Evolution chop saw? Good value?

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I have some projects in que that I will be cutting some steel for, not 100% sure on wall thickness yet but not heavy.

Would this saw be a good investment for a hobby shop?

Tube, pipe, angle & channel, depending n what I find at recycler.

Evolution Power Tools RAGE2 Multi Purpose Cutting Chop Saw, 14-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WEORGM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dnschmidt]

I don't like the vise on this model. They make one for about $375 that has a much better vise. The way to go is M. K. Morris but they cost about $450.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I understand that there are better saws on the market. But to use it a couple times a year I don't see spending 2x the money.

Wanted to see if the $200 is well spent for this saw.

Think it would pay for itself in 1 or 2 projects at $1-$2 per cuss word with sawzall

 

[turbodave]

I have the evolution 3 10" Sliding Miter saw. Have used it for a few years now with no issues. I'm not a heavy user, but it's cut some 1/4" 2x2 tube, lots of 1/8" angle iron aluminum downspouts, various pieces of wood and some plastic brick mold all without issue. When cutting steel I recommend good hearing protection because it's loud.

 

[phred]

I've got the 7.5 saw and a good friend has the 14. Both good saws for the money. Not production shop quality but for the weekend warrior they are hard to beat. We've cut 4x6x1/4 tubing for bumpers and sliders repeatedly with the 14 and have had no issues. I cut a lot of 1/4 3x3 angle with the 7.5. Bigger stuff goes on the horizontal band saw.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Broken Tool]

I have an Evo Rage II and I like it. The saw cuts through metal with none of the sparks flying everywhere like an abrasive chop saw. The cuts are nice and clean as well.

I bought the metal cutting blade and a wood cutting blade. The wood cutting blade is barely acceptable. If you want to cut wood, use a different saw. The metal cutting blade works well if you are careful with it and position the work properly in the vise. It cuts cleanly and quickly. The blades cost around $70 but they last a long time if you are careful.

The angle gauge on the vice was not accurate on mine. I have learned to check the angel each time I change the setting if I am doing any work that must be done accurately. My saw is a couple of years old and they have changed the base so it may not have that problem.

Overall I like the saw and I use it regularly. It's a valuable piece of equipment in my shop. I think you would like it.

 

[BD1]

I bought one last year on clearance for $99.99. HATED IT !! Sold it for what I paid . Vise is poor and I had to shim saw for square cut.

 

[bcradio]

I would not buy one and I am a home day guy.

 

[06 DIESEL]

A good friend of mine has this saw.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030M2TCC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have this saw.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QX7P1Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They work great and each have their place. The angles may need checked if doing precision stuff but for what we do they are close enough that the welder can fill the gap if needed.

 

[tarbellb]

I had the original version of this Rage 14". That first review on Amazon sums it up pretty well.

Loved my original, cast base model with steel only blade. Made excellent cuts, rivaled all the other saws on the market.

If accuracy is important, maybe avoid. If getting faster, cleaner cuts then a sawzall, they sweet.

 

[joe--h]

I have one, and yes the vice is ****. But the cuts are clean and straight.

I would buy it again.

Joe H

 

[txvwnut]

I've got one with the cast base, the vise isn't as bad as I hear it is. My only complaint is it's not a fast set vise so for a larger piece you spend a little time turning the handle. Cuts straight fairly clean and you can handle the metal as soon as the cut is complete.

 

[ovrrdrive]

I have a rage2 and love it. You can flex the vise if you crank it down too tightly. If I need more clamping force I use a few extra clamps on it instead of cranking it down too tight. I get perfectly plumb cuts and they're ready to weld. Cuts in like a third of the time my old abrasive did. For cutting tube and angle it works great. Everything else I use plasma on.

My 2 cents.

 

[astroracer]

I got this one from Harbor Freight. I know it throws sparks and uses up discs but it works for my hobby shop. Yea the vise is **** but it cuts straight and has served me well for 15 years. It has cut a lot of steel tubing with no complaining.

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/cut-off-saws/14-in-2-hp-cut-off-saw-61389.html

I cut all of the 2 x 2 and 3 x 3 tubing for my jig tables with it right after I bought it.

Would I buy it again? Yup, certainly. For 80 bucks it does the job.
Mark

 

[Stevenn1]

If your willing to spend $200, I would get the Dewalt one on Amazon for $195.

 

[zak77]

I have that saw and as said it's not a precise piece of machinery but it's a lot better than a sawzall. It cuts well and relatively accurate. One piece of advice is do not cut stainless or hardened metal with it. It doesnt like it. I had a pair of old skis that i was throwing away so i figured it'd cut them up on the Evolution. Ruined the blade in no time.

 

[hoston23]

ive got the exact saw and i love it, i just put a blue blade on it instead of the orange one, we use it several times a week and have went through about 10-15 blades. i would buy another one given the chance