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Chop Saws

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by bkap, Mar 11, 2020.

  1. bkap

    bkap Gone, but not long gone.

    I'm just about through my last blade for my 30-year-old Makita 14" chop saw and am tired of breathing all the dust, not to mention sending sparks all over the shop. Thinking of getting an Evolution. Anyone have experience with this kind of blade and this saw in particular? Thanks.
     
    bkap, Mar 11, 2020
    #1
  2. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Focker, Mar 11, 2020
    #2
  3. fyrmn

    fyrmn Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I have a “slugger” by Fein, very similar to the one you are looking at if not the same. You will wonder why you didn’t switch earlier, at least I did.
     
    fyrmn, Mar 11, 2020
    #3
  4. bkap

    bkap Gone, but not long gone.

    Yep, that was the post I searched for but couldn't find. I hate it when that happens. :) Thanks for finding it for me (us.)
     
    bkap, Mar 11, 2020
    #4
    Focker likes this.
  5. RATTYFLATTY

    RATTYFLATTY I think you need a little more throttle

    Chop saws like this are great when comparing to a abrasive one. I sold a few of them to high school shops back when I was in the welding industry. Even with the tight budgets they had the shop teacher could always get it approved as a safety upgrade given the no sparks and the cooler temps after the cut. I still prefer a band saw myself though.
     
    RATTYFLATTY, Mar 11, 2020
    #5
  6. Dave Deyton

    Dave Deyton Member

    Need to upgrade from my old Delta abrasive chop saw.
    Lots of people like the Evolution.
    Lot's of discussion on the Evolution and the Makita dry saw version on the old Welding Web website before it crashed.
    They also liked the Mkita LC1230

    Makita USA - Product Details -LC1230

    Thinking I need to upgrade to one of these saws. The abrasive saws cover you and everything else in grit.

    Dave
     
    Dave Deyton, Mar 12, 2020
    #6
    bkap likes this.
  7. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Bought the EVO that was in the discussion as I found it on sale - VERY happy with it and passed old sparky off to a friend without a chop saw. He doesn't do near the work I do with them.

    I'll also add - I can cut VERY fine cuts with it. I even made thrust washers out of tube for a set of tubes inside one another on a rack I made for a friend.
     
    Warloch, Mar 12, 2020
    #7
    Dave Deyton likes this.
  8. Dave Deyton

    Dave Deyton Member

    This review is very helpful.

    Looks like one of these is on the list for me.

    Dave
     
    Dave Deyton, Mar 12, 2020
    #8
  9. Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    I have a Milwaukee cold cut metal saw. It works great. Just use the proper blade for what you are cutting. I tried cutting stainless with the wrong blade and had to have the blade sharped. The stainless blade worked perfect. Blades are expensive, but the cuts are perfect...

    [​IMG]

    14” Dry-Cut Machine

    Just saw it is not being made anymore...
     
    Admiral Cray, Mar 12, 2020
    #9
  10. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I have the 14" Evolution 2.

    It has been life-altering, in a good way.

    Square clean cuts, no heat or slag. Cuts metal like a 2x2x 1/4" angle in seconds, literally.

    The clamp and bed are kinda flimsy and a bit awkward to set. But for the screaming deal I got, I can live with it.

    I made the mistake of cutting some hardened steel and ruined the blade which cost me about $80. But otherwise the blades last longer than I thought possible.
     
    PeteL, Mar 12, 2020
    #10