seeking Chop saw recommendation

[sammon287]

I need a chop saw for cutting up steel scrap to practice welding on. I know a metal cutting band saw or other metal cutting options are cleaner and better, but I'm on a budget. I had a $140 in gift cards and a $10 coupon for Sears, so I bought the only Craftsman model in stock. It retailed for $220, is 3.5hp/ 15amps, but it seems cheap. I did not open the box yet and might return it. The Dewalt for $200 at Lowes is advertised as 5hp and seems a little nicer, but I can't use the gift cards there. The Harbor Freight HD model is 3.5hp/ 15amps and can be had for $80 after coupon, but seems the cheapest. Any suggestions for other brands or sources? Shipping is expensive as they are heavy.

 

[woody 73]

I have a Milwaukee chop saw,I think around $190.00 dollars and the only problem after 15 years was it needed a new switch; I like it very much.

 

[hofferwood]

Assuming you are in the U.S somplace (no location)
I snagged this HF little guy http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-cut-off-saw-41453.html
Why? It's little, light weight, and thro away. Got fer about $25.00, on sale & 20% coopin.
The thing is, weigh out your needs vs cost. This one works fer me.
Chuck

 

[Bootybug]

Where are you?

 

[crewchief888]

i had a hf 14" chop saw for 3 years or so, it finally went up in smoke.
i dont blame the tool, if i would have noticed the brush holder was loose, and not kept using it.......

that saw cut a LOT of tubing, enough for 3 cages, seat mounts, 2 sets of bumpers, and rock sliders.

it was worth the $50 i paid for it.

i replaced it with a ridgid from HD.

 

[larry4406]

The HH 91938 is a pos. Run away. I traded it for a HF 68104 at $20 more. The later has more power, a better fence, a fence that is square, a better vise, and a reinforced table that does not defllect while cutting and thus no unwanted bevel. It is all black and no frills, does not look as nice as the 91938 but cuts way better.

 

[billscamaros]

I'm thinking along these lines also .... I'd like to be able to cut metal ranging from 2" angle iron to sheet metal. I also saw the DeWalt chop saw at HD for approx $200.

In comparison, what size of a band saw would I need to cut the same material? Not all bandsaws are large enough to cut metal, right? I looked at the table top models at HD and none seemed to indicate that they were appropriate for metal.

 

[Jack Olsen]

If you need something right now, buy the cheapo unit from HF. Put the rest of the money aside and keep saving until you can afford a dry cut saw (there's a Chinese knockoff one going for $250 at Northern Tool).

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200326857_200326857

 

[crewchief888]

If you need something right now, buy the cheapo unit from HF. Put the rest of the money aside and keep saving until you can afford a dry cut saw (there's a Chinese knockoff one going for $250 at Northern Tool).

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200326857_200326857

i agree, the HF chop saw is fine for occasional/ hobby use.

for sheetmetal a 4 1/2" angle grinder and cutoff wheels are a cheap alternative.

i like the ridgid 14" chop saw, the vice can be angled both directions from 90*

 

[Stephenw]

You could go with a portable bandsaw.

Harbor Freight has a cheap one...

http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-variable-speed-bandsaw-47840.html

 

[Valkyrie Rider]

I have used Dewalt, Milwaukee, ryobi, and a few other abrasive saws as well as a dewalt dry cut saw saw. Personally I have a Metabo 14" abrasive saw and a Milwaukee deep cut port-a-band. I honestly use the portaband WAY more.

The dry cut dewalt was a lot nicer to use then an abrasive saw, but you have to watch what you are doing to keep the blades lasting as they are very expensive compared to an abrasive blade.

My favorite abrasive saws were newer models with cast aluminum bases and d- shaped handles. Both the dewalt and Milwaukee have models like that that I've used.

 

[sammon287]

Where are you?

I'm in Lancaster, Pa, and have easy access to all the big box stores and three H.F.s within 20 miles or so. I'm leaning towards returning the slightly crappy Craftsman and getting the equally crappy but useable HF for $80. I have about $78 cash into the Craftsman, so I'll get $140 back on a Sears gift card. The Craftsman definitely is not $140 better than the HF one.

A big deciding factor for me is where they are made. Unfortunately, they are all made in China.