Best Metal Chop Saw to Create Garden Signs

A metal chop saw is also called an abrasive saw, and this is a very powerful tool that you can use to cut through pipe, rebar, and other metal. If used correctly, a metal chop saw will give you accurate and precise cuts, and they’re built to last for years without having to go out and buy a new one. This type of saw is very similar to a miter saw, but it’s usually sharper. They also have to have more torque, power, and revolutions per minute to ensure you have enough power to slice through the metal cleanly and leave a smooth edge that is ready for the next stage of your project. You could use your metal chop saw to make a potting bench frame, add your extension, or work on large and small-scale projects. 

However, it can be challenging to pick out the best metal chop saws with the market being so flooded with them. This is especially true if it’s the first time buying one. This is why I’ve picked out a list of the top 10 best metal chop saws that you can use to complete your project. You can use the reviews and the short buyer’s guide to narrow down your final choice before having it shipped to your door in time to tackle your next project. 

A metal chop saw is a very versatile tool that allows you to take on a wide range of projects around your home, and they can be compact enough to fit in small spaces. Credit: IMG_7101 by quinn norton / CC BY 2.0

Slugger Metal Cutting Saw – Top Pick 

The first metal chop saw on the list comes from Slugger, and it gives you high torque with a lower speed to improve your control while making it durable enough to meet your project needs. It runs on a powerful 2,200-watt motor that can cut up to 5 ⅛-inch thick material at 90° without stalling, and it can also cut 4 ⅛-inch thick materials at 45° without a problem. The saw will adjust to cut from 0° to 45°, and it has an automatic retracting lower safety guard that helps to ensure you stay safe while you slice cleanly through your metal pieces or sheets. 

This metal chop saw will cut through stainless steel, aluminum, steel, and other metals or wood. You get a heavy-duty base that increases your security and durability to ensure the saw stays exact where you put it. It has an abrasive cut-off saw that creates few sparks and heat when you cut, and there is a tray inside the base that will catch and contain any metal chips to keep your work area clear. The blade will spin a 1,300 RPMs, and you can choose from three sizes to customize your product to suit your needs. 

PROS: 

• Improved control levels
• Very sturdy base 
• Metal chip collection tray 
• Cuts from 0° to 45°
• Few sparks
• Less heat generated by the blade
• Puts out a high amount of torque

CONS:

• Handle is slightly flimsy 

DEWALT Metal Cutting Saw – Step-Up Pick 

My step-up pick for the best metal chop saw comes from Dewalt, and you get the saw, a vertical clamp, and a wrench in every order to help you create your garden signs before you wood burn them. This is a slightly heavier saw at 47-pounds, but it gives you an impressive four horsepower that will help you cut through thicker pieces of metal without overloading the engine. The blade spins at 1,300 RPMs to help you achieve clean and consistent cuts, and it has a carbide tipped blade that gives you the same depth of cut from the first one to the last without breaking or dulling the tips. 

The carbide teeth on this metal chop saw will give you precise, fast, and almost completely burr-free cuts, and this reduces the need to grind the pipe to get a clean finish. It’ll cut through ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and it cuts up to four times faster than other saws. It has an ergonomically designed handle that is comfortable to use, and it’ll help you stay well out of the spinning blade’s path to improve your safety. The adjustable Quick-Fence allows you to make your cuts without having to stop and re-adjust it with a wrench, and this can help to keep your projects on track. 

PROS: 

• Quick-Lock vise 
• Blade has durable carbide teeth 
• 1,300 RPMs 
• Four-horsepower motor 
• Very sturdy 
• Ergonomic handle 
• Adjustable Quick-Fence included

CONS: 

• Doesn’t come with a blade

SKILSAW Metal Cut Off Saw – Mid-End Budget Pick

Skilsaw’s metal chop saw gives you a powerful piece of equipment from a reputable company while being slightly easier on your budget. This is a 14-inch abrasive chop saw that weighs in at just 34-pounds, and this makes it portable enough to take from project site to project site without taking a lot of time out of your day. The smaller design also makes it much easier to store between projects in your workshop. You’ll get a slightly larger base on this saw that helps it stay more stable and it also ensures that the saw stays in place when you work to avoid any slips or accidental cuts. 

There is a D-handle on this metal chop saw that gives you precision control while you cut, and it also helps improve your comfort levels by taking the strain off of your wrists and hands for extended cutting sessions. There are stamped steel guards with chip deflectors that help keep the chips contained and out of your way as you work, and this makes cleaning up your worksite quick and easy. The depth of cut stop mechanism allows you to easily cut through different metal pieces and sheet thicknesses cleanly with very few burrs, and this improves the overall look of your finished piece. 

PROS: 

• Lightweight
• Very durable build
• Base is wide and stable 
• D-handle 
• Stamped steel guards to manage chips 
• Handles different metal thicknesses and types 
• Portable 

CONS:

• Wrench storage compartment is small 

Toolman Chop Saw – Bargain Budget Pick 

If you have a host of projects to tackle around your house like adding reinforcements to your garage as you build it or creating yard decor, this metal chop saw from Toolman can help. This is a very compact saw that fits perfectly in smaller shops, but it doesn’t sacrifice a lot of power for the size. Additionally, it’s very budget-friendly for the power you get. This is a 6.5-amp saw that will help you cut through individual metal pieces and small stock without overheating or stalling, and you get a blade guard that will keep your hands away from it while shielding you from the metal chips.

The miter clamp on this metal chop saw comes with a 45° capacity and a vice jaw that will hold round or square pieces of metal securely to keep them in place while you cut. It runs on a traditional 12-volt outlet, and it has a slightly longer cord to give you excellent freedom of movement as you work. The cutting wheel diameter is six-inches, and the blade will spin up to 8,800 RPMs to slice cleanly through your metal pieces without leaving burrs that you have to grind out later. 

PROS: 

• Smaller size
• Ergonomic design 
• Budget-friendly 
• Secure clamp included 
• Longer cord 
• Spins at 8,800 RPMs
• Portable 

CONS: 

• Not suited for larger projects 

MK Morse Metal Cutting Saw – Best for Metal Pipe Cutting

This metal chop saw works well for common handyman projects around the house, and heating and cooling professionals, electricians, and mechanical contractors can also use it with ease to help them complete their projects. You can safely and quickly cut any machinable metal, and it works well for pipe fitting or framing projects. It’ll cut through different types of metal with minimal sparks or heat, and it’ll leave a smooth finish. It’s also fast, and it’ll cut through six-inches of steel in under 12 seconds to help keep your project moving along without losing momentum. 

You get a 72-tooth carbide blade that cuts metal and won’t grind it, and it performs well without heat build up, noise, sparks, or smells. It has a 1,300 RPM motor that is powerful enough to tackle pipe cutting projects without bogging down. You get a safety guard to protect you from metal chips and sparks, and it also comes with safety goggles, hex wrenches, a beveling vice, ear plugs, and a steel cutting blade. You can do on-board blade changes as well. This is a corded electric saw that comes in three sizes that you can tailor to meet your specific project needs. 

PROS: 

• Works on a broad product range 
• 72-tooth carbide blade
• Available in three sizes 
• Slightly heavier design 
• 1,300 RPM motor 
• Safety guard 
• Corded electric design 

CONS: 

• Adjustment screw is challenging to fix

Makita LC1230 Metal Cutting Saw  – Best for Fast-Paced Projects

Makita’s metal chop saw works wonders for fast-paced projects like cutting angle iron, light pipe, channels, conduit, and tubing, and it works well for creating garden edging fences. The carbide-tipped blades are durable and economical, and they’ll slice through metal quickly and cleanly. There is a handy lock-off button that ensures you won’t accidentally start the saw until you’re ready, and this reduces the chances of miscutting as well as injuries. The handle features a D-shaped design that is very comfortable, and it takes the strain off your arms and wrists. 

There is a guide plate on this metal chop saw that will adjust from 0° to 45° to allow you to make quick bevel cuts, and there is a quick-release vise that ensures you get secure stock tension that allows you to make fast cutoffs in a repetitive pattern to keep your project moving along. There is a wrench storage compartment in the base to keep it in easy reach, and there is a shaft lock system that can save you a lot of time when you have to make wheel changes mid-project. You’ll get a switch button, socket wrench, saw, and a carbide tipped blade in every purchase. 

PROS: 

• D-shaped handle design 
• Guide plate 
• Quick-release vise 
• Lock-off button 
• Shaft lock system 
• Wrench storage
• Large stable base 

CONS:

• Can leak oil 

Evolution Heavy-Duty Cutting Saw – Best for Remote Worksites

This metal chop saw from Evolution works well if you have a lot of remote work sites you routinely go to for projects. It comes equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor and lighter that will cut through larger pieces of metal without overheating, and it has a pressed steel base to add a layer of stability when you cut to ensure you get professional-grade results. There is a chip deflector built into the device that will reduce your cleaning time while keeping the chips from flying back at you when you make your cuts. The carbide-tipped blade comes with dry cut technology that keeps the metal cool and reduces burrs and sparks. 

There is a cast steel vise on this metal chop saw with a fence that has a quick-release mechanism that gives you accurate, fast, and safe clamping capabilities in your workspace. It can cut from 0° to 45° quickly and easily, and you can pick a range of blades to cut through other materials. This product comes with a three-year warranty that will help to protect you from damage or defects, and the customer service is U.S.-based and very easy to reach if you have a question or concern. It’s a corded electric model that will give you enough power to keep your projects on track. 

PROS:

• 15-amp motor 
• Pressed steel base
• Chip deflector 
• Cast steel vise
• Quick-release fence 
• Can make bevel cuts 
• Three-year warranty 

CONS: 

• Chip collector is small 

Ironton Dry Cut Metal Saw – Best for Indoor Cutting Projects

Ironton’s metal chop saw has a powerful 15-amp motor with 3 ⅜-horsepower to ensure you have enough speed and torque to slice through thick and thin metals without leaving jagged edges. It is a corded model that runs on a standard 120-volt outlet, and this is a heavy-duty design that will work well if you’re remodeling your bathroom or laundry room and you need to cut pipe or metal sheets. This saw can cut 4 ¾-inch round stock and 4 ½-inch square stock without overheating, and this makes it a good pick for cutting angle iron, conduit, or pipe. 

There is a tool-less guide plate on this metal chop saw that will quickly and easily adjust from 0° to 45° to allow you to make bevel cuts without losing your momentum. There is a D-handle that increases your comfort levels while you work while taking strain off your wrists. You’ll get a lock-off button that prevents the saw from accidentally starting, and it comes with a carbide-tipped blade that will last for a long time and give you very clean and complete cuts. There is a heavy-duty cast aluminum base that lends a great deal of stability to this saw to ensure it stays in place. 

PROS: 

• 15-amp motor 
• Heavy-duty design 
• Cast aluminum base 
• Comfortable D-handle 
• Lock-off button 
• Cuts thicker stock 
• Higher torque 

CONS:

• Cutting blade may not be properly aligned 

PORTER-CABLE Chop Saw – Best for Large-Scale Projects

Porter-Cable’s metal chop saw is 14-inches, and it features a motor that offers 3,800 RPMs and 15-amps of power to increase your torque and cutting capabilities. There are also replaceable brushes on this saw that increase your durability and power levels, and this allows you to tack on large and small-scale projects with one tool. There is a quick-release material clamp that lets you cut and remove material seamlessly and easily, and you can adjust the cutting fence or miter system to make angled cuts that range from 0° to 45° without having to stop and manually adjust everything. 

This metal chop saw comes with a spark deflector to keep your line of sight clear to ensure you’re safe and make precise cuts, and it has a very heavy-duty steel base attached that gives you excellent stability while you work the saw. The spindle lock on this saw makes changing the blades a breeze, and you get an eight-foot power cord with continuous power levels. This is a slightly heavier model that won’t move around easily, but it also offers a high degree of flexibility to help you accomplish all of the projects you have around your home with no problem. 

PROS: 

• 3,800 RPMs
• Replaceable brushes 
• Quick-release material clamp 
• Makes angled cuts 
• Spark deflector 
• Spindle locking mechanism 
• Steel base 

CONS: 

• Cord is only eight-feet long 

Metabo Compound Saw – Best for Big Shops

The final metal chop saw on the list comes from Metabo, and this is a 10-inch compound saw that is lightweight, and this makes it easy to bring out when you’re remodeling your kitchen or working on a watering system for your plants. It gives you a 15-amp motor that is powerful, and it comes equipped with a no-load speed of up to 5,000 RPMs that allow you to make both miter and cross cuts with ease. It’ll allow you to cut between 0° and 52° without a problem, and you’ll be able to cut to the left or right to increase your flexibility levels. 

This metal chop saw works well in a big woodworking shop where you have to make versatile but precision cuts, and you need a high degree of reliability. The larger table on this saw gives you much better support and steadiness, and there is a vice clamping system that will help to secure the metal pieces in place. There are thumb actuated positive stops that allow you to adjust the angles as you work, and the carbon brush access makes maintenance quick and easy while expanding the tool’s life. 

PROS: 

• Lightweight and portable 
• 5,000 RPMs
• 15-amp motor 
• 0° to 52° angle cuts 
• Large stable base 
• Vice clamping system 
• Thumb actuated positive stops 

CONS: 

• Can crack at the feet 

Best Metal Chop Saw Buyer’s Guide 

If you’re searching for a metal chop saw, you most likely know that there are components you want to consider when you start comparing your products to ensure you pick out the metal chop saw that is going to suit your wants and needs the best without going way over your budget. This short buyer’s guide will help you compare the 10 metal chop saws I reviewed above while helping you make your final choice. 

Blades

One of the first things you should look at when you consider your metal chop saw is the type of blade. You can get an abrasive blade or a cold saw blade. An abrasive blade can produce a lot of sparks when you cut, and it also makes the metal very hot, and a cold saw blade does the opposite. Cold saw blades do run slower, but they tend to cut through the metal quicker than an abrasive blade because you don’t have to stop mid-cut due to sparks or heat. Consider the type of material you’re going to cut and the thickness before you settle on one type of blade. 

The blades on a metal saw will determine how quickly you make your cuts, and it’ll also dictate how much heat and sparks get generated. Think about what types of projects you want to accomplish when you shop for blades. Chop Saw by wsquared photography / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Safety Features 

Since you’re working with metal, sparks and metal shavings are going to fly. This is especially true if you’re cutting thicker or larger pieces of metal for your raised planter boxes. A good metal chop saw will come outfitted with several safety features. These features could include things like an eye protection plate or a blade guard. Spark deflectors are another thin many people forget to check for, as is the chip collection tray. Make sure your saw has as many safety features as possible before you buy it. 

Warranty 

Just like any tool you buy, this type of saw can be very expensive. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money on it, use it once or twice, and have it break down for no reason. A warranty can protect you from damage or defects that could negatively impact how well the saw works. Ideally, the warranty will last for a few years. It should also be a full warranty over a limited warranty because this will cover you for more problems and be less strict. 

The brand and warranty will come into play if something goes wrong with your saw because more well-known brands typically use higher-quality materials in their build. The warranty can help you save money if something breaks and you need repairs. Credit: Chop Saw by Kyle Gordon / CC BY-SA 2.0

Brand 

Finally, the brand of your metal chop saw is very important. You don’t want to get something and find that it’s impossible to reach customer service if you have a problem. Also, a more well-known brand like Evolution or Porter-Cable are more likely to use high-end materials that last much longer than a brand no one has ever heard of. Since you’re going to spend a decent amount of money, go for a brand that people know and trust to give yourself greater peace of mind. 

Bottom Line 

The best metal chop saw allows you to tackle small and large projects from creating a hydroponic system to water your plants or cut metal so you can replace rusted portions of your home’s pipes. I’ve picked out 10 high-quality options for you, and you can easily review them side by side to see if they’ll fit your wants and needs. When you find one you like, you can have it shipped straight to your door so you can start your projects and finish them quickly.