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If you’re someone who cuts metal frequently, it may be time for you to switch from an abrasive saw. Abrasive saws not only create a lot of sparks, but they tend to produce a rough cut that requires smoothing after the fact. Fortunately, cold saws help mitigate this problem.
However, when browsing online or through the aisles of your local hardware store, you’ll likely discover that there are dozens of cold saws available for purchase. Which one is best? Fortunately, we’re here to provide you with a breakdown of the best cold saws available today and the criteria that you should consider when making your purchase.
Table of Contents
- 2019’s Best Cold Saws
- DEWALT DW872 14-Inch Multi-Cutter Saw
- Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 15” Steel Cutting Chop Saw
- Makita LC1230 12” Metal Cutting Saw
- Evolution Power Tools RAGE2 Multi-Purpose Cutting Chop Saw
- Cold Saws Buyers Guide
- Blade
- Motor
- Angles
- Safety Features
- Chip Collection
- Warranty
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
2019’s Best Cold Saws
We’ve spent the past couple of months testing cold saws and scouring through online reviews, allowing us to come up with a list of the four best cold saws available on the market today, which you’ll see below. We believe that you’ll be satisfied choosing any one of these models.
DEWALT DW872 14-Inch Multi-Cutter Saw
The Multi-Cutter Saw from DEWALT is an excellent option for anyone searching for their first cold saw. The product is incredibly versatile, allowing users to cut an array of materials. Customers will find that they can cut both ferrous and non-ferrous metals when using this product.
You can cut through many metals thanks to the 14-inch, 70-tooth carbide-tipped blade. This blade is incredibly durable, far outlasting standard abrasive blades. Furthermore, the durable blade allows the depth of cut to remain constant throughout the entire life of the blade. You shouldn’t need to replace this blade that often.
The Multi-Cutter Saw also stood out because it cuts up to four times faster than chop saws. It also cuts up to eight times faster than portable band saws. This saw measures 24” x 15.25” x 18.5” and weighs roughly 55 pounds. Customers can purchase the saw for less than $450. DEWALT offers a full one-year warranty on this product.
What We Like
- Durable carbide-tipped blade
- Smooth finish, even when cutting multiple metals
- Cuts quickly and efficiently
What Could be Better
- Customers indicated they had trouble using the attached blade guard
- Some said that the angular tabs on the saw are not reliable
Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 15” Steel Cutting Chop Saw
Another cold saw well worth your consideration is the EVOSAW380 from Evolution Power Tools. Customers can purchase this product with blade sizes of 7.25”, 9”, and 15”. This cold saw does not require coolant, but still manages to cut metal with minimal sparks.
If you are someone who cuts metal frequently or cuts large pieces of metal, this cold saw could be ideal for you thanks to its heavy-duty cast aluminum base. The company designed this based explicitly for industrial metal cutting. It is durable to support even the heaviest of materials.
The blade on this saw is also incredibly durable. Testing showed that you could make up to 1,000 cuts with the blade when working through 2” x 2” mild steel. The product also comes with a collection tray, allowing you to dispose of metal chips easily.
The EVOSAW380 measures 21” x 13.5” x 26” and weighs around 55 pounds. Interested customers could purchase this saw for less than $400. If they wish to buy a saw with a smaller blade, the price drops considerably. Evolution also includes a three-year warranty with this product.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty cast aluminum base supports all materials
- Collection tray helps to keep your shop tidy while reducing airborne irritants
- Three-year warranty
What Could be Better
- Cuts were sometimes inconsistent
- Customers complained about subpar customer service from Evolution
Makita LC1230 12” Metal Cutting Saw
The Makita 12” Metal Cutting Saw is another excellent choice for those in search of a cold saw. Customers can adjust the angle of the blade so that they can achieve anywhere from zero to 45 degrees of miter cutting.
This tool also comes with a carbide-tipped blade. The blade has a depth of 4.5”. We found that when testing this product, the resulting cuts were virtually free of burrs. Makita says that this product cuts four times faster than traditional abrasive saws.
Two other features that stood out with this saw were the D-shaped handle and the lock-off button. The D-shaped handle was quite comfortable, proving to be an excellent option for anyone who plans to use the saw for an extended period. The lock-off button was a useful safety feature that prevents you from accidentally starting the machine.
This saw measures 14.57” x 22.83” x 17.52” and weighs a bit more than 42 pounds. Customers can purchase the saw for less than $440. Makita provides a one-year manufacturers warranty with this product.
What We Like
- Comfortable design
- Astounding 1,650 watts
- Lock-off button keeps you safe
What Could be Better
- Some customers said this was not an excellent choice for stainless steel
- Smaller blade than other options on our list
Evolution Power Tools RAGE2 Multi-Purpose Cutting Chop Saw
Another quality cold saw option from Evolution Power Tools is the RAGE2. This saw comes with multipurpose cutting technology, enabling you to cut aluminum, steel, and wood with embedded nails. The saw can cut through 6mm steel with no burrs or sparks, leaving you with a workable finish that you won’t need to correct after the fact.
This product also stands out because of how durable the blade is. One blade on the RAGE2 can outlast 20 abrasive discs. The blade is tungsten carbide-tipped and has 36 teeth. You can adjust the fast-action swivel clamping mechanism quickly, allowing you to make cuts between zero and 45 degrees.
One of the other things that stands out about this product is the fact that it comes with a hi-torque motor gearbox. Evolution says that this gearbox reduces motor stresses, thereby improving the durability and performance of the saw.
This cold saw measures 23” x 12” x 24” and weighs roughly 46 pounds. Customers can purchase this product for around $220. The product comes complete with Evolution’s three-year warranty.
What We Like
- Can cut through an array of materials easily
- The fact-action swivel clamping mechanism
- Three-year warranty
What Could be Better
- Changing the miter angle could take ten to 15 minutes
- The base is stamped steel instead of cast steel
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9oTzK1E0c8&w=560&h=315]
Cold Saws Buyers Guide
Cold saws are circular chop saws designed explicitly for cutting metal. The saws work at low temperatures, which reduces sparks and burrs. You’ll likely find that cold saws are easy to use. If you’re someone who cuts metal frequently, a cold saw purchase could be well worth the investment, as it will likely cut down on how much smoothing you’ll need to do after the fact.
However, if you’ve never purchased a cold saw before, you may find it overwhelming trying to determine which criteria are essential. Below, we’ve provided a breakdown of the most critical elements to consider when purchasing a cold saw.
Blade
One of the first things you’ll want to consider is the design of the blade. The best cold saws feature durable blades that can outlast chop saws. You’ll want to ensure that the blades can cut through any material necessary. We recommend keeping an eye out for carbide-tipped blades, which tend to be the most durable.
Motor
You’ll also want to make sure that the engine on your cold saw is strong enough to handle your cut. If the motor is not powerful enough, you’ll end up “bouncing” the blade off the metal, or getting the blade stuck. Both could ruin your cut. We recommend looking for cold saws with a motor of at least 15 amps and four horsepower.
Angles
Another thing you’ll want to consider is whether you can change the angle on the cold saw. The best cold saws allow you to make cuts with angles ranging from zero to 45 degrees. You’ll want to look for a saw that not only allows you to make these changes, but also allows you to do so quickly and efficiently.
Safety Features
As with any power tool, safety features are essential. You’ll want to make sure that your cold saw comes with safety features, such as blade guards and spark deflectors.
No matter if you’re purchasing your first cold saw or you have years of experience using the machinery, safety features are not something that you should overlook.
Chip Collection
When cutting metal, loose chips and particles could not only pose an airborne hazard, but they could also wear your blade down more quickly. The best cold saws come with chip collection trays, which allow loose chips and particles to gather so that you can throw them away when you complete your cut.
It may seem like a small feature, but it can go a long way.
Warranty
The last thing you’ll want to look into is the warranty on your product, especially if you plan to use it frequently. The best cold saws offer warranties of at least one year, if not more. You’ll likely want to steer clear of cold saw manufacturers who provide guarantees for six months or less.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re not familiar with a cold saw, you may find yourself asking numerous questions. Fortunately, we’ve taken the time to answer some of the questions most commonly asked when using a cold saw.
How often will I need to replace the blade?
There is no black-and-white answer as to when you’ll need to replace the blade. Numerous factors, including how often you use the blade and which type of materials you use, could go a long way toward determining how long your blade will last.
However, you’ll likely find that your cold saw blade lasts considerably longer than a traditional abrasive blade.
The most critical thing is that you replace the blade as soon as it begins to become dull. As the blade dulls, you won’t get nearly as much depth at capacity during your cuts. Perhaps more important is the fact that a flat blade can pose a safety hazard.
Will I need to lubricate my machine?
Yes. Like any other saw, you’re going to need to oil or grease lubrication points frequently. You may also need to change the gear oil box every so often. Doing so can help preserve the longevity of your saw and will help improve the efficiency of your cuts.
How much does blade speed matter?
Many people are under the impression that when cutting thick metals, they need a high blade speed. However, the more important thing to consider is the motor power. If you have a blade with too high of a spin rate, the blade will get too hot, thus defeating the purpose of using a cold saw. When it comes to cold saws, power is more critical than speed.
Conclusion
If you’re someone who cuts metal frequently, it could be in your best interest to purchase a cold saw. Investing in one of the best cold saws could save you time and money. You won’t have to replace abrasive blades nearly as often.
You also won’t have to spend time trying to fix jagged cuts. Cold saws could streamline your metal cutting process significantly.
We feel as though you can’t go wrong with any of the four best cold saw options that we provided. Each one features an incredibly durable blade. You should find that the blades are sharp enough to cut through both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
However, if we had to choose just one of the saws above, we’d go with the RAGE2 from Evolution Power Tools. One of the first things that stands out about this saw is the fact that you can cut through numerous materials, including wood with embedded nails. The carbide-tipped blade is powerful, providing a worthwhile option for all of your cold-cutting needs.
We also found that the fast-action swivel clamp allows you to change materials quickly, no matter what you’re cutting. The vice on this saw is very secure, keeping your materials stationary throughout the cutting process.
The last reason why we were most impressed with the RAGE2 was because of its warranty. Whereas other manufacturers on our list offered a one-year warranty with their products, Evolution Power Tools offered a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. This extended warranty can give customers peace of mind knowing that their product is going to last.
Are you looking for other guides on circular saws, band saws, table saws, etc? Check out our other guides, The Best Delta Band Saw: Buying Guide, The Best Ridgid Table Saws – Which One Should You Buy?, The Best Grizzly Table Saw, The Best Ryobi Band Saw 2019: Which One Should You Purchase?, Ridgid Band Saw Review: What to Know Before You Buy, and How to Use a Circular Saw.
FAQs
How accurate is a cold saw? ›
Cold saws save time by making pristine cuts that don't require any finishing, plus the cold saw blades are reusable and can be sharpened numerous times before disposal. Additional cold saw cutting capabilities include: Accuracy is +/- . 004” (tighter tolerance cutting than a band saw)
What is the difference between a cold saw and a chop saw? ›The cold saw gets its name from it's cutting process. A flood of coolant transfers the heat from the metal being cut to the chips produced, carrying the heat away from the material and leaving it in a cold state. A chop saw, on the other hand, wears away at the metal creating a large amount of heat in the process.
What is the most useful saw to own? ›The table saw, in my opinion, is the most versatile tool in the shop and should be your first major purchase. Next up is the Miter Saw. The miter saw does one thing but it does it really well. The Miter saw will cross cut wood better and faster than pretty much any other tool.
What is the most accurate saw? ›Miter saws are extremely accurate, leaving the ends of your workpieces smooth and square, and cutting perfect 45-degree miters for boxes and frames of all sorts, as well as any angle in between.
How long do cold saw blades last? ›Circular cold saw blades can endure as many as 800 to 1,000 cuts before needing to be sharpened, and they can be sharpened up to 30 or 40 times during the lifespan of the blade.
What are the 3 main hazards that could arise from using cold saw? ›POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND INJURIES
Eye injuries. Sharp edges and burrs, metal splinters. Noise.
Whereas, a cold saw has a cleaner and more accurate cut than a bandsaw. A cold saw does have a smaller capacity but more than makes up for it with its cut speed! Cold saws have been used more by metal fabricators in the past 10 years, due to increased accuracy and cut quality.
Is it better to have more teeth on a Mitre saw blade? ›Miter: Miter saws can perform quick, accurate cuts in wood at a variety of angles. As these saws are typically used for crosscutting, choose a blade with a higher tooth count.
Is bigger Mitre saw better than smaller one? ›If you're using a mitre saw with a larger blade that's around 305mm (12 inches) or more in size, you'll find that this can be used for making deeper and wider cuts. Smaller saws that are 254mm (10 inches) or smaller are easier to handle and are better used for smaller, more detailed cutting work.
Do you push or pull a chop saw? ›Here's the exact one. Pull - The blade rotation will help hold the board down and against the fence. If you are using a radial arm saw then you pull. If you are using a sliding miter saw they are designed to push.
What is the best TPI for cutting metal? ›
TPI is the number of teeth the blade has per inch. If you're looking to cut wood or other soft materials, you'll need a blade with a TPI of 6 up to 20. For harder materials like metal, a TPI between 14 up to 36 is more suitable.
Is titanium or carbide better for cutting metal? ›Carbide is a binary compound of carbon mixed with another element. For cutting tools, the extra ingredient is typically either tungsten (i.e., tungsten carbide) or titanium. The latter is far stronger and more reliable, but it is more expensive, so that can be a deciding factor.
What is the number 1 table saw? ›Best table saw overall. The DeWalt 15-Amp DWE7491RS combines portability and power in a rugged, easy-to-use package, and its extendable fence can fit large boards and sheets.
What is the most used saw? ›Rip-Cut Saw
A rip cut saw is one of the most common types of saws that anyone who works with wood will own, and probably the saw that gets used the most often as it is versatile and suitable for a number of jobs. A rip cut saw is designed to cut wood parallel to the grain.
For most construction work, a 24-tooth general use blade is sufficient. That blade is very aggressive and will help you rip and cross-cut lumber and sheet goods quickly and with a high degree of accuracy. With a 24-tooth demo blade, you're getting work done quickly, but you won't get a near-finished edge.
What is the most versatile miter saw? ›Without a doubt, a dual compound sliding miter saw delivers the most versatility. Depending on what you cut, you're likely to get the most benefit and capacity from a 10-inch or 12-inch model. Once you choose, the next step is to practice how to use a miter saw like a Pro.
Should I keep my cold sore moist or dry? ›Cold sores love warm, moist environments, and this is precisely the environment you present to a cold-sore when you slather it in cream for days on end. You're best to let it dry out to the point where it is no longer painful, and then begin applying cream or lip balm to minimize splitting.
What gets rid of cold saws? ›Antiviral creams such as aciclovir or penciclovir (also known as Fenistil®) may speed up the healing time of a recurrent cold sore infection if used correctly. Cold sore creams are widely available over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription.
Can cold cut saw blades be sharpened? ›Larger diameter cold saw blades can be re-sharpened and re-used up to at about 15 to 20 times before discarding and replacing with a new one. Discard the small diameter blade. The carbide-tipped cold saw can be re-sharpened up to 4 or 5 times.
What saw causes the most injuries? ›- Table Saw. These deadly tools are responsible for over 30,000 injuries every year. ...
- Chain Saw. This should come as no surprise, but chain saws are deadly. ...
- Nail Guns. ...
- Circular Saws. ...
- Riding Lawnmower.
What are the four 4 types of hazards? ›
- Microbiological hazards. Microbiological hazards include bacteria, yeasts, moulds and viruses.
- Chemical hazards. ...
- Physical hazards. ...
- Allergens.
- Biological Hazards.
- Chemical Hazards.
- Physical Hazards.
- Safety Hazards.
- Ergonomic Hazards.
- Psychosocial Hazards.
A: Bandsaws are perfect for a variety of cuts. They function well for resawing, curved cuts, irregular cuts, crosscuts, bevel cuts, compound cuts, miter cuts, and rip cuts.
Does a cold blade cut better? ›A cold saw provides superior cuts
While abrasive blades tend to wander, even on straight cuts, the toothed blades are much more dependable on straight or angled cuts. They are also a lot less messy without all that abrasive dust that gets on everything in its area.
Never push on back of piece with fingers or thumb. Don't reach across the blade. Make all cuts under power, not while blade is coasting. Never remove guard unless authorized by Technician or WRL Manager.
Which saw blade makes the smoothest cut? ›With fewer spaces between the teeth, crosscut blades remove less material, resulting in a smoother cut. It also means it takes these blades longer to move through wood. Crosscut blades are the go-to choice for finish carpentry and other applications that require precision and a smooth finish.
How many teeth do you need for plywood? ›Cross-cutting wood or sawing plywood: Use a 40-tooth to 80-tooth blade. You can use a 40-tooth to 50-tooth general purpose blade as well. Joinery work: Use a 40-tooth to 50-tooth all-purpose combination blade. Cutting MDF and man-made materials: Use a 50-tooth to 80-tooth blade.
Which way should the teeth face on a miter saw? ›A miter saw blade rotates in a clockwise direction. When installing a new blade, make sure the teeth are pointing downward to enable a clean cut through the workpiece. Upward-facing teeth can cause a severe injury to the operator.
Which miter saw is better sliding vs fixed? ›Which Miter Saw is better Sliding vs Fixed - YouTube
Which is better single or double bevel miter saw? ›The difference between a single and dual bevel miter saw is that a single bevel saw can only cut a bevel in one orientation, usually to the left. A dual bevel miter saw can swivel to the left or right, making it possible to cut a bevel in both orientations without the need to reposition the workpiece.
Is 10 or 12 miter saw better? ›
A 10-Inch Miter saw is more accurate than a 12-Inch Miter saw. Both saws have the same motor. As a result, the 10-inch blade can spin faster due to its smaller size. Faster cuts are more accurate and precise than slower cuts as the blade will wobble less and stay on track.
What cut should you never do on a miter saw? ›Check stock for nails, screws, knots or imperfections in the wood. Do not attempt to cut pieces of stock that are too small to easily hold with your hands. Never make free-hand cuts with a miter or chop saw.
Should the finish side be up or down while cutting with a jigsaw? ›Cut With the Good Side Down
Most jigsaw blades cut on the upstroke, so chips and splinters occur mostly on the top of the wood. So if you value one side of a board more than the other, make sure you keep the good side face down, and mark and cut the less important side.
Two Ways to Stop Wood Tear Out on a Miter Saw #shorts - YouTube
What is 32 TPI suitable for cutting? ›...
How to cut metal with a hacksaw.
| Tpi (teeth per inch / 25mm of blade) | Suggested usage |
|---|---|
| 24 | Steel plate up to 5/6mm thickness |
| 32 | Hollow sections and steel tubing |
Researchers claim the material, known as Proteus, cannot be cut. In fact, it's so tough it destroys any tool that attempts to slice into it.
How many TPI do I need for cutting screws? ›The 18-24 TPI range is almost always used for metal cutting. Pro Tip: Always keep 3 teeth in contact with the material being cut. This reduces snagging, keeps the cut smooth, and helps you maintain control of the cut.
Is there anything better than titanium? ›As mentioned above, tungsten is the strongest of any natural metal (142,000 psi). But in terms of impact strength, tungsten is weak — it's a brittle metal known to shatter on impact. On the other hand, Titanium has a tensile strength of 63,000 psi.
Why is titanium not used for knife? ›While harder, titanium is more brittle than steel. This means it is more likely to break. A titanium knife will not be good for prying or anything that will put sheer force on the blade. It also does not keep an edge as well as steel and will need to be sharpened more often.
What coating is best for cutting titanium? ›Hoefler says titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coated carbide is usually the best choice for machining titanium. Out of the handful of basic cutting tool coating types, TiAlN is clearly the best at maintaining its integrity and properties as the temperature in the cut gets hot.
What is the hardest cutting tool? ›
diamond. The hardest known material, but can only be used up to 600 °C and can't be used to machine steel.
What is the most accurate way to cut metal? ›An angle grinder fitted with an abrasive metal-cutting disc works well to cut all kinds of metal, including bolts, angle iron, rebar and even sheet metal. But the discs wear down quickly, cut slowly and shrink in diameter as you use them. Instead, we recommend using a diamond blade that's rated to cut ferrous metal.
› articles › cutting-metal ›Cutting Metal: 6 Tips and Techniques to Follow
10 Easy Ways to Cut Metal Fast | Family Handyman
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A mitre saw is certainly the most effective way to cut skirting boards, and can be set to a multitude of different angles, so if you have any areas of skirting board which aren't 45° angles, such as in a bay window, you can still cut with ease.
Will a 10 inch chop saw cut a 4x4? ›So, is it possible for a 10-inch miter saw to cut a 4×4? The answer is clearly, yes. But, given the risk/reward ratio due to the extra inches, this isn't a type of cut you should try to do with a 10” blade.
Why are Japanese saw better? ›Since thin blades produce thin kerfs, Japanese saws remove less wood, produce less sawdust, and need less muscle power. You can cut longer, more accurately, and with less fatigue. Cutting wood the Japanese way is much easier for an amateur.
Will a 12 chop saw cut a 4x4? ›The size of the 12” miter saw blade is such that it can easily cut through a 4×4. So, if you want to avoid the extra work, then a 12” saw is recommended.
What is the best tool to cut shapes in wood? ›' The best saw for cutting shapes out of wood is the scroll saw. A scroll saw can cut very intricate shapes, get inside small corners and has a blade that can easily be taken off and threaded into tight areas to begin cutting.
What is the best tool to cut thin wood? ›A reciprocating saw has a horizontal blade while a jigsaw blade is vertical. Jigsaws are not as powerful and are ideal for cutting thin wood, plastic, or metal.
What is the best tool to cut baseboards? ›The handiest tool is a miter saw. A miter saw will help you quickly and accurately cut trim. Most importantly, it makes quick work of cutting the corners on baseboard moulding. If an electric miter saw is not in your budget, you can rent one.
Can a 10in miter saw cut a 2x4? ›
Types of Miter Saws
The bigger the blade, the deeper and wider its maximum cut. Typically, a 10-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 6 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 4 at 45 degrees; a 12-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 8 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 6 at 45 degrees.
Here's the exact one. Pull - The blade rotation will help hold the board down and against the fence. If you are using a radial arm saw then you pull. If you are using a sliding miter saw they are designed to push.
How wide of board can 10 chop saw cut? ›A saw with a 10-inch blade makes right-angle cuts across a board 5 1/2 inches wide, sufficient for two-by-six lumber. The same 10-inch saw will cut a two-by-four at a 45-degree angle. Manufacturers also make 12-inch versions, which have a maximum cut of about 7 1/2 inches, wide enough for two-by-eights.
Are Japanese saws better than Western? ›First, they have what is referred to as a positive rake angle – the tooth leans into the direction of the cut. This makes their cutting action much more aggressive than a Western saw, and combined with their thinner blades, allows a saw with a similar number of teeth per inch to cut faster compared to a Western saw.
Are Japanese or Western saws better? ›In practice, this means a Japanese saw can be thinner than its Western counterpart and therefore produce a thinner kerf. There's less risk of the blade jamming, bowing, or bending inside the cut.
Which Japanese saw is best? ›- 1 SUIZAN Japanese Saw.
- 2 Gyokucho Razorsaw Ryoba Japanese Saw.
- 3 Woodworking Topman Flush Cut Japanese Saw.
- 4 Double-Edged Blade Japanese Saw for Woodworking.
- 5 KERYE Japanese Saw with Double Edges.
The number of teeth on a saw blade depends on its type and length. Available options generally include: Combination: 10-inch blades with 50 teeth and 12-inch with 60 teeth. Ripping: 10-inch blades with 24-30 teeth and 12-inch blades with 40 or fewer teeth.
How big of a board can a 10 sliding miter saw cut? ›10-inch. The takeaway: Their larger blades allow you to crosscut stock up to a 2×12, and have enough vertical capacity to cut common trim sizes, both standing up and nested, or to slice through a 4×4 in one pass.
Can I use a 10 blade on a 12 chop saw? ›You can put your 10-inch blades on your 12-inch saw (assuming the arbor holes are the same size), but you cannot put 12-inch blades on a 10-inch saw. The 12-inch saw gives you greater versatility – with the larger blade, it's the hefty workhorse, and with the smaller blade, it's a master of precision.
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