Band Saw vs Abrasive Chop Saw

[coherent]

Looks like everyone has pretty much answered your original question. I had a dewalt abrasive blade chops saw. Hated the sparks and mess. Bought a small band saw and never looked back. Sold the chop saw and never miss it. In the last few years the cold cut metal chop saws have been gaining it popularity and lowering in price, so thought I'd try one. Decided on an Evolution based on their feedback. Now I know many folks have posted favorable comments on these saws, but on my first cut (1/8" mild steel, gentle slow feed etc) it sparked, the motor stopped, and smoke rose... I returned it through Amazon and got a refund. I still think the new cold cut saws are nice and would make a great saw. Maybe I just got a lemon. I have a friend who has the Dewalt version and loves it. I will likely give it another go and buy another (different brand) and try again one day, but for now, my reliable bandsaw it working fine!.

 

[dragoneggs]

Looks like everyone has pretty much answered your original question. I had a dewalt abrasive blade chops saw. Hated the sparks and mess. Bought a small band saw and never looked back. Sold the chop saw and never miss it. In the last few years the cold cut metal chop saws have been gaining it popularity and lowering in price, so thought I'd try one. Decided on an Evolution based on their feedback. Now I know many folks have posted favorable comments on these saws, but on my first cut (1/8" mild steel, gentle slow feed etc) it sparked, the motor stopped, and smoke rose... I returned it through Amazon and got a refund. I still think the new cold cut saws are nice and would make a great saw. Maybe I just got a lemon. I have a friend who has the Dewalt version and loves it. I will likely give it another go and buy another (different brand) and try again one day, but for now, my reliable bandsaw it working fine!.

Which Evolution did you get?

 

[Turbys_1700]

I've got both. Like the band saw better. Chop saw works good for lighter stuff. Both of my units are lower end. I inherited my dad's old Buffalo Tools band saw he purchased back in 1983. Made in Taiwan. Couple years ago I got the heavy duty Harbor Freight chop saw and can't really complain. With a decent blade it does fine. If I was in full time metal fabrication those tools would be woefully inadequate but for my small projects here on the farm they are fine.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
I STILL don't have a dry cut saw, (retired now, smaller "toy fund") but when I do it'll be the better model Evolution. Stronger base, better vise, less "homeowner" gimmicks. It's this one - note the better price in SECOND link...

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

Evolution EVOSAW38 | Evolution Power Tools | Evolution 15
<snip>

I have decided on that one too... thanks for posting the discount steel website... that's a great price with free shipping too.

Dave, how is the hold down clamp? Solid?

I'm saving my tooth fairy quarters for that also. Can we get 24 more people together and get them to ship to separate addresses?

 

[coherent]

Which Evolution did you get?

The Rage3 & their steel blade that I installed prior to the first (and last) use. I was cutting 1/2 thin wall mild steel tubing.

 

[muddstopper]

Carl, I got a reconditioned Skilsaw metal cutting saw for around $100. The saw is great. I like it much more than the Milwaukwee.

SKILSAW SPT78MMC-�1 15 Amp Outlaw Worm Drive Saw for Metal, 8" - - Amazon.com

Hard to cut small stuff accurately with it but I will make a raised track to let it run on for things like that. I hate using an abrasive saw. The Skilsaw is my go to method right now for straight cutting plate. I like it better than plasma. I like my horizontal bandsaw for things small enough to fit in its vise.

Ken

I had a buddy that used a wormdrive circle saw for cutting metal plate. Never got to try it myself, but he said it was the way to go. I build a drill operated track torch for making log straight cut in flat plate. I use my oxy acet torch, but did make a mount for my hand held plasma, but havnt tried it yet.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

I have decided on that one too... thanks for posting the discount steel website... that's a great price with free shipping too.

Dave, how is the hold down clamp? Solid?

I got the model with heavy cast iron base and the screw clamp has the quick release.
The clamp holds tight and I've not had anything move during cutting.

 

[Big Barn]

I had a buddy that used a wormdrive circle saw for cutting metal plate. Never got to try it myself, but he said it was the way to go. I build a drill operated track torch for making log straight cut in flat plate. I use my oxy acet torch, but did make a mount for my hand held plasma, but havnt tried it yet.

This is why I love TBN. So many great people with good ideas willing to share.

 

[bigdeano]

I had several cuts to make thru 4 x 4 x 1/4 tubing. My Jet 4 x 6 band saw took 15+ minutes per cut. My homemade 12" abrasive saw with 1.5 hp motor took less than 2 minutes. I use the band saw most of the time, but the abrasive saw has it's place, especially for cutting something hard or rusty.

 

[SpringHollow]

Sounds like that bandsaw needs a new blade or i abuse mine too much.