14" Dry chop saws - any recommendations?

[downsizingnow48]

I've got the Makita 12" metal cutting saw. I looked at half a dozen other models before getting it. It has a really good vise and is completely rock solid in the cutting action. I've had nothing but perfect cuts on the original blade for a couple years now. I have a 14" Makita abrasive saw too. Since getting the 12" saw I use the abrasive saw seldom, mostly on rebar and hardened steel.

 

[Shield Arc]

I wouldn't trust Lanse's review

Yeah, Lanse is a great kid! :thumbsup:

 

[dragoneggs]

Yeah, Lanse is a great kid! :thumbsup:

I do enjoy his videos and persistence!

 

[Happy Gilmore]

I like his videos, I've watched a bunch of them

 

[bamboozled]

Makita. Had mine for 10 years or so now, used it probably 1000 times. They blades last forever as long as you clamp the material down tight. Only time I've lost teeth on the blade is doing a 45 and didn't clamp the material tight and it pulled into the blade.

 

[dntfxr]

I know it's not what you asked about but I like the HF horizontal bandsaw. I got mine recently for 200$ with the sale and coupon. For quick and ugly I use oxy/acet or a angle grinder.

 

[crystallake]

Makita,Makita,Makita..I also have a horz bandsaw, but the Makita is my go to tool. Be sure to clamp down the part. Not like cutting wood, it will bit you bad.

 

[airrj]

I have used abrasive saws for years in shops that I have worked in. I also have an abrasive chop saw that needs a new brush for the motor. When I had a moderate size project to complete this spring I jumped at the chance to buy the DeWalt D872. I didn't even take the time to fix the old abrasive saw that I already have. Best purchase I have made in years. I have about 300 cuts so far on the blade with great results. As for deflection there is none! I had some 2x3x11ga. tubing and I had to cut a mitered angle on it. So I cut the angle as close to the end as I could just to see how well it would do. See the photos and you can see how the piece came off of the saw. I measured the piece from side to side and there was less than .002" of taper in the part. I bought mine from Enco when they had a 25% off sale for a total of $412 to my door. I have a horizontal band saw as well, and it is gathering dust most of the time.





Clean, cool, repeatable cuts. It is worth every penny that I spent on it.

Good Luck.

R.J.

 

[airrj]

Double post. Sorry.

 

[Teachu2]

I spent a lot of time on the welding forums reading reviews before I spent the $ on the Makita. I, too, wanted 14", but the quality of the Makita won - the cast base being a major factor. There were several folks back then who had tried others, then the Makita. The Makita was stiffer, more powerful, and superior for most uses.

I've used and abused my as a casual welder/fabricator. Messed up one blade when I got sloppy - no fault of the saw. Still using the second blade. I use it for the vast majority of my cutting, even though I also own two 14" abrasives, a Jet horizontal bandsaw, a O/A torch, and a plasma cutter.

If it were stolen today, I'd buy another tomorrow.