The HF chop saw is $100, and entry level ones by name brands are about $175. Is the HF a good deal, or just cheap?
CK5
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Harbor freight chop saw
- Thread starter Mastiff
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It's cheap, and underpowered, but it will generally get the job done. I've had one for years (over 10), and it still works. Likewise for the HF cutting wheels. They work, but tend to glaze over and then don't cut well. Like the band saws, better wheels make it more tolerable. No more than I use the (messy noisy) chop saw, it suits my needs, though as with all tools, I would love to have a better one.
I'd buy the HF port-a-band saw before I'd buy the abrasive chop saw.
One of the portable ones? I just want to make straight cuts across tubing, etc.
yep the portable one
if you mark it right you can make near lazer straight cuts with it. I love mine and ive cut a LOT with it... itll cut what ever you want... cant give it as much pressure as you can the big name brands is all because the drive wheels aren't rubber coated. F%$^ chop saws
I hate the spark throwing bastids... never knew one that cut straight either
if you mark it right you can make near lazer straight cuts with it. I love mine and ive cut a LOT with it... itll cut what ever you want... cant give it as much pressure as you can the big name brands is all because the drive wheels aren't rubber coated. F%$^ chop saws I hate the spark throwing bastids... never knew one that cut straight either
Will be much faster and can be handled right after cutting. Not hot. No major sharp bur. Still has one and you have to be careful, but MUCH easier to just hit with a file or a disc sander or belt sander to debur. Porter Cable has a chop saw like table for theit port-a-band band saw. Thats the saw I have. I've wanted that table for years. But I've learned hot to cut square and clean with it. Great saw.
And if you've ever seen what an expolding abrasive saw can do to somebody's face, that alone will scare you into NOT wanting one. Search for videos. You'll find them. No thanks. Been using band saws since probably 5th grade shop class. Also been a machinist for going on 22+ years and have ran many many different types of machines that can and will eat a person alive. I still have ALL my TEN BEST FRIENDS. My fingers.
I protect & respect them and the machines they work on and are at risk of being eaten by. Band saws are great finger eaters. I have friends that know all too well unfortunately. Use them right and they will be your friend and life savor many many times over. Get careless with any machine tool though and it's bad news. I just like a saw.
Agreed. I almost always favor band saw to abrasive cut off.
Abrasive chop saw and straight cut are not two things that go together. Gets worse and t he bigger the material is
63chevyll
1/2 ton status
Same here
I went with the Home Depot Ridgid chop saw. I believe you guys on band saws, but for quick easy cuts, this seems like the way for me. "Straight" is relative. These cuts are plenty straight when compared to drawing a line and trying to follow it with an angle grinder or sawzall. I made a few cuts last night and it suits my needs.
First "fab" job with this is 2x3 square tube spacers for rear bump stops.
First "fab" job with this is 2x3 square tube spacers for rear bump stops.
I just fixed up my rigid.. the head got loose on it (watch out for that)... but I did flog it like a redheaded stepchild for 4 yrs...
but it's back to cutting like new now... used it yesterday....
if you go slow, it'll cut pretty damn straight for ya... also slightly thicker, quality blades will cut truer...
but it's back to cutting like new now... used it yesterday....
if you go slow, it'll cut pretty damn straight for ya... also slightly thicker, quality blades will cut truer...
Bad ass. Well get to fabbin and post up some pics. 
I've only used a chop saw a few times before this since I never owned one. Today I was cutting a 2x6x1/4 tube and it took forever and I blew the 20A fuse twice. I was not pushing down hard. I figured the 1/4" is thick stuff, but then when I made some additional cuts with my right angle grinder, it just walked right through. Is this just how it is with chop saws? The blade is a bit thicker than on the right angle grinder, does that explain it?
I would say yes,the thicker the blade,the more material it must remove,and the more drag there is on the motor..
My 9" angle grinder I use often with 7-1/4" circular saw abrasive metal cutoff blades to chop off rusted bolts and cut metal ,and I can zip thru them a lot faster than if I try using a thicker grinding wheel with a 1/4" edge on it,the wide kerf makes for heavy load and slow going...
I use the thinner wheels on my air powered cut off whiz wheel too,if I dont it will barely cut anything,its just a POS cheapie from a flea market,but does OK with the thinner wheels as long as the air compressor is pumped up fully..
My 9" angle grinder I use often with 7-1/4" circular saw abrasive metal cutoff blades to chop off rusted bolts and cut metal ,and I can zip thru them a lot faster than if I try using a thicker grinding wheel with a 1/4" edge on it,the wide kerf makes for heavy load and slow going...
I use the thinner wheels on my air powered cut off whiz wheel too,if I dont it will barely cut anything,its just a POS cheapie from a flea market,but does OK with the thinner wheels as long as the air compressor is pumped up fully..
