dry cut saw

[nerraw117]

I know it has been discussed in the past but what's the recommendation for a good value 14" dry cut saw? Still the evo 380? I saw the ironton on sale in the hot deals but haven't seen one on sale lately.

 

[f150skidoo]

I have had a Fein Slugger for the past 6 years and its been a great saw. I don't use it much anymore since I switched back to a bandsaw as my primary metal cutting tool.

 

[GeoBruin]

I know it has been discussed in the past but what's the recommendation for a good value 14" dry cut saw? Still the evo 380? I saw the ironton on sale in the hot deals but haven't seen one on sale lately.

Some details about your intended use case and budget would be helpful. Also, are you willing to look at used or new only?

And finally, if you have seen these threads before, you should be prepared for people to talk you in to buying a bandsaw instead of a dry cut saw. Might be helpful to state up front whether you would consider that or if you're absolutely set on a dry cut saw.

 

[nerraw117]

Some details about your intended use case and budget would be helpful. Also, are you willing to look at used or new only?

And finally, if you have seen these threads before, you should be prepared for people to talk you in to buying a bandsaw instead of a dry cut saw. Might be helpful to state up front whether you would consider that or if you're absolutely set on a dry cut saw.

I should have gave more information. I have a portaband with a swag table but I find it easier to cut 90 degree square cuts with a chop saw. I wont use it much and dont have the floor space for a dedicated large bandsaw. I have a abrasive chop saw and while it works I was wanting to go to a lower rpm dry cut.

I have nothing against used items specifically because I am cheap lol

 

[OccupantRJ]

@nerraw117, have you looked at Vevor? Youtube has several review videos.

 

[GeoBruin]

I should have gave more information. I have a portaband with a swag table but I find it easier to cut 90 degree square cuts with a chop saw. I wont use it much and dont have the floor space for a dedicated large bandsaw. I have a abrasive chop saw and while it works I was wanting to go to a lower rpm dry cut.

I have nothing against used items specifically because I am cheap lol

Gotcha. That helps. I swear this will be the last thing I say about bandsaws, but I just want to make sure you're aware of the benchtop horizontal bandsaw options. They don't take up any more room than an Evo saw, are light/portable, (can) cut straight, can cut very precise miters, and blades are cheap (compared to a TCT saw) , such that you can keep different blades handy and swap for specific tasks (solid stock, thin wall tube, aluminum, etc.) and finally, some are variable speed.

Here's a link to a recent post where I mention a newish option that I thought was really compelling and falls closer to the price range of a TCT saw.

Okay, got that out of my system. Now, as for TCT saws, the thing you will hear most often is that you should go for one with a cast base. I found out by owning an early Evo Rage saw with a stamped base why that is. With a stamped base, there's enough flex that it's possible to twist the bed while cutting, which can result in crooked cuts. It became very obvious to me when I had a long piece of stock clamped in the vise to make an end cut how much the stock acts like a lever. Even just holding the handle and "wiggling" the head while the base is clamped down, you can see the flex between the head and the base. I'm sure there's still some flex in with the cast base, but it must be better. My bandsaw has a cast base and even with a longer head, I still don't feel like it flexes as much.

I think that might have been the difference between the Evo 380 and the s380cps since the first thing they list under features of the latter is "heavy duty cast base".

I think the Fein, MK Morse, and skill offerings all have cast bases.

 

[RMERR]

I've got two of the Makita LC1230 metal TCT saws that I'm very happy with. Cast base, 1300 rpm, 3 15/16" X 3 15/16" rt angle cut capacity. Con is 12" vs 14" for the evo 380 which gives a bigger cut capacity (5 X 5"). Makita also costs $100 - $150 more, that might be a deal breaker if you're watching the budget. Could be an option though if you could find a used one for less.

I use them all the time, I like the speed vs band saws. I do have a small Klutch table-top bandsaw, use it occasionally for smaller thin stuff. The TCT chop saws are rather messy, but I haven't seen one that wasn't.

 

[jbfab]

I can't speak to the newer offerings, but I have an old porter cable that I picked up used at an auction nearly 20 years ago - still going strong. I get blades from benchmark abrasives usually. I have bandsaws, but prefer the dry cut for most smaller stock. I've been looking at upgrading to the new evolution, but the porter cable is offering no problems, so I guess I'll keep it.

 

[txvwnut]

I have an Evolution Rage2 which I believe has been upgraded and called the 380. It’s ten or more years old and I’m glad I bought it as I was doing a bunch of roll cage and chassis work when I bought it. They don’t cut exactly burr free but the fact you aren’t having to deal with hot tube after the cut makes it worth it in my book.

 

[Steve_P]

I've got the Morse metal devil. I bought it for the same reason that OP is looking to fulfill. It was significantly more expensive than the Evo at that time, but the Evo had a higher RPM and a stamped base at that time.

The Morse works great, and has a cast base. You need to cut SLOW and not force it like you do with an abrasive saw. You also need to tightly clamp the workpiece, because if it jumps you can trash an expensive blade.