Topic: Looking for Rec for a chop saw or miter saw for angle cutting tubing

Hi:
I've got a project coming up that require me to cut some metal tubing at various angles. I know after my last project (cutting 3" exhaust tubing at an angle to make a brake duct mounting point) that my skills with my trusty Makita LXT angle grinder aren't good enough and I believe the proper tool I need to buy is a miter saw or a chop saw. Ideally, I want to spend <$200 but will spend up to $300 if there's a damn good reason for doing so.

Here's what I've learned so far:
- A wood miter saw will do the job but you need to change blades (obviously). Also, they tend to NOT come with dust guards.
- A Dust guard is a nice thing to have since we are basically abrasively cutting
- Metal bases are nicer than plastic ones esp if you want to cut at an angle. Up to 45 degrees is common but some can do up to 52.

Here are the few that have caught my eye.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10inch-c … 921236000P - $106 minus $31 in shopyourwaypts if you can spend them before Sears goes the way of  ToysRUs = Crazy cheap
Pros: Crazy cheap
Cons: 10" blade vs 14-15". Seems to have problems securing angle cuts on wood so likely too shoddy to be used to cut metal reliably.

Porter Cable 14"
https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PCE … 00NI2CF28/
Pros: Pretty good reviews. Good price ($103). Steel base
Cons: Some negative reviews

Skilsaw 15"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AX4I89C/
Pros: Good Reviews. Probably the one I'd buy in the absence of any other advice.
Cons: only bad review was from some nitwit who bought a metal saw to cut wood. Other guy says stock blade is a bit too flexible (can be easily remedied).

Any other suggestions/comments would be appreciated. I did see a few folks saying to save up a few more bucks and buy into the Evolution product line but others say that the bottom end of the Evolution has a flimsy base and poor QC afrter their redesign in 2015 or so.

Evolution 10"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030M2TCC

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Re: Looking for Rec for a chop saw or miter saw for angle cutting tubing

I've got an Evolution Rage2 which is the 14" saw with the "simple" mitering base. The base doesn't seem wimpy to me, just cumbersome to adjust the angle. But as to sawing, the saw itself and blade are very well made and work great. This is my first chop saw, but I've been around friends using their abrasive chop saws, and this one is makes much cleaner cuts, the work piece doesn't heat up, is much faster and makes less sparks. The cleaner cuts is the biggest for me - less time taking burrs off. I know you have to do additional grinding to fit tube together anyway, but less work is less.

I don't think the Rage3 was out when I bought my Rage2. If I was buying one right now, I'd definitely go for the Rage3.

I live in SF you can come over and try my Rage2.

25X Loser - Delinquent Racing - '86 Rust-Tite Merkur - 9 years (when do I get to stop?).

Re: Looking for Rec for a chop saw or miter saw for angle cutting tubing

I've used the cheaper $80 Harbor Freight metal chop saw for years now.  Its had a TON of use and is definitely pretty crappy now, but it still works.  Works great for cutting angles.  Any of those cheaper abrasive metal chop saws will work great for you, especially if you're just using it occasionally.  They're all much more suited for cutting metal than a wood chop saw with an abrasive blade, they run at different speeds.

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4 (edited by VKZ24 2018-05-11 01:43 PM)

Re: Looking for Rec for a chop saw or miter saw for angle cutting tubing

I also have an Evolution Rage, and it kicks ass.  If you have the extra coin to spend, it's worlds better than an abrasive-type saw.

Captain
Team Super Westerfield Bros.
'93 Acura Integra - No VTEC Yo!

Re: Looking for Rec for a chop saw or miter saw for angle cutting tubing

billybobster wrote:

I've got an Evolution Rage2 which is the 14" saw with the "simple" mitering base. The base doesn't seem wimpy to me, just cumbersome to adjust the angle. But as to sawing, the saw itself and blade are very well made and work great. This is my first chop saw, but I've been around friends using their abrasive chop saws, and this one is makes much cleaner cuts, the work piece doesn't heat up, is much faster and makes less sparks. The cleaner cuts is the biggest for me - less time taking burrs off. I know you have to do additional grinding to fit tube together anyway, but less work is less.

I don't think the Rage3 was out when I bought my Rage2. If I was buying one right now, I'd definitely go for the Rage3.

I live in SF you can come over and try my Rage2.

Have you had to replace your blade yet? I've read reviews about how they work great initially but become dull after 50-100+ cuts.
Hrm.

I guess the commentary is that the EvoSaw380 is basically a RAGE2 + better base w/ clamping but that's more than I care to spend
https://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Power- … =evosaw380


So the real decision is do i get a chop saw like the Rage or an abrasive saw like the others.
Reviews are pretty harsh on the Rage3 (esp surrounding the motor).
https://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Power- … filter-bar

I might just take you up on your offer to check out your RAGE2 sometime; I'm in Glen Park.

Myopic Motorsport's #888 Ceci n'est pas une Citron Thunderbird ("This is not a lemon" but a 1995 tbird w/ 93 V8 swap + shopping cart rear wing + engine mounted frito maker)
2017 Sears Pointless Organizer’s Choice
Frito Making Tbird from 2018 Sears Pointless Engine Heat BBQ - http://goo.gl/csaet4

Re: Looking for Rec for a chop saw or miter saw for angle cutting tubing

Consider a port-a-band type band saw too/instead.  Much more useful for fishmouthing tube or minor coping.  Check craigslist for used stuff.  S/F....Ken M

Re: Looking for Rec for a chop saw or miter saw for angle cutting tubing

Another vote for the rage saw. You can get the single miter version on Amazon for $200. The saw cuts great and leaves a super nice edge, no deburring. I did have to get a replacement blade, but I picked up the steel blade and it works even better.

If you are cutting mandrel bends you can make a simple jig that holds the tubing so you always cut square.

The saw does take a little time to set up, but after you do it works perfect and it's very inexpensive.

Moot Point Racing - 1991 Volvo 240 - #496

Re: Looking for Rec for a chop saw or miter saw for angle cutting tubing

Thanks for the tips, guys.
-g

Myopic Motorsport's #888 Ceci n'est pas une Citron Thunderbird ("This is not a lemon" but a 1995 tbird w/ 93 V8 swap + shopping cart rear wing + engine mounted frito maker)
2017 Sears Pointless Organizer’s Choice
Frito Making Tbird from 2018 Sears Pointless Engine Heat BBQ - http://goo.gl/csaet4

Re: Looking for Rec for a chop saw or miter saw for angle cutting tubing

My saw blade is still doing fine. Plus, you can have the saw blade resharpened and get any broken off carbide tips replaced. And amazingly, there is a place in SF that gets good Yelp reviews that does blade refurbishing.

25X Loser - Delinquent Racing - '86 Rust-Tite Merkur - 9 years (when do I get to stop?).

10 (edited by Sexy jesus 2018-05-19 08:26 AM)

Re: Looking for Rec for a chop saw or miter saw for angle cutting tubing

i have the rage. alittle disapointed with blade life. but I dont know that its really made for 120 wall roll cage tubing. the cuts are beautiful. they look like it was machined. ill likely sell it and pick up a bandsaw

Owner/Captain of The 27 Club E46. Phoenix, AZ
and now the #95 Thunderbird