14" Abrasive cutoff recommendations

[Fbmoose48]

I'm between 2 abrasive cut offs, the Hitachi CC 14F(S) and Porter Cable PCE700. I already have an Evolution Rage 3, but want to pick one of these up for harder materials. I can get the Hitachi for $110 and the PC for $95, both new. I tested the motor on both, the Hitachi peaks about 25 Watts higher under no load, they seem almost the same. Anyone have first hand experience? Hows the motor under load? How are the bearings and brushes? Not looking to spend the extra $75 on a Dewalt, Makita, or Ridgid.

 

[tarbellb]

I would be less concerned about the motor, bearings, and bushes and more about the fence/base and vise construction. That is usually the biggest pitfall of 14" chop saws.

 

[Fbmoose48]

The vises look similar and the bases are both made of stamped steel, although the Hitachi bases is longer.

 

[bob15]

Have you looked on C-list for a used one? I bough an older B&D (1980's vintage) that is indestructible and only paid $40 for it.

 

[crewchief888]

i like the ridgid abrasive saw i have.

cast base, and a vise that actually holds....

 

[Ericgst]

You know you an buy a blade for stainless steel right?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Q0R0MQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tarbellb]

Yeah they both look pretty basic, after fence and base options I would then consider warranty, and where you can get it serviced/returned.

Honestly both these machines are pumped out by the thousands and hit the absolute lowest price point possible. Differences in bearings, motors, etc.. are negligible, you're more likely to have a defective unit then a mechanical breakdown from wear+tear.

When buying at this price points, stop dragginass and just pull the trigger.

That being said, I would go Hitachi, I have had good luck with most (15+ tools) of theirs.

Check out www.bigskytool.com for a recon version.

 

[Fbmoose48]

I'm aware of the stainless blade... I'm also aware it costs as much as these two abrasive cutoffs for which replacement wheels cost $6. If I worked metal fabrication for a living I'd probably have a stack of $100 steel blades, but for the odd cutoff here and there the cost and availability of the abrasive wheels seems more economical.

I'm leaning towards the Hitachi. I'm interested in first hand experience since all I have to go on are internet reviews, and I'm not real confident in those since 90% are a variation on "5 stars, another great Porter Cable tool. Can't wait to get it out of the box" and "1 star, shipping was a day late"

 

[Ericgst]

I have an older Milwaukee 14” abrasive saw with a cast base. I never use it since buying a dry cut saw. Abrasive saws leave ugly cuts and are very messy. I will keep mine for odd jobs but certainly would never buy it if starting over.

If I were looking for an abrasive saw for one-off cuts, I’d look at Craigslist and buy whatever decent brand name I could find cheap. You can find brand name saws for less than $50 regularly.

 

[finn]

I use the band saw whenever possible and avoid the abrasive saw because of the mess it makes.

Total time to cut and clean up is probably the same.