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2016 Evolution Rage 3 Review

GirlnAgarage

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 21, 2011
Messages
4,668
Location
Texas
'Evening Gents, this afternoon I unboxed a newly purchased through Home Depot Evolution Rage 3. Thought I'd do a run down of it compared to the earlier version. This is my 2nd one of these saws. My 1st was purchased in '11/12 as a Christmas gift IIRC. Sadly that one was stolen out of my storage unit leaving me without wood/metal cutting ability in my garage. But alas, it is replaced.

I apologize right off the bat for no pics of the original saw. Since that time laptops have crashed, photosites have changed policies and photos have been lost.

Onward...

Basically the saw looks the same. But I noticed a difference right off the bat.

First, the saw only has one trigger button. The previous version had two triggers, one to unlock the head, the other to start the saw.
ETA: Called Evolution this morning 3/18 - this is now standard for the single bevel saw versions


Second, the head doesn't lock out in the up position. The previous version did. I'm going to call Evolution and verify that this is how it's suppose to be. I'd hate to cut a body part off with a malfunctioning saw. I've looked online but I cannot find any reference to these two differences. Even the literature and packing box sent with the saw uses illustrations with the two button trigger.
ETA: this is also standard for single bevel versions


Third, the fence no longer has measurements. Previous saw did.
ETA: again, standard
But this version has added measurements on the base miter ruler and on the bevel indicator for common molding angle cuts. They even added a knob/stop on the bevel for the head angle specific for molding. That's clever I suppose.


Fourth, this did not come with the long arm clamp. Previous saw did. The material stop square that came in this one is ABS plastic, the previous was cast aluminum. Otherwise, the other accessories are the same - the dust port adapter, plug, material support arms, short clamp and extra laser lens.
ETA: standard, the rep even mentioned this before I asked him.


Fifth, aesthetics, a hair difference. This new one has Evolution up the left side of the head. There are a few extra covers and slightly evolved bump stops and such.

Ok, I'm going to leave this here for now in case someone has some info. Will add pics when I get the next chance. More updates to come.
 

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zkling

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Jan 23, 2007
Messages
16,939
On a somewhat related note, does anyone have a recommendation for the cheapest blade for these?
 
OP
G

GirlnAgarage

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Jan 21, 2011
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4,668
Location
Texas
Ok threw some pics up.

Zkling, I'm not certain on best place yet. Are you looking for the multipurpose blade or the steel only?
Before Lowes stopped carrying the saw they liquidated blades for super cheap and I grabbed a handful. I haven't seen them in local stores since.
 
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zkling

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Jan 23, 2007
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16,939
Ok threw some pics up.

Zkling, I'm not certain on best place yet. Are you looking for the multipurpose blade or the steel only?
Before Lowes stopped carrying the saw they liquidated blades for super cheap and I grabbed a handful. I haven't seen them in local stores since.

Either or really. I have a belt driven 10" abrasive saw that I threw a 1725rpm motor on and want to try a dry cut blade. Mostly to use for thin wall aluminum and steel tubing, if it works.
 

bdbecker

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Joined
Nov 18, 2015
Messages
5,564
Location
Iowa
Have you had a chance to get some cuts in with your new saw over the last few months? If so, is the quality still the same as your previous one? I'm looking to get one of these and have read plenty of reviews of the older version, but yours is the first I've seen of the updated model - just wanted to make sure they were still worthwhile.
 

mike528

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Joined
Dec 20, 2014
Messages
503
Location
Shelby county Ohio
Any updates on this? I'm looking at either the same one or the double bevel model. Trying to decide if it's worth the extra money
 

risc

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Joined
Dec 21, 2012
Messages
220
Will this saw cut a 4x4 post?

It's rated for 3" but most 10" sliding saws are good for 3.5".
 
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