Strong fit
What it does well
- Suitable metal tube, bar, and sections
- Straight repetitive crosscuts
- Fabrication work with the correct wheel or blade
- A dedicated spark-safe work area
Fast cuts in suitable metal stock
Chop saw
A chop saw is commonly designed for forceful crosscuts in metal using an abrasive wheel or metal-cutting blade. It is not simply a rougher woodworking miter saw.
Look elsewhere
Where it is less suitable
- Fine woodworking joints
- Miter-saw blades or materials not approved by the manufacturer
- Workspaces with combustible dust or clutter
- Precision trim work
Before you compare models
Four questions to answer first
- 01
Which materials does the exact machine approve?
- 02
Does it use an abrasive wheel or toothed metal-cutting blade?
- 03
How will sparks and hot offcuts be controlled?
- 04
What clamping capacity does your stock require?
The practical takeaway
Compare all saw types