5 Best Metal Cutting Saws [2024 Review]

Metal cutting saws are specifically designed to cut various types of metal, from sheet metal to thicker pieces of metal. Often confused with miter saws because of their similar appearances, these saws can make short work of your metal projects.

To help you find the best metal cutting saw for your workplace, I’ve reviewed five of the most highly-rated products you can buy today. Let’s get straight into the reviews!

Metal Cutting Saw Reviews

Chosen for their durability, functionality, and overall versatility, here are five of the best metal cutting saws you can buy today.

1.Best Overall Metal Cutting Saw: DeWalt DW872 Metal Cutting Saw 

As you’d expect from a DeWalt product, the DeWalt DW872 cutting saw impresses in both quality and functionality.

Ideal for metal-cutting applications, this multi-cutter chop saw is equipped with a 70-tooth carbide-tipped blade for optimal cutting performance. The machine’s carbide teeth deliver precise, fast, and virtually burr-free cuts, reducing the need for after-cut grinding and polishing.

Unlike the basic carbon steel blade you’d commonly find in metal cutting saws, the carbide-tipped blade on the DW872 is much more heat and impact resistant, lasting up to 200 times longer than the alternative. Plus, it delivers a lower cost-per-cut compared to those with abrasive blades.

The DW872 doesn’t disappoint in handling comfort, either. The ergonomically designed handle reduces fatigue, allowing you to work for longer periods of time.

Product Specs

• Power: 15 amp
• Speed: 1300 RPM
• Blade Diameter: 14 inches 
• Blade Type: 70-tooth carbide tipped
• Angle Capability: 45 degrees

Feature Highlights

• Sizable base
• Quick-release vertical clamp
• 1-year warranty

With its 15 amp, 4 HP motor, the DW872 delivers a no-load speed of 1,300 RPM. This means it’s powerful enough to cut even the toughest of metals. Additionally, its adjustable 45-degree fence and vertical clamp grants you the ability to cut accurate angle cuts without the need for a wrench.

Overall, the DW872 is a top-tier choice for both home DIYers and professionals. The only downside I can think of is that it isn’t as durable as some of the other metal saws in its price range.

The base is undeniably sturdy, but it’s still made of stamped steel instead of a solid cast aluminum base. In addition, the blade guard is made of plastic, whereas other saws offer metal guards.

Pros

• Carbide-tipped blade ensures smooth and accurate cuts
• Ergonomically designed horizontal handle prevents fatigue while working
• Cuts through metals of all strengths

Cons

• The blade guard is made of plastic

2. Best Value: Evolution S355CPSL Metal Cutting Chop Saw

The Evolution S380CPS is the upgraded version of the Evolution S355CPSL. It’s the company’s flagship saw for industrial metal cutting, and although it costs more than the latter, it delivers an astonishing amount of power with its 15 amp motor.

To maximize its cutting capacity, the S380CPS lets you switch out to one of two different blades: a 14-inch blade and a 15-inch blade. Both blades are included, so you don’t have to purchase them separately.

Speaking of blades, the S380CPS’s premium tungsten carbide-tipped blade significantly outperforms the usual abrasive blade found in metal cutting saws. It cuts your metals smoothly and squarely every time, removing the need for extra grinding and polishing work. It also dramatically reduces sparks when working on especially hard metals.

Product Specs

• Power: 15 amp
• Speed: 1300 RPM
• Blade Diameter: 14 inches and 15 inches
• Blade Type: tungsten carbide tipped
• Angle Capability: 45 degrees

Feature Highlights

• Accurate to within 0.5 degrees
• Cold cut saw
• Cast aluminum base
• Dual blade function
• 3-year warranty

With a 0 to 45-degree angle capability, this cutting saw makes angle cuts effortlessly. It also features a quick-release cast iron fence and vise for safe and accurate clamping.

The Evolution S380CPS is top-notch in almost every aspect. The clamp mechanism is a bit too complex for my liking and doesn’t catch metal chips quite as effectively as I want it to, but that’s just me nick-picking. It’s an overall solid choice, with little to no major disadvantages.

Pros

• Dual-blade option
• Three-year warranty against defects; the longest warranty on this list
• Miter adjustments don’t require additional tools

Cons

• Complex clamp mechanism
• A bit on the heavier side at 51 pounds

3. Best Budget: PORTER-CABLE Chop Saw

For the more budget-conscious, I highly recommend the Porter-Cable Chop Saw—not only because of its amazing price but also because it’s arguably the best metal saw at the $150 price point. 

To start off, this tool is equipped with a 15 amp, high-torque motor that delivers a staggering 3,800 RPM. You read that right: 3,800 RPM, the highest on this list! This immense power allows you to cut through various tough materials, including conduit, angle irons, cast iron pipes, threaded rods, and more.

Designed with a “D” handle, the Porter-Cable Chop Saw offers an ergonomic, no-fatigue grip that promises all-day comfort and control when making cuts. It also has a conveniently-placed carrying handle that offers contractors and off-road DIYers a convenient method to carry the tool from job site to job site.

The Porter-Cable Chop Saw is the lightest metal saw on this list, weighing only 35.2 pounds. This makes it suitable for value-driven contractors who are looking for a quality onsite solution without spending too much out-of-pocket.

Product Specs

• Power: 15 amp
• Speed: 3,800 RPM
• Blade Diameter: 14 inches
• Blade Type: Carbide tipped
• Angle Capability: 45 degrees

Feature Highlights 

• Quick-release clamp
• Replaceable brushes
• Cutting fence with miter adjustment
• Spindle lock for quick blade change
• 1-year warranty

Like most of the metal saws on this list, the Porter-Cable comes with a 45-degree miter adjustment for multiple-angle cuts. Likewise, it comes with an open-end adjustment wrench for quick and easy blade replacement, as well as a  heavy-duty base and rubber feet for increased stability.

Another great feature is the spark deflector, which provides a safe and clear line of sight while working on metal.

Now, let’s talk about the disadvantages.

Perhaps the biggest downside to this metal cutter is that the motor heats up quite quickly, so you’ll have to take short breaks in between cutting to prevent it from overheating.

The blade it comes with isn’t the best, either. It’s deadly sharp, but it doesn’t cut as cleanly as the Fien Slugger or the Evolution. As such, you may want to purchase a separate blade when using this machine. I recommend getting a blade from DeWalt or Makita.

Pros

• Lightweight at only 35.2 pounds
• Spark deflection technology keeps you safe from stray sparks
• Great performance for the price it comes with

Cons

• Doesn’t cut as cleanly as other saws on this list; might require a blade replacement
• Motor heats up with continuous use

4. Best for Accuracy: Fein Slugger Abrasive Metal Cutting Chop Saw

Available in 7.25-inch, 9-inch, and 14-inch saw blades, the Fein Slugger MCCS14 is a professional-grade metal cutting saw with quite a few surprises under its belt.

First and foremost, it features an integrated laser guide and works light for working in dark or dimly-lit spaces.

Secondly, it’s constructed with a double-insulated motor that delivers cold cuts without the risk of overheating. The occasional spark produced is contained within the built-in chip collection mechanism, which holds dust and metal chips more effectively than most other cutting saws I’ve tried.

Equipped with a smooth bevel, angle cutting adjustments from 0 to 45 degrees, and a quick-release bar clamp, there’s little this metal saw doesn’t have. Its 2,200-watt low-speed, high-torque motor is the star of the show, granting the blades enough power to cut cleanly and quickly through metal.

Product Specs

• Power: 120V 1800W
• Speed: 1300 RPM
• Blade Diameter: 7.25-inch, 9-inch, and 14-inch saw blades
• Blade Type: Abrasive blade
• Angle Capability: 45 degrees

Feature Highlights

• Eye protection plate
• Double insulated motor
• 2,200-watt low-speed, high-torque motor
• Cast aluminum base for durability
• 6 months warranty

To withstand especially tough conditions, the Slugger boasts durable construction with a cast aluminum base. It also comes with an automatic retracting lower safety guard for all-around protection.

Truly, the amount of work put into this saw is apparent straight out of the box. It’ll cut anything you can fit under the guard without complaints and with virtually zero clean-up. With this saw, you don’t have to worry about smoke or dust inhalation when working.

The only complaint that I have is that it’s designed with an old-school hold-down mechanism. To hold the saw down when it’s not in use, you’ll have to clamp it down with a chain and a hook instead of the more modern locking pin.  

If you prefer this style of cutting saw, read my metal chop saw reviews.

Pros

• The laser guide helps with accurate cuts
• Houses a double-insulated motor for cold cuts
• Durable construction with a solid cast aluminum base

Cons

• Outdated hold-down mechanism

5. Best for Professionals: KAKA Industrial Metal Cutting Band Saw

The Kaka Industrial Metal Cutting Saw is built by professionals for professionals. It’s the most expensive saw on this list, but it’s also the most powerful. It’s ideally suited for mechanical contractors, metal fabricators, electrical contractors, and other professionals that need a durable, long-lasting tool for in-place sawing.

This cutting saw is available in multiple sizes. For this review, I’ll be discussing the BS-108G model.

Unlike other cutting saws, the Kaka BS-108G comes with its very own worktable. It also comes with a built-in membrane pump for coolant, which not only extends the service life of the blade but also improves the overall precision of the workpiece.

With a motor power of 1.1kW per 1HP, this saw features adjustable blade speeds of 27, 41, 58, and 78 mpm, or 86, 132, 178, and 260 fpm, respectively.

Product Specs

• Power:  220V-60HZ-1PH
• Speed: 86, 132, 178, and 260 FMP
• Blade Diameter: 14 inches and 15 inches
• Blade Type: carbide tipped
• Angle Capability: 45 degrees

Feature Highlights

• Hydraulic cylinder for maximum control
• Adjustable blade speed of up to four speeds
• Quick clamping mechanism
• Table included
• 1-year warranty

To maximize your control, this industrial cutting saw comes with a hydraulic downfeed cylinder with a controlled, fine-adjust leak—similar to what you’d find in marine and offshore engineering applications. The cylinder allows the pressurized hydraulic fluid to pass from one side of the piston to the other, allowing you to lower the machine with full control.

Last but not least, the Kaka Industrial is designed with a rotating clamp plate so you can easily cut from an angle of 0 to 45-degrees.

The only thing I’m not a big fan of is its unsteerable wheels. Since it comes with its own table, you’d assume it can be moved from place to place with ease, but that, unfortunately, isn’t the case. If you’re planning to move the table a lot, you might need to replace the old wheels with new ones.

Pros

• Comes with its own table with wheels
• Immense cutting power with high accuracy
• The motor doesn’t heat up even with all-day work

Cons

• More suited for professionals rather than DIYers
• Unsteerable wheels

Metal Cutting Saw Features to Consider

To guarantee you’re buying the right metal cutting saw for your work needs, here are some important factors to take a look at:

Power

Metal cutting saws are usually measured in amps or watts. The higher the amperage or wattage, the more powerful and expensive the device will be. 

When buying a metal cutting saw, search for a tool with a motor of at least 15 amps and an operating power of at least 1,000 watts. A cutting saw with less will slow down when cutting through thick material. It might even burn out with regular use. 

Speed

Despite popular belief, speed isn’t that important when it comes to cutting metal. Consistency is much more valuable than speed. You could have a machine with 3,000 RPM that doesn’t cut as well as a machine with 1,300 RPM.

For this reason, it’s wise to search for a metal cutter with a low but consistent speed. This not only ensures more accurate metal cuts but also decreases the sparks and burrs created when working on metal.

Sparks can be deadly in the wrong environment, and burrs make clean-up tiresome. Both can be avoided with a machine of the right speed.

Cutting saws of 1,300 RPM is a good place to start. Just make sure it turns at a consistent and accurate speed throughout the job.

Bevel Adjustment

The bevel adjustment function is something you should never go without, especially if you tend to cut metal at multiple angles. This function helps you make intricate cuts and adjust the blade to your liking.

Whenever possible, search for a metal saw that offers a bevel angle of up to 45-degrees.

Blade Tooth Count

The blade in a metal cutting saw comes with a tooth count (per blade diameter) of anywhere between 20 to 100. The higher the tooth count, the smoother the cut will be.

Note that blades with a higher tooth count will need to exert more force when cutting, resulting in a slower-than-average RPM. Still, speed is a small sacrifice to make in exchange for accuracy. 

For best results, search for a cutting saw with a blade tooth count of at least 50. If you’re looking for a faster and rougher cut, a blade with fewer teeth is more suitable.

Additional Features

High-quality metal cutting saws often come with additional features to make the job as easy and accurate as possible. Some of these features include:

Cutting Guide

If you’re not too confident with the accuracy of your cuts, it’s worth buying a machine with a built-in cutting guide. Usually, the cutting guide comes in the form of either laser lights or guide arrows. Both improve cutting accuracy.

Laser guides, otherwise known as LED guide lights, project a straight line onto the cutting material, allowing you to make straight cuts without using a ruler from your toolbox. Guide arrows do much of the same, but it’s much more basic and manual. 

Chip Trays

As the name suggests, a chip tray is a built-in tray that collects metal burrs and chips while sawing. This tray makes clean-up a bit easier, making them a vital addition if you’re planning to cut a lot of metal.

Carbide-Tipped Blade

Carbide-tipped blades are my go-to blade choice, primarily because they’re much sharper and higher quality than standard metal blades.

Because they’re so sharp, they offer better precision and almost always guarantee a clean cut even when operating at slower speeds. Plus, they last much longer than regular blades, so you won’t have to constantly replace them.

FAQs

Conclusion

Metal cutting saws are essential if you’re working on metal projects consistently. While you can buy metal cutting blades for a variety of other types of saws, a metal cutting saw is specifically designed to cut this type of material.

We think the DeWalt DW872 is the top metal cutting saw on the market. It’s powerful, accurate, and easy to use. Not to mention that it’s equipped with a carbide-tipped blade – one of the best blades you can find today.

For a more budget-friendly pick, you can’t go wrong with the Porter-Cable Chop Saw. It doesn’t cut as smoothly as the DeWalt, but it will ge the job done at a much more reasonable price. It flaunts good speed and decent accuracy, making it a great option for home DIYers.