chop saw with abrasive disk or metal blade? - Lateral-g Forums

**WSSix** · #1 01-23-2021, 10:40 AM

I'm looking into purchasing a chop saw. I was at the local Home Depot and they have a 14" DeWalt with an abrasive disk for $200. They also have a 14" Evolution with a metal disk for $220. I've never used a metal disk on thinner tubing like you'd use for exhaust systems. The box indicates it can do copper tubing but I'm skeptical. Has anyone used a metal bladed chop saw on exhaust tubing? How did you like it? How about thicker wall tubing compared to an abrasive disk? Any other thoughts concerning the two options you think I should be aware of?

Thanks

Oleyellar · #2 01-23-2021, 03:20 PM

Metal blade chop saws are awesome, but not a $200 one. That version is a light duty multi use saw for softer materials. What you need to do any automotive work is the $400 version....

dhutton · #3 01-23-2021, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oleyellar

Metal blade chop saws are awesome, but not a $200 one. That version is a light duty multi use saw for softer materials. What you need to do any automotive work is the $400 version....

X2 on the $400 version. Cuts like butter and it cuts straight unlike an abrasive blade. Well worth the money imho.

You’ll need a stainless blade to cut stainless exhaust tubing. DAMHIK....

Don

**WSSix** · #4 01-23-2021, 06:29 PM

Well, damn. I wasn't really wanting to spend $400. I really don't anticipate cutting anything thicker than 1/8" wall steel. Even that would be rare at this point. Stainless tubing would be the norm and that wouldn't be regularly either. Still think the light duty one isn't going to cut it?

dhutton · #5 01-23-2021, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSSix

Well, damn. I wasn't really wanting to spend $400. I really don't anticipate cutting anything thicker than 1/8" wall steel. Even that would be rare at this point. Stainless tubing would be the norm and that wouldn't be regularly either. Still think the light duty one isn't going to cut it?

Hard for me to say for sure since I havent used the $200 saw. I remember I was a little reluctant to spend for the 14” saw but looking back I have no regrets. It’s a great saw.

Don

**WSSix** · #6 01-23-2021, 09:20 PM

I'm glad to hear that, Don. I appreciate the info on the stainless blade for stainless tubing. I'll do some more investigating.

Thank you!

TechNova · #7 01-23-2021, 11:53 PM

I just bought the Evolution after using a cold saw at work. I should have bought one a long time ago. Don't use the vise attachment for round pieces. Using it is the only time I had pieces fly out.

**WSSix** · #8 01-24-2021, 09:04 AM

Which evolution did you buy, the $200 one or the $400 one?

I figure for round pieces I'll use a v-block if the vise won't properly hold the pipe.

Thanks

Trick-Tools.com · #9 01-26-2021, 04:12 PM

The main difference between an abrasive chop saw and a TCT saw is the RPM. Abrasive saws spin too fast for the metal blades and will wear them out/ damage them quickly. As far as the Evolution saws, the orange saws are their economy model intended for box stores while the blue model is the nicer, higher-end model. We sell the blue Evolutions saws here if you are interested. We have 3 different models to chose from.

https://www.trick-tools.com/Evolution-Saw-Store_842

Trick-Tools.com · #10 01-26-2021, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSSix

Well, damn. I wasn't really wanting to spend $400. I really don't anticipate cutting anything thicker than 1/8" wall steel. Even that would be rare at this point. Stainless tubing would be the norm and that wouldn't be regularly either. Still think the light duty one isn't going to cut it?

We also stock their blades that are made for different materials such as stainless, etc. Feel free to reach out with any questions.