Introduction
A 14-inch chop saw is an essential tool for cutting various materials like metal, wood, and plastic. It has a powerful motor that can easily cut through thick and tough materials. With the variety of chop saws available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. In this review, we will provide an in-depth analysis of the top 12-inch chop saws available in the market.
Types
When it comes to selecting a 14-inch chop saw, there are a few different types to consider. Each type has its own unique features and advantages. Here are the main types of 12-inch chop saws:
- Compound Miter Saw: A compound miter saw is a versatile tool that allows you to make angled cuts and bevel cuts. It has a pivoting arm that can tilt left or right, allowing you to make compound miter cuts. This type of saw is great for making precise cuts for crown moulding, baseboards, and other trim work.
- Sliding Compound Miter Saw: A sliding compound miter saw is similar to a compound miter saw but has a sliding feature that allows you to move the blade forward and backwards. This enables you to make wider cuts and is useful for cutting thicker materials such as 2x4s and 4x4s.
- Stationary Chop Saw: A stationary chop saw is a powerful tool designed for cutting metal. It has a sturdy base and a powerful motor that can handle tough cutting jobs. This type of saw is commonly used in metal fabrication shops.
- Abrasive Chop Saw: An abrasive chop saw is a stationary saw that uses an abrasive disc to cut through metal. This type of saw is less expensive than a stationary chop saw and is suitable for cutting through smaller metal pieces.
Best saw
DeWalt D28715 Chop Saw
- Vise capacity: 9 3⁄8 in.
- Pipe-cut time: 11.14 sec
There’s a lot to like with this DeWalt, like how despite not being the test’s fastest cutter, it was the smoothest. We plunged down into the steel and moved relentlessly through until the offcut fell away. We also liked its tool-free blade changing, the only saw of these five with that feature. We also preferred the return action of the vertical spring behind the saw head. It provides a smoother return, not so much of a jerky feel as the horizontal spring on the other saws.
Rigid R41422 Chop Saw
- Vise capacity: 9 3⁄4 in.
- Pipe-cut time: 10.62 sec
Having tool-free miter adjustment and an easy-to-read miter gauge may not seem like such a big deal. But if you do a lot of angle cutting, then suddenly these are crucial features. The R41422 excels there with a lever-lock miter gauge. We also liked its smartly designed spark deflector. It’s a simple chute held in place with a single Phillips head Screw. Tighten the screw just enough for the chute to stay in place; thereafter, just pivot the well-shaped chute to the desired angle, so it keeps the sparks at the back of the machine where they belong.
Milwaukee 6177-20 Chop Saw
- vise capacity: 9 3⁄8 in.
- Pipe-cut time: 9.8 sec
We’re not sure what enabled Milwaukee to be consistently faster than the other saws. It’s not its 15-amp motor—other saws are so equipped. Our theory is that its construction is stout, complete with an old-school ball-bearing motor that runs very smoothly. In terms of its lack of vibration, it was about as good as the DeWalt. We preferred the DeWalt’s cross handle to the Milwaukee’s straight cantilevered type, a decades-old design. We find the cross handle (by now standard on wood miter saws) to be more comfortable. Realizing that you may not be so inclined, we can’t count it against this machine. It’s a sturdy metal cutter—and a fast one
Power source
When choosing a miter saw, you’ll have two choices for the power source: batteries or AC current.
The majority of miter saws are corded power tools that run off your household AC current. The common motor sizes are 10-amp, 12-amp, and 15-amp. But while the lower powers are sufficient for light, occasional use, if you expect to rely on your miter saw for frequent use, cuts through large or thick pieces of wood, or extended cutting sessions, you’ll likely be happiest with a 15-amp moto
Cordless miter saws generally run on a 20-volt battery. The advantage of these tools is that you can take them anywhere without needing to worry about an electrical outlet or a cord getting in your way. On the downside, they are not as powerful as their corded counterparts and you’ll need to keep track of the battery’s available life to avoid running out of juice midway through a project.
In terms of safety, Andrew Wilson, home improvement contractor and founder of Contractor Advisory adds “One of the biggest dangers with corded tools is the cord itself. Along with potentially being a tripping hazard, it can also be an electrical hazard if the cord is damaged in any way. You want to check that there are no cracks or fraying in the cord before each use.”
Whether corded or cordless, most miter saws reach a maximum unloaded speed of somewhere between 2,500 rpm and 5,000 rpm.
Things to remember when buying a 14-inch chop saw
- Check the saw’s power and ensure it can handle the materials you’ll be cutting.
- Look for a high-quality blade that can handle the materials you’ll be cutting.
- Consider the cutting capacity and ensure it’s large enough for your needs.
- Look for safety features such as blade guards, safety switches, and spark deflectors.
- Consider dust collection capabilities to keep your workspace clean.
- If portability is important, look for a lightweight option.
- Stick to your budget but don’t sacrifice quality.
Size does not matter , accuracy matters
While it is true that accuracy is crucial when it comes to cutting, the size of the saw can also impact its precision. A smaller saw, like a 14-inch chop saw, may not have the same capacity as a larger saw, but it can still offer excellent accuracy if it has the right features and a high-quality blade. The key to achieving precision cuts is selecting the right tool for the job, ensuring that it has the necessary features, and using it properly. Ultimately, both size and accuracy are essential when it comes to cutting, and they should be considered together when choosing the right tool for your needs.
Safety Tips
- Wear PPE
- Inspect the saw before use
- Secure the material
- Stand to the side of the blade
- Keep hands away from the blade
- Let the blade stop before adjusting
- Use the correct blade
- Use proper technique
- Turn off and store the saw safely
- Read the manual and follow the instructions.
Things to remember when buying a 14-inch chop saw
- Check the saw’s power and ensure it can handle the materials you’ll be cutting.
- Look for a high-quality blade that can handle the materials you’ll be cutting.
- Consider the cutting capacity and ensure it’s large enough for your needs.
- Look for safety features such as blade guards, safety switches, and spark deflectors.
- Consider dust collection capabilities to keep your workspace clean.
- If portability is important, look for a lightweight option.
- Stick to your budget but don’t sacrifice quality.
FAQs
Q: What’s the best chop saw?
A: It depends on your needs and budget. Popular brands include DEWALT, Makita, and Bosch.
Q: Chop saw vs miter saw?
A: A chop saw has a fixed head for 90-degree cuts, while a miter saw can make angled cuts in various directions.
Q: Can a chop saw cut metal or wood?
A: Yes, with the right blade and safety precautions.
Q: How to use a chop saw?
A: Secure material, align it with a blade, and lower the blade to make the cut.
Q: How to maximize performance of chop saw?
A: Use the right blade, maintain the saw, and use proper techniques.
Q: What to look for when buying a chop saw?
A: Power, blade quality, cutting capacity, safety features, dust collection, portability, and price.
Q: Are chop saws accurate?
A: Yes, if used correctly with the right techniques, blade, and materials.
Conclusion
A 14-inch chop saw can be a powerful tool for cutting through a variety of materials. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety by wearing protective equipment, securing materials, and using proper technique.
When shopping for a chop saw, consider factors such as power, blade quality, cutting capacity, safety features, dust collection, portability, and price. Look for a saw that meets your needs and budget, without sacrificing quality or safety.
Whether you’re a DIYer, contractor, or professional, a 14-inch chop saw can be a valuable addition to your toolkit. By following these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a successful and safe experience using a 14-inch chop saw.Read more:
