Cold cut saw

[dragoneggs]

Dragon, the ONLY Evolution saw I've been referring to is the EVOSAW380 - the Rage2 is a TOTALLY different saw - I've seen a few gripes about that one, a couple on this site; and if you compare the pictures zoomed in

Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW38 15-Inch Steel Cutting Chop Saw - Power Circular Saws - Amazon.com

Evolution Power Tools RAGE2 Multi Purpose Cutting Chop Saw, 14-Inch - Power Circular Saws - Amazon.com

you can see why - Rage2 has a stamped steel base, thinner bent steel vise parts, no quick release on the vise, a cheesy little chain and hook to stow it for travel, and isn't capable of taking a 15" blade -

The EVOSAW380 has a cast base, thicker CAST vise parts, a flip-up vise release that lets you put a work piece in and just push the vise handle forward til it hits, then a turn or two to tighten, an actual steel PIN for travel position, and weighs 9 pounds more (mostly the difference between stamped thin steel parts in base AND vise)

Dunno how long the price at discountsteel.com is good for, but that's the cheapest I've found the EVOSAW yet. In my experience, the saying "buy once, cry once" seems to be valid MOST of the time so to me, paying a bit more up front is usually worth it. That's why I have a Miller mm252 and a Hypertherm PM45 - I've had both for about 6 years, and they (along with my Jet 8x12 band saw) have never done ANYTHING but WORK.

I know it sounds like it, but I'm really NOT tryin' to push you into something you don't wanna do, only make sure you know some of the things they DON'T say in descriptions... Steve

Steve, I think we are of the same ilk... after soul searching on other more recent tool purchases, I bought a Miller 211 and my latest toy, PM45XP. Both are too good for me but I love them and expect them to be the last of that kind of tool I ever buy. Most probably I will kick myself if I go cheap... learned that lesson long ago.

I did recognize the difference between the two Evolutions and I think you are right on getting quality. BUT... the Rage2 is now only $149 at Homedepot.com!

Evolution Power Tools 14 in. Multi-Purpose Chop Saw-RAGE2 - The Home Depot

I suppose another thing to consider would be the cost of 15in blades vs. 14in or even 12in if I go with the Makita LC1230 for $419. I haven't priced out the blades specifically but I can imagine there will be a significant difference in price. Looking at that now.

Makita LC123 12-Inch Metal Cutting Saw - Power Metal Cutting Saws - Amazon.com

 

[Ford850]

I suppose another thing to consider would be the cost of 15in blades vs. 14in or even 12in if I go with the Makita LC1230 for $419. I haven't priced out the blades specifically but I can imagine there will be a significant difference in price. Looking at that now.

Both of those Evo saws come with a 14" blade if that matters. The EVOSAW380 has a 15" capacity, but it comes with a 14" blade.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Kick back could be exciting!

I was thinking the steel could be clamped to the table and the blade raised into it...

The saw top is about 3' x 4', so there's plenty of room to support the steel and clamp it.

SR

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I was thinking the steel could be clamped to the table and the blade raised into it...

The saw top is about 3' x 4', so there's plenty of room to support the steel and clamp it.

SR

That's an interesting idea. 14" blade? Is the wheel to raise the blade in a convenient spot? If it's trunion-mounted direct drive you could probably rig a weighted pulley system.
Set the cut, release the weight for a smooth, consistent cut!

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Here's a pict. of it when I brought it home,

I've stripped the table extensions and feeder off it, you can see the hand wheel to raise/lower the blade... It's made to accept a 14 or 16" blade...

It's one he!! of a saw, but I already have two Unisaws in my shop, so I could use this one for metal work if I wanted...

SR

 

[dragoneggs]

Both of those Evo saws come with a 14" blade if that matters. The EVOSAW380 has a 15" capacity, but it comes with a 14" blade.

I think other than the blade capacity the big difference is the build quality and sturdiness of the base.

 

[Ford850]

I think other than the blade capacity the big difference is the build quality and sturdiness of the base.

I think so too. I bet the difference in that base is more apparent after the saw is used some and things get a little loose of sloppy on the lesser one. I mentioned the 14" blade on the 380 to point out you could buy 14" replacements if they are less expensive.

 

[dragoneggs]

I think so too. I bet the difference in that base is more apparent after the saw is used some and things get a little loose of sloppy on the lesser one. I mentioned the 14" blade on the 380 to point out you could buy 14" replacements if they are less expensive.

Yes sir. Since I for one, am looking for the last dry cut saw I buy rather than the first, the quality/build is very, if not most important. If I get into a situation where size is a problem, I have my LWS store where I buy almost all of my metal that does $1 per cut. Hard to beat that other than convenience.

 

[Whatswrong]

I`m glad I started this thread ,there has been great sharing of opinions .No one answered my question but all the other discussion has .
First off I finally found blades in Quebec at the right price for my old saw so I don`t have the drive to build and secondly the cost of a slow speed blade is about the same price as a cheap saw and I would still have all the uncertainty of the build which could be a failure .
I have no doubt the 150.00 saw would last me as long as I plan to be McGivering things together .

 

[dragoneggs]

I`m glad I started this thread ,there has been great sharing of opinions .No one answered my question but all the other discussion has .
First off I finally found blades in Quebec at the right price for my old saw so I don`t have the drive to build and secondly the cost of a slow speed blade is about the same price as a cheap saw and I would still have all the uncertainty of the build which could be a failure .
I have no doubt the 150.00 saw would last me as long as I plan to be McGivering things together .

Ha ha... now I remember! Sorry as I was one of the sidetrackers! :ashamed: I think I would be more excited to get on with other projects with a reasonably priced off the shelf tool instead of MacGyver'ing something with what you have and still need to buy, and get it all to work well. That said I like the idea if you have the time and materials.

On a side note... are you in Saskatchewan?