion
Having a metal cutting saw is an important tool to have. It allows you to cut metal pieces easily. We hope through this article, we are able to help you choose one that would best suit your needs. We suggest that if you are on a budget, go for the Porter Cable PCE700 saw. If you are looking for both price and performance, we suggest Evolution Power Tools RAGE2 and the Milwaukee 6370-21 for premium metal cutting saw.
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