Small footprint metal chop saw

[dmw16]

I am looking for a chop saw for cutting metal for welding projects. My garage is pretty small and I am wondering if there are smaller footprint chop saws out there. It seems like the dewalt is the standard one, but are there smaller ones?

I'll likely be cutting mostly thin walled tube. Doubt it would be anything bigger than 2" square.

 

[R.Anderson]

I know you stated you are looking for a chop saw but have you considered a portable bandsaw? With the space restrictions and what you plan on cutting I think a portable bandsaw will suit you better. Far as chopsaw sizes all the ones I have seen are all about the same size.

 

[dmw16]

Hmmmm, no, i didn't even know that was an option. Thanks, I'll look into that.

Do the portable bandsaws still have a base? Can I make angled cuts? I was looking at a few online and I can't quite tell how they work...

 

[R.Anderson]

Hmmmm, no, i didn't even know that was an option. Thanks, I'll look into that.

Do the portable bandsaws still have a base? Can I make angled cuts? I was looking at a few online and I can't quite tell how they work...

There are bases for some of em but I don not know if they can do angles. I personally do not have a base, my Dewalt bandsaw is easy and fast to make cuts. For angle cuts I just mark it out, line it up and cut. Just do not expect your very first cut to be perfect, takes a little use and practice. When I am not using it is in a case on a shelf so it is not taking up floor space.

On Dewalts there is a fence (material support arm thing pointed out with red arrow) that is long enough to allow you to line up your cut.

 

[sberry]

The 14 inch saw is considered small. It will work on heavier but works good in the 2 inch range but, they are messy and do have some issue with miters but most of that use is way less than forecasted except for the specialist. I rarely cut at an angle and when I do I nip it by other methods.
A chop saw does a lot of jobs ok but is extremely messy. Ideal though for repair and maintenance work and some minor fabrication.

 

[dmw16]

When you say messy, do you mean just a lot of slag or dirty cuts?

 

[royesses]

Little Machine Shop sells a portable that has a detachable base and does angle cuts:
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4829&category=

 

[Stooge]

When you say messy, do you mean just a lot of slag or dirty cuts?

Abrasive discs produce alot of "soot" when they are used/wear and it goes everywhere and makes everything within range dusty. The cuts are also not as clean as a bandsaw or dry saw but are generally cheaper to buy and like sberry said, do alot of jobs but just do them ok. ive been looking into buying a chop saw or dry saw the last few days, they all seem to be about the same size. I dont know which in going with

 

[dmw16]

Little Machine Shop sells a portable that has a detachable base and does angle cuts:
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4829&category=

Looks like a good option. Wonder if it's much smaller than the chop saw? I'll have to check the specs and compare.

 

[royesses]

Looks like a good option. Wonder if it's much smaller than the chop saw? I'll have to check the specs and compare.

I believe it is the same size base as a 14" chop saw. However the base can be separated and hung on a wall to save storage space. HF sells a mini chop saw, I don't know anything about it though.